Baja: Whale Watching Eco-Adventure in San Ignacio

Bahia's Unique Wilderness Adventure

This journey is crafted for travelers craving adventure, even if it means sacrificing some material comforts. If you yearn for an untamed, wild expedition, then witnessing gray whales and their calves up close in San Ignacio Lagoon is an unparalleled opportunity!

Journey to San Ignacio Lagoon on Mexico's Baja California Peninsula. This pristine, remote coastal sanctuary is renowned for its abundant marine life and serene landscapes. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the bay serves as a vital breeding and calving ground for gray whales, offering you a unique chance to encounter these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.

Stay in rustic dome tents and embrace camp life. Disconnect from digital devices and distractions, allowing more time for meaningful conversations and quiet reflection. Immerse yourself in the tranquil bay, witness breathtaking sunsets, and encounter remarkable wildlife. Join twice-daily whale-watching excursions aboard small boats, guided by local whale experts and captains, for close encounters with these magnificent creatures.

Recommended Duration: 6 Days, 5 Nights
Best Time to Visit: Mid-January - Early April
Starting Price: $1,550 per person

Highlights:
Disconnect from electronics and reconnect with family amidst captivating coastal scenery.
Observe Pacific gray whales and their calves up close under the guidance of whale experts.
At camp, observe common local wildlife including seabirds, ducks, and dolphins.
Relax on the beautiful beaches of San Ignacio Lagoon. Explore nearby mangroves by kayak or join naturalist-led intertidal walks and beachcombing.
Sample Itinerary
: Day 1,
Departing from San Diego

Your journey begins at your hotel in Santiago. Our driver will pick you up and take you to the border, where you'll board the Cross Border Express (CBX) for a direct transfer to Tijuana Airport. From Tijuana Airport, proceed to Loreto. Your guide will meet you and assist with your connecting flight to San Ignacio Lagoon. The drive from San Diego to the campsite takes approximately 5-6 hours.

Upon landing, you'll be transported directly to the campsite. You'll receive orientation, enjoy your first dinner, and gradually settle into your dome tent. These tents feature viewing decks with transparent panels, allowing you to admire the picturesque scenery from the comfort of your bed. Unwind, breathe in the sea breeze, and observe the birds that call Laguna San Ignacio home. Witness your first sunset as the sky paints vibrant shades of pink, orange, and purple.

Overnight at Gray Whale Camp

Days 2 - 4
Three Days of Whale Watching!

Over the next three days, you will embark on morning and afternoon whale watching excursions. Each boat outing will be guided by local whale experts and captains. Between trips, you'll return ashore for lunch and rest near the camp before setting out again in the afternoon. Afterward, enjoy a moment of relaxation before dinner.

Weather permitting, boats depart twice daily. If sea conditions are unfavorable, we'll offer alternative activities such as kayaking, naturalist-led intertidal walks, and beach shelling. During your stay, guides will also take you fishing in the mangroves (camp provides rods). Specific timing depends on weather, tides, and coordination with other activities.

In the evenings, enjoy the rhythm of the waves and the stars twinkling overhead with your family.

Overnight at Gray Whale Camp

Day 5
Departure Day

After breakfast, it's time to bid farewell to Baja. You'll receive a packed lunch before transferring to Lagoon Airport. From there, you'll board a charter flight back to Loreto.

You'll fly from Loreto to Tijuana Airport and proceed directly to the U.S. via the expedited border crossing. After customs clearance, a driver will meet you and transfer you back to your hotel in San Diego.