About This Trip
- A unique Baja nature tour that combines the unforgettable San Ignacio Lagoon whale watching experience with an exploration of the beautiful Sea of Cortez and visit the state capital of Baja California Sur- La Paz.
- Enjoy close encounters with friendly gray whale cows and calves in San Ignacio Lagoon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Spend 2 days boating on the Sea of Cortez, where we may see the largest animal on the planet, the blue whale, as well as fin, humpback, and sperm whales and super-pods of common dolphins.
- Stay in comfortable land-based accommodations in beautiful Baja California.
- Optional back to back trip available with Baja: Whale Sharks and Snorkeling in the Sea of Cortez
Baja California's San Ignacio Lagoon is the primary calving ground for eastern Pacific gray whales and part of Mexico's El Vizcaíno Biosphere Reserve—the largest wildlife refuge in Latin America. The large concentration of gray whales that reside here each winter are extremely 'friendly,' and regularly approach our small whale watching pangas (skiffs) in a moving display that occurs nowhere else. The whales are the focus of our trip, and we will have two full days for whale watching in San Ignacio Lagoon. We expect to see large numbers of gray whales, including cow-calf pairs, courting whales, and others. At the start of our trip, we also take two days to explore the Sea of Cortez, one of the most productive and diverse seas on the planet. From our base in the quaint town of Loreto, each day we will make a private boat excursion to search for marine mammals and to enjoy the outstanding landscapes of the Gulf of California. Here we will specifically be looking for blue whales, the largest animals ever to exist on Earth. Along the way we should see a variety of seabirds and other marine mammals, such as fin whales and large groups of dolphins.
See our naturalist's day-by-day trip log, photos, and species list from a past Baja expedition.
See videos and photos from a past Baja: San Ignacio Lagoon expedition.
Wildlife Highlights
The highlight of our trip will be the outings spent with gray whale mothers and their curious calves in San Ignacio Lagoon. The protected lagoon is also a wintering ground for migrating birds, and we may see White Ibis, Elegant Terns, Reddish Egrets, Brown Pelicans, Brandt's Cormorants, Brant Geese and others. We also explore the wildlife of the productive and diverse Sea of Cortez, which is home to more than 650 tropical and temperate fish (90 of them endemic) and one-third of the world's whale and dolphin species. On land, an exceptional 695 vascular plant species are scattered among colorful and rugged desert landscapes. On our boating excursions we have the possibility to see multiple marine mammal species, sea lions, "flying" mobula rays, and a diverse array of bird species.
Testimonials
"My sister Martine and I were in awe the whole time we were there. Only positive comments can be posted regarding this expedition" - Christine Sartori, past Baja traveler
Notes on Trip Costs
Trip price does not include international airfare. Limited single supplement spaces available at $975. Click here for our full expedition terms and conditions.
Conservation Impact
Founded in 1969, Oceanic Society is America’s oldest 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to ocean conservation. As pioneers of “eco travel,” our expeditions have been designed to directly support our mission. They not only positively impact our travelers, but also the people, places, and wildlife we go to see. Whale tourism in Baja California provides an important source of income and employment, and our trips have been directly supporting that economy for nearly three decades (watch our film about sustainable travel in Baja). Your expedition costs include fees that support conservation efforts in Baja, and Oceanic Society's earnings are invested back into our global research and conservation programs. In 2019, we also established our Expedition Impact Fund (EIF) as a way to grow our impact. The fund is seeded annually with money earned from our expeditions, and supplemented by donations from Oceanic Society travelers. Through the EIF, we award grants to our partners for their on-the-ground efforts to protect ocean habitats and the wildlife and human communities that depend on them.
Dates & Prices
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Loreto
Arrive in Loreto, Baja California Sur. You will be met at the airport and transported to our comfortable accommodations. Gather for dinner and briefing with your guide. (D)
Day 2-3: Exploring the Sea of Cortez & Loreto
Enjoy two full days of whale and wildlife watching by private excursion boat in the Sea of Cortez, including island exploration with a picnic lunch on the beach (approximately 6 hours out on the water). In your downtime enjoy the quaint, historic town of Loreto, home to a mission founded in 1697 that is considered the "mother" of all missions in Baja California. (B, L)
Day 4: Loreto to La Paz
Depart Loreto by private van to La Paz. Our leisurely 4-5 hour drive includes packed lunch and stops to observe bird life and sites of interest. Enjoying an afternoon snorkeling session in the crystal water (weather permitted), and relax and unwind for a sunset picnic. Overnight at Hotel Cathedral or equivalent in La Paz. (B, L, D)
Day 5: Flight from La Paz to San Ignacio Whale Camp
Van transfer to La Paz Airport. We will board a private chartered flight for San Ignacio in the morning. Greeted by camp manager with brunch at camp and then out for your first whale encounters on the lagoon. (B, L, D)
Day 6-7: San Ignacio Lagoon Whale Watching
We will spend two full days observing gray whales from our small pangas (skiffs) which provide excellent opportunities to approach the graceful gray whales closely and unobtrusively. We use sturdy, twenty-two foot Mexican panga boats operated by local fishermen under the guidance of our naturalist. Photographic opportunities are excellent. The lagoon, which is part of the El Vizcaíno Biosphere Reserve (the largest wildlife refuge in Latin America), is also a wintering ground for migrating birds, and we will look for White Ibis, Elegant Terns, Reddish Egrets, Brown Pelicans, Brandt's Cormorants, and Brant Geese. (B, L, D)
Day 8: San Ignacio - La Paz
After breakfast we will have one final short whale outing on the transfer to the airstrip for the flight to La Paz. Afterward, we will be joined by a local guide to explore La Paz, the state capital of Baja California Sur. Highlights might include the local market, as well as the architecture, history, and culture that make La Paz unique, including the Mi Ciudad mural project. Group farewell dinner. Overnight at Hotel Cathedral or equivalent in La Paz. (B, D)
Day 9: Fly home from Los Cabos
Morning transfer to SJD Los Cabos International Airport (2.5 hours) in time for your flight home. Departing international flights from SJD should be after 12pm. (B)
Optional four-day La Paz whale sharks snorkeling extension available, contact us for more information.
Accommodations
Enjoy the incredible stars from our tented camp in San Ignacio
Naturalist(s)
Your expedition will be led by one or more of the following expert naturalist guides:
