The People Who Bring the Lagoon to Life

Whale watching in San Ignacio Lagoon is already an unforgettable experience — but what makes it special is the people who bring it to life. Our team of naturalist guides isn’t just here to share knowledge. They bring passion, energy, and a deep love for the ocean that makes every outing an adventure. Each expert guide has their own stories, and their own way of making guests feel connected to the natural world.

Conversations After a Day on the Water

Every evening, we gather at the bar to share what we love most — talking about marine life. It’s a time for guests to dive deeper, ask questions, and connect with the people who dedicate their lives to studying and protecting the ocean.

Meet some of our fabulous guides and find out what makes them tick!

  • Scarlett (hey, that’s me!): Personally, I thrive in science and gray whale research, never happier than when I’m observing gray whales in Baja, happy in their natural habitat.
  • Paulina: She’s totally obsessed with another ocean giant, whale sharks — the world’s largest fish species.
  • Isabel: “The queen of humpbacks” has spent years studying their movements.
  • Eugenia: Is a surfer at heart, is captivated by mobula rays and the rhythm of the waves.
  • Beto is fascinated by sharks and coral reef ecosystems, while Yilmar is an expert on dolphins and an avid diver.
  • Mauricio isn’t just a whale and diving guide — he’s also a bird lover, making birdwatching excursions with him an unforgettable experience.
  • And then there’s Dorjee, a passionate marine biologist, dive instructor, and lover of all the small and strange things in the ocean.

Sharing Knowledge and Discoveries

Each of them brings a unique perspective to our excursions. Some days, we find ourselves captivated by stories of past migrations and tales of whale behavior observed over the years. Other times, we share exciting discoveries — perhaps a calf just days old, its skin smooth and unmarked, learning to navigate alongside its mother. We might even witness rare behaviors, such as a group of whales socializing and twirling together in a playful display of movement and sound.

More Than a Tour, A Learning Experience

With a team like this, every whale-watching trip is more than just sightseeing. It becomes a transformative journey into the wonders of the ocean, guided by people who live and breathe it. Their enthusiasm is contagious, their knowledge inspiring, and their energy makes each trip not just informative but incredibly fun.

Gray Whale Watching at San Ignacio Lagoon, Mexico

Inspiring Conservation and Connection

The impact of these guides extends far beyond the water. Many of our guests leave San Ignacio with more than memories; they leave with a deeper understanding of conservation, of the importance of protecting these whales and the fragile ecosystem they depend on. Some return year after year, eager to see familiar faces — both human and whale. Others take what they’ve learned and carry it forward, becoming advocates for marine life and responsible ecotourism in their own communities.

A Passion That Spreads

At the heart of it all is the love for the ocean. Every guide here is driven by that same passion, that same unrelenting curiosity about the world beneath the waves. And when guests step off the boat at the end of the day, we hope they carry some of that passion with them, wherever they go.

By Scarlett Mayorga, Experienced Naturalist & Whale Watching Guide