Baja Ultimate Whales
SEASONS
January – April
8 Days, 7 Nights
TYPES OF ADVENTURES
Liveaboard & Luxury Camp
PRICING (Pp. dbl occ)
Gallant Lady Suite & Luxury Camp: US$4,995
Gallant Lady Premium Suite & Luxury Camp: US$5,345
Your 116-ft Expedition Yacht
Enjoy 3 nights aboard our Nautilus Gallant Lady, complete with our spotter airplane and a 32-ft high-speed rigid hull inflatable. We will be steaming north to the Loreto National Park in search of blue whale mommas with their new calves, as well as more humpback mommas, huge pods of dolphins, giant fin back whales, and, with fingers tightly crossed, orcas, pilot whales, and sperm whales. Everyone will also have the option to enjoy shore hikes guided by our naturalist, go kayaking, take beach walks, and sunset drinks ashore on beautiful islands.
The secret recipe for success on these trips includes our spotter airplane, crewed with a pilot and naturalist. Our unique eye in the sky gives us a perspective on where the whales and big critters are like no other.
Glamping & Luxury Camping with Gray Whales
The most extraordinary thing happens when gray whales return to the birthing lagoons of Baja every winter. They reach out to us for interaction, to be stroked and pet, to get scratched between their pectoral fins, and to drench us with whale halitosis! It’s one of the most spectacular experiences on the planet, and it’s entirely on the whales’ terms. While we have learned that they want to be touched, the question is whether it’s ok to do so? Click here for more about this.
While the experience with the gray whales is the reason to visit San Ignacio, we make no excuse for the luxury of our pop-up seasonal camp. From large, very comfortable tents to 24-hour power, hot and cold running water, private bathrooms and showers, and your choice of a king-size or double bed with fine linens, to fine dining and a sophisticated bar—there is plenty to enjoy in camp beyond the whale encounters. Perhaps best of all is sitting outside around the campfire, soaking up the beautiful stars of the Mexican night sky.
Itinerary Overview
Welcome to Baja! We are excited to have you join us. We encourage you to fly in early and enhance your vacation with additional adventures. There is so much to do from hotel stay to adventures out of La Paz, sea kayaking, scuba diving, complimentary whale watching, guided overlanding and sailing. SJD Los Cabos is the best gateway airport and it’s important to fly in at least one day early. Our concierges will be on standby to assist with transfers and hotel stay.
Day 1 – Cabo San Lucas & Ocean Safari
We invite you to join a photo and video workshop at 9:30 AM. Then, head out mid-day for humpback whale watching adventure off the southern tip of Baja before late afternoon transfer to La Paz for hotel stay (included) and dinner.
Day 2 – La Paz
Weather permitting, today is our opportunity to swim with whale sharks in the Mogote reserve close by La paz, as well as enjoying lunch and snorkelling with sea lions. Later in the afternoon, you will meet your expedition yacht at Isla Espiritu Santo, a beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site and national park. Enjoy cocktail hour, a sunset cruise, and dinner onboard as we steam north toward Loreto National Park in our quest for mamma and baby blue whales.
Days 3-4 – At Sea in the Sea of Cortez
The exact itinerary will depend on the weather, but our primary objective is to take you out to observe mama and baby blue whales. They are in the area south of Loreto for several months every winter, and it is an awe-inspiring experience when these largest of all whales choose to approach our skiffs for an encounter. Over the next couple of days, we will also keep an eye out for large pods of dolphins, finback whales, mobula rays, and whatever other whales might be in the area which might include orcas, sperm whales, false killer whales, and more. The Sea of Cortez is teeming with animals at this time of year, and our crew will be vigilant in maximizing your experience. As well as, beach excursions, hiking opportunities, kayaking, and generally having a really great time.
Day 5 – La Paz and Fly to Camp
Today starts with breakfast and disembarking your expedition yacht in La Paz. After disembarking, we will provide a transfer directly to the La Paz airport for a one hour and 40-minute flight directly to the airstrip at San Ignacio lagoon.
We will be landing on a 4,000-ft airstrip just 5 minutes from camp, where our happy, smiling staff will welcome you with trays of champagne. From there, transfer by suburban to camp for brunch, briefing, and then head out for the first of your whale encounters.
After an exciting afternoon, unwind with a cocktail hour, watching the sunset around a campfire, dinner and an evening presentation by your naturalist. A game of pool and specialty drinks in our bar tent is always a great way to finish the day before wandering back to your tent under the magnificent Mexican stars.
Days 6-7 – San Ignacio Gray Whales
All operators in the lagoon work together to maximize guest experience while ensuring no negative impact on the whales. For this reason, all whale encounters are in a small defined area of the lagoon with pangas taking turns entering the restricted area for a maximum of 90 minutes. The timing on this is worked out between the operators which means that we abide by scheduled departure times. For this reason, unfortunately, we can’t just send a panga out to go whale watching whenever our guests want.
Option 1: 7 am breakfast after watching the sunrise over the sierras and then head out at 7:45 am for several whale watching encounters.
Option 2: Sleep in and relax. Breakfast when you are ready. 1 late morning whale watching encounter. Our camp manager can confirm the timing.
After lunch, enjoy another whale watching encounter in the afternoon. Or as long as the weather cooperates, enjoy kayaking or paddleboarding the mangroves across the lagoon or a leisurely walk, mountain biking, hiking, and bird watching with one of our naturalists or just kicking back, and relaxing. Cocktail hour, sunset viewing, making new friends around one of our fire pits, pickle ball or a game of billiards and an evening presentation by a naturalist are all fine ways to finish off your day in camp.
Day 8 – Last Day
Early breakfast. One more whale watching encounter (always weather dependent) and then the beautiful flight back to SJD Los Cabos. Arriving 12:30 pm. If you are flying home this day, we recommend not booking a flight departure before 2:45 pm. Otherwise transfer back to SeeCreatures Cabo and more adventure!
Frequently Asked Questions
What am I going to see?
You can expect blue whales, humpback, fin whales, mega pods of dolphins, whale sharks, sea lions, and if you’re lucky, orcas and sperm whales. Also, up close and personal interactions with Pacific gray whales! San Ignacio Lagoon is also home to a variety of bird species including nesting ospreys and egrets.
When should I go?
We only operate in peak season when large numbers of whales are present, from January through April.
Why do your trips leave out of SJD?
Because the shortest flight to the Lagoon is from SJD which is super easy to get to with service from 15 different US cities, most of Mexico and even direct flights from overseas. Because Cabo San Lucas in the winter and spring is a really fun place to visit!! Because you won’t have any border crossing hassles. And because we offer all sorts of other activities from our Cabo San Lucas base including swimming with whale sharks and other adventures in the Sea of Cortez, scuba diving including our Socorro giant manta liveaboard trips, photography workshops and much more.
What kind of accommodations can I expect?
A stay at the Marea beachfront hotel in La Paz.
Onboard our 116-ft expedition yacht, the Gallant Lady.
Luxury accommodation at San Ignacio Lagoon:
Luxury Camp
Enormous thought has gone into every detail, from a fire pit to a fine selection of wine, craft beer, single malt scotches and fine dining. We even have a bar and lounge tent and Wi-Fi access throughout the camp.
Think of our luxury camp as one of the world’s best pop-up hotel.
What’s included in the trip?
Transportation. Spotter airplane support. Flights from La Paz to the Lagoon and the Lagoon to SJD. Accommodation, activities, meals, snacks and non-alcoholic beverages plus unlimited whale watching subject to capacity control and weather. On-site naturalist.
Park fees, gift shop, bar, gratuities and camera rentals are NOT included.
What airport do I fly into?
SJD Los Cabos International for both commercial airlines and private aircraft.
