Baja Ultimate Whales
SEASONS
Mid-January – Mid-March
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
Blue & Fin Whales of Loreto and the Mechudo Corridor to La Paz
4 Days / 3 nights onboard, with a specific emphasis on intimate encounters with blue whales and their new calves, as well as more humpbacks, huge pods of dolphins, giant fin-back whales, and fingers crossed, orcas or sperm whales. While onboard, guests are encouraged to take advantage of snorkelling, scuba diving, kayaking, paddling, and shore expeditions.
Including our spotter airplane! We will have pilot and naturalist on board guiding our boats to all of the action in the Mechudo Corridor.
San Ignacio Lagoon Gray Whales
This is the most amazing and spectacular whale interaction with humans on the planet.
Phenomenal, extraordinary, mind-shattering… How do you even being to describe the experience of a giant 40-foot long whale swimming right up to your boat, looking you in the eye and communicating very clearly that they want you to put your hand in the water so that they can push up against it to get stroked. Having a whale look you directly in the eye is an experience that nobody ever forgets. And… It’s not just the adults, the calves are unbelievably cute and and playful and will steal your heart.
Luxury accommodation. 4 Days/3 nights before returning to Cabo.
Sample Itinerary
Fly into SJD.
Day 1
Your adventure starts with an optional and complimentary photo workshop at 9:30 AM. And then a five hour whale watching Ocean Safari at 11 AM departing from SeeCreatures Cabo San Lucas. We will have lunch on board your whale watching vessel. Then a 4 PM transfer to La Paz. This is typically a two hour 20 minute drive up north.
Day 2
Today begins with an early breakfast, and weather permitting, we will head out to swim with whale sharks. There is a chance that this activity will have to be postponed if there’s a strong North wind blowing. Either way, we will head up to Espiritu Santo for lunch, and spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach in this UNESCO World Heritage Park, swim with sea lions or go for a hike. In the late afternoon, we will board our 116-foot expedition yacht for cocktail hour, sunset, dinner, and sail north towards Loreto to search for mama and baby blue whales.
Days 3 – 4
The exact itinerary will depend on the weather, but our primary objective is to take you out on local pangas to observe mama and baby blue whales. They are in the area south of the rattle 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
Today starts with breakfast and disembarking your expedition yacht at the Marea hotel. 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.
Upon arrival at camp, our staff will meet you at the airstrip with welcoming smiles, glasses of champagne and hot apple cider, and a boat ride to camp for snacks and welcome aboard briefing. There will not be time to get out on the water for a whale encounter this afternoon. We invite you to relax and enjoy camp, join us for cocktail hour, and watch the sunset around one of our fire pits. Dinner and a presentation by one of our naturalists.
Days 6 – 7
Your choice to get up early for breakfast and enjoy your first whale watching encounter of the day when the park opens at 8 AM, or take advantage of your vacation and sleep in for a later breakfast and head over for whale watching later in the morning when you’re ready. As long as the weather cooperates, you’ll have the option of three whale watch encounters, plus all the activities offered at camp, such as kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking in the desert, and stargazing under the amazing Mexican night sky. As always, there will be cocktail hour, sunset viewing, fire pit gathering, dinner, and more presentations by our naturalists.
Day 8
Early breakfast and one more whale watching encounter before your flight back to Cabo. You should be on the ground between 12:30 and 1 pm and able to connect to airline flights at SDJ leaving at 2:30 pm or later.
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 March.
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
Large and luxurious tents, ensuring the utmost privacy. Each tents are windproof, insulated and heated for maximum comfort, with ensuite bathrooms and showers, hot and cold running water with good pressure, a dresser, 24- hour power, and a separate sitting area with a couch and easy chairs – perfect for relaxing after a day of adventure. Not to mention real beds with fine linen.
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.
