San Ignacio Lagoon Gray Whales

San Ignacio Lagoon

Gray Whales

SEASONS

Mid-January – Mid-April

4 Days, 3 Nights

TYPES OF ADVENTURES

Glamping & Luxury Camps

PRICING (Pp. dbl occ.)

From US$2,495

Unique and Extraordinary

Gray Whale and Glamping Adventure

“>Every winter, Eastern Pacific gray whales make an incredible 3,000 mile (4,800 km) journey from the icy Arctic waters of Alaska to the warm lagoons of Baja California, Mexico. These lagoons become a nursery and breeding ground, where thousands of whales gather to mate, give birth, and nurture their young.

San Ignacio Lagoon, often called “whale central,” is the heart of this experience. Each season, 5,000 to 6,000 gray whales visit, making it the ultimate destination for rare, up-close encounters with these friendly giants.

This four-day adventure includes a private flight transfer from Cabo San Lucas, daily whale encounters, all-inclusive fine dining, and accommodations in glamping or luxury camps in the desert at the edge of the ocean.

For those looking to extend their whale-watching experience, take a look at our
6-day, 5-night package for even more time in camp.

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Every year something truly magical happens here.

In San Ignacio Lagoon, gray whales, guided by trust and curiosity, approach humans to seek out interactions.

This remarkable behavior, unique to this lagoon, began in 1972 when a gray whale initiated contact with a fisherman, forging an extraordinary bond between whales and humans.

Since then, gray whales have continued to swim up to boats, offering unforgettable close-up encounters. These experiences are nothing short of phenomenal, extraordinary, and utterly mind-blowing!

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Will I really see gray whales on 
this trip?

Yes! There are plenty of gray whales in San Ignacio Lagoon, with 300 to 400 typically being friendly and interactive with humans. The whales arrive in the lagoon in December and stay through the end of April.

We operate exclusively during the peak whale season, from mid-January to mid-April, when the largest number of whales are present.

Sightings vary throughout the season. The first gray whales to arrive are usually adults coming to mate. As the season progresses, more whales fill the lagoon, and by early February, the first newborn calves begin to appear. Soon, the lagoon is bustling with mothers and babies, busy training for their long journey north. Towards the end of the season, the calves often become especially friendly.

San Ignacio lagoon is a protected whale sanctuary.

Laguna San Ignacio is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and protected whale sanctuary. We adhere to strict guidelines that ensure non-intrusive, ethical whale watching. Our tours take place in a designated whale-watching zone, with a limited number of boats allowed at any time to maintain a respectful distance. Outside of this area, interacting with the whales is illegal. We never chase, feed, or coerce the whales into approaching.

Our trained guides ensure that all interactions occur only on the whales’ terms, allowing close encounters only if the whales choose to initiate them. This approach ensures that our whale-watching experience is both safe and respectful.

Desert glamping

on the edge of the ocean.

Imagine starting your day with the sun rising over the Baja mountains, followed by multiple whale-watching excursions to meet the friendly whales. You choose how much time you want to spend with these gentle giants, setting the pace that feels right for you.

The lagoon and surrounding desert are beautiful, and these trips are done in style. Perfect if you enjoy nature and the great outdoors but love the extra comfort. All our glamping and luxury camps are located in the peaceful El Vizcaíno desert, with tents positioned near the water, offering stunning views and endless starry skies at night.

You can join kayaking or paddleboarding tours across the lagoon (weather permitting), take scenic walks, or explore the area by mountain bike. Evenings are for unwinding – enjoy presentations by our naturalists, watch the sun set over the salt flats, and gather around the fire pit.

SEE EXAMPLE ITINERARY

Nature doesn’t
mean sacrificing comfort.

“>Our accommodations range from glamping tents to more spacious luxury tents. Each tent includes an ensuite bathroom, a hot shower, and a “real bed” with high-quality linens for a restful night’s sleep. Families can opt for our spacious family tents with bunk beds for kids, while solo travelers can enjoy the privacy of their own tent or choose a shared option for a more budget-friendly stay.

Every camping village features a dining tent and a club tent with an honor bar. At the center of the village, you’ll find a large bar tent with craft beers, single malts, and an excellent wine list, plus a pool table for relaxed evenings. Guests enjoy daily all-inclusive fine dining with freshly prepared dishes, paired with warm hospitality from our team.

Glamping

From US$2,545

We say “NO” to tiny tents with cots, sleeping bags and read more…

a couple of shared toilets and showers for the whole camp! Our tents are windproof, insulated and heated for maximum comfort, with ensuite bathrooms and showers, hot and cold running water with good pressure, and 24-hour power. 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.

Luxury

From US$3,095

Our luxury camp features all the amenities of the glamping camp, but with read more…

but with 14 large and luxurious tents, ensuring the utmost privacy. Each tent features an ensuite bathroom, a dresser in the bedroom as well as a separate sitting area with a couch and easy chairs – perfect for relaxing after a day of adventure.

Think of our luxury camp as one of the world’s best pop-up hotels.

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Dealer inquires

Your Trip Options

  • Grey Whale watching at Laguna san ignacio
    4 Days / 3 Nights
    $2,545

    Pp.
    Dbl occ.
  • Extended stay at laguna san ignacio baja
    6 Days / 5 Nights
    Extended stay
    $3,350

    Pp.
    Dbl occ.
  • Whale watching baja peninsula
    8 Days / 7 Nights
    Baja Ultimate Whales
    Luxury Expedition Yacht Swim with Whale Sharks San Ignacio Luxury Camp
    $4,950

    Pp.
    Dbl occ.

Looking for a longer experience?

Special offers for our San Ignacio guests

  • Swimming with whales sharks and whale watching
    Swim with Whale Sharks
    4 days of relaxing and fun at our beach camp on Isla Espiritu Santo.
    + 1 night hotel La Paz.
    4days / 3 nights
    +$995
  • Extend your Laguna San Ignacio Experience with an Espiritu Santo adventure
    Hotel & Adventure
    4* beachfront hotelSan José del Cabo incl.
    1 day Sea of Cortez adventure Isla Espiritu Santo.
    4days / 3 nights
    +$995
  • Kayak the sea of Cortez and meet the Grey Whales
    Guided Kayaking Adventure
    Suitable for all experience, ages, and fitness.
    Beach camp and panga supported.
    Incl. 1 night hotel La Paz.
    4days / 3 nights
    +$995
  • Extend your whales watching on the Mango Wind
    Sailing Catamaran
    Sailing in the Sea of Cortez.
    Incl. captain, chef, naturalist
    and all activities.
    4days / 3 nights
    +$1,295
  • Overlanding is the most unique way to reach Laguna San Ignacio
    Luxury Overlanding
    Tacoma TRDs.
    Incl. guide, naturalist, chef,
    guide vehicle & mobile base camp.
    4days / 3 nights
    +$1,595
Dates & Rates

Typical Itinerary

We recommend SJD Cabo San Lucas as your gateway airport for seamless transfers from the arrivals hall to Cabo San Lucas.

Our concierges will be on standby to assist with arrangements, address special requests, and answer any questions you might have. We recommend flying into Cabo early to enjoy and partake in our Baja hospitality.

Day Before Boarding

Join us for a complimentary morning photo and video workshop at SeeCreatures Cabo, followed by an afternoon ocean safari searching for humpback whales and sea lions.

Day 1: Meet the Gray Whales!

Our staff will open SeeCreatures at 6:30 am with coffee and a light continental breakfast to help you wake up and prepare for the 7:00 am coach transfer to the executive airport terminal at SJD. Boarding your Cessna Caravan for a 1 hour 50-minute flight to camp, where you’ll be welcomed by trays of champagne and more of our wonderful staff. Enjoy brunch and a welcome briefing at camp, followed by two afternoon whale watching excursions.

Days 2 – 3: San Ignacio Lagoon

Your stay in camp is all about you! It’s your choice to join us for a 7 am breakfast and then head out for your first whale watching encounter of the day when the park opens at 8 am. Or if you prefer, enjoy sleeping in and having a late breakfast and joining our second scheduled whale watching expedition late morning. As long as the weather cooperates, there will be 3 scheduled whale watching encounters every day, plus all the activities offered at camp, including kayaking or paddleboarding across the lagoon in the mangroves, going for a leisurely walk, mountain biking, or just kicking back with a good book and accompanying beverage. Cocktail hour, sunset viewing, making new friends around one of our fire pits, a game of billiards, dinner, and evening presentations by our naturalist are all fine ways to finish off your day in camp.

Day 4: Return to Cabo

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.

Of course, we hope you will come back to Cabo with us and continue with more adventures, whether it’s swimming with whale sharks, scuba diving, snorkelling, or heading out for some overlanding

Dates & Rates
Courtesy Hold
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What Guests Have to Say About San Ignacio

Life Changing Experience

This has been a most incredible life changing experience. We will cherish these memories. Read full review

Charles & Deb W – Tucson USA

Everything was Perfect!

Everything has been perfect!! the staff knowledge, kind, patient and helpful. Read full review

Jane B – USA

Picture Prefect Dream

The entire experience lived up to the dream of being here. Read full review

Anthony M – Atlanta USA

Awe-inspiring Creatures

Words cannot adequately describe how awe-inspiring these magnificent and playful creatures are. Read full review

Randy S – USA

Experience That Changed My Life

Today was our second date. What an amazing experience!! I am so grateful to be here. Read full review

Anahi – Cabo San Lucas