San Ignacio Lagoon • Gray Whales
Baja is the only place in the world where gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus) swim up to pangas to be stroked, petted, kissed, and even hugged. It’s incredible. Interaction is entirely on the whales’ terms, with mama whales even pushing their calves against the side of the boats to be stroked. Nobody should miss out on this experience.
Our camp is located at San Ignacio Lagoon, one of three birthing and breeding gray whale lagoons in the world, all of which are located in Baja. San Ignacio is home to the densest population of whales with the most reliable encounters. It’s the only lagoon untouched by development. The whales start arriving in late-November and begin their long trek north to British Columbia and Alaska in the Spring.
We offer a unique program that is very different from our competition, with fast, easy flight connections from San José del Cabo, an average of three whale watching sessions a day (*weather permitting), a glamping camp and staff who love what they do, safety and excellence in guest experience that we continually strive for.
Wild Experience
Aside from meeting the world’s friendliest gray whales, San Ignacio is brimming with adventure. Explore the cactus-studded desert and dazzling white salt flats in search of coyotes, grab our binoculars and spot flocks of birds, including herons, ospreys, and beautiful white egrets; and spend evenings marvelling at the uninterrupted starlit sky. We’ll also have daily naturalist presentations so you can deepen your knowledge on the local flora and fauna.
Glamping Camp
We say “NO” to tiny tents with cots, sleeping bags and 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 pool table in the bar and lounge tent and Wi-Fi access throughout the camp.
The Most Amazing Whale Experience in the World
It’s almost impossible to imagine how amazing these whale interactions are but there is even more to the lagoon than the whales. The camp is nestled in the desert on the edge of the lagoon and surrounded by tall mesas. Because this is the desert, the wind can blow and sometimes it’s too lumpy to be out on the water. If this happens, one of our favorite things is to venture out to the vast salt flats which are absolutely dazzling white and go for a walk. What’s even more amazing is to head out on the salt flats at night under a brilliant canopy of stars…
Walking, hiking, borrowing one of our mountain bikes, kayaking and bird watching are all additional pastimes at the lagoon. You might see coyotes, bobcats (which are rare but we do see them around camp), herons, ospreys and beautiful white egrets. Every evening, one of our naturalists will be sure to offer a different presentation on the whales and local flora and fauna. And did we mention the night sky? Apologies for repeating ourselves, but it’s absolutely brilliant!!!
Frequently Asked Questions
What am I going to see ?
You can expect 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.
What’s included in the trip?
Comfortable, fully catered camping with provided bed linens and towels. Non-alcoholic beverages, guide service, washrooms with flushing toilets and showers, biodegradable toiletries, two to four whale watching excursions per day, battery charging station.
What airport do I fly into?
SJD Los Cabos International for both commercial airlines and private aircraft.
Why do your trips leave out of San José del Cabo?
Because the shortest charter flight to the lagoon is from San José del Cabo which is super easy to get to with service from 15 different US cities, most of Mexico and even direct flights from overseas. Because San José 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 San José del Cabo base including swimming with whale sharks and other adventures into the Sea of Cortez.
What kind of accommodations can I expect?
We offer two levels of accommodation:
Glamping Camp
We say “NO” to tiny tents with cots, sleeping bags and 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 pool table in the bar and lounge tent and Wi-Fi access throughout the camp.
Luxury Camp
Our luxury camp features all the amenities of the glamping camp, but with 12 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 hotel.
San Ignacio Pacific Gray Whale Tour Dates
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Gray Whales Photo & Video Gallery
