San Ignacio Lagoon
Gray Whales
The lagoon and surrounding desert are beautiful, and these trips are done in style, offering glamping and luxury villages, with direct 1 hour 50 minute fly-in flights from Cabo San Lucas. The gray whales arrive in late December, and camps open mid-January.
Every winter, Eastern pacific gray whales migrate home to Baja, Mexico. Males cruise in and out of every bay, harbour, and lagoon in central Baja looking for females. Females do the same. San Ignacio is whale central, with 5,000 to 6,000 whales visiting the lagoon between December and May.
Our incredible good fortune began in 1972 when the gray whales started actively participating in more and more “human watching and interaction” in one of the deep water channels in the lagoon. Picture this, 40-ft whales swimming up to our idling pangas and communicating very clearly that they want us to stroke, caress, and even kiss them. It’s truly an astonishing experience.
Wild Experience
Interaction with the whales is entirely on their own terms. We never, ever chase or crowd the whales. It is up to the whales to decide to approach us. Whale interaction only happens in one small, designated part of the lagoon. The whales know where to find us if they want to play!
The Eastern Pacific gray whales are the last significant population of these spectacular animals. In the 19th and 20th centuries, they were mostly wiped out by whaling. It brings tears of gladness to our eyes and hearts to see that this population is now healthy and stable.
Your Home Away From Home
Camping in the desert at the edge of the ocean doesn’t mean you have to rough it! From fine dining to internet connectivity, 24-hour power and heat to ensuite bathrooms, and showers with hot and cold running water to 24-hour AC power, there is a joyful contrast between the desert with the beautiful sierras in the background and some of the luxuries of home. What we are most proud of is our people. Warm. Authentic. Many are local. And all are genuinely vested in giving you the best vacation possible. 2024 is our 50th anniversary, and it shows!
Glamping
US$2,545
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
US$3,095
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.
Enhanced Heavenly Massage at San Ignacio
Does it get any better than enjoying a massage while on safari with the gray whales of San Ignacio Lagoon? It’s not just the whales that are extraordinary. At Baja Expeditions, we continuously strive to provide excellence and our carefully curated massage offerings are designed to do just that. We encourage pre-booking because these massages sell out fast.
- Stone Therapy Massage
- Cupping Massage
- Massage with Herbal Pindas
- Deep Tissue Massage
- Relaxation Massage
- Reflexology Add-On
Stone Therapy Massage
Duration: 90 minutes | Price: $200
Experience the benefits of geothermal therapy by combining therapeutic massage with the use of hot and cold stones. These stones are placed at chakra points to ensure proper energy flow, relieving discomfort and enhancing overall well-being. The volcanic origin of the stones not only improves your energy flow but also allows your body to absorb the earth’s natural energy.
Cupping Massage
Duration: 90 minutes | Price: $200
Cupping therapy is an ancient technique known for its multiple benefits, including pain relief, alleviating muscle tightness, stress reduction, and skin rejuvenation. By increasing blood flow and expelling toxins, this treatment helps alleviate muscle tension and promote overall relaxation and renewal.
Massage with Herbal Pindas
Duration: 90 minutes | Price: $200
Pinda massage is designed to balance the mind, body, and soul through relaxing movements, combining the therapeutic powers of phytotherapy and aromatherapy. Herbal pindas, filled with a unique blend of herbs, apply pressure to the body, activating chakras on both an energetic and physical level.
Deep Tissue Massage
Duration: 70 minutes | Price: $120
Target deeper layers of muscles and connective tissue to relieve aches and pains. This massage focuses on relieving tension, improving flexibility, and promoting overall physical wellness.
Relaxation Massage
Duration: 70 minutes | Price: $100
Relaxation massage is designed to reduce stress and create a sense of calm.
Reflexology Add-On
Duration: +20 minutes | Add-On: +$40
Reflexology, also known as Zonal Therapy, is a holistic treatment that balances the physical, energetic, and spiritual aspects of the body. This therapy views the human being as part of a greater whole, integrating the body, mind, and energy (spirit) into a single entity.
When receiving Reflexology, you can experience:
- Deep relaxation, an essential element for proper nervous system function. This relaxation helps release physical and mental tensions, reducing stress levels.
- Improved blood flow, vital for organs to perform their functions effectively.
- Self-awareness, which integrates emotions and physical sensations as parallel, interconnected processes.
This add-on enhances any massage session, leaving you feeling more connected, balanced, and restored.
San Ignacio Lagoon Turtle Conservation Program
San Ignacio Lagoon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned as the last undeveloped gray whale lagoon on Earth is about much more than whales.
Turtles in the lagoon are under unrelenting pressure, including being attacked by coyotes that leave them stranded on the beaches. We are always on the lookout for injured turtles and deliver them to EcoTortugas, a multigenerational fishing family dedicated turtle conservation. The family welcomes your visit when visiting the lagoon. What to expect:
- Educational:
- Participate in a half-day session that might include, monitoring turtles, measuring and identifying them, and releasing them back into the sea.
- Learn about the challenges sea turtles face, including threats from coyotes, through an engaging talk and a tour of the reserve.
- Enjoy a personal experience with group sizes capped at 8 participants, with two sessions daily (7:00–11:00 am. or after 4:00 pm.).
- $40 donation per person, of which 100% goes to supporting turtle conservation. Pre-booking is highly recommended.
By participating, you’re not only contributing to a vital conservation mission but also supporting a local family whose livelihood revolves around preserving these incredible marine creatures. Add this unique experience to your San Ignacio Lagoon adventure!
Your Trip Options
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8 Days / 7 Nights
Baja Ultimate WhalesLuxury Expedition Yacht Swim with Whale Sharks San Ignacio Luxury Camp$4,950
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Itinerary Overview
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
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
