Las Ballenas Más Amigables del Planeta – Laguna San Ignacio

Encuentros legendarios con ballenas grises. Interacciones extraordinarias en este parque nacional y reserva especial de la UNESCO. Mamás y bebés. Comportamiento de apareamiento y reproducción. Estarás soñando con estas increíbles ballenas mucho después de conocerlas.

No hay mejor manera de experimentar esto que con Baja Expeditions y Nautilus. El personal cálido y auténtico de Baja, que sirve de corazón y por instinto, quiere que cada huésped tenga la estancia más perfecta en su campamento en el desierto, al borde del océano. Espera glamping y camping de lujo, vuelos privados para avistamiento, y todo combinado con un enfoque implacable en la seguridad y la excelencia en la experiencia del huésped.

¿La guinda del pastel? Visitar la conservación local de tortugas marinas, masajes en el lugar, hora del cóctel, presentaciones nocturnas de naturalistas en uno de los campamentos, kayak, caminatas por la naturaleza, ciclismo y avistamiento de ballenas jorobadas de cortesía en Cabo San Lucas

4 Días / 3 Noches
Glamping: $2,645
Lujo: $3,195

6 Días / 5 Noches (Estancia Extendida)
Glamping: $3,395
Lujo: $3,595

¡Pregunta por la llegada por tu cuenta!

FECHAS Y TARIFAS

RETENCION CORTESIA

RESERVA AHORA

Contacto

A nuestros huéspedes de Sudamérica y CentroaméricA:

Las ballenas, el buceo y los viajes de aventura en Baja California, México, ahora son más fáciles de acceder desde casi toda Sudamérica y Centroamérica. Gracias a COPA Airlines y a su nuevo vuelo directo desde Ciudad de Panamá a SJD Los Cabos, el viaje se convierte en una conexión sencilla de una sola escala, evitando todo el tiempo, las complicaciones y los dolores de cabeza de pasar por Ciudad de México.

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Itinerarios Típicos

Recomendamos SJD Cabo San Lucas como tu aeropuerto de entrada, con traslados a hoteles locales en Los Cabos, el punto de partida para una aventura previa al viaje y relajación antes de volar a la Laguna San Ignacio. Nuestro equipo de conserjería está a tu disposición para ayudarte con arreglos, solicitudes especiales y responder cualquier pregunta que puedas tener.

Día Antes del Embarque

Inscríbete con anticipación para una aventura de avistamiento de ballenas jorobadas de cortesía por la tarde con SeeCreatures Cabo.

Clic para ver el itinerario completo

Día 1 – ¡Encuentro con las Ballenas Grises!

Tu aventura comienza con una reunión en SeeCreatures Cabo entre las 6:30 y 7:00 a.m. para un vuelo privado de 1 hora y 50 minutos a nuestra pista de aterrizaje en la Laguna.

Nuestro personal te estará esperando en la pista de aterrizaje con sonrisas de bienvenida, copas de champán, y sidra de manzana caliente, seguido de un viaje de 5 minutos en coche hasta el campamento. Una vez allí, disfruta de un brunch caliente, una sesión informativa de bienvenida y una introducción naturalista a las ballenas y lo que puedes esperar de esta experiencia. Recomendamos salir para dos encuentros de avistamiento de ballenas por la tarde, pero, por supuesto, siempre tienes la opción de quedarte y relajarte en el campamento o probar alguna de nuestras otras actividades. Por la noche, disfruta de la hora del cóctel y observa la puesta de sol alrededor de una de nuestras fogatas, seguido de una cena y una presentación a cargo de uno de nuestros naturalistas.

Días 2-3 – Laguna San Ignacio

Todos los operadores de ballenas en la laguna trabajan para maximizar la experiencia del huésped, asegurando el mínimo impacto en las ballenas. Por esta razón, todos los encuentros con ballenas se realizan en un área definida de la laguna con pangas que salen en horarios establecidos. Debido a esto, lamentablemente, no podemos enviar pangas “a pedido”. Los horarios de salida están definidos.

Opción 1: Desayuno a las 7 a.m. después de ver el amanecer sobre las sierras y luego salida a las 7:45 a.m. para varios encuentros de avistamiento de ballenas.

Opción 2: Duerme y relájate. Desayuna cuando estés listo. Con una hora de salida fija a las 9:45 a.m., si deseas unirte a la segunda sesión de avistamiento de ballenas del día. La segunda ronda es alrededor de las 10:30 a.m., dependiendo del área disponible para el avistamiento de ballenas, y luego regreso al campamento para almorzar.

Después del almuerzo, disfruta de otro encuentro de avistamiento de ballenas por la tarde. O, si el clima lo permite, disfruta de kayak o paddleboarding en los manglares al otro lado de la laguna, o de un tranquilo paseo a un pequeño pueblo local para aprender sobre los esfuerzos de conservación de tortugas, avistamiento de aves, caminatas por la naturaleza, ciclismo, y relájate en el campamento. Por la noche, disfruta de la hora del cóctel, observa la puesta de sol, haz nuevos amigos alrededor de una de nuestras fogatas, juega a las cartas, o asiste a una presentación nocturna a cargo de un naturalista para completar tu día.

Día 4 – Regreso a Cabo

Desayuno a las 7 a.m. Un encuentro más de avistamiento de ballenas (siempre depende del clima), y luego el hermoso vuelo de regreso a SJD Los Cabos, llegando a la 1:30 p.m. Si vuelas a casa este día, te recomendamos reservar un vuelo de regreso después de las 3:30 p.m. De lo contrario, traslado de regreso a SeeCreatures Cabo para más aventura.return flight after 3:30 pm. Otherwise transfer back to SeeCreatures Cabo for more adventure!

Más Días. Más Aventura. Opciones de 8 a 12 días en Baja.

San Ignacio + Tiburon Ballena
8 Dias / 7 Nc: $4,000

Avistamiento de ballenas jorobadas en Cabo, 4 noches en La Paz y 2 días completos de nado en panga con tiburones ballena, leones marinos, almuerzo en la playa e Isla Espíritu Santo, declarada Patrimonio de la Humanidad por la UNESCO. Mas info…

FECHAS Y TARIFAS

RESERVAR AHORA

San Ignacio + Aventura de Navegación
8 Dias / 7 Nc: $4,000

4 noches a bordo de un velero con tripulación, capitán, chef y naturalista. Incluye nado con leones marinos, kayak, paseos por la playa y avistamiento de ballenas con apoyo de un avión de observación. Mas info…

FECHAS Y TARIFAS

RESERVAR AHORA

San Ignacio + Aventura de Navegación
8 Dias / 7 Nc: $5,095

3 noches a bordo de nuestro yate de expedición de 35 metros. ¡En busca de ballenas azules y jorobadas + 1 noche en hotel boutique en La Paz + Isla Espíritu Santo, declarada Patrimonio de la Humanidad por la UNESCO, y mucho más! Mas info…

FECHAS Y TARIFAS

RESERVAR AHORA

Baja Blast: San Ignacio + Aventura
8 Dias / 7 Nc: $4,000

Avistamiento de ballenas jorobadas en Cabo, luego disfrute de 4 noches en La Paz con aventuras diarias. Isla Espíritu Santo y snorkel con leones marinos. Kayak con apoyo de panga. Playa Balandra.Mas info…

FECHAS Y TARIFAS

RESERVAR AHORA

Baja Blast: San Ignacio + Aventura
10 Dias / 9 Nc: $4,925

Todo en nuestra Baja Blast de 8 días. MÁS 2 días de safari oceánico en busca de ballenas azules, de aleta y jorobadas, con asistencia aérea para la observación. Con base en Loreto o La Paz, adondequiera que las ballenas los lleven. Mas info…

FECHAS Y TARIFAS

RESERVAR AHORA

Baja Blast: San Ignacio + Aventura
12 Dias / 11 Nc: $5,825

Toda la aventura de nuestro viaje de 10 días. MÁS la opción de 2 noches en un campamento de surf cerca de Todos Santos o en un campamento de playa en la Isla Espíritu Santo, declarada Patrimonio de la Humanidad por la UNESCO. Mas info…

FECHAS Y TARIFAS

RESERVAR AHORA

The post Las Ballenas Más Amigables del Planeta – Laguna San Ignacio appeared first on Baja Expeditions.

Here’s why visiting San Ignacio Lagoon should be on your bucket list. Dive into our ultimate guide on ‘Whale Watching in Baja’

Getting to San Ignacio Lagoon

Private Fly-In: Guests of Baja Expeditions enjoy the most direct and most spectacular arrival—a private fly-in from Cabo.

Picture soaring over jagged desert mountains and endless turquoise coastline before touching down at the local airstrip just minutes from our luxurious campgrounds. 

Traveling independently? The journey is part of the adventure. From La Paz, it’s an 8-hour drive, while from Loreto it’s about 4 hours. Both routes follow Highway 1 to the Pacific side before turning off onto a remote dirt road that winds toward the lagoon for the final 45 minutes. You can also fly into Loreto or Guerrero Negro airports and arrange a transfer with a local eco-camp.

However you arrive, the remoteness is part of the magic—by the time you reach San Ignacio Lagoon, the rest of the world feels far away.

Outdoor Adventures and Things to Do in San Ignacio, Mexico

Explore San Ignacio Town

Just a short drive from the lagoon, the oasis town of San Ignacio feels like a step back in time. Among old stone walls and shady date palms, life moves at the pace of the desert sun. At its heart stands a stunning 18th-century Jesuit mission, surrounded by a lush plaza lined with palms and laid-back cafés serving locally grown coffee. After whale watching all morning, why not spend an afternoon exploring the many things to do in San Ignacio, Baja? Wander the square and soak in the history. Or, browse small shops selling handmade crafts, regional art, and local treats like date syrup and preserves—ideal souvenirs that support the local community.

Authentic Food of Mexico – Tasty Things to Do in San Ignacio

In San Ignacio, food is more than a meal—it’s a taste of local tradition. Sample everything from freshly grilled fish and handmade tortillas to decadent desserts made with dates harvested from the surrounding palms. Family-run restaurants and small roadside eateries welcome you with warm smiles and hearty portions, giving you an authentic taste of Baja hospitality. In camp, we offer a fusion of Mexican and West Coast North American food. Meals and snacks are cooked fresh every day by our on-site chefs, and there’s plenty of locally sourced seafood to choose from, too.

Kayak or Paddleboard Through the Mangroves

If you’d rather be on the water, slip onto a kayak or paddleboard and glide quietly through the mangrove channels. Keep an eye out for herons stalking the shallows and ospreys circling above. It’s a peaceful, immersive way to connect with the lagoon’s rich ecosystems—and to experience a side of Baja’s wild beauty that many visitors miss.

With Baja Expeditions, kayaking in the mangroves has been transformed into a fully naturalist-led adventure. It’s an activity that brings the mangroves and their wildlife to life in a whole new way. The experience now combines kayaking with a walk along one of the lagoon’s most beautiful beaches, plus a visit to the nearby salt flats.

Hiking & Birdwatching in San Ignacio

For those looking to stretch their legs between whale-watching excursions, the landscapes around San Ignacio Lagoon offer rewarding opportunities to explore on foot. Gentle hikes take you along quiet beaches and desert terrain with spectacular views of the lagoon and ocean. San Ignacio is a key rest point for migratory birds, which makes it a hotspot for birdwatching. See if you can spot nesting ospreys and stalking herons on the ground, plus flocks of gulls in the sky.

Alternatively, take a 45-minute drive along dusty tracks and you’ll find shimmering salt pans surrounded by stunning mountain vistas. It’s one of the top things to do in San Ignacio; it’s like an alien landscape not to be missed.

Wondering how salt flats form? Check out this first-hand travel blog about the ‘Salt Flats of Mexico’.

Discover the Cave Paintings of the Sierra de San Francisco

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, these prehistoric rock paintings are some of the oldest and best-preserved in North America. The cave paintings show human figures and many animal species, illustrating the relationship between humans and their environment. Local guides offer tours (some require hiking or mule rides), with trips ranging from a half-day to immersive 3-day excursions.

Stargazing: What to Do at Night in San Ignacio, Mexico

When the sun dips below the horizon, the desert sky comes alive. With almost no light pollution, millions of stars shine brilliantly against the inky-black night. In addition, the crisp desert air sharpens the view, so constellations and even planets like Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn stand out depending on the season.

Bring a blanket and settle in at camp, or join a guided astronomy talk if available, to learn the constellations and spot planets, meteor showers, and, if your timing is right, a spectacular lunar eclipse.

“As the day fades, the hush of twilight brings another kind of magic—the first stars twinkling above the still waters. The same sky has watched over these whales for millennia, guiding them along their migratory path. And for a moment, standing on the shore, you feel a part of something much bigger than yourself.”

Scarlett (Naturalist) Feb 08, 2025

Quick Tips for Stargazing

• – Take long exposure photos using a stable surface or a tripod (mobiles with night-sky modes work great too).
• – Pack extra layers because Baja desert nights can be surprisingly chilly post-sunset.
• – Bring binoculars or a small telescope to enhance moon details or catch Jupiter’s bands, Saturn’s rings, and bright star clusters with ease. (Note: each tent has a pair of binoculars at our luxurious gray whale watching camps.)
• – Pack a headlamp with a red filter because red light preserves your night vision, helping you see the stars in all their glory

Join A Turtle Conservation Session with EcoTourtugas

San Ignacio Lagoon is best known for its migrating gray whales, but it’s also home to endangered sea turtles. Unfortunately, these ancient mariners face constant threats, including entanglement in fishing gear or even coyote attacks that can strand them on the beach. That’s where EcoTourtugas steps in. This multigenerational fishing family has turned their deep connection to the lagoon into a mission to rescue, rehabilitate, and release turtles—and they invite you to be part of their work. Taking part in a conversation session is one of the most rewarding things to do in San Ignacio, Mexico.

During a half-day visit, you might help monitor and identify turtles and even take part in a release. Learn more about the challenges these creatures face through an engaging talk and reserve tour. Groups are kept small (max. 8 guests) with two sessions daily (7:00–11:00 am or after 4:00 pm). A $40 donation per person goes entirely toward conservation. Pre-booking is highly recommended for this unforgettable, meaningful addition to your San Ignacio Lagoon adventure.

Ready to experience the magic of San Ignacio Lagoon? Whether you’re drawn by incredible gray whale encounters or the rich tapestry of local culture, history, and nature. There’s no shortage of adventures waiting here. Book your whale watching tour with Baja Expeditions today and unlock the full range of experiences.

Related Reading: ‘Whale Watching in Baja California: Up Close with Giants’

Don’t just visit Baja California Sur—immerse yourself in it!

Your unforgettable San Ignacio Lagoon journey starts here…

The post Top Things to Do in San Ignacio, Mexico appeared first on Baja Expeditions.

We’re beyond excited, and hope you are too! To get you in the spirit, here’s a little something about gray whales.

Why Are Gray Whales at San Ignacio Lagoon So Friendly?

Every year, hundreds of gray whales return to their ancestral breeding grounds at San Ignacio Lagoon. For the whales, it’s the perfect place to mate, give birth, and nurse their young. For us, it’s a unique place where “friendly” gray whales actively approach boats and seem curious about people.

But why do these gentle giants behave this way?

The whales haven’t released an official statement just yet… so we don’t have a definite answer. But experts at “Gray Whale Research in Mexico” have some fascinating theories:

1. No fear of humans: Commercial hunting ended here in the late 1870s. With an average lifespan of 50–60 years, today’s whales have never been hunted and have no reason to fear us.
2. A safe, calm environment: San Ignacio Lagoon is protected within the El Vizcaíno Biosphere Reserve. It’s free of orcas, and whale watching is done respectfully and on their terms, creating a safe haven for them.
3. Curiosity about sound: Whales rely on sound to explore their world. The low-frequency hum of panga (local boats) engines resembles their own calls, which may explain why they come closer to investigate.
4. Touch as a form of connection: Calves spend their early months rubbing and rolling around with their mothers. Touch is natural to them, so being gently petted by curious humans might actually feel familiar and comforting.

Not every gray whale shows curiosity, so encountering a “friendly” one is always a special treat. What truly makes San Ignacio unique is the sheer number of whales that gather here. At some places, you might wait all day to catch a glimpse of just one. More than 200 whales were counted in the lagoon last season!

San Ignacio Whale Etiquette 101

By respecting these simple rules, together we can protect the whales and their vital mission — to reproduce and raise the next generation.

1. Choose expert-led trips: Not all operators offer naturalist-guided tours, but we believe it’s essential. Why? Marine biologists understand whale behaviour and can interpret their movements and group dynamics. Their expertise helps ensure encounters remain safe, respectful, and do not interfere with their mating.
2. Giving whales space: Whales approach us on their own terms. There’s never any pressure—whales either swim closer or swim away. In the lagoons, their focus is on mating or nurturing their calves Waiting patiently allows them to behave naturally while giving us the privilege of witnessing their intimate moments.
3. Respect time limits: We schedule up to three whale watching sessions a day during your visit (except your arrival and departure days, which are limited to 1–2 sessions). Each session lasts 90 minutes, with breaks in between, giving the whales the space, rest, and privacy they need.
4. Avoiding no-observation zones: Whale watching is only permitted in a specific area near the ocean entrance. About two-thirds of the lagoon remains a protected sanctuary, completely free from disturbance.

Super Savings

Don’t Miss Out: 25% Off Trip Extensions!

Now’s the perfect time to add even more adventures to your trip. Choose from exciting day trips—like scuba diving, snorkelling with sea lions, or kayaking—to unforgettable multi-day Adventure Beach Camps on Isla Espíritu Santo and more.

Book this week and get a FREE day trip — choose one of the following:

• Snorkel with playful sea lions at Espiritu Santo Island
• Kayaking at Mogote and La Paz Bay

Solo Traveler Special

Traveling on your own? On selected dates, receive a free single occupancy upgrade, no extra charge!

Featured Trips

Spots are limited and the whales are only here for a short time… now is your chance!

Not sure which trip is right for you?

Our concierges are on standby to help you find the perfect adventure. Whether you choose a 4-day gray whale and glamping experience, an activity-packed combo trip sailing in the Sea of Cortez, or want to add blue whale watching to your itinerary, we can help you plan your ideal trip.

The post Our San Ignacio camp opens in just 104 days — but hey, who’s counting? 😛🐋 appeared first on Baja Expeditions.