Finback Whale Watching Tours in Baja California | Bajaex https://bajaex.com/tag/a-finback-whales/ Sat, 03 Jan 2026 11:33:20 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://bajaex.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/cropped-BajaEx-Logo-Icon-32x32.png Finback Whale Watching Tours in Baja California | Bajaex https://bajaex.com/tag/a-finback-whales/ 32 32 Luxury Liveaboard Kayaking https://bajaex.com/destinations/luxury-liveaboard-kayaking/ Wed, 19 Oct 2022 12:52:13 +0000 https://bajaex.com/?p=213201 Combine the friendly gray whales of San Ignacio Lagoon, the humpbacks, giant fin whales, the blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus) of Loreto, huge pods of dolphins, whale sharks, and if we are lucky, orcas and sperm whales. You will get an adventure filled trip!

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Mothership Kayaking Adventure (Expedition Yacht)

SEASONS

October – March

2 to 7 nights

TYPES OF ADVENTURES

Mothership Supported Kayaking

PRICING (Pp. dbl occ.)

Pocket Liveaboard & Beach Camp From $1,895

Expedition Yacht From $3,450

Kayaking - Whale Expedition

Mothership Kayaking Adventure in Baja California

Explore the most beautiful islands in the Sea of Cortez including Loreto and Espiritu Santo. Paddling, relaxing and adventuring during the day and then effortlessly travelling and covering miles in the evening or early morning in comfort and luxury aboard our expedition yacht or one of our small ships.

Loreto National Park, Espiritu Santo UNESCO World Heritage Site and much more. Paddle, relax or adventure during the day. And then effortlessly travel between these gorgeous islands.

Video of our kayaking adventures! →

Some of the most spectacular paddling & scenery

Loreto National Park, Isla Espiritu Santo and San Jose del Cabo. Some of the most spectacular paddling, scenery, mountains, deserted white sand beaches and animals in baja are all easily accessible in one week by mothership.

Paddle, swim, snorkel, adventure and hike or just plain relax during the day. We’ll cover the miles with your mothership in the evening or early in the morning.

Perfect for paddlers of all ages, abilities, experience and fitness levels, whether you are a new paddler who isn’t sure you have the fitness or ability to those experienced paddlers who want to clock lots of miles.

Paddleboarding nigth
Kayaking in Baja Mexico

Insider Tips

October and November offer the beautiful warm weather and spectacular cobalt blue water and clear visibility.

The north wind can sometimes blow from December through March, but we know from experience exactly how to work around it. This is when loads of whales come to Mexico on their winter vacation. February and March are especially perfect for spotting blue whales in the Loreto National Park.

April and May have a charm all of their own as the water and weather warms up. Special features are enormous schools of mobula rays, pods of dolphins, whale sharks and fingers crossed on orcas and sperm whales.

Chill in the hot tub

Luxury Liveaboard

Paddle as much or as little as you like in a kayak or on a paddle board or both. All from the comfort of your boutique hotel at sea completed with attentive service, fine dining, hot tub which is especially perfect under a starry Mexican sky, enormous water level back deck, and of course, individually controlled air con, shower and bathroom in each stateroom and suite. We will do the driving so that you can enjoy each spectacular location to the fullest.

Extra activities included with your trip: swimming with whale sharks, snorkelling with sea lions, guided shore hikes, introduction to scuba diving as well as diving opportunities for experienced divers.

Typical Itinerary

Fly into SJD. Cabo. Cab

Day 1

Start with a meet and greet at 2:45 pm at our SeeCreatures activity centre in Cabo San Lucas. Your expedition yacht will be boarding in La Paz, and transfers to and from SeeCreatures Cabo are complimentary. If you prefer, you are very welcome to meet us at Baja Expeditions headquarters in La Paz around 4:45 pm. Our captain and crew will be standing by to welcome you with champagne and big smiles. We’ll be setting sail this afternoon for Isla Espiritu Santo as you settle in onboard.

Day 2

We cater to paddlers of all fitness and experience levels with lovely, patient and very experienced guides plus our high-speed 32 ft RHIB support boat. Whether you’re new to paddling or are your shoulders aren’t what they used to be, no problem, today is an easy start to the trip and you can paddle as much or as little as you like with one of our guides nearby. What you can be sure of is that the scenery will be beautiful and excellent water visibility. 

Are you a highly experienced paddler who would prefer to head off on  full day adventure? We can easily accomodate your comfort level and send you off with a portable marine VHF radio to stay in touch with us as well as a Nautilus marine rescue GPS. We truly cater to paddlers of levels.

Your Seaward kayak is an easily maneuverable and very seaworthy fibreglass boat outfitted with carbon fibre paddles. Since this is mothership-supported kayaking, your boat will be light and fast without any cargo or gear onboard other than sunscreen and a camera. You can plan on meeting up with the mothership whenever you want with lunch, snacks, cocktail hour and dinner onboard as well as hot tub and the beautiful starry Mexican night sky.

Days 3 – 7

Hmmmm. Where will you wake up today!!! We typically get the mothership underway in the late afternoon, with all the kayaks stowed onboard and head off for an easy and comfortable ride to the jumping off point for tomorrows kayaking. Sometimes we will be at anchor by 9 pm, sometimes later. Unlike other kayaking trips, you can be assured of hot showers, hot tub, fine dining, sophisticated bar and a very comfortable sleep with full air conditioning.

Your choice to get up early the next morning for coffee service, a continental breakfast, and your first paddle of the day before main breakfast is served. Or sleep in, relax, and go for a paddle after  breakfast. 

The southern sea of cortez is our cruising ground on this trip. We will be ranging from Espiritu Santo to as far north as the gorgeous Loreto national park, Carmen and Danzante Islands, and heading south again.

Day 8 7

Sadly this is the last day of this part of your adventure with us. We hope you will be joining us again soon. Disembarkating by 8:30 am after a nice breakfast with complimentary transfers back to Baja Expedtions HQ, SJD Los Cabos airport, or Cabo SeeCreatures.

Gallant Lady Sunset Stretched

Operated For Safety

Safety is a very serious business. Mother Ocean can be capricious and unforgiving. We hold ourselves to the highest standards and you should expect and demand no less. In our view, every dive boat should be operated within a certified ISM safety management system, outfitted with sprinklers, emergency smoke hoods for everybody and the same safety, fire, life saving equipment and radios as the largest cruise ships. Captains, mates and engineers should have professional commercial mariner qualifications and all crew should have STCW professional mariner certification. Safety is not something to publish in a brochure. It’s part of our DNA. A cornerstone of our culture. Something that we have been living by for every day of the last 30 years.

> Discover Gallant Lady

Ready for Your Luxury Liveaboard Kayaking Adventure?

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Sea of Cortez Safari: Mobulas, whales and even orcas https://bajaex.com/destinations/mobulas-orcas-sea-of-cortez-expedition/ Wed, 19 Oct 2022 10:10:40 +0000 https://bajaex.com/?p=213200 There is nowhere other than the chilly waters of Norway where orcas routinely interact with humans like this. That’s Baja!!

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Mobulas & Orcas in the Sea of Cortez

SEASONS

April – July

8 Days, 7 Nights

TYPES OF ADVENTURES

Liveaboard

PRICING (Pp. dbl occ.)

From US$4,050

Whole Boat Charter Available

Orcas in the Sea of Cortez

Multiple pods of orcas (killer whales) visit the Sea of Cortez every spring and summer. Unlike almost anywhere else in the world, these magnificent apex predators often choose to interact with us. Orcas are present here year-round, but their numbers become more noticeable from January, with peak activity in July and August, when they are frequently encountered for up to 20 days each month. During the season, our team monitors two key hotspots—or “orca cafés,” as we call them—at Cerralvo Island and up north by Isla San Jose. Of course, orcas don’t just stay in one place and can appear throughout the region.

Special feature during the season: joyful, jumping mobula rays. Enormous schools of mobulas rays are resident from the end of March through early July. Getting in the water with a “fever” of 4 to 5 ft rays is a truly special experience.

Interact with whales and mobula rays

The iconic creature on these adventures is the orca, also known as the killer whale. With a combined experience of over 80 years between Baja Expeditions and Nautilus, we have had the privilege of respectfully interacting with these magnificent creatures, from the chilly waters of Alaska to Roca Partida and Socorro Island further south. The sight of those sleek black dorsal fins slicing through the water when the orcas make an appearance is truly unforgettable. Any interaction is always done in full compliance with the laws of Mexico.

Interaction is always respectful and on the animal’s own terms. You can expect to be in the water with the rays, any whale sharks that swim by, inquisitive dolphins, and interactive orcas, and possibly fin whales.

We provide a range of boats, crews, and experiences that come from being the oldest and original eco-tourism operator in Baja. You can choose from limited-load, ocean-going liveaboard small ships with just 12 guests onboard, our 116-foot expedition yacht, a 55-foot pocket liveaboard, an eco-experience camp on Isla Espiritu Santo, our 45-foot luxury sailing catamaran with 3 private guest staterooms, or our 48 ft fast day boats for ocean safaris, offering a level of luxury far superior to that of any traditional fishing boat (panga).

Sample Itinerary

Typical Itinerary

Fly into SJD. Cabo. Expedition yacht might leave from Cabo or La Paz. Sailing catamaran leaves from La Paz.

Day 1

Our Nautilus owned SeeCreatures is located near the harbour in downtown Cabo San Lucas and is your home away from home. We encourage you to fly in early and allow us to arrange for some local diving. Your trip includes a complimentary photo lesson at 1:00pm. Our photo pros will coach you on how to get that perfect underwater image, help set up, service or repair your camera gear, and assist with camera rentals. You are welcome to drop your bags off and check-in whenever it’s most convenient. We ask that you please check-in at SeeCreatures Cabo by 4:30pm latest for your complimentary coach transfer to La Paz, where our hosties will be waiting on the back deck for you with trays of margaritas and champagne.

This trip is predominantly focused on snorkelling and freediving, however if you would like to dive we have rental gear available at SeeCreatures before boarding, or you can bring your own gear.

Days 2 – 7

Our expert team is dedicated to providing the best possible wildlife experiences. With extensive knowledge of the region, our crew specializes in observing and understanding marine life, ensuring you make the most of your time on the water. They have one goal in mind: to maximize your encounters with the animals.

You might have heard that the best place to see the mobulas is in the triangle between Espiritu Santo, Carpenter Rock on the west side of Cerralvo, and Las Ventanas on Baja. Our expedition yacht and high speed RHIB changes the calculus on this completely. We are seeing animals like never before and will take you to where a mama blue whale and calf might be waiting for you, or humpback whales, whale sharks, cow nose rays, and hundreds of dolphins. Be patient, as it might take ten splashes for the mobulas to allow snorkelers and freedivers into the middle of the pack, but you’ll be rewarded with truly spectacular encounters.

Your day might start with a dive or snorkel with typical RHIB missions heading out at 11am after the local Corumuel wind lies down making it easier to critter spot. Our RHIB, or high-speed skiff, carries 12 guests, so everyone is welcome onboard at the same time.

After a delicious lunch on deck, we’ll head back out on the water in the afternoon. We will keep our support boat running as late as anyone wants up until dusk. You will get plenty of time in the water.

Your ship will always be close by. Take a break whenever you want and relax on the sundeck with a good book or soaking in the hot tub. We also have kayaks and stand-up paddleboards.

In the evening, you’ll have the chance to see the mobula rays in a different light. Literally. There will be the opportunity to go snorkelling at night in a calm, protected bay, where we will suspend lights off the bottom of the boat to attract swarms of mobulas. The mobulas come in to feed on the plankton exposed by the lights, providing a spectacular show against the inky ocean. If you’re a certified diver with your own gear, we can also arrange for you to go night diving.

The highlight of any trip is if we see the black fins of orcas slicing through the water. All interactions are conducted in compliance with the laws and regulations of Mexico. For our diving friends, bring your dive gear, and we will be sure to get you some splashes on local dive sites.

Day 8

Morning breakfast. Disembark at 8:30 am in La Paz and complimentary transfer back to either SeeCreatures Cabo San Lucas or SJD Airport.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will we see orcas on these trips?

Maybe. We hope so. The iconic creature on these adventures is the orca, also known as the killer whale. The sight of those sleek black dorsal fins slicing through the water when the orcas make an appearance is truly unforgettable. With a combined experience of over 80 years between Baja Expeditions and Nautilus, we have had the privilege of respectfully interacting with these magnificent creatures, from the chilly waters of Alaska to Roca Partida and Socorro Island further south. Any interaction is always done in full compliance with the laws of Mexico.

Are orcas guaranteed?

No. We are confident that you will have great encounters with schools of mobula rays, California sea lions, mega pods of bottlenose dolphins, and much more. Along the way, you may also encounter sperm whales, fin whales, pseudorcas, pilot whales, Risso’s dolphins, and the super-acrobatic spinner dolphins. Whale sharks are spotted on almost every trip. When reports of exciting wildlife activity come in, we will make every effort to position ourselves in the best possible location to maximize your experience.

When will we be able to get in the water?

Most snorkelling and freediving will be done either from our 32-foot-high speed aluminum hulled “zodiac style” RHIB or even from the large water level platform at the stern (that’s the back end) of your yacht. You can count on a couple of evening snorkels in a quiet bay with underwater lights and, hopefully, swarming mobulas. But you can spend as much time as you want in the water.

What other wildlife will we see?

We’ll be watching for large pods of dolphins, and of course, you’ll have the opportunity to jump in with them as well. To be frank, you never quite know what amazing animals you might encounter in the Sea of Cortez. Along the way, you may come across sperm whales, fin whales, and whale sharks. Note that the famous whale shark conservation area at Mogote is closed to visitors at this time of year.

What is included in the trip?

Accommodation, all meals (continental breakfast, breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert), non-alcoholic beverages and snacks, daily room service, towels and onboard facilities such as the hot tub and lounge…  and lots of fun!

Exclusions: 5% tax, bar, gift shop, crew gratuities, internet access, $35 port fee.

Gallant Lady - Sunset

What Guests Have to Say About Mobulas & Orcas

We Jumped in the Water with Orcas!

There are few words to describe todays adventure. We jumped in the water with Orcas!! They were curious about us and kept circling back to check us out. Read full review

Kelley, onboard the Nautilus Gallant Lady

Amazing Mobula and Orca Trip on the Nautilus Gallant Lady

My mom and I are just finishing up a week of snorkeling with mobula rays and orcas in the Sea of Cortez, Mexico with the crew of the Gallant Lady and it was absolutely the trip of a lifetime and exceeded all expectations. Read full review

Connie, California onboard the Nautilus Gallant Lady

Did Someone Say Orca?

WHAT A CHANCE OF A LIFETIME THAT WAS. An opportunity came up with some friends to go snorkeling and swim with mobulas and orcas in the open ocean of the Sea of Cortez. Read full review

Stephanie, California onboard the Nautilus Gallant Lady

Underwater with One of the Most Iconic Orca Families of the Population Found in Baja

On the first day of the trip, the first open ocean safari, seven orcas! No words! Read full review

David Serradell, In-house Photographer.
Gallant Lady Sunset Stretched

Operated For Safety

Safety is a very serious business. Mother Ocean can be capricious and unforgiving. We hold ourselves to the highest standards and you should expect and demand no less. In our view, every dive boat should be operated within a certified ISM safety management system, outfitted with sprinklers, emergency smoke hoods for everybody and the same safety, fire, life saving equipment and radios as the largest cruise ships. Captains, mates and engineers should have professional commercial mariner qualifications and all crew should have STCW professional mariner certification. Safety is not something to publish in a brochure. It’s part of our DNA. A cornerstone of our culture. Something that we have been living by for every day of the last 30 years.

> Discover Gallant Lady

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Sailing https://bajaex.com/destinations/sailing/ Wed, 19 Oct 2022 09:29:07 +0000 https://bajaex.com/?p=213202 It’s easy to fall in love with sailing. Especially when you raise the sails and feel them fill with wind as the yacht accelerates and then totally quiet with just the hiss of the water going past. It is equipped with kayaks, paddle boards, snorkelling and scuba gear. It’s your adventure and it's our job to make it happen.

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Mango Wind Boat

Sailing in Baja California
Our Push into Sustainability

SEASONS

Year-Round

TYPES OF ADVENTURES

Liveaboard

PRICING

US$2,250 Per Day

Staterooms 5 – 6 Guests

E-Sailing Baja California

45-ft Sailing Catamaran – Mango Wind

It’s easy to fall in love with sailing. Especially when you raise the sails and feel them fill with wind as the yacht accelerates and then totally quiet with just the hiss of the water going past.

It is equipped with kayaks, paddle boards, snorkelling and scuba gear. It’s your adventure and it’s our job to make it happen.

Time to go sailing!!

Dinner - Mango Boat

Push Into Sustainability

Our 45-ft sailing catamaran represents our push into sustainability with the amenities of a yacht. Captain. Chef and fine dining. Naturalist/guide/dive guide who is equally happy to introduce you to scuba diving, take everyone paddling or go for an interpretive hike in the desert.

Because it’s a catamaran, your yacht is very wide which makes it much more spacious than a monohull and very stable.

Ready to go sailing?

Gallant Lady Sunset Stretched

Interested in Chartering a Bigger Boat?

Our 116-ft expedition yacht Gallant Lady accommodates up to 12 guests in 6 suites.
$7,850 + tax per night.

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Baja Ultimate Whales https://bajaex.com/destinations/baja-ultimate-whales/ Tue, 13 Sep 2022 20:36:33 +0000 https://bajaex.com/?p=213079 Combine the friendly gray whales of San Ignacio Lagoon, the humpbacks, giant fin whales, the blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus) of Loreto, huge pods of dolphins, whale sharks, and if we are lucky, orcas and sperm whales. You will get an adventure filled trip!

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Whale Watching Tours

Baja Ultimate Whales

SEASONS

January – April

8 Days, 7 Nights

TYPES OF ADVENTURES

Liveaboard & Luxury Camp

PRICING (Pp. dbl occ)

Gallant Lady Suite & Luxury Camp: US$5,095

Loreto - best place to see Blue Whales

Baja Ultimate Whales

The great whales come home to Baja every winter, giving us a plethora of experiences and adventures. Our ultimate whale trips combine swimming with whale sharks, snorkelling with sea lions, and spending 3 nights on your own 116-ft expedition yacht, immersed in the beauty of the Sea of Cortez and its abundant wildlife, including blue whales, humpback whale mommas and babies, fin whales, and pods of dolphins. The adventure continues with a private sightseeing flight across Baja to our luxury camp at San Ignacio Lagoon with the most extraordinary whale interaction on the planet. This is an unforgettable 8 day / 7 night adventure and a tremendous value.

Your expedition begins in Cabo San Lucas with humpback whale watching, followed by a transfer to a boutique hotel in La Paz. The next morning includes swimming with whale sharks (weather permitting), a beach lunch at UNESCO Isla Espíritu Santo, and swimming with sea lions. Then, board our 116-ft expedition yacht for cocktail hour and dinner as we sail north toward Loreto, taking in the stunning landscapes and vibrant marine life of the national park.

The adventure continues as you return to La Paz for a private 1-hour, 40-minute flight to San Ignacio Lagoon, where you’ll experience the most extraordinary whale interactions on the planet over 4 days and 3 nights. Conclude your journey with a private flight back to the SJD executive terminal in Los Cabos.

Humpback Breaching

Your 116-ft Expedition Yacht

Enjoy 3 nights aboard our Nautilus Gallant Lady, complete with our 32-ft high-speed rigid hull inflatable. We will be steaming north to the Loreto National Park, taking in the breathtaking marine environment, where blue whale mommas with their new calves, humpback mommas, huge pods of dolphins, giant fin whales, and, with fingers tightly crossed, orcas, pilot whales, and sperm whales may be along the way. You will also have the option to enjoy shore hikes guided by our naturalist, go kayaking, take beach walks, and sunset drinks ashore on beautiful islands.

Gallant Lady Sunset Stretched

Glamping & Luxury Camping with Gray Whales

The most extraordinary thing happens when gray whales return to the birthing lagoons of Baja every winter. They reach out to us for interaction, to be stroked and pet, to get scratched between their pectoral fins, and to drench us with whale halitosis! It’s one of the most spectacular experiences on the planet, and it’s entirely on the whales’ terms. While we have learned that they like to be touched, the question is whether it’s ok to do so? Click here for more about this.

While the gray whale encounters are the main reason to visit San Ignacio, we make no apologies for the comfort and style of our seasonal pop-up camp. Spacious tents with 24-hour power, private bathrooms with hot and cold running water, and your choice of a king or double bed with fine linens ensure a restful stay. Add in fine dining and a well-stocked bar, and you’ll find there’s plenty to enjoy beyond the whales. Perhaps best of all is gathering around the campfire, soaking up the beauty of a starry Mexican night sky.

Find out more! →

Itinerary Overview

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

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

Day 1 – Whale Watching and Central La Paz!

Humpback whale watching adventure in Cabo accompanied by your own personal naturalist who will guide you throughout your entire trip. Afternoon transfer to a boutique hotel on a quiet beach in La Paz.

Days 2-4 – Whales Whales Whales

Let’s go and have some fun, heading out to UNESCO Isla Espíritu Santo to snorkel with sea lions, explore, and a beach lunch. Late afternoon transfer to our 116 ft expedition yacht to head north towards Loreto National Park to search out blue and humpback momma and baby whales, dolphins, and fin back whales. Supported by our observation airplane. There should be time for kayaking, nature walks, and on one special evening, cocktails on the beach while watching a sunset.

Day 5 – San Ignacio!

Morning flight to San Ignacio for the most extraordinary whale interaction on the planet.

Our staff will be waiting to meet you at the airstrip with welcoming smiles, glasses of champagne, and hot apple cider, followed by a 5 minute ride to camp. Once there, enjoy brunch, a welcome briefing, and a naturalist introduction to the whales and what you might see and experience this afternoon. We recommend heading out for two afternoon whale-watching encounters, but of course, it’s always your option to stay and relax at camp or try some of our other activities. In the evening, enjoy cocktail hour and watch the sunset around one of our fire pits, followed by dinner and a presentation by one of our naturalists.

Days 6-7 – San Ignacio Lagoon Gray Whales

All operators in the lagoon work together to maximize guest experience while ensuring no negative impact on the whales. For this reason, all whale encounters are in a small defined area of the lagoon with pangas taking turns entering the restricted area for a maximum of 90 minutes. The timing is worked out between the operators which means that we abide by scheduled departure times. For this reason, unfortunately, we are not able to send pangas out “on demand”. The departure times are defined.

Option 1:
7 am breakfast after watching the sunrise over the sierras and then head out at 7:45 am for several whale watching encounters.

Option 2:
Sleep in and relax. Breakfast when you are ready. With a fixed departure time of 9:45 am, if you want to join the second whale watching session of the day. The second round is around 10 to 10:30 am, depending on the availability in the area for whale watching, and then back to camp for lunch.

After lunch, enjoy another whale-watching encounter. Or, as long as the weather cooperates, enjoy kayaking or paddleboarding in the mangroves on the other side of the lagoon, or go mountain biking. Visit a local village to experience and learn about their turtle conservation efforts. Take a leisurely walk, hike, or bird watching with one of our naturalists. Or just kick back, and relax at camp. In the evening, enjoy cocktail hour and vibrant sunsets, make new friends around a fire pit, or over a game of billiards, or an evening presentation by a naturalist. All fine ways to finish off your day in camp.

Day 8 – Return to Cabo

Breakfast at 7 am. One more whale watching encounter (always weather dependent), and then the beautiful flight back to SJD Los Cabos, arriving by 1:30 pm. If you are flying home that day, we recommend booking a return flight after 3:30 pm. Otherwise, transfer back to SeeCreatures Cabo for more adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions

What am I going to see?

You can expect blue whales, humpbacks, 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 April.

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

Enormous thought has gone into every detail, from fire pits to a wide selection of wine, craft beer, single malt scotches, and fine dining. We even have a bar, lounge tent, and Wi-Fi access throughout the camp.

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

What’s included in the trip?

Transportation includes flights from La Paz to the lagoon and from the Lagoon to SJD. Accommodation, activities, meals, snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages plus unlimited whale watching sessions (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.

Gallant Lady - Sunset

Operated For Safety

Safety is a very serious business. Mother Ocean can be capricious and unforgiving. We hold ourselves to the highest standards and you should expect and demand no less. In our view, every dive boat should be operated within a certified ISM safety management system, outfitted with sprinklers, emergency smoke hoods for everybody and the same safety, fire, life saving equipment and radios as the largest cruise ships. Captains, mates and engineers should have professional commercial mariner qualifications and all crew should have STCW professional mariner certification. Safety is not something to publish in a brochure. It’s part of our DNA. A cornerstone of our culture. Something that we have been living by for every day of the last 30 years.

> Discover Gallant Lady

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Loreto – Blue Whales https://bajaex.com/destinations/loreto-blue-whales/ Thu, 14 Jul 2022 21:18:17 +0000 https://bajaex.com/?p=212886 Enjoy unique whale watching and exploration opportunities from Loreto south through the Mechudo Corridor towards La Paz. Blue and fin whales are not just around Loreto but all the way south to Bahía de La Paz.

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Loreto - best place to see Blue Whales

Loreto
Blue Whales

SEASONS

January – March

TYPES OF ADVENTURES

Liveaboard, Private Charter

PRICING

Contact Us

Destination Overview

Whale Watching Tours

The entire Mechudo Corridor is alive with whales including blue, fin, humpback and dolphins and if we are lucky, orcas or sperm.

Enjoy unique whale watching and exploration opportunities from Loreto south through the Mechudo Corridor towards La Paz. Blue and fin whales are not just around Loreto but all the way south to Bahía de La Paz. Plus mangrove exploration, snorkelling and watching sea lions at Los Islotes, Espirito Santo Island UNESCO world heritage site, beach walks, hikes, kayaking and, weather permitting, snorkelling with whale sharks.

Spotter Plane - Baja

About the Whales

Blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus) are the largest animals to have ever lived on our planet. Including dinosaurs. Fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) are almost as big. Blues are loners, extremely endangered and spend most of their time in open ocean hunting for food where they consume 5 to 8 tons every day. Their tongue weighs as much as an elephant! Every winter they gather south of Loreto in the Mechudo Corridor to mate and calve which gives an extraordinary whale watching opportunity whether it’s from our kayaks, sailboat, 55-ft Westerly or 116-ft expedition yacht.

Watch Video

Baja Ultimate Whales

Loreto Blue Whale

Try our Baja Ultimate Whale Adventure!

Start in San José del Cabo. Afternoon Humpback whale watching out of San José. Transfer from boat directly to La Paz. Dinner and overnight stay at Marea hotel.

Morning activities, snorkelling with sea lions and whale sharks in La Paz. Afternoon sailing north towards Loreto.

Two full days out at sea. Looking out for blue and finback whales. Visiting Espiritu Santo, Loreto, Isla San Jose and the Mechudo Corridor. You will have a chance for snorkelling, kayaking, paddleboarding, cocktails on the beach, airplane support and more! Finishing back at La Paz.

Air transfer from La Paz to San Ignacio Lagoon camp site. Out on the water in the afternoon for two whale watching sessions.

Two days at camp with amazing gray whale encounters. Finially, one last morning whale watch and then flight back to SJD.

This is an awesome trip. Whale watching does not get any better than this!

Get Inspired!

Get Inspired

Watch our inspirational videos

Whale Watching Packing List

Read Blog

Whale Songs: The Secret Language of Whales

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Best Place to See Blue Whales: The Baja Blues

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Book Your Adventure!

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Sea of Cortez https://bajaex.com/destinations/sea-of-cortez/ Tue, 05 Jul 2022 07:54:12 +0000 https://bajaex.com/?p=212554 The Sea of Cortez is Vibrant with Life The Sea of Cortez is loaded with life from huge pods of inquisitive dolphins, sharks, giant whale sharks, friendly sea lions, mobula rays, cow nose rays, sperm whales, swirling tornadoes of fish and sometimes even Manta Rays. Whales of all descriptions visit over the winter...

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Sea of Cortez - Scuba Diving

Immerse Yourself in the Sea of Cortez

SEASONS

January – July: Peak Animals
Mid-July – November: Peak Diving
September – March: Most Popular

TYPES OF ADVENTURES

Liveaboard, Yacht Charters, Ocean Safaris
Base Camp, Day Trips

PRICING

Day Trips Start at US$140
Ocean Safaris US$295 pp.
5 Nights / 6 Days From US$2195 (US$3195)

Destination Overview

Sea of Cortez - Baja

Your Summer Get-Away Begins Here
Dive the World’s Aquarium

The Sea of Cortez is a diver’s paradise. With it’s unique ecosystem and the overall natural beauty, have earned a UNESCO World Heritage Site status. We have been diving here for almost 5 decades and every time it has been exciting! Come see firsthand why this sea is called the “Aquarium of the World” and all of it’s natural wonders.

Meet the playful sea lions of Los Islotes, surround yourself in a tornado of big eye jacks and schools of skipjacks. Lets not forget the huge pods of dolphins, turtles, mobulas, sperm whales, the hammerhead sharks around El Bajo & Los Animas and whales of all types of descriptions. And if you’re lucky, giant mantas swimming around La Reina, orcas and shipwrecks.

See what a recent guest had to say about the Sea of Cortez! →

Map of the Sea of Cortez
Sea of Cortez - Scuba Diving

The Sea of Cortez is Vibrant with Life

The Sea of Cortez is loaded with life from huge pods of inquisitive dolphins, sharks, giant whale sharks, friendly sea lions, mobula rays, cow nose rays, sperm whales, swirling tornadoes of fish and sometimes even Manta Rays. Whales of all descriptions visit over the winter and into spring. Huge squadrons of mobula rays numbering upwards of 100,000 aggregate every spring, orcas have been frequent visitors over the last several years. Also, hammerhead sharks migrate into the Sea in May and stay until early winter.  

Mobula Rays in the Sea of Cortez
Watch Video
Sea of Cortez Flight Map

Easy Non-Stop Flights to Cabo San Lucas

We are closer than you think. Over 30 major airports around the world have direct non-stop flights to Cabo San Lucas (SJD). With seamless La Paz transfers included on all multi-day adventures. It’s never been so easy to get to the Sea of Cortez and Baja!

Nautilus Scout

Spotter Plane - Baja California

Nautilus Scout – Spotter Airplane

Crewed by our own pilot and naturalist, Nautilus Scout will be up in the air 5 to 6 days a week, often on 2 missions a day, to maximize our guests experience and guide them towards the most interesting marine life including some really BIG animals. Blue whales, giant pregnant whale sharks, orcas and huge schools of mobula rays being our speciality.

Mobulas & Orcas Adventure

Mobulas & Orcas Ocean Adventures

Mobulas & Orcas Ocean Adventures

We have you covered with mobulas & orcas. Whether you want to get an early start on an Ocean Safari, or join a liveaboard trip on our 116-ft expedition yacht or try something really exceptional and enjoy a luxury sailing yacht charter with family or small group of friends. We know exactly how to get you onto the schooling mobulas and much more.

Calendar icon

April – August

Price icon

Ocean Safari – US$295 pp.
Yacht Charters – US$2250 / 24 hrs
Liveaboard – from US$1895 pp.

Orcas - Baja California

Will We Be in the Water With Orcas?

Maybe. Where there are mobulas, there are often orcas. We have our own spotter airplane, Nautilus Scout, with a pilot and a naturalist onboard up in the air 5 to 6 days a week in-season surveying, spotting and observing mobulas, whales and all the other Sea of Cortez critters. The crew is in constant radio contact with our boats.

We will know where the orcas are if they are in the area. Our week-long liveaboard boats have a 50% success rate getting divers in the water interacting with orcas. On our day boat trips out of La Paz, we will run fast and far for orca encounters IF they are in the local area (50 km radius).

Watch Video

Sea of Cortez Peak Season

Sea of Cortez: Sea Lion and Diver
Sea of Cortez - Sea lion-Diver

Sea of Cortez – Peak Dive Season

Imagine beautiful warm water and calm seas teaming with life. Loads of California sea lions playing with you. Whale sharks. A tornado of big eye jacks swirling around you. Schools of skipjacks, mobulas, cow nose rays and turtles. Hammerhead and other sharks. Fish big and small all the way down to delightful seahorses. Night diving on shipwrecks. And even giant mantas if we are lucky. Beach walks. Water temp rising to high 80’s by September and visibility as gin clear as your bathtub. This is Sea of Cortez in peak diving season from mid-July to end of November.

Ask about our super pangas, 48-ft high speed day boats, 45-ft luxury sailing catamaran, 55-ft pocket liveaboard, base camp Espiritu Santo, multi-day shore based and 116-ft expedition yacht.

Price icon

Two tanks: Starting US$140 pp.
Ocean Safaris – US$295 pp.
Liveaboard – from US$1895 pp.

Liveaboards

From US$1895

Sea of Cortez Tours - Happy People

Immerse in an adventure in the Sea of Cortez and Baja. Soak up the sun and feel the stress of everyday life melt away. Experience the culture and warmth of the people of Baja. Make new friends. Push yourself as hard as you want with activities that you already love or try something new. Or just relax on a secluded beach with a cold drink and a good book.

Divers are perfectly looked after with an average of 4 dives a day. Not a diver? Take a complimentary discover scuba season with us or actually get certified onboard!

We cater to both brand new kayakers who aren’t sure they can actually do this to super experienced paddlers who want the ultimate in luxury mothership. Paddle boarding. Go for a beach walk. Or hike into the desert with one of our naturalists. Snorkelling with friendly sea lions and mobula rays.

Kayaking in the Sea of Cortez

Our very own Nautilus Scout spotter airplane will be on patrol to direct us to any orcas, finback whales, whale sharks, and dolphins nearby.

Ocean Safaris

From US$295 or 2 Tanks: Starting US$140

The Sea of Cortez - Day Trip

Find your adventure

Dive your own way!

Sea of Cortez: Diver near Tornado Fish

Dive Your Own Way

We cater to the entire spectrum of diving experience and fitness. Our super experienced divemasters are there for those who are new to diving. Experienced divers are welcome to explore most of our dive sites at their own pace with or without a divemaster. We are there to guide and critter point for whoever wants it. Note that in national parks, divers are required to stay with our divemasters.

Special Offers

Sea of Cortez Special Offers • July – August 2022*

(For Guadalupe affected Guests only)

Cabo Pulmo – $50 add-on

Scuba diving - shark

Add-on an extra day visiting, diving or snorkelling Cabo Pulmo.
Regular value: $225

*Specials available on all multi-day adventures, for Guadalupe affected Guests only

Mobulas & Orcas

Sea of Cortex Tours - Orcas
  • Aerial support with the Nautilus Scout and flying naturalist available every day at no charge. (Regular $375 per hour)
  • $50 pp. / night ocean front all-inclusive 4* hotel in Los Cabos add-on multi-day trips

*Specials available on all multi-day adventures, for Guadalupe affected Guests only

Operated For Safety

Operated For Safety

Safety is a very serious business. Mother Ocean can be capricious and unforgiving. We hold ourselves to the highest standards and you should expect and demand no less. In our view, every dive boat should be operated within a certified ISM safety management system, outfitted with sprinklers, emergency smoke hoods for everybody and the same safety, fire, life saving equipment and radios as the largest cruise ships. Captains, mates and engineers should have professional commercial mariner qualifications and all crew should have STCW professional mariner certification. Safety is not something to publish in a brochure. It’s part of our DNA. A cornerstone of our culture. Something that we have been living by for every day of the last 30 years.

> Discover Gallant Lady

Get Inspired!

Spotter Plane Baja

Get Inspired

Watch our inspirational videos

Whale Watching Packing List

Read Blog

Whale Songs: The Secret Language of Whales

Read Blog

Best Place to See Blue Whales: The Baja Blues

Read Blog

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