Here’s everything you’ll want to pack for a whale watching trip:

Table of Contents:
What clothes should you pack for whale watching?
What shoes should you pack for whale watching?
Toiletries & Personal Care
Electronics & Photography
Other Travel Essentials

What clothes should you pack for whale watching?

Whales live in all of the world’s oceans, from the tropics to the polar seas. No two whale watching tours are the same because of the wide range of climates and species. However, one thing they have in common is exposure to the elements. You’ll want to pack suitable clothes for whale watching and be prepared for everything from sunshine and sea spray to chill winds.

• ✅ Lightweight, moisture-wicking base layers
• ✅ T-shirts and long-sleeved shirts
• ✅ Fleece or insulated mid-layer (sweater or light puffer jacket)
• ✅ Windproof/waterproof outer shell (a good raincoat or boat jacket)
• ✅ Comfortable pants/leggings
• ✅ Shorts (for warmer afternoons or relaxing at camp/lodge)
• ✅ Warm hat/beanie & gloves (optional, but useful on windy boat rides)
• ✅ Sun hat or cap (wide-brimmed recommended)
• ✅ Buff or neck gaiter (for sun and wind protection)
• ✅ Swimsuit (optional—some trips might offer beach time or snorkeling)
• ✅ Sleepwear and campwear (for multi-day excursions)
• ✅ Undergarments and socks (quick-dry options are best)

💡Top Tip: Layering clothing is key—mornings can be chilly, especially on the water, but it warms up during the day. Pack lightweight layers so you can respond to changing temperatures.

What shoes should you pack for whale watching?

Footwear can make or break your experience, especially if your trip includes beach landings or exploring coastal trails between whale watching sessions. Make sure you bring comfortable, good-quality options—closed-toe walking shoes or hiking sandals, a pair of flip-flops for relaxing or shower time, and water-resistant shoes or booties for getting in and out of the boats.

Toiletries & Personal Care

Pack everyday necessities, such as your toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant, and any regular medications. Plus a few whale-watching essentials:

✅ Sunscreen (ideally reef-safe and SPF 30+)
✅ Lip balm with SPF
✅ Moisturizer because long days outdoors can be harsh on your skin
✅ Wet wipes & hand sanitizer
✅ Towel (quick-dry travel towel)
✅ Small first-aid kit with motion-sickness tablets, painkillers, and any personal medications in waterproof pouches.

For whale watching in cold climates, we recommend packing richer moisturizers, a nourishing hand cream, SPF (even on cloudy days), and a nasal saline spray to combat dry, cold air.

On the other hand, for tropical climates, we suggest aloe vera gel for sun exposure, anti-chafe balm, insect repellent, and stronger sweat-resistant SPF products.

💡Good to Know: We provide reef-friendly sunscreen to all Baja Expeditions guests (free of charge).

Electronics & Photography Equipment to Pack for Whale Watching

• ▪️Camera: Nowadays, some smartphones have pretty awesome cameras; however, a good DSLR or mirrorless camera is recommended for wildlife photography
• ▪️Zoom lens: You can experience incredible close-up interaction with the gray whales at San Ignacio Lagoon, but on most whale watching tours, you may be trying to capture images of whales from a distance. If you’ve got a good camera, you’ll also want a good zoom lens. We recommend at least 200mm for whale shots.
• ▪️Extra batteries and memory cards: so you never miss a shot…
• ▪️ Dry bag/ waterproof camera case: Keep rain and salty sea spray off your electronics!
• ▪️ Charging cables: pack the right cables for your devices (phone, laptop, smartwatch, electric toothbrush, etc.)
• ▪️Plug adapters/chargers/ power bank: Discover what travel adapters you need for your destination here → World Plugs)

Other Essentials for your Whale Watching Packing List

It’s easy to get caught up packing cameras and clothing, but don’t forget the other “obvious” things! Here are a few reminders of other travel essentials:

🔹 Check your documents. For international trips, make sure you have your passport and travel with an extra form of ID. Make sure you can access your travel insurance documents online, and suggest you carry a paper copy of them, too. You might also want your trip itinerary on hand, especially if there are set meeting times to follow.

🔹 Carry some cash. Some whale watching locations are remote without access to card machines or ATMs. We recommend bringing some cash, plus small bills for tips and souvenirs.

🔹 Food and water. Check if food and drinks are included in your tour. It could be a good idea to bring a reusable water bottle to help you stay hydrated and be eco-friendly. Bring your own snacks if you’re prone to feeling ‘hangry’ or if you have dietary needs.

🔹 Sunglasses (with strap). Sunglasses are essential on a whale watching tour where the glare of the sun on the water can be blinding. Try polarized glasses for the best visual clarity.

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

Top Tips For Booking Whale Watching Tours in Baja California

Baja’s whale watching season is limited, so booking in advance is a must. Aim to reserve your place at least 3-6 months ahead of the peak season. Some key questions to ask tour operators before booking include group size, safety protocols, cancellation policies, and which amenities are included. At Baja Expeditions, we specialize in creating memorable adventures with a blend of luxury, expertise, and a deep respect for wildlife. Let us help plan your whale watching adventure with Baja Expeditions today!

Have we missed any essentials for a whale watching packing list? We’d love to hear from you with your top tips.

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Baja California Map: The Peninsula’s Unique Geography

Baja California is the second-longest peninsula on Earth! A glance at the map of Baja California shows it stretches 760 miles (1220 km) south from the US border until it tapers off into turquoise waters around Cabo San Lucas. The peninsula is divided into two Mexican states: Baja California to the north, and Baja California Sur to the south.

Baja California Sur is the wild one. Here, visitors are spoiled by dramatic geography and scenic landscapes. Rugged mountains dotted with woodlands open up to desert plains, which melt into its contrasting coastlines. On the Pacific side, waves crash on remote beaches and pool in sheltered lagoons. To the east, the Sea of Cortez boasts calm, nutrient-rich waters that teem with life. Its diversity makes it so remarkable. On a Baja California map, you just see a stretch of land — but in reality, it’s a patchwork of ecosystems.

Diverse Habitats and Wildlife of Baja California Sur

Baja California Sur is a paradise for wildlife lovers. The star attraction is the gray whales, who return every year to birth and nurse their calves. Some of the world’s most important whale sanctuaries and gray whales are the star attraction. Every year, they migrate to give birth and nurse their calves in protected spots, such as San Ignacio Lagoon — one of the world’s most important whale sanctuaries. San Ignacio Lagoon is particularly unique because gray whales often swim close to the boats, seeking interaction with visitors.

Curious about gray whales? Here’s ’10 Fun Facts You Didn’t Know’.

Wildlife Hotspots on the Baja Mexico Map

The gray whales are just the beginning… On a habitat map for Baja Mexico, you’d see how rich and varied the region is:

Wetlands and Mangroves:
Epic Birdwatching

The Baja California Peninsula is a key place on the map for birds following the Pacific Flyway. The region’s wetlands and mangroves provide vital feeding and resting areas for many migratory and resident birds. Herons, egrets, ospreys, gulls, and terns, to name a few.

Trust us, there’s enough to keep even the most experienced birdwatchers entertained!

Remote Pacific Islands:
Dive Socorro

The Socorro Islands lie 400km (250 miles) off the southern tip of Baja California. The islands can only be visited by liveaboard and are so remote they almost fall off the Baja Mexico map. Socorro is a favorite among divers with giant mantas, dolphins, and sharks on almost every dive!

Dive into this wild adventure in our complete guide to ‘Scuba Diving Socorro’.

National Marine Parks:
Explore The Sea of Cortez

The Sea of Cortez is often called “The Aquarium of the World” because of its astonishingly diverse marine ecosystem. Nature can thrive here thanks to the peninsula’s nutrient-rich waters and strict marine park regulations. Many of which are also UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Did you know that 39% of all the world’s marine mammal species can be found here? It’s home to whales, dolphins, and sea lions. Plus, hundreds of fish species, some of which are endemic – meaning they’re totally unique to the area!

Baja California’s Deserts and
Mountainscapes

The desert and mountainous habitats of Baja California are strikingly diverse. These arid landscapes might look stark at first, but they support a surprising range of wildlife. Desert bighorn sheep and mule deer navigate steep rockfaces, and coyotes roam across the plains. In the mountains, pine-oak forests provide refuge for bobcats, pumas, and endemic birds like Xantus’s hummingbird.

Together, these desert and highland ecosystems form a dramatic backbone to the Baja Peninsula Map.

Top Activities to Pin on Your Baja Mexico Map

Any map of Mexico’s Baja Peninsula is dotted with exciting destinations to suit every type of vacation, season, and budget. Here are some of the best adventures to be had in Baja California Sur — whether on land, sea, or lagoon.

San Ignacio Lagoon Map: Best Whale Encounters on Earth

This map of Baja Mexico and North America shows the whales annual migration route. Sure, there are a few places along the way for good whale watching but none truly compare to San Ignacio Lagoon.

What really puts San Ignacio Lagoon on the map is the chance of close-up encounters with its “friendly” gray whales…

Can you imagine a 40-ton whale mother introducing you to her new-born, car-sized baby? Incredible!

There’s also so much to discover beyond whale watching. Here are a few highlights to inspire you — but if you’d like the full scoop, we’ve put together a blog packed with “Top Things to Do in San Ignacio, Mexico”

• – For the nature lovers: kayak through mangroves, go birdwatching, or hike along desert trails.
• – For the cultured ones: explore San Ignacio Town, Mexico, enjoy its shaded plaza, historic mission, and traditional Baja cuisine.
• – For the history buffs: glimpse into Baja’s ancient past, on a guided trip to see prehistoric cave paintings in the Sierra de San Francisco mountains.

The Sea of Cortez Map: Incredible Ocean Safaris & More

The Sea of Cortez — perfect for snorkeling, diving, whale watching, and ocean safari excursions.

Sea lions lounge on rocky islands, pods of dolphins play, humpbacks breach, and the elusive blue whale glides through the water. This is just some of the spectacular wildlife you could see on an ocean safari here. Mark Loreto or La Paz on your travel map as ideal departure points.

(Top tip for families: one of the best ways to explore is by sailing the Sea of Cortez, combining tranquility and family fun!)

Baja California Sur Map: Magdalena Bay Sardine Run

Another place to add to your bucket-list map for Baja California is Magdalena Bay because of its epic annual sardine run. By road, it’s a 5-6 hour drive northbound from Cabo San Lucas to Magdalena Bay, and the journey is worth every moment.

Every fall, the waters off Baja California host one of the largest sardine gatherings on the planet! The enormous bait balls attract incredible marine predators such as marlin, dolphins, and whales.

It’s a thrilling showcase of predator vs. prey and some of the top snorkeling in Mexico.

Why Travel with Baja Expeditions: Experts & Eco-Camps

For over 35 years, Baja Expeditions has been a pioneer in eco-tourism and conservation in Baja California Sur. At San Ignacio Lagoon, our eco-camps provide low-impact stays right on the water, without compromising on luxuries and comfort! Guests can fall asleep to the sound of whale spouts in the distance and wake up to a desert sunrise.

Our local guides and naturalists share not only their knowledge of wildlife but also their deep connection to the land and sea. This upcoming season, there’s going to be more naturalist-guided activities than ever before. With Baja Expeditions, you don’t just see Baja California Sur — you experience it in a meaningful, sustainable way.

Plan Your Next Adventure

From desert peaks to whale-filled lagoons, Baja California Sur is a place where geography, culture, and wildlife come together in spectacular ways. A Baja Mexico Map may show roads and borders, but it can’t capture the stunning scenery or the thrill of close-up wildlife encounters.

Join Baja Expeditions for a journey to San Ignacio Lagoon and beyond, and discover why this remote corner of Mexico is such an extraordinary place!

👉 Contact us to bring the map to life and help plan your next adventure

The post Baja Mexico Map: Discover the Baja California Peninsula 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.

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 the salt flats are formed? 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 EcoTortugas

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 EcoTortugas 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.

Nature is doing its own thing

This year, nature hasn’t followed the usual script, and that just reminds us who’s really in charge…

Gray Whales

• Gray whales gathered off Cabo San Lucas in winter and sent scouts as far north as Loreto. That kind of movement has never been seen before.
• Thirty gray whales spent the summer in Magdalena Bay instead of heading north. It raised concerns at first, but scientists observed them feeding on shrimp and confirmed they appeared healthy. Biopsies, shrimp samples, and even whale poop were collected from almost every individual. Collecting whale poop might just be one of the more unusual tasks in marine research. 🤔

Humpback Whales

Humpbacks were bubble-net feeding off Land’s End. This behavior is more common in British Columbia or Alaska, so witnessing it in Baja was a real surprise.

Whale Sharks

Whale sharks were only seen off La Paz from early December to late January, much shorter than usual. In spring, waters that are often full of them remained quiet. But in Bahía de Los Ángeles, they arrived six weeks late and in large numbers, and according to our Ultimate Whale Shark liveaboard guests, snorkeling with them has been spectacular! Also, In-water opportunities with sperm whales and orcas.

Blue Whales

Blue whale mothers and calves arrived in Loreto as expected, but left after a few weeks and moved 50 miles south. They completely ignored the usual timing of the great whale migration and decided to stick around. Thanks to that, we were able to enjoy sightings from February all the way into July. Not only did our Baja Ultimate Whales guests get to witness the largest animals on earth, but even some guests on our summer Mobula and Orca Expedition liveaboard did too! Blue whales don’t share their travel plans, which makes us extra grateful for our observation plane. Along with our boats, this allows us to cover plenty of ground so every trip captures as much of the experience as possible, wherever the whales choose to be.

Orcas/ Killer Whales

And the orcas? After a stretch of silence, they suddenly returned in full force. The past few weeks have been absolutely wild. Maybe they were just on vacation… Whatever the reason, they are back, and it has been epic! (Watch the video from last week!)

San Ignacio Lagoon Gray Whales

Imagine leaning over the side of a small boat, eye to eye with a 40-ton gray whale — and then heading back to your luxury tent at our thoughtfully designed, eco-friendly campsite.

Unlike most wild animals, gray whales in San Ignacio Lagoon are known for their curiosity. Instead of avoiding boats, they often choose to approach them. Sometimes they glide so close you can reach out and touch them, or even lean in for a kiss! This behavior has been happening for decades, but it still feels like a miracle every single time.

This is a rare chance to come face to face with one of the most majestic animals on Earth, in a setting that feels almost otherworldly. Our camp sits on the edge of the ocean, backed by desert sierras, inside the stunning El Vizcaíno Biosphere Reserve — a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s all the raw beauty of Baja, paired with the comfort of a hotel.

San Ignacio Lagoon is located on the Pacific coast of Baja California Sur, halfway down the Baja Peninsula. It might feel like the edge of the world, but getting there is easier than you think. We take care of every detail, so you can focus on the experience, not the logistics.

What’s new for 2026

• Same extraordinary gray whale experience
• New camp layouts (because we never stop improving)
• More luxury
• More bar tents
• New dining rooms
• Renovations under the watchful eye of our interior designer
• And even more activities…

More nature. More guides. More naturalist-led bird watching and beach walks. More evening presentations.

It’s an evolution of everything we already love, just enhanced. 😉

We’re also updating our afternoon activities. Kayaking in the mangroves has been transformed into a fully naturalist-led adventure, bringing 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.

You can also visit a local turtle sanctuary in a nearby fishing village. Once a place where turtles were hunted, it’s now run by a family dedicated to protecting them as part of one of only two permitted turtle conservation programs in Mexico. This visit offers a meaningful, personal glimpse into local life and conservation efforts — all guided by our expert naturalists.

Want to visit the town of San Ignacio? No problem. It’s a beautiful afternoon trip, just a 40-minute drive from camp. The town was built around an oasis and is a sea of green in the surrounding desert. The old Jesuit mission still stands on the main square, next to a small museum, with cafés and bars dotted around the plaza. It’s a peaceful contrast to the raw nature of the lagoon.

What’s new across Baja Mexico

More animals. More nature. More adventure.

We now offer over 800 scheduled departures across the season. Custom-designed trips are also available, from quick half-day outings to full 12-day adventures.

Trip spotlight:
Whale sharks and gray whales combo

There are only two weeks each year when you can swim with whale sharks and meet gray whales on the same trip. That window is in January.

This trip includes:

• Humpback whale watching in Cabo
• Four nights at a boutique hotel in La Paz
• Two full days of whale shark activities, including visits to Isla Espíritu Santo, swimming with sea lions, and a beach lunch
• A flight to San Ignacio Lagoon and three nights in a luxury glamping camp
• Approximately eight gray whale watching sessions and additional activities
• Expert naturalist guides

The post More animals, more nature, more adventure. Baja just got even better! 🐋 appeared first on Baja Expeditions.

What an incredible experience. We were able to go out whale watching three times per day, and each time we had encounters with whales!  On our first time out, we had a momma whale pop up right in front of us as we were floating in our panga. It was amazing! Later, we saw multiple whales including calves. I couldn’t believe how friendly and curious these calves were.

The momma’s stayed close, as the calves came right up to the pangas for attention. They swam right up to our pangas and would often reach out of the water toward us, similarly to how a dog reaches its head out for scratches! It was unlike anything I had ever seen. Sometimes both momma and baby were right next to us reaching out of the water, as if they were asking to be pet. 

The local guides said that this is typical behaviour, and as the calves get older the mothers encourage them to be friendly! This was clear by their behaviour, as the mommas would nudge their calf toward us and then sit back and watch. We were lucky to also have very friendly mommas who wanted to interact with us too! One poked her head up, level with our panga, and my brother kissed her on the “nose.” She hung around for a while, bouncing between us and another panga.

We also saw whales breaching in the distance, and one time it looked like a momma teaching her calf how to do it! They alternated, each breaching about 3 times. It was incredible to watch.

The camp itself is also excellent. The camps are set up as little villages, and we didn’t have to walk too far to get to the common spaces. There is a dining tent and a bar/entertainment tent, which were fun places to interact and hangout with the other guests. I stayed in the Luxury camp, the tent was great and nothing beats waking up to that view! The food was amazing. Everyone from the chef, the hosts, the guides, to the cleaning staff, and everyone in between, truly made this trip so special. All of the staff and crew were so lovely and welcoming. 

I cannot wait to go back and see the whales!!! Truly the best experience my life. 

– Emily 

The post The whale reached out of the water right next to us! appeared first on Baja Expeditions.

One morning, we spotted a mother lifting her calf gently, helping it reach the surface. The calf’s breathing was still unsteady, its small body learning the rhythm of life above water. It will need to gain strength quickly—soon, it will embark on one of the longest migrations of any mammal on Earth.

In that quiet moment, watching the calf rest against its mother, we are reminded of the fragility of new life. And of why this place, this sanctuary, must remain protected for generations to come.

– Scarlett M, Naturalist/Guide

The post Witnessing a Gray Whale Calf’s Early Moments appeared first on Baja Expeditions.

– Kathleen K

“We had an awesome experience… we got to see a lot of whales and very close interactions – first time to ever touch a whale! All of the staff were great! Everyone was very friendly and knowledgeable. Would recommend this trip to anyone! It was a once in a lifetime experience.”

– Vasant R

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The whales are comfortable and friendly with the pangas. The weather has been superb, nice and warm during the day! 
Hands down a perfect time to do this trip!! Don’t hesitate, the end of March is the perfect time!”

– Julia M

“Our tour guides were very informational and seemed very educated and passionate about the whales, and helped add to the excitement while on the water. The dinner and bar really helped our group of 11 feel like a community. You do need to be patient when on the water, seeing whales is almost guaranteed, but touching and close interactions are special moments not always guaranteed.

We stayed in the luxury tents which are much more comfortable than we were expecting. If you enjoy time on the water and the opportunity to touch and interact with whales in close proximity, then I would strongly recommend the trip.”

– Nick B

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