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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