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
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.
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.
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.
