Whale Watching with Children at San Ignacio Lagoon
Families often ask whether San Ignacio Lagoon is a good place to bring children. We think it is. The Gray Whales come to the lagoon to give birth and raise their calves, and for a child, the trip is an introduction to the marine environment that we encourage families to share.
There is no minimum age for our trips, and there is no age restriction for going out on the boats. Children of all ages enjoy their time at camp, and families with younger children and infants are welcome too, with advance planning. Our Baja whale watching guide covers the trips in general.
How old should children be?
We welcome guests of all ages, and children of all ages enjoy their time at Campo Cortez.
Whether a younger child is ready is the parents’ call. Children join our whale watches when their parents or guardians feel they are ready for the travel, the boat rides, and a remote camp.
Traveling with infants and very young children
Infants are welcome. We have a few specific requirements for families traveling with infants, so contact us before booking and we will go through them with you, along with the itinerary, sleeping arrangements, transportation, and the life-jacket sizes we have available. With advance notice, we may also be able to arrange a camp nanny.
Safety on the boats
On every whale watch, children must:
- be supervised by an adult
- follow the captain’s and guide’s instructions
- wear a properly fitted life jacket during every excursion
The whales decide how close they come. Our captains follow the lagoon’s wildlife-viewing rules, and when a whale approaches, your guide will tell your family what to do. Children should follow those instructions straight away, as the adults do.
The lagoon is sheltered water, and many guests find the boat rides comfortable. Wind can make it choppy at times, and the captain and guide decide whether conditions are suitable for an outing.
What children do between whale watches
Between outings, our guides lead tide pool explorations on the tidal flat, where children can look for octopuses and other tidal creatures, with a clam hunt when the tide is right. Children can also visit the whale bone yard at camp, walk the shoreline, and watch for birds. Guests typically see more than 40 species around camp, and ospreys nest on platforms at Campo Cortez. After dinner, the naturalists give short presentations about the whales.
A few things for parents to know about camp:
- The water at the lagoon is cold, and there are few places suited to swimming, so swimming is not part of the stay at Campo Cortez.
- Scorpions sometimes shelter under rocks or in the brush. Children should take care when turning over rocks or branches.
- Coyotes are sometimes seen on the tidal flats or near camp, and like all wildlife they should be watched from a respectful distance, following staff guidance.
Food for children
Meals at camp are all you can eat, with fresh homemade tortillas, rice, and beans at every meal. We keep simple meals on hand for children, such as macaroni and cheese, oatmeal, and cereal. Tell us what your child needs, and we will accommodate it.
Children’s discounts
We offer discounts for children, and family and group discounts are available too. The details change, so check with our office for the current discounts when you plan your trip.
Travel documents for children
We ask every guest, including children, to travel with a valid passport.
If a child is traveling with only one parent, or with a guardian, extra documents may be needed. Check the current requirements with the appropriate government authorities and your airline well before you travel, and ask us if you have questions about the trip itself.
Choosing a trip as a family
The trips differ mainly in how you reach the lagoon and how long you stay. On the 5-Day Private Air trips, the group crosses from San Diego through the CBX terminal and flies by charter from Tijuana directly to the lagoon. That keeps travel time short. The Big Whale trips combine Campo Cortez with Loreto and the Sea of Cortez, and the hotel in Loreto has a pool. Families who want a trip built around their own dates can ask us about a custom itinerary.
The Great Migrations of Mexico trip is more physically demanding than the others. Reaching the Monarch Butterfly sanctuaries means walking at high elevation on trails that can be steep and uneven, so talk to us before booking it with children.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a minimum age?
No. There is no minimum age for our trips, and no age restriction on the boats.
Do children wear life jackets?
Yes. Every child wears a properly fitted life jacket during every excursion. If you are bringing an infant or a very young child, ask us about the sizes we have.
Can a child travel with just one parent?
Yes, but extra documents may be needed. Check the current requirements with the government authorities and your airline before you travel.
Do you offer child discounts?
Yes. Contact our office for the current family, group, and child discounts.
Planning a family trip
If you are thinking about bringing your children to see the Gray Whales, start with our San Ignacio Lagoon whale watching tours, then call 877-506-0557 or email info@bajaecotours.com. We would be happy to help you choose the trip and dates that suit your family.