Frequently Asked Questions

Gray Whales are typically present at San Ignacio Lagoon from mid-January through early April.

Anytime from late January through early April can be excellent. We schedule our guided trips from early February through late March, during the heart of the Gray Whale season.

You are best off to join one of our guided trips that takes advantage of the best dates during the Gray Whale Migration. Anytime from the first week in February till the first week of April is what we call the bulk duration of the migration to San Ignacio Lagoon.

The number of Gray Whales in San Ignacio Lagoon changes throughout the season as whales arrive, give birth and begin their northward migration. Every visit is different, which is part of what makes the experience so special.

That is always the whale's choice. Some Gray Whales voluntarily approach the boats, while others keep their distance. Up close interactions are common in San Ignacio Lagoon.

Many of our guests enjoy a variety of close encounters with the Gray Whales. Some whales come close enough to touch, while others swim alongside the boat, look up at guests or linger nearby. Not every encounter includes touching, but seeing these magnificent whales up close is an unforgettable experience.

The Gray Whales often show a natural curiosity toward the boats and may swim alongside them or come closer for a visit. Our experienced captains know the lagoon and its whales well and provide guests with wonderful close-up encounters while treating the whales with care and respect.

Yes. Whale watching takes place only during designated operating hours and in authorized areas of the lagoon. Other areas remain protected from whale-watching activity, giving the whales space away from the boats.

We provide two whale-watching outings each day, with each outing lasting approximately two hours. Lagoon regulations allow boats to spend up to 90 minutes in the whale observation area. Campo Cortez is ideally located only about a 15-minute boat ride from the observation area, which means less time in transit and more time enjoying the whale-watching experience.

Our Ecolodge is ideally situated only a few minutes ride from the mouth of the lagoon and the designated whale watching area. We have a unique location that allows us a short boat ride to the whale watching area and a break from the wind.

See the "lagoon map" for details.

Two daily outings provide a comfortable and responsible whale-watching schedule while allowing time for lunch, changing weather and wind conditions, and the applicable operating rules. This schedule helps us provide a rewarding experience without rushing the day.

We are locally established, owned and operated. At Campo Cortez you are amongst a family that not only works at the Ecolodge, but also are the owner-operators. That said, all of the camps offer a wonderful atmosphere and you will not be disappointed with any choice of operators at San Ignacio Lagoon.

Our hospitality, local ownership and operation, and permanently based, solar-powered ecolodge set us apart. Campo Cortez offers comfortable beds and fresh linens and is located on a mangrove estuary with whale watching at your doorstep. Kayaking is also available when conditions allow.

We added this question after asking returning guests why they choose to stay with us and what makes us different. The most common answers are: Solar Cabins that offer protection during strong winds. Our location: a short ride to the whale watching area and this is a major factor when the wind comes up in the lagoon. We take pride in offering a clean experience at our Ecolodge…bathrooms with real flushing toilets and showers with running water. The comment that sums it up best "people that aren't campers are comfortable".

Yes. When conditions allow, guests may have an opportunity to kayak in the mangrove estuary and observe its birdlife. We also have a unique tidal flat where our guides may lead tide-pool explorations to look for octopuses and other tidal creatures, including a clam hunt when the tide is right. Activities depend on tides, weather and operating conditions.

Yes, passports are required for travel to Mexico. Please make sure your passport is valid and current before your trip.

Yes, but additional documentation may be required when a minor travels with only one parent or with a guardian. We recommend carrying a consent letter from the absent parent or parents and confirming whether it must be notarized. Please check the current requirements with the appropriate government authorities and your airline before traveling.

There are no minimum age requirements. Most children from ages 7 and up will have a great experience at camp.

Yes, we encourage you to offer this experience to your children. We offer discounts for children and it's an amazing introduction to the marine environment for them.

Yes! We welcome guests of all ages, and there is no age restriction for going out on the boats. We have a few specific requirements for families traveling with infants, so please contact us for details. If you would like additional assistance, we may also be able to arrange a camp nanny with advance notice.

Yes, check with our office for the latest details for discounts.

Yes, you just need to contact our office for details on our agent incentives as well as "operator" discounts - for those operators that book the entire camp or organize their own groups and trips.

Typically on any given trip we have between 12 and 26 guests.

Our camp's normal capacity is setup for 26 guests, however for special events and private groups/organizations, we can handle up to 40 guests.

Our normal boat capacity is 10 guests per boat. Typically we have six to eight guests on each boat.

We recommend a minimum stay of two days at the lagoon. This gives you more time to experience the Gray Whales and provides some flexibility in case weather affects the whale-watching schedule.

Unfortunately no. As dog lovers ourselves, we had allowed pets in camp. However, the park now has restrictions and we can no longer allow pets at the camp.

Cell Service: Yes, we now have a cellular booster antenna at the Ecolodge. In order for your cell phone to work, you should call your carrier to get a Mexico plan during your stay if you plan to use your cell phone

Internet: Yes, we now offer STARLINK at Campo Cortez.

No, all deposits are non-refundable. Please be certain of your travel plans before booking your trip.

Trips cancelled 91 or more days prior to trip departure are fully refundable except for your deposit (groups may have a different cancel policy). Trips cancelled 90 days or less before the departure date are non-refundable. All travelers are highly encouraged to purchase trip cancellation insurance.

We accept checks, ACH payments, credit cards and wire transfers. An additional processing fee applies to credit-card payments.

Our booking platform, WeTravel, offers multi-currency checkout. International guests can select from the supported currencies and payment methods shown during checkout. The available options and any applicable processing fees depend on the currency and payment method selected.

Final payment is due 90 days prior to your trip departure date.

The total shown on your booking page includes your trip fee and the applicable governmental, airport, CBX or biosphere fees for that trip. Prices and fees may vary by departure, but once you book, you will not be charged more if the published price later increases.

Gratuities are not included in your trip fee. Crew gratuities are not mandatory, but they are customary in this part of the world. If you thought the service levels were deserving and the staff went "above and beyond", the crew would be appreciative of a generous gratuity. For your information, gratuities on these trips generally average 8-12% of the trip fee.

We do not expect guests to give gratuities during the trip. Instead, we ask that all gratuities be given at one time at the end of the trip. Your guide will provide an envelope and comment card, and you may leave cash or a check in the envelope. Gratuities are pooled and distributed evenly among the entire staff, including the hardworking team members you may not see regularly.

Yes, you can write a check for a gratuity or pay in US dollars. Checks are held until the end of the season and then cashed after season's end.

That depends on your trip. Guests on our Five-Day Private Air trips generally have less need for pesos because credit cards can be used for food purchases at the airport, and Campo Cortez accepts U.S. dollars. For Big Whale trips that include Loreto and for Self-Arrival trips, we recommend carrying some pesos for meals, activities, smaller purchases and spending money.

Yes. Because our cancellation policy is strictly enforced, we strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance soon after booking. Coverage varies by policy, so please review the terms carefully to make sure the plan is appropriate for your needs.

You may purchase coverage from any provider. We currently work with Faye, and our representative there has generally been helpful to our guests. Please remember that all coverage and claim decisions are made by the insurance provider according to the terms of the policy.

FAYE: Click here to run a quote and to learn more about what the Faye Plans offer. Using this link will connect you with the extra coverage and personal handling we can assist you with when using this provider.

Many visitors travel safely throughout Baja each year, but it is important to understand that Baja California and Baja California Sur are two different states with separate travel-advisory guidance. Most of our trips take place in Baja California Sur, including San Ignacio Lagoon and Loreto, while Tijuana is in the state of Baja California. We recommend reviewing the current guidance for both states before traveling, taking normal travel precautions and avoiding driving after dark.

Yes. For our Private Air trips, we use Cross Border Xpress, commonly called CBX. CBX is a dedicated, secure airport terminal in San Diego connected directly to the Tijuana International Airport by an enclosed pedestrian bridge. Guests cross through the CBX facility and enter the Tijuana airport without traveling through the city of Tijuana.

Imagine turning your clock back 75 years - that's the easiest way to describe Baja. Remote, strikingly beautiful scenery, vast amounts of open range and little development, but the people are what are most unforgettable, down to earth, very friendly, hospitable and helpful best describe the people living in Baja.

You should take the same precautions you would when traveling anywhere else. Keep your valuables with you at all times, don't leave valuables sitting in your car overnight in hotel parking lots and keep your bags in sight when transiting the airports.

Campo Cortez has never had a safety or theft incident since our beginnings. Guests sometimes accidentally leave items such as cellphones, jackets or cameras in their cabins, and we frequently locate the items and help arrange their return.

Locks along with keys are available at anytime. We don't often use them, however you can ask the camp manager for a key to your cabin. There are no safes inside the cabins.

Yes, we offer cabins, restrooms and showers that have wheelchair access.

Yes. Please notify us in advance so we can reserve one of the two cabins designated for CPAP use. These cabins are available on a first-booked basis.

Yes, we assist all of our guests getting into the boats, and when needed we offer transportation to the boats for guests that cannot walk long distance due to an accident, recent operation or any physical challenges. Just let us know on your reservation form any assistance you may require.

Yes, we have seat cushions on all of our boats.

Yes. Campo Cortez uses a central solar-power system that provides a light and USB charging outlets in each cabin. The system is suitable for charging phones, cameras and other small electronics, but it cannot operate high-powered appliances such as hair dryers.

No, although our cabins have power in them, they can only power small electronics and battery chargers. Blow dryers and power tools require far too much power from our solar cabins.

Most cabins do not have bathrooms inside them. Campo Cortez has clean, comfortable flushing toilets in a central bathroom facility, and chamber pots for nighttime liquid use are available for guests who prefer not to walk to the bathrooms after dark. Our two Deluxe Cabins offer private in-room water closets with flushing toilets for nighttime use.

Our restrooms are NOT out-houses. We offer four marine toilets at our bathroom station that are connected to a properly built septic system. Each contains a full-size toilet, electricity, running water and flushing toilets. These are the same toilets you find on ships. Most important is we take great pride in our restrooms and the cleanliness of them.

This is a very common question and one we cover a lot. Not to worry, we have a large selection of chamber pots next to the bathrooms for just these occasions. Take the appropriate chamber pot back to your cabin for nighttime use and in the morning you can take it to the bathroom for disposal. Don't be embarrassed, there will be plenty of others doing the same thing. Chamber pots are strictly for liquid use only.

Yes, the camp offers two shower stalls and changing rooms with on demand hot water shower systems. You’ll get fully pressurized hot water for your shower in a clean and comfortable area. There is a separate space to keep your dry, clean clothing and where you can change your clothes.

Yes, but we ask guests to keep showers reasonably brief and conserve water. Our potable water is brought to Campo Cortez from local aquifers near San Ignacio, making it a precious resource in this desert environment. Wastewater from showers must also drain into the surrounding area, and excessive runoff could introduce too much fresh water into the native vegetation and disrupt the lagoon's fragile ecosystem. Thoughtful water use helps us protect this special place.

Yes, but few you will ever see. There are sometimes scorpions under rocks or in the brush. Take precautions if turning over rocks or branches when walking around the camp.

Our location is home to a wonderful variety of wildlife. Coyotes are sometimes seen on the tidal flats or near camp. As with all wildlife, guests should observe them from a respectful distance and follow staff guidance.

Not really. Mosquitoes are not usually an issue at camp this time of year.

Bird watching at the lagoon is actually incredible. Typically you will see more than 40 species of birds around the camp. There are more, but this an average of what you will see from your doorstep. You will also notice we have a few nesting areas at camp setup for our resident Ospreys. Often you'll see the adults bringing back fish for their young.

Online weather results usually show conditions for the town of San Ignacio, which can be very different from the weather at San Ignacio Lagoon and Campo Cortez. Online forecasts and temperature estimates are not reliable for our remote location. Please use the packing list provided for your trip so you are prepared for the range of conditions you may experience.

Weather varies dramatically in Baja Sur. We'll supply you with a suggested packing list and typical weather patterns in your itinerary. Expect mornings to be chilly and afternoons typically warm and then evenings getting cold again - typical desert weather during the winter in Baja Sur. You should always be prepared for wind at San Ignacio Lagoon and the Pacific coastline here.

December through February: morning and evening temperatures range between 40°F to 60°F while daytime temperatures 60°F to 75°F. March through April: morning and evening temperatures are from 45°F to 65°F while daytime temperatures range 70°F to 80°F.

Yes, you want to be prepared for cold as well as warm conditions and be sure to bring splash resistant clothing when going out on the boats.

At San Ignacio Lagoon, the water is typically cold and there are few suitable places to swim, so we do not recommend planning to swim while staying at Campo Cortez. Guests traveling on a Big Whale Trip may have opportunities to swim in Loreto, although the Sea of Cortez can also be cold during our season. Our hotel in Loreto has a swimming pool for guests who would like to swim

No and yes. It's very rare that we have rain at the lagoon during the winter months. However it does rain occasionally and you need to be prepared just in case.

Yes, our drinking water comes from San Ignacio and the local drinking water company that treats all of our water via reverse osmosis, UV and filtration. Our water is clean and safe to drink.

Yes. Our potable water comes from local aquifers near San Ignacio and is brought to Campo Cortez for cooking, showering and handwashing. It is safe for normal household use, but it is a precious resource in this desert environment. We ask guests to conserve water because wastewater drains into the surrounding area, and excessive runoff could introduce too much fresh water into the native vegetation and disrupt the lagoon's fragile ecosystem.

Yes, we cook vegetarian meals on a daily basis and can accommodate most special diets. You need to inform us by notating on your reservation form any dietary needs or restrictions you have so that we are prepared for your arrival.

Yes, just let us know on your reservation form; and while at camp just let any staff member know your dietary needs so we are prepared for your dietary needs.. Now, if your diet is beyond what we can accommodate with our normal food stocks, please bring what you need and we can either cook it for you.

It's all you can eat at camp. And always expect fresh homemade tortillas, rice and beans with every meal. Our meals are varied throughout the day and usually consist of fruit, oatmeal, coffee and tea available by 6:00 am, followed up by a heavy breakfast; Lunch is typically a light meal and followed up by a happy hour around 5:00pm and then a hearty evening meal. Sodas, beer and wine are always available at no extra charge.

Yes, we always have on hand simple easy meals such as Kraft macaroni and cheese, oatmeal, cereal and a variety of other common simple meals. Let us know what you need and we will accommodate your child's needs.

We serve authentic, and healthy meals at camp. We don't cook with lard or other animal products. We use all vegetable or olive oils - never cheap and hard to digest oils. Expect homemade, healthy and great tasting meals. Most of our meat comes from local ranches and our fish is caught fresh from the lagoon. Our poultry comes from a local ranch in the mountains as do many of our vegetables.

Our Five-Day Private Air Trip begins and ends at the Hilton Garden Inn San Diego Old Town. Discounted parking is available for Baja Ecotours guests.

We use the CBX border crossing in San Diego and cross directly into the Tijuana Airport where our privately chartered aircraft departs for San Ignacio Lagoon and we return to Tijuana and return using the CBX border crossing and then our charter bus returns to our hotel in San Diego.

Cross Border Xpress is a convenient pedestrian bridge connecting the Tijuana airport to a terminal in San Diego, allowing travelers to bypass long border wait times. Enjoy hassle-free travel between Mexico and the US with our secure and reliable service.

In years past we flew from San Diego (pre September 11, 2001). It is now an administrative hurdle to fly a charter aircraft into the USA. It can be done, however it is no longer a time-saving procedure.

Yes. Our flights are operated by certified commercial charter operators, and the aircraft are maintained and inspected in accordance with applicable Mexican aviation requirements.

Yes, the charter operators and pilots employed have numerous years experience flying in Baja. This is a unique area in that it is very remote and our operators fly to islands off shore and land on short dirt runways. They therefore keep their aircraft in excellent condition beyond regulated standards due to the environments they fly in. Some of our pilots have flown for us over 20 years.

Yes. For our Private Air trips, we use Cross Border Xpress, commonly called CBX. CBX is a dedicated, secure airport terminal in San Diego connected directly to the Tijuana International Airport by an enclosed pedestrian bridge. Guests cross through the CBX facility and enter the Tijuana airport without traveling through the city of Tijuana.

We travel by private charter bus from the Hilton Garden Inn San Diego Old Town to the CBX terminal. Our guide accompanies the group to CBX but no longer crosses through CBX or enters the Tijuana airport because of airport rule changes. Once inside the terminal, our private ground crew assists guests with their baggage, travel through the terminal and boarding the charter aircraft.

Your guide will be one of our experienced professional guides who has led Baja Ecotours trips on many occasions. You will receive a guide package with your guide's photograph and contact information approximately ten days before departure. The guide accompanies the group from the hotel to CBX. Once guests enter the CBX facility, our private ground crew provides assistance through the terminal and with boarding the charter aircraft.

The drive from the hotel to CBX is approximately 30-45 minutes. Allow approximately 1 1/2 hours in total to travel from the hotel, cross through CBX, complete immigration requirements and reach the Tijuana airport. Our private ground crew assists guests inside the terminal. Travel and processing times may vary.

The flight is approximately 2 to 2.5 hours from Tijuana to San Ignacio Lagoon and a very scenic flight.

We provide snacks on the bus ride to CBX. Food and water are not provided on the charter flight, but guests may purchase water or additional snacks inside the Tijuana airport terminal before boarding. We recommend eating a hearty breakfast before departure.

Guests on our Five-Day Private Air Trips do not need to obtain a tourist card separately. Requirements differ for other itineraries, so guests should follow the instructions provided for their specific trip.

The biosphere fee is included on your invoice and paid before your arrival, so no additional payment is required at Campo Cortez.

Our Five-Day Private Air Trips generally have 24 to 26 guests.

Big Whale Trips begin in either San Diego or Loreto, depending on the departure you select. Please review the itinerary for your specific trip carefully, as the starting and ending locations, route and transportation arrangements vary by departure.

Loreto is a small coastal city on the Sea of Cortez in Baja California Sur. It is served by commercial flights from the United States and other cities in Mexico. Airline routes and schedules change, so please review our current Loreto flight information before booking your travel.

Yes. All of our Big Whale Trips are guided.

When your itinerary includes a charter flight between Loreto and San Ignacio Lagoon, the flight is approximately 45 minutes. Transportation arrangements vary by departure, so please review your specific itinerary.

The drive from Loreto to Campo Cortez is approximately five hours, plus a lunch break and sightseeing stops when time permits. We leave Loreto in the morning after breakfast and typically arrive at Campo Cortez at approximately 3:00 p.m. Travel times may vary with road and operating conditions.

All Big Whale Trips include hotel accommodations in Loreto, guided activities and whale watching on the Sea of Cortez, transportation between the destinations included in the itinerary, and a stay at Campo Cortez with meals, beverages and Gray Whale watching on San Ignacio Lagoon. The number of nights, direction of travel, transportation arrangements and specific activities vary by departure, so please review the booking page for your selected trip for its complete itinerary, inclusions and separately listed fees.

Our Big Whale Trips accommodate up to 24 guests.

Your Self-Arrival fee includes your furnished cabin at Campo Cortez, meals, sodas, beer and other beverages, and scheduled Gray Whale watching. Our two-day minimum stay includes four whale-watching outings: one on your arrival day, two on your full day at Campo Cortez and one on your departure day. Transportation to and from Campo Cortez is not included.

No, there are no other charges at the camp. There are however t-shirts and other souvenirs for sale at camp.

Self-Arrival stays are offered on designated scheduled dates. Please review our current Self-Arrival schedule or contact our office for available dates before making your travel arrangements.

Most Self-Arrival guests drive to Campo Cortez or fly commercially into Loreto and arrange ground transportation or a rental vehicle. Guests may also fly into La Paz or Los Cabos and include Campo Cortez as part of a longer Baja driving itinerary. Private pilots may fly directly to the lagoon with advance arrangements. Please contact us before making travel plans so we can provide the current directions and arrival information.

You will need a valid passport, vehicle registration and Mexican automobile insurance. U.S. or Canadian automobile insurance alone is not sufficient in Mexico. After crossing into Mexico, you will also need to complete the paperwork for a Forma Migratoria Multiple, or FMM tourist card, and a fee may apply. Requirements and procedures can change, so review the current Mexican entry requirements and the driving information we provide before departure.

Loreto, Baja Sur. Mexico is the closest commercial airport to San Ignacio Lagoon and a great little town to spend time at before or after your trip. Check with us for a list of airlines.

Many visitors drive through Baja safely each year, but Baja California and Baja California Sur are two different states with separate travel-advisory guidance. Review the current guidance for both states, use established border crossings and main highways, remain aware of your surroundings and avoid driving after dark.

Military and security checkpoints are a normal part of driving through Baja, and their number and location may change. Drivers may be asked to stop, answer routine questions or open their vehicle or luggage for inspection. Follow all instructions, remain courteous and keep your travel documents readily available.

No, these are routine checkpoints, but travelers should remain attentive and follow the instructions given by checkpoint personnel. You may be asked to answer questions or open your vehicle or luggage for inspection. Keep your documents accessible and remain with your belongings whenever possible.

Yes, we will be happy to help you with where to stay, how long it takes to drive from one city to the next and an overall plan for your trip.

The drive from Loreto to Campo Cortez at San Ignacio Lagoon is approximately 5 1/2 hours of actual driving time. Allow additional time for fuel, meals, sightseeing and other stops along the way.

The drive from the San Diego-Tijuana border to the town of San Ignacio is approximately 14 hours. We do not recommend driving this route after dark, so most travelers divide the journey over more than one day. Guerrero Negro and the town of San Ignacio are common overnight stopping points, depending on your schedule

This one-of-a-kind journey brings together two of Mexico’s most extraordinary wildlife experiences. We begin in the mountains of central Mexico, where millions of Monarch Butterflies spend the winter in the high-elevation forests. From there, we travel to San Ignacio Lagoon to spend several days with the Gray Whales at Campo Cortez. It is a wonderful combination of wildlife, beautiful landscapes, local culture and great food.

The trip begins in Mexico City, where you will meet your guide and the rest of the group. After visiting the Monarch Butterfly sanctuaries in Michoacán, we return to Mexico City and fly to Tijuana to meet our private charter flight to San Ignacio Lagoon. At the end of the trip, we fly back to Tijuana and cross through CBX into San Diego.

The Monarch Butterfly portion is active and takes place at high elevation. Reaching the sanctuaries involves walking or hiking on mountain trails that can be steep, uneven and dusty. The altitude can also make the walks feel more strenuous. The Gray Whale portion at Campo Cortez is less physically demanding, although guests must be able to board our pangas with assistance. Please contact us before booking if you have questions about whether the trip is a good fit for you.

Horses are often available to help with part of the journey into the butterfly sanctuaries. However, they do not eliminate all walking. Guests still need to walk on uneven ground and complete portions of the trail on foot. Horse availability and trail conditions can vary, so please let us know in advance if you may want this assistance.

This trip includes two very different environments. The Monarch Butterfly sanctuaries are high in the mountains, where mornings and evenings can be cold and the trails may be dusty or damp. San Ignacio Lagoon has cool mornings, warmer afternoons, cold evenings and sometimes windy conditions on the boats. Bring layers, comfortable hiking shoes, sun protection and splash-resistant clothing. We will provide a detailed packing list to help you prepare for both parts of the journey.

The itinerary includes two or three visits to Monarch Butterfly sanctuaries, giving us opportunities to experience the butterflies under different conditions and at different times of day. At San Ignacio Lagoon, we have six scheduled Gray Whale-watching outings during our stay at Campo Cortez. Weather, wildlife and local conditions can always affect the daily schedule, but the trip is designed to give you meaningful time with both migrations.

We stay in comfortable hotels in Mexico City and in the mountains of Michoacán during the Monarch Butterfly portion of the trip. At San Ignacio Lagoon, we spend four nights in furnished cabins at Campo Cortez, our solar-powered ecolodge located directly on the lagoon. The two parts of the journey feel very different, which is part of what makes this trip so special.