7 and 8 Day Big Whale Expeditions
Gray Whales of San Ignacio Lagoon and Marine Wildlife of the Sea of Cortez
Experience two extraordinary sides of Baja California in one guided journey. Our Big Whale Expeditions combine the friendly Gray Whales of San Ignacio Lagoon with sea safaris, island landscapes, and abundant marine wildlife in Loreto Bay National Park.
Depending on your selected departure, you will spend seven or eight days traveling between Campo Cortez Ecolodge and the Sea of Cortez, with multiple whale-watching excursions, comfortable accommodations, naturalist guides, and carefully arranged transportation throughout your journey.
Two Coasts. One Extraordinary Journey.
Few journeys allow you to experience two marine environments as different and remarkable as San Ignacio Lagoon and the Sea of Cortez. At San Ignacio Lagoon, Pacific Gray Whales gather in protected waters where mothers care for their calves before beginning their long migration north. From Campo Cortez, you will venture onto the lagoon in small pangas led by experienced local captains and Baja Ecotours naturalists.
The Gray Whales of San Ignacio Lagoon are known for their curiosity. At times, whales may approach the boats closely or remain nearby for extended periods. Every encounter is different, and all close interactions are initiated by the whales themselves.
In Loreto, the experience opens into the vast waters of the Sea of Cortez. Guided sea safaris explore Loreto Bay National Park in search of Blue Whales, Humpback Whales, Fin Whales, dolphins, sea lions, seabirds, and other marine life.
Wildlife sightings vary with the season, weather, sea conditions, and animal activity. The unpredictability is part of what makes every Sea of Cortez safari unique.
Together, these destinations offer a richer view of Baja California—its whales, islands, desert mountains, coastal communities, and extraordinary biodiversity.
Your Trip at a Glance
- Trip Length: 7 or 8 days
- Destinations: San Ignacio Lagoon and Loreto
- Accommodations: Campo Cortez Ecolodge and ocean-view accommodations in Loreto
- Gray Whale Watches: Four to seven excursions, depending on the departure
- Sea of Cortez Excursions: Two or three excursions, depending on the departure
- Transportation: A combination of private charter flights and scenic ground transportation
- Group Experience: Small, limited departures
- Trip Price: From $4,250 per person
- Deposit: $1000 per person
San Ignacio Lagoon: Life Among the Gray Whales
San Ignacio Lagoon is a protected winter breeding and nursery area for Pacific Gray Whales. Mothers and calves rest in the sheltered waters before beginning their long migration north.
During your stay at Campo Cortez, you will join multiple whale-watching excursions aboard small pangas operated by experienced local captains. A Baja Ecotours naturalist accompanies each outing to help you understand the whales, their behavior, the lagoon, and the surrounding ecosystem.
The Gray Whales of San Ignacio Lagoon are known for their curiosity. At times, they may approach the boats closely or remain nearby for extended periods. Gray Whales are wild animals, so a particular behavior or close encounter can never be guaranteed.
Our captains and guides follow the lagoon’s wildlife-viewing regulations and allow each whale to determine the distance and nature of the interaction.
Between excursions, enjoy freshly prepared meals, naturalist-led activities, shorelinewalks, birdwatching, tide pool exploration, photography, Happy Hour, evening presentations, or quiet time overlooking the lagoon.
Loreto and the Sea of Cortez
Framed by the Sierra de la Giganta mountains, Loreto offers an entirely different view of Baja California. Guests stay near the waterfront and venture into Loreto Bay National Park on guided sea safaris.
Often called the “Aquarium of the World,” the Sea of Cortez supports an extraordinary variety of marine life. Depending on the season and conditions, wildlife sightings may include Blue Whales, Humpback Whales, Fin Whales, dolphins, sea lions, sea turtles, rays, and numerous species of seabirds.
Your itinerary may also include an island excursion, opportunities to photograph Loreto’s dramatic volcanic landscapes, and time to enjoy the town’s historic center and waterfront malecón.
The number and type of Loreto excursions vary by departure. Please review your individual itinerary for the activities included with your selected trip.
What Makes This Journey Extraordinary
- Two of Baja California’s most remarkable marine environments in one journey
- Multiple Gray Whale excursions at San Ignacio Lagoon
- Small-group whale watching in our private pangas
- Experienced local captains who have spent their lives on the lagoon
- Baja Ecotours naturalist guides on every whale watch
- Sea safaris in Loreto Bay National Park
- Opportunities to observe Blue Whales, Humpback Whales, Fin Whales, dolphins, sea lions, seabirds, and other wildlife
- Island scenery, volcanic landscapes, turquoise coves, and desert coastlines
- Waterfront lodging at Campo Cortez Ecolodge
- Comfortable ocean-view accommodations in Loreto
- Carefully coordinated charter flights and ground transportation
- Freshly prepared meals and beverages at Campo Cortez
- Happy Hour with beer, wine, and margaritas
- Naturalist-led activities and evening presentations
Choose Your Big Whale Expedition.
Each Big Whale Expedition combines San Ignacio Lagoon and the Sea of Cortez, but the trip length, travel route, number of excursions, hotel nights, and included activities vary.
Compare the departures below and select More Details to see the complete daily schedule, transportation arrangements, accommodations, meals, current availability, and downloadable brochure for your preferred trip.
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Feb 1 - 7
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Feb 4 - 10
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Feb 7 - 13
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Feb 10 - 17
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Feb 13 - 20
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Mar 16 - 23
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Mar 17 - 25
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Mar 23 - 29
BW1 - 7 Day Big Whale Expedition
February 1 - 7, 2027
Monday - Sunday
$4,200.00 USD
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- Begins and ends in Loreto, Baja Sur, MX.
- 3 nights in Loreto and in San Ignacio Lagoon
- Scenic road trip transportation - round trip
- 4 Gray whale watches
- 1 Sea safari in Loreto
- 1 Sunset cruise in Loreto
BW2 - 7 Day Big Whale Expedition
February 4 - 10, 2027
Thursday - Wednesday
$4,400.00 USD
- Begins and ends in Loreto, Baja Sur, MX.
- 3 nights in Loreto
- 3 nights Campo Cortez
- Scenic road trip transportation - round trip
- 4 Gray whale watches
- 1 Sea safari in Loreto
- 1 Sunset cruise in Loreto
BW3 - 7 Day Big Whale Expedition
February 7 - 13, 2027
Sunday - Saturday
$4,400.00 USD
- Begins and ends in Loreto, Baja Sur, MX.
- 3 nights in Loreto
- 3 nights Campo Cortez
- Scenic road trip transportation - round trip
- 4 Gray whale watches
- 1 Sea safari in Loreto
- 1 Sunset cruise in Loreto
BW4 - 8 Day Big Whale Expedition
February 10 - 17, 2027
Wednesday - Wednesday
$5,500.00 USD
- Begins and ends in Loreto, Baja Sur, MX.
- 3 nights in Loreto and Sea of Cortez
- Scenic road trip transportation - round trip
- 4 nights Campo Cortez Ecolodge
- Private flight - San Ignacio Lagoon to Loreto
- 6 Gray whale watches
- 1 Sea safari in Loreto
- 1 Sunset cruise in Loreto
BW5 - 8 Day Big Whale Expedition
February 13 - 20, 2027
Saturday - Saturday
$5,800.00 USD
- Begins and ends in Loreto, Baja Sur, MX.
- 3 nights in Loreto and Sea of Cortez
- Scenic road trip transportation - round trip
- 4 nights Campo Cortez Ecolodge
- Private flight - San Ignacio Lagoon to Loreto
- 7 Gray whale watches
- 2 Sea safaris in Loreto
- 1 Sunset cruise in Loreto
BW6 - 8 Day Big Whale Expedition
March 16 - 23, 2027
Tuesday -Tuesday
$5,950.00 USD
- Begins in San Diego, CA and ends in Loreto
- 3 nights in Loreto and Sea of Cortez
- Private flight - San Diego to San Ignacio Lagoon
- 4 nights Campo Cortez Ecolodge
- Private flight - San Ignacio Lagoon to Loreto
- 6 Gray whale watches
- 2 Sea safaris in Loreto
- 1 Sunset cruise in Loreto
BW7 - Custom Itineray for Private Group
March 17 - 25, 2027
Wednesday - Thursday
SOLD OUT
BW8 - 7 Day Big Whale Expedition
March 23 - 29, 2027
Tuesday - Monday
$4,200.00 USD
- Begins and ends in Loreto, Baja Sur, MX.
- 3 nights in Loreto and in San Ignacio Lagoon
- Scenic road trip transportation - round trip
- 4 Gray whale watches
- 1 Sea safari in Loreto
- 1 Sunset cruise in Loreto
Sea of Cortez excursions may include whale and marine wildlife safaris, island exploration, and other activities described in the individual trip itinerary. Wildlife sightings vary by season, weather, sea conditions, and animal activity.
An All-Inclusive Experience.
Included During Your Campo Cortez Stay
- Scheduled accommodations at Campo Cortez Ecolodge
- Gray Whale-watching excursions listed for your departure
- Experienced local boat captains
- Baja Ecotours naturalist guides
- All meals during the Campo Cortez portion of the trip
- Soft drinks, beer, wine, and margaritas
- Naturalist-led walks, discussions, and field activities
- Guided tide pool exploration when conditions permit
- Hiking, birdwatching, beachcombing, and stargazing
- Evening presentations
- Pre-departure travel information and packing materials
Included During Your Loreto Stay
- Scheduled ocean-view hotel accommodations
- Daily hotel breakfast
- Sea safaris and island excursions listed for your departure
- Local transportation associated with included activities
- Baja Ecotours guide services
- Included activities shown in your individual itinerary
Included Transporation
Transportation varies by departure and may include:
- Private charter flights
- Cross Border Xpress arrangements
- Group airport and hotel transfers
- Scenic ground transportation between destinations
Please review the individual itinerary for the exact transportation included with your selected departure.
Not Included in Your Trip Fee
Unless specifically listed in your individual itinerary, the following are not included:
- Airfare or other transportation to the published starting point
- Transportation home from the ending point
- Hotel accommodations before or after the included itinerary
- Lunches and dinners while in Loreto
- Premium liquor or specialty cocktails
- Optional activities or trip extensions
- Personal purchases
- Travel insurance
- Staff and guide gratuities
Required Fees Added to Your Invoice
- Vizcaíno Biosphere Reserve entrance fee: $100 per person
- Loreto Bay National Park fee: $40 per person
Airport and CBX fees apply to certain departures:
- BW5: $220 per person
- BW6: $265 per person
Please review the individual itinerary for your selected departure for all applicable fees.
Deposit
- A deposit of $1,000 per person is required to reserve your space.
Single-Occupancy Fee
- A $850 single-occupancy supplement applies to guests reserving private accommodations.
Planning Your Journey.
How do I choose between the departures?
Begin by deciding which dates, trip length, starting point, and ending point work best for you. Each trip also includes a dierent number of Gray Whale watches and Sea of Cortez excursions.
Select View Detailed Itinerary on the departure card for your preferred trip to review its complete day-by-day schedule.
Where does the trip begin and end?
The starting and ending locations vary by departure. Some trips begin or end in Loreto, while others include travel through San Diego, Cross Border Xpress, and Tijuana International Airport.
Please review your selected itinerary carefully before arranging flights or other transportation.
Are Blue Whale sightings guaranteed?
No. Blue Whales and all other marine wildlife are wild animals. Their location and behavior vary according to food availability, weather, water conditions, and other natural factors.
Our experienced captains and guides use their knowledge of the region to provide the best possible wildlife-viewing experience, but no particular species or encounter can be guaranteed.
How many Gray Whale watches are included?
Depending on the departure, the trip includes between four and seven Gray Whale-watching excursions at San Ignacio Lagoon.
The exact number is shown on each departure card and in the individual trip itinerary.
How many Sea of Cortez excursions are included?
Depending on the departure, the trip includes two or three Sea of Cortez sea safaris or related marine excursions.
These may include whale and wildlife safaris, island exploration, and other activities described in the individual itinerary.
What are the accommodations like at Campo Cortez?
Campo Cortez offers comfortable solar-powered cabins with real beds, linens, lighting, storage space, and lagoon views. Bathroom and hot-shower facilities are located nearby.
Can dietary needs be accommodated?
Yes. We can accommodate many dietary preferences and restrictions with advance notice. Please provide complete dietary information when completing your guest forms.
Can I charge electronics at the ecolodge?
The ecolodge operates primarily on solar power. Charging is available for small devices during designated daytime hours. Guests who require power for a CPAP machine should contact us before booking.
Is internet access available?
Campo Cortez has Starlink internet access. Service may occasionally be affected by weather or the remote location.
Is this trip physically demanding?
Guests should be comfortable walking on uneven natural surfaces, boarding small boats with assistance, and navigating steps or docks during portions of the journey.
Some activities can be adjusted according to individual needs. Please contact us before booking if you have mobility or accessibility concerns.
Should I arrive early or stay an additional night?
We generally recommend arriving at the trip’s starting destination at least one day before the scheduled departure.
Because charter flights, road transportation, weather, and border crossings can cause delays, an additional hotel night may also be recommended at the end of certain departures.
Follow the arrival and departure guidance in your individual itinerary before purchasing airfare.
Is travel insurance required?
Travel insurance is not included in the trip fee. We strongly recommend comprehensive coverage that includes trip cancellation, trip interruption, medical expenses, and emergency evacuation.
Your Place at the Lagoon Is Waiting.
Big Whale Expeditions are limited by the capacity of our boats, charter aircraft, hotel accommodations, and Campo Cortez Ecolodge.
Guests who are ready to reserve should be able to book directly from this section without navigating through another itinerary page.
| Tour | Dates | Days | Status | Booking Links | Whale Watches | Trip Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BW1 | Feb 1 – 7 | Mon – Sun | Booking | 7 Day Big Whale Trip BW1 | 4 (SI) + 2 (LO) | $4,250 |
| BW2 | Feb 4 – 10 | Thu – Wed | Booking | 7 Day Big Whale Trip BW2 | 4 (SI) + 2 (LO) | $4,400 |
| BW3 | Feb 7 – 13 | Sun – Sat | Booking | 7 Day Big Whale Trip BW3 | 4 (SI) + 2 (LO) | $4,400 |
| BW4 | Feb 10 – 17 | Wed – Wed | Booking | 8 Day Big Whale Trip - Deluxe BW4 | 6 (SI) + 2 (LO) | $5,550 |
| BW5 | Feb 13 – 20 | Sat – Sat | Booking | 8 Day Big Whale Trip - Deluxe BW5 | 7 (SI) + 3 (LO) | $5,800 |
| BW6 | Mar 16 – 23 | Tue – Tue | Booking | 8 Day Big Whale Trip - Deluxe BW6 | 6 (SI) + 3 (LO) | $5,950 |
| BW7 | Mar 17 – 25 | Wed – Thur | SOLD OUT | Custom Itinerary for Private Group | – | – |
| BW8 | Mar 23 – 29 | Tue – Mon | Booking | 7 Day Big Whale Trip BW8 | 4 (SI) + 2 (LO) | $4,250 |
| (SI) At San Ignacio (LO) At Loreto | ||||||
| Deposit and Additional Fees for 7 and 8 Day Big Whale Trips: | |
|---|---|
| Single Fees: | $850.00 USD |
| Biosphere Fee: | $100.00 USD |
| Loreto Park Fee: | $40.00 USD |
| Airport fees and CBX: | $220.00 USD (BW5) $265.00 USD (BW6) |
| Deposit: | $1000.00 USD per guest |
We are consistently rated the #1 Travelers’ Choice on Tripadvisor year after year for one reason, our Staff and Owners - who are residents and locals to San Ignacio Lagoon. We are four generations of family living and working in the lagoon since the settlement of San Ignacio Lagoon. We take pride in our efforts at our Ecolodge to have a low-impact environmentally and the responsibility that we carry as Ambassadors to the lagoon and its many wildlife residents.