8 Day Blue Whale and Gray Whale Trip
Up Close Whale Watching in Baja, Mexico
Experience Unforgettable Gray Whale Watching in San Ignacio Lagoon, Baja, Mexico.
Embark on a remarkable adventure with our 8-day Big Whale Trip, offering an unparalleled whale watching experience in the breathtaking landscapes of Baja, Mexico. Our journey takes you to two extraordinary destinations: the charming town of Loreto on the Sea of Cortez and the renowned Gray Whale Sanctuary at San Ignacio Lagoon along the Pacific coastline.
During this immersive 8-day expedition, you'll enjoy the luxury of a seaside resort hotel on the Sea of Cortez, where we spend three nights and two full days observing majestic whales and exploring the local islands. Loreto boasts an abundance of marine mammal and bird wildlife, including Blue Whales, Humpbacks, Sperm Whales, Orcas, and playful dolphins, among others. The Sea of Cortez is globally recognized as one of the most biodiverse marine habitats, making it an ideal destination for an extraordinary whale watching encounter.
We next venture to the Pacific coastline, home to the legendary San Ignacio Lagoon and its winter breeding grounds for Pacific Gray Whales. Nestled in our private Ecolodge "Campo Cortez," we immerse ourselves in four days and nights of unforgettable encounters with the famous "friendly Gray Whales of San Ignacio Lagoon." These gentle giants approach our boats, inviting us to scratch, pet, and even sing to them and their adorable newborn calves. San Ignacio Lagoon is the exclusive site where this extraordinary interaction has become a regular phenomenon.
Join us on this unique journey to witness the wonders of whale watching in San Ignacio Lagoon and Loreto, Baja, Mexico. Book your adventure today and create memories that will last a lifetime.
During your expedition you will stay in Loreto, at a waterfront deluxe hotel and our private Ecolodge “Campo Cortez” at San Ignacio Lagoon. The trips are designed with three variations and all include three nights in Loreto and four days and nights at San Ignacio Lagoon. While at Campo Cortez you’ll experience the first-class personal service of Maldo and his family and our devoted guides as they host three full days with daily boat trips to view and interact with the Gray Whales.
During your stay in Loreto, you will get settled in at the waterfront luxurious hotel and you’ll enjoy free evenings to explore Loreto’s many delicious restaurants on your own or you can join the group for dinner. Both full days in Loreto start early with a breakfast buffet at the hotel and then a short walk across the street to load into our boats for the tour of Loreto National Marine Park. We will search for Humpbacks, Blue whales and other wildlife including Blue Footed Boobies, Sea Lions, and Dolphins. A stop on Coronado Island is a highlight, you’ll see turquoise water and dramatic lava flows. You will enjoy time to browse for shells, swim, or hike along the island. Our daily trips last from four to five hours based on weather. Upon our return to land, the rest of the day is your free time to enjoy the hotel pool, jacuzzi, go sightseeing, kayak, walk, or simply go shopping.
LUXURY WATERFRONT HOTEL OVERLOOKING THE SEA OF CORTEZ
Welcome to Loreto, Baja, Mexico. Loreto is truly a paradise on the Sea of Cortez and also another incredible location to see marine wildlife. Loreto is known as the winter home to the Blue Whales located on the west coast of the United States. While staying in Loreto, we will be at the La Misión Hotel on the main boardwalk. The hotel offers views of the Sea of Cortez and is only a few feet from the waterfront. Everything is within walking distance from the hotel. Great restaurants, a 17th Century Mission in the Town Square, and the marina is a short five minute walk from our doorstep! Many of our guests usually add a few days on the front and back end of their trips here in Loreto and we highly recommend this and a variety of other hotels.
Hotel La Misión de Loreto
Hotel La Misión de Loreto
Hotel La Misión de Loreto
Hotel La Misión de Loreto
Hotel La Misión de Loreto
CAMPO CORTEZ ECOLODGE AT SAN IGNACIO LAGOON
Campo Cortez is a one of a kind off the grid solar ecolodge with 16 solar electric cabins located at the water's edge with spectacular views of San Ignacio Lagoon. Every morning you’ll wake up to a view of one of the largest mangrove estuaries in the area with a variety of nesting birds and beaches littered with ancient whale bones and shells. The lagoon is at your doorstep and along with an abundance of wildlife.
Our beachside cabins come equipped with electricity, comfortable beds and are well protected from the strong winds and the harsh elements of the Baja peninsula. All our cabins are supplied with fresh linens, pillows and shelving along with countertop space, a small desk and mirrors. They are cozy, efficient and leave a small footprint on the land while keeping with local Biosphere regulations. We think you’ll enjoy our new, luxurious beds along with organic cotton sheets, duvets and annually updated linens.
Cozy, colorful cabins!
A desk in every room!
Campo Cortez at San Ignacio Lagoon
Cabin for two!
Comfy double and single bed cabin
Luxurious linens in every cabin
Campo Cortez palapa and cabins
Two beds with a beach view
Hand washing station
Hand washing station
Spacious Tent
Special Accommodations:
If you have any special needs, let us know and we will do everything we can to make your stay comfortable. If you use a CPAP machine, we have two cabins that provide power throughout the night to CPAP devices. Additionally we have one cabin with wheelchair access.
THE ECOLODGE AT LAGUNA SAN IGNACIO
Seemingly perched on the edge of civilization, Campo Cortez Ecolodge offers modern amenities that are clean, comfortable, and low impact on the environment. Campo Cortez is a completely off the grid solar and wind powered community with over 25 years at San Ignacio Lagoon. Constructed from local materials and by traditional building methods, our palapa is the gathering point for all our daily activities and meals. Powered by a modern solar and wind generation system, our electrical system provides 110 ac or 12-volt DC power for all your charging needs. You can charge your phone, video camera or camera batteries anytime in the dining palapa or your cabin during the day. Our facilities include hot showers, flushing marine toilets, and numerous hand washing stations. Additionally the camp has a cell phone range booster along with STARLINK internet service.
The camp also offers kayaks when the tide and timing is right for an excursion into the mangroves along with a horseshoe pit and trails for walking, hiking and beach combing. The tide-pooling excursions are fun filled with finding new marine animals along with chocolate clam hunting for our weekly clam and oyster bake.
Always available in the palapa are:
- Book and video library of Baja and marine mammals and plants
- Television to view our daily videos and presentations
- Science and weather monitoring station
- Sodas, beer, and wine
- Fresh drinking water
- Coffee and hot tea
- Snacks and fruit
- Cell phone antenna and booster
- STARLINK internet
| CAMP SCHEDULE | ACTIVITIES | |
|---|---|---|
| 7:00 am: | Coffee, cereals, fruit | • Guided tide pool exploration and critter hunts • Guided kayaking* excursions to mangroves • Naturalist led excursions and lectures • Up close whale observation and petting • Happy hour and incredible sunsets • Gray whale boneyard • Beach combing and stargazing • Bird watching |
| 8:00 am: | Hot breakfast | |
| 8:45 am: | Whale watching | |
| 12:00 pm: | Lunch | |
| 2:00 pm: | Whale watching | |
| 5:00 pm: | Happy hour | |
| 6:00 pm: | Dinner | |
| 9:00 pm: | Lights out-Palapa (Baja Midnight) |
*Camp Schedule WILL vary day to day based on tidal movements and weather.
*Kayaking is dependent upon the tide. Camp guides will lead kayaking trips.
Campo Cortez Cabins
Ecolodge Cabins at Campo Cortez
Ecolodge Cabins at Campo Cortez
Morning coffee at the Ecolodge
Happy Group Photo
This trip begins in the quaint Mexican village of Loreto, Baja, Mexico and ends in San Diego, California. Eight whale watching trips total (6 at San Ignacio Lagoon and 2 in Loreto). We begin with three nights at our luxury seaside hotel accommodations in Loreto along with two full days whale watching in the Loreto National Marine Park which is home to a wide variety of marine wildlife including the largest of all animals on our planet, The Blue Whale. On these two days, we will visit the islands of Loreto while following and seeking out a variety of marine mammals and bird wildlife local to the Sea of Cortez.
Following breakfast on day three we then make the scenic drive over the mountains and along the Sea of Cortez shoreline to San Ignacio Lagoon with a stop for lunch in the 17th century mission village of San Ignacio. We soon arrive Campo Cortez Ecolodge at San Ignacio lagoon located within Mexico’s largest wildlife wilderness refuge Vizcaino Biosphere Reserve which is home to the California Gray Whale. We spend four days and nights at Campo Cortez with full days whale watching and other side trips with our local guides into the tidepools and mangroves for an incredible display of bird wildlife. Every day is a picture book of wildlife at Campo Cortez located in front of one of the largest mangrove forests at the lagoon. A highlight of this trip is a charter flight from San Ignacio Lagoon to Tijuana where we then have access to a special border crossing: CBX border crossing to San Diego with a return charter bus to the Handlery Hotel in San Diego.
Included in this trip:
While in Loreto:
- Hotel stays in Loreto at luxury seaside hotel (3 nights)
- Daily breakfast buffet at the hotel
- 2 full days Whale watching in Loreto National Park to see Blue Whales, Humpbacks, Fin Whales and other wildlife species
- Free time in Loreto to explore on your own
- Explore local islands off coast of Loreto
- Scenic ground transportation from Loreto to San Ignacio lagoon and Campo Cortez
While at Campo Cortez:
- Four days/nights at Campo Cortez including lodging/meals/whale watching
- Whale watching in with the friendly Gray Whales in San Ignacio Lagoon
- Naturalist led walks and discussions
- Two whale watching trips per day
- Daily happy hour and evening presentations from our local staff
- Kayaking and tide pool exploration
- Transportation back to San Diego and Handlery Hotel
- Private Charter air return from San Ignacio to San Diego, California
Not included in this trip:
- Transportation to Loreto, Baja, Mexico
- Airport shuttle to hotel in Loreto - (easily arranged at airport - check with us for our preferred transporter - 12 minute drive to town)
- Meals: lunches and dinners while in Loreto
- Staff Gratuity
| Tour | Dates | Days | Status | Trip Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BW1 | Feb 01 – 08 | Thu - Thu | Booking | $4,900.00 |
This trip begins in San Diego, California and ends in Loreto, Baja, Mexico. Eight whale watching trips total (6 at San Ignacio Lagoon and 2 in Loreto). We begin our trip at the Handlery Hotel in San Diego where we start with an informal meeting the night before our departure. We depart the following morning via private charter bus to the CBX border crossing and Tijuana Airport to board our private charter flight to San Ignacio Lagoon. We next spend four days and nights at Campo Cortez located within the heart of the Vizcaino Reserve.
There is whale watching daily at the Ecolodge along with other activities including a variety of of wildlife at your doorstep with over 200 species of birds and our local Osprey families nesting at the basecamp. On day five we depart by private charter aircraft from San Ignacio Lagoon to the small town of Loreto on the Sea of Cortez. We then spend three nights at our luxury seaside hotel accommodations along with two full days whale watching in the Loreto National Marine Park which is home to a wide variety of marine wildlife including the largest of all animals, The Blue Whale. Day eight we end our whale expedition and encourage guests to enjoy a day or two in Loreto on your own.
Included in this trip:
- Transportation from Handlery Hotel in San Diego directly to Laguna San Ignacio and Campo Cortez
- Private Charter Aircraft from San Diego to Laguna San Ignacio
- Flight from San Ignacio Lagoon to Loreto
While at Campo Cortez:
- Four days/nights at Campo Cortez including lodging/meals/whale watching
- Whale watching in with the friendly Gray Whales in San Ignacio Lagoon
- Naturalist led walks and discussions
- Daily happy hour and evening presentations from our local staff
- Two whale watching trips per day
- Kayaking and tide pool exploration
- Private charter transport from San Ignacio Lagoon to to Loreto, Baja Mexico
While in Loreto:
- Hotel stays in Loreto at luxury seaside hotel (3 nights)
- Daily breakfast buffet at the hotel
- 2 full days Whale watching in Loreto National Park to see Blue Whales, Humpbacks, Fin Whales and other wildlife species
- Free time in Loreto to explore on your own
- Explore local islands off coast of Loreto
Not included in this trip:
- Transportation to San Diego
- Hotel stays in San Diego
- Meals: lunches and dinners while in Loreto
- Commercial flights from Loreto
- Flight from Loreto to home
- Staff Gratuity
| Tour | Dates | Days | Status | Trip Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BW2 | Mar 23 – 30 | Sat - Sat | Private Group Booking | $5,100.00 |
This trip begins and ends in Loreto, Baja, Mexico. Nine whale watching trips total (7 at San Ignacio Lagoon and 2 in Loreto). We begin our adventure at the seaside town of Loreto, Baja, Mexico, located on the Sea of Cortez where we will spend three nights in a luxury seaside hotel. The following two days are spent whale watching and island hopping on the Sea of Cortez in the Loreto National Marine Park which is home to a wide variety of marine wildlife including the largest of all animals on our planet, The Blue Whale. On these two days, we will visit the islands of Loreto while following and seeking out a variety of marine mammals and bird wildlife local to the Sea of Cortez. The morning of day four we depart via charter aircraft from Loreto to San Ignacio Lagoon where we spend four days and nights at Campo Cortez Ecolodge on the shores of San Ignacio Lagoon. Three full days are spent whale watching, birding and tide-pooling at the Ecolodge in a remote desert wilderness Solar Ecolodge. Our last morning at Campo Cortez concludes with breakfast and a scenic drive to Loreto through coastal towns and mountains where we spend our final night at our seaside hotel and our last evening together.
Included in this trip:
While in Loreto:
- Hotel stays in Loreto at luxury seaside hotel (4 nights)
- Daily breakfast buffet at the hotel
- 2 full days Whale watching in Loreto National Marine Park to see Blue Whales, Humpbacks, Fin Whales and other wildlife species
- Free time in Loreto to explore on your own
- Explore local islands off coast of Loreto
- Private charter flight from Loreto to San Ignacio Lagoon
While at Campo Cortez:
- Four days/nights at Campo Cortez including lodging/meals/whale watching
- Whale watching with the friendly Gray Whales of San Ignacio Lagoon
- Naturalist led walks and discussions
- Daily happy hour and evening presentations from our local staff
- Two whale watching trips per day
- Kayaking and tide pool exploration
- Scenic ground transportation from San Ignacio Lagoon to Loreto
Not included in this trip:
- Airport shuttle to hotel in Loreto - (easily arranged at airport - check with us for our preferred transporter - 12 minute drive to town)
- Commercial flights to Loreto
- Meals: lunches and dinners while in Loreto
- Staff Gratuity
| Tour | Dates | Days | Status | Trip Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BW3 | Mar 24 – Apr 01 | Sun - Mon | Booking | $4,700.00 |
| Tour | Dates | Days | Status | Trip Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deluxe Big Whale Trip 1 2 full days in Loreto whale watching, scenic road trip to San Ignacio Lagoon and mission, 4 days and nights in San Ignacio Lagoon whale watching and with private charter flight and return to San Diego |
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| BW1 | Feb 01 – 08 | Thu - Thu | Booking | $4,900.00 |
| Premium Big Whale Trip 2 Private charter flight from San Diego to San Ignacio Lagoon; 4 days and nights whale watching; charter flight to Loreto for 3 days with whale watching and luxury sea-side accommodations |
||||
| BW2 | Mar 23 – 30 | Sat - Sat | Private Group Booking | $5,100.00 |
| Big Whale Trip 3 2 full days in Loreto whale watching, charter flight to San Ignacio Lagoon for 4 days and nights whale watching and return road trip to Loreto for final night at sea-side luxury hotel |
||||
| BW3 | Mar 24 – Apr 01 | Sun - Mon | Booking | $4,700.00 |
| Deposit and Additional Fees for 8 Day Big Whale Trip: | |
|---|---|
| Single Fees: | $750 USD (3 hotel nights in Loreto and 4 nights San Ignacio Lagoon) |
| Biosphere Fee: | $55 USD (Vizcaino Biosphere Fee San Ignacio Lagoon) |
| Park Fee: | $35 USD (Loreto National Marine Park) |
| Airport fees & CBX: | $135 USD (For BW1 and BW2 only) |
| Deposit: | $750 USD per guest |
Availability is on a limited basis. Please make your reservations well in advance to secure your space on the aircraft and at the Ecolodge. Many of our guests plan and book their trips at least six to 12 months in advance. For your comfort, space is limited at camp and all our reservations are taken on a first come basis. Please call or email us to check our schedule for availability.
Before your departure, you’ll receive from us:
- Comprehensive itinerary package and travel information
- Camp guidelines and whale watching information
- Guide information and contact information
- Detailed packing list
We are consistantly rated the #1 Travelers’ Choice on Trip Advisor 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.