8 Day Blue Whale and Gray Whale Trip
Up Close Whale Watching in Baja, Mexico
The most comprehensive and extraordinary of whale watching adventures is our 8 day Big Whale Trip that begins in the small town of Loreto in Baja Sur., Mexico on the Sea of Cortez. On this 8 day journey, we visit the Gray Whale Sanctuary of San Ignacio Lagoon and our private Ecolodge “Campo Cortez” where mother Gray Whales approach our boats and encourage us to scratch, pet and even sing to them and their newly born calves. Over the years, this has become a regular occurrence only at San Ignacio Lagoon. After three full days at San Ignacio Lagoon, we return to the Sea of Cortez and Loreto which is the winter home to the largest of all whales, the Blue Whale along with a huge variety of other marine mammals including Humpbacks, Fins, Orcas and a variety of Dolphin. The Sea of Cortez is one of the richest marine mammal habitats on the planet and the reason why we make this our second home when it comes to incredible whale watching experiences.
We meet in Loreto at our waterfront hotel overlooking the Sea of Cortez and the local islands. We begin with an afternoon meeting by the pool to discuss our upcoming travel plans and check that all guests have arrived. Later this evening we meet for a group dinner at one of Loreto’s iconic restaurants with margaritas, authentic local cuisine, and time to browse some local shops. The following morning after breakfast we depart Loreto and embark on our journey to San Ignacio Lagoon. The trips are designed with a variety of transportation options (see below) all arriving at our destination, Campo Cortez, our private Ecolodge. Once at Campo Cortez you’ll experience the first-class personal service of Romualdo Fischer (Maldo) and his family and our devoted guides as they host 4 days and nights with 2 whale watching trips daily and a variety of other guide lead expeditions on kayaks and land.
Upon returning to Loreto, we will get settled in at the hotel and you will enjoy a free evening to explore Loreto’s many exquisite restaurants on your own or you can join the group for dinner. The next morning after breakfast at the hotel we walk across the street to load into our boats for the tour of Loreto National Marine Park. We will search for Blue Whales, Humpbacks, Fins, Orcas 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. After a picnic lunch and snacks, browse for shells, rest, swim or hike along the island. You’ll have time to unwind before we head back to Loreto. The rest of the day is your free time to enjoy the hotel pool, go sightseeing, kayak, walk, shop or whatever else you enjoy. Our last day, we meet for breakfast and go for our final whale watch in Loreto National Marine Park. We return to the hotel for a quick lunch and then off to the airport or you can stay an extra day or two (we highly recommend) and continue with more adventures in Loreto which we can assist you with referrals.
TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS
STANDARD BW1 & BW4:Road Trip to San Ignacio Lagoon and see some of the most picturesque coastline Mexico has to offer. Jagged mountains, lava flows, cacti and quaint villages are all part of the experience. Lunch in Desert Oasis and then afternoon arrival in San Ignacio Lagoon. Return to Loreto via Private Plane.
PREMIUM BW2 & BW5:Round Trip to San Ignacio Lagoon via Private Plane + additional whale watch on day 2.
DELUXE BW3 & BW6:Arrive in San Ignacio Lagoon via Private Plane + additional whale watch on day 2. Return to Loreto via Road Trip in Van and see some of the most picturesque coastline Mexico has to offer. Jagged mountains, lava flows, cacti and quaint villages are all part of the experience.
SOLAR POWERED CABINS ON THE WATER’S EDGE
Campo Cortez is a one of a kind off the grid solar ecolodge with sixteen solar electric cabins located at the waters edge with spectacular views of San Ignacio Lagoon and one of the largest mangrove estuaries in the area with a variety of nesting birds.
Our beachside cabins come equipped with electricity, comfortable beds and are well protected from the wind and elements of the Baja peninsula. All our cabins are supplied with fresh linens, pillows, shelves along with countertop space, small desk and mirrors. They are cozy, efficient and leave a small footprint on the land while keeping with local Biosphere regulations.
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.
EXPERIENCE, LOCATION AND LOCALLY OPERATED ARE WHAT SET US APART
Seemingly perched on the edge of civilization Campo Cortez 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 Eco-lodge. Constructed from local materials and by traditional building methods, our palapa is the gathering point for all our daily activities and meals. Powered by 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, and camera batteries anytime in the dining palapa or your cabin anytime during the day. Our facilities include hot showers, flushing marine toilets, and numerous hand washing stations.
| BRIEF ITINERARY | |
|---|---|
| Trip Departs & Returns: | Loreto, Baja CA Sur, Mexico (airfare not included) |
| Day 1: | Travel Day to Loreto, Group Dinner and Overnight in Luxury Hotel |
| Day 2: Transportation Varies | Arrive in San Ignacio Lagoon to our private Eco-Lodge, Campo Cortez |
| Day 3-5: | 3 full days and nights including 6 whale watching trips |
| Day 6: Transportation Varies | Return to Luxury Hotel in Loreto with Free Evening to explore on your own |
| Day 7: | Full Day Boat Trip Whale Watching in Loreto National Marine Park with Picnic Lunch on Local Island |
| Day 8: | Morning Boat Trip Whale Watching in Loreto National Marine Park and Departure |
| CAMP SCHEDULE AND ACTIVITIES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Daily Camp Schedule | ||
| 7:00 am: 8:00 am: 8:45 am: 12:00 pm: 2:00 pm: 5:30 pm: 6:30 pm: 9:00 pm: | Coffee, cereals, fruit Hot breakfast Whale watching Lunch Whale watching Happy hour Dinner Lights out-Palapa (Baja Midnight) | • Guided tide pool exploration and critter hunts • Guided kayaking* excursions to mangroves • Naturalist lead excursions and lectures • Up close whale observation and petting • Happy hour and incredible sunsets • Gray whale boneyard • Beach combing and stargazing • Bird watching |
*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.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS:
- 8 or 9 whale watching trips (trips vary)
- 4 days and 4 nights at our private Eco-lodge: Campo Cortez
- Kayaking, hiking, beach combing, tide pool exploration, star gazing
- See the best of both coasts - Sea of Cortez and San Ignacio Lagoon
- Whale watching in with the friendly Gray Whales at San Ignacio Lagoon
- Whale watching in Loreto National Park to see Blue Whales, Humpbacks, Fin, Orca and Dolphins
- Naturalist lead discussions and field excursions
- 3 nights in Loreto at Hotel La Mision
- Free time in Loreto to explore on your own
- Picnic lunch on a local island off coast of Loreto
- Group Dinner in iconic Loreto restaurant
- All meals at camp included and most meals in Loreto
INCLUDED IN YOUR TRIP FEE:
- All meals and beverages: sodas, beer, wine and margaritas while at Campo Cortez
- Breakfast daily, Lunches and 1 group dinner while in Loreto
- Entrance fee to Vizcaino Biosphere and Loreto Marine Park
- Naturalist lead walks and discussions
- 2 whale watching trips per day while at Campo Cortez
- 2 whale watches in Loreto
- Kayaking and tide pool exploration
NOT INCLUDED IN YOUR TRIP FEE:
- Premium liquor or call drinks
- 2 Dinners on your own in Loreto
- Transportation to and from Loreto
- Travel insurance
- Staff gratuity
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 twelve 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 Eco-lodge to have a low-impact environmentally and the responsibility that we carry as Ambassadors to the lagoon and its many wildlife residents.