San Ignacio Lagoon Gray Whale Ecolodge for Self-Arrivals
San Ignacio Lagoon Gray Whale Watching Up Close
Welcome to the ultimate destination for Gray Whale watching at San Ignacio Lagoon, where you can experience these majestic creatures up close and personal. At Campo Cortez Ecolodge, located in the heart of Mexico's largest protected area, the Vizcaino Biosphere Reserve, we offer you an unparalleled opportunity to witness the wonders of nature in its purest form.
Situated at the end of the road on the remote shores of San Ignacio Lagoon, Campo Cortez Ecolodge is nestled in a pristine sanctuary where Gray Whales conclude their winter migration to mate and give birth. This unique location is the last untouched and undeveloped Gray Whale Sanctuary on the planet, making it a truly exceptional place to witness these incredible creatures.
What sets San Ignacio Lagoon apart is the extraordinary behavior of the Mother Gray Whales who approach our boats, inviting us to scratch, pet, and make contact with their newborn Gray Whale Calves. This intimate interaction is an indescribable and touching experience that can only be found here. Over the years, this phenomenon has become a regular occurrence, making San Ignacio Lagoon the go-to destination for an unforgettable encounter with these gentle giants.
At Campo Cortez Ecolodge, we take pride in providing a low-impact and sustainable way to witness this life-changing event. Our family-run ecolodge offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere, ensuring that your stay with us is comfortable and memorable. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of the surroundings, where you can disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life and connect with nature in a profound way.
Whether you're a seasoned whale watcher or a first-time visitor, Campo Cortez Ecolodge guarantees an unforgettable experience that will leave you with a renewed appreciation for the natural world. Join us on this incredible journey and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Embark on your Gray Whale adventure today and discover why Campo Cortez Ecolodge is one of the best locations at San Ignacio Lagoon.
For the avid Baja traveler or those with a sense of adventure we offer a self-arrival program to Campo Cortez Ecolodge at San Ignacio Lagoon. Whether you arrive by automobile, bus, or private plane you’ll enjoy the hospitality and comfort of our all-inclusive, secluded Ecolodge on the shores of San Ignacio lagoon - with all meals, beverages, kayaking, natural history excursions and two Gray Whale tours daily. Our “off the grid” solar and wind powered Ecolodge offers all-inclusive amenities. Your days are spent whale watching and exploring, while evenings are spent in the company of our local San Ignacio Lagoon resident staff in the Ecolodge discussing the day’s events and enjoying informal lectures from our staff and resident experts. Gray Whale Watching at San Ignacio Lagoon has never been better due to our location, fleet of our own boats and our local staff that live at the lagoon and are generous ambassadors of the Baja Gray Whale experience.
WATERFRONT SOLAR POWERED CABINS AT CAMPO CORTEZ
Welcome to Campo Cortez, your ultimate waterfront destination for an unforgettable whale watching trip in Baja Mexico. Our unique off-the-grid ecolodge offers 15 solar-powered cabins situated right at the water's edge, providing you with breathtaking views of the magnificent San Ignacio Lagoon.
Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature as you wake up each morning to the sight of one of the largest mangrove estuaries in the area, teeming with over 250 bird species. Our pristine beaches are adorned with ancient whale bones and shells, showcasing the rich history of these majestic creatures. The lagoon, brimming with wildlife, is right at your doorstep, allowing you to experience firsthand the wonders of marine life.
Our beachside cabins are designed to offer both comfort and protection from the elements. Equipped with electricity, cozy beds, and ample amenities, they ensure a relaxing stay amidst the rugged beauty of the Baja peninsula. Fresh linens, pillows, and shelving are provided, along with countertop space, a small desk, and mirrors. These eco-friendly cabins are thoughtfully designed to leave a minimal footprint on the land while adhering to local Biosphere regulations. You'll relish in the luxury of our new, plush beds adorned with organic cotton sheets and duvets, which are annually updated to guarantee your utmost comfort.
At Campo Cortez, we strive to cater to your specific needs. If you require any special accommodations, simply let us know, and we will go above and beyond to ensure your stay is tailored to your preferences. For guests who rely on CPAP machines, we have two cabins equipped with continuous power throughout the night specifically for CPAP devices. Additionally, we offer one cabin with wheelchair access, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the wonders of our ecolodge.
Embark on a whale watching adventure like no other, surrounded by the serene beauty of San Ignacio Lagoon. Choose Campo Cortez for a remarkable experience that combines eco-consciousness, luxury, and the thrill of witnessing these magnificent creatures up close. Book your stay with us today and create memories that will last a lifetime.
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
CAMPO CORTEZ PRIVATE ECOLODGE AT SAN IGNACIO LAGOON
Welcome to Campo Cortez Ecolodge, where exceptional experiences, prime location, and local operation come together for an unforgettable stay. As you embark on your search for the perfect getaway, allow us to introduce you to the unique features that set us apart.
Nestled on the fringes of civilization, Campo Cortez Ecolodge seamlessly blends modern comforts with a commitment to environmental sustainability. With over 25 years of operation at San Ignacio Lagoon, we have perfected our offerings to ensure a clean, comfortable, and eco-friendly stay. Our structures are constructed using local materials and traditional building methods, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the area. At the heart of our community lies our palapa, a gathering point for daily activities and meals, powered entirely by solar and wind generation systems. This ensures that our electrical system provides reliable 110 AC or 12-volt DC power for all your charging needs, whether it's your phone, video camera, or camera batteries. Feel free to charge your devices at any time in the dining palapa or your cabin, knowing that sustainable energy is fueling your adventures.
At Campo Cortez, we believe that comfort should never come at the expense of the environment. Our facilities boast hot showers, flushing marine toilets, and convenient hand washing stations, all designed with minimal ecological impact in mind. To keep you connected, we offer a cell phone range booster and STARLINK internet service, ensuring that you stay connected with the outside world while immersing yourself in the beauty of nature. Explore the mangroves with our provided kayaks, challenge friends and family to a game of horseshoes, or embark on a leisurely stroll along our trails, perfect for walking, hiking, and beachcombing. Don't miss our tide-pooling excursions, where you can discover fascinating marine creatures and partake in our famous clam and oyster bakes.
Within our palapa, you'll find a range of amenities designed to enhance your stay. Immerse yourself in the rich culture and biodiversity of Baja with our extensive book and video library, featuring captivating resources on marine mammals, plants, and the region itself. Quench your thirst with our selection of sodas, beer, and wine, and stay refreshed with fresh drinking water, coffee, and hot tea. Indulge in snacks and fruit, ensuring that you have the sustenance for your adventures. Lastly, stay connected with our cell phone antenna and booster, and make use of our STARLINK internet to share your unforgettable experiences with the world.
As you search for the perfect retreat, Campo Cortez Ecolodge stands out as the ultimate choice. Experience the perfect blend of comfort, sustainability, and local charm in a breathtaking location. Book your stay with us today and embark on an adventure that will leave you with cherished memories for years to come.
Within our palapa, you'll find a wealth of resources to enhance your stay:
- An extensive book and video library showcasing Baja and its remarkable marine mammals and plants
- Televisions for viewing our daily videos and engaging presentations
- A dedicated science and weather monitoring station, keeping you informed about the local environment
- Refreshments including sodas, beer, and wine, ensuring you can unwind and savor the moment
- Fresh drinking water, coffee, and hot tea to keep you hydrated and energized
- Snacks and fruit for a quick pick-me-up during your adventures
- Cell phone antenna and booster, ensuring you stay connected even in this remote location
- Reliable STARLINK internet access for your online needs
Campo Cortez Cabins
Ecolodge Cabins at Campo Cortez
Ecolodge Cabins at Campo Cortez
Morning coffee at the Ecolodge
Happy Group Photo
As a Self-Arrival guest, you have a variety of options. You can join us on your own travel dates during our dates of availability or you can also join one of our scheduled guided trips during the same dates of travel at Campo Cortez Ecolodge. Getting to San Ignacio Lagoon is not always a quick and easy task, so we’ll help you with your itinerary and options for other activates in the area.
| Self-Arrival Trip Fees | Amount |
|---|---|
| Daily Fee (all inclusive): | $375.00 USD Daily per guest (2 day minimum) |
| Single Supplement Fee (if available): | $75.00 USD Daily |
| Vizcaino Biosphere Entry Fee: | $12.00 USD Daily |
| Self-Arrive 4 day/night during Tour: | Self-Arrive 4 day/night during tour $2,295.00 USD per person (join guided trip at Campo Cortez) |
| Self-Arrival Dates and Availability |
|---|
| Self-Arrivals: January and February |
| January 15 through February 07 (two day minimum) |
| Self-Arrive During any Guided Trip: (5 Day Air or 8 Day trip at Campo Cortez) |
| Arrive in your own vehicle and join any of our 5 or 8 Day Trips. Space is limited for this option and restrictions apply and only when space is available. Permitted when staying same dates as one of our guided 5 or 8 Day Tours at the Ecolodge: (4 day/night stay) |
| Self-Arrivals: March and April |
| March 24 thru April 10 (two day minimum) |
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.