About This Trip
- A unique Baja whale watching tour that combines the unforgettable San Ignacio Lagoon whale watching experience with an exploration of the beautiful Sea of Cortez.
- Enjoy close encounters with friendly gray whales in San Ignacio Lagoon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Spend 2 days boating on the Sea of Cortez, where we may see the largest animal on the planet, the blue whale, as well as fin, humpback, and sperm whales and super-pods of common dolphins.
- Stay in comfortable land-based accommodations in beautiful Baja California.
- Optional back to back trip available with Baja: Whale Sharks and Snorkeling in the Sea of Cortez.
Baja's San Ignacio Lagoon is the primary calving ground for eastern Pacific gray whales and part of Mexico's El Vizcaíno Biosphere Reserve—the largest wildlife refuge in Latin America. The large concentration of gray whales that reside here each winter are extremely 'friendly,' and regularly approach our small whale watching pangas (skiffs) in a moving display that occurs nowhere else. Whales are the focus of our trip, and we will have two full days for whale watching in San Ignacio Lagoon, where we expect to see large numbers of gray whales, including cow-calf pairs, courting whales, and others.
At the start of our trip, we also take two days to explore the Sea of Cortez, one of the most productive and diverse seas on the planet. From our base in the charming town of Loreto, we will make private boat excursions to search for wildlife and enjoy the outstanding landscapes of the Gulf of California. Here we will specifically be looking for blue whales, the largest animals ever to exist on Earth. Along the way we should see a variety of seabirds and other marine mammals, such as fin whales and large groups of dolphins.
See our naturalist's day-by-day trip log, photos, and species list from a past Baja expedition.
See videos and photos from a past Baja: San Ignacio Lagoon expedition.
Wildlife Highlights
The highlight of our trip will be the outings spent with gray whale mothers and their curious calves in San Ignacio Lagoon. The protected lagoon is also a wintering ground for migrating birds, and we may see White Ibis, Elegant Terns, Reddish Egrets, Brown Pelicans, Brandt's Cormorants, Brant Geese and others. We also explore the wildlife of the productive and diverse Sea of Cortez, which is home to more than 650 tropical and temperate fish (90 of them endemic) and one-third of the world's whale and dolphin species. On our boating excursions from Loreto we have a good chance to see blue whales, as well as humpback, fin, sperm, and other whale species, plus dolphins, killer whales (orcas), and more, and a diverse array of bird species. Learn more about whale watching in Baja in our comprehensive guide.
Testimonials
"My sister Martine and I were in awe the whole time we were there. Only positive comments can be posted regarding this expedition" - Christine Sartori, past Baja traveler
"Way, way beyond my expectations. Our group was so wonderful ... The time with the gray whales was a life experience." - Terry T., past Baja traveler
"I would definitely recommend the trip to anyone who is interested in seeing whales. It was spectacular." - Joni J., past Baja traveler
Notes on Trip Costs
Trip price does not include international airfare. Limited single supplement spaces available at $1,065. 4-day La Paz snorkeling with whale sharks extension available at $1,525 (see below itinerary) Click here for our full expedition terms and conditions.
Conservation Impact
Established in 1969, Oceanic Society stands as the oldest nonprofit organization in America committed to ocean conservation. We are trailblazers in the realm of "eco travel," crafting expeditions that directly support our mission. They not only positively impact our travelers, but also the people, places, and wildlife we go to see. Whale tourism in Baja California provides an important source of income and employment, and our trips have been directly supporting that economy for nearly three decades (watch our film about sustainable travel in Baja). Your expedition costs include fees that support conservation efforts in Baja, and Oceanic Society's earnings are invested back into our global research and conservation programs. Moreover, with every booking made, we take pride in sponsoring the removal of 200 lbs. of plastic waste from the ocean. Dive deeper into our innovative travel approach here.
Dates & Prices
Mar 12-20, 2026
Book this TripFeb 18-26, 2026
Book this TripFeb 24 - Mar 4, 2026
Book this TripMar 5-13, 2026
Book this TripItinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Loreto
Arrive in Loreto, Baja California Sur. You will be met at the airport and transported to our comfortable hotel. Gather for dinner and briefing with your guide. (D)
Day 2-3: Exploring the Sea of Cortez & Loreto
Enjoy two full days of whale and wildlife watching by private boat in the Sea of Cortez, including island exploration with a picnic lunch on the beach (approximately 6 hours out on the water). In your downtime enjoy the quaint, historic town of Loreto, home to a mission founded in 1697, the oldest in Baja California. (B, L)
Day 4: Loreto to La Paz
Depart Loreto by private van to La Paz. Our leisurely 4-5 hour drive includes packed lunch and stops to observe bird life and sites of interest. Enjoying the afternoon discovering La Paz, introducing you to the city’s history, culture, and art. Overnight at Hotel Cathedral or equivalent in La Paz. (B, L, D)
Day 5: Flight from La Paz to San Ignacio Whale Camp
Van transfer to La Paz Airport. We will board a private chartered flight for San Ignacio in the morning. Greeted by camp manager with brunch at camp and then out for your first whale encounters on the lagoon. (B, L, D)
Day 6-7: San Ignacio Lagoon Whale Watching
We will spend two full days observing gray whales from our small pangas (skiffs) which provide excellent opportunities to approach the graceful gray whales closely and unobtrusively. We use sturdy, twenty-two foot Mexican panga boats operated by local fishermen under the guidance of our naturalist. Photographic opportunities are excellent. The lagoon, which is part of the El Vizcaíno Biosphere Reserve (the largest wildlife refuge in Latin America), is also a wintering ground for migrating birds, and we will look for White Ibis, Elegant Terns, Reddish Egrets, Brown Pelicans, Brandt's Cormorants, and Brant Geese. (B, L, D)
Day 8: San Ignacio - La Paz
After breakfast we will have one final short whale outing on the transfer to the airstrip for the flight to La Paz. Afterward, we will be joined by a local guide to explore La Paz, the state capital of Baja California Sur. Highlights might include the local market, as well as the architecture, history, and culture that make La Paz unique, including the Mi Ciudad mural project. Group farewell dinner. Overnight at Hotel Cathedral or equivalent in La Paz. (B, D)
Day 9: Fly home from Los Cabos
Morning transfer to SJD Los Cabos International Airport (2.5 hours) in time for your flight home. Departing international flights from SJD should be after 12pm. (B)
Optional four-day La Paz whale shark snorkeling extension available:
- Days 9-10 : Transfer to La Paz and enjoy two full-day boat-based excursions. Half of each day will be spent swimming with whale sharks near La Paz, and half will be spent exploring and snorkeling the enchanting waters of Balandra Bay or in the picturesque southern region of Espiritu Santo Island, with a picnic lunch in between.
- Day 11 : Enjoy a memorable snorkeling experience at Espiritu Santo Island (North) with lunch included.
- Day 12 : Transfer from the Hotel Catedral (La Paz) to Los Cabos airport (SJD) after breakfast. (Outbound flights should be after 12pm noon)
Extension Cost: $1,525/ person based on double occupancy. Includes 3 nights at Hotel Catedral in La Paz or equivalent, breakfast and lunch each day, bilingual naturalist, any snorkel gear needed, airport transfer on departure day. Small group supplement will apply if group is less than 4 pax.
Because we work with wild animals in their natural habitat our success rate depends on nature. We therefore ask you to make allowances for any changes from the tour itinerary. If we are unable to offer a certain service due to an unforeseen wildlife situation or weather condition, an alternative activity suitable for the current conditions will be provided. Please note that changes may occur at a short notice, even on the same day.
Accommodations
Enjoy the incredible stars from our tented camp in San Ignacio
Naturalist(s)
Your expedition will be led by one or more of the following expert naturalist guides:
