The waters of the Baja Peninsula are seasonally home to ten species of whales, making this one of the world’s prime whale watching destinations. You’ll travel to Mexico during the calving season of the blue and grey whales – two of the usually most elusive species.
In the Sea of Cortez you’ll not only find the blue whales breeding and feeding but an impressive array of marine fauna, such as whale sharks, sealions, manta rays and dolphins. You may also spot humpbacks, orcas, fin and pilot whales, amongst others.
In the turquoise waters of lagoon of San Ignacio grey whales nurse their calves until they are strong enough to begin their long migration. Here the curious whales often approach the small boats known as ‘pangas,’ a chance for a rare close-up sighting of these incredible mammals.
You’ll explore the ‘Aquarium of the World’ by expedition yacht as well as staying in a luxury camp by the lagoon. Your expedition yacht is supported by a spotter airplane to ensure the maximum marine wildlife sightings on your voyage.
why book this trip
Spot blue, humpback, minke, sperm, fin, pilot, sei, Bryde’s, and tropical bottlenose whales in the Sea of Cortez.
Stay near the lagoon where grey whales nurse their calves.
Liveaboard expedition yacht for whale watching, sea kayaking, and swimming with whale sharks.
Snorkel with sea lions and explore vibrant coral reefs.
Experience diverse marine life, from dolphins to mobula rays.
Enjoy stunning coastal landscapes and remote island beaches.
Arrive Los Cabos – Cabo San Lucas
We recommend you add a pre-night in Cabo San Lucas to ensure you arrive in plenty of time for your voyage. Take a taxi to Cabo San Lucas (there is an official taxi rank just outside the airport.) We can recommend the best hotels for your stay, depending on whether you’re looking for a beach resort or something close to the Marina. Enjoy a nights’ rest ready to start your adventures the next day.
Overnight: Ask your Destination Specialist for Recommendations
After breakfast at your hotel, join a photo and video workshop at 9.30am in the Marina so you can capture the best images from your trip. At midday you’ll head out on your first whale excursion, as you sail to the southern tip of Baja to search for humpback’s. In the late afternoon you’ll be transferred to La Paz where you’ll settle into your hotel and enjoy dinner.
Overnight: Marea La Paz or similar
Wildlife
Blue Whales
Blue whale encounters are a once-in-a-lifetime experience, offering a rare chance to come face to face with the largest animals on the planet. In Baja Mexico, the Sea of Cortez is one of the top destinations for observing these magnificent creatures
You’ll have an early breakfast this morning to head out to swim with whale sharks (weather permitting.) For lunch you’ll head to Espiritu Santo where you’ll enjoy this UNESCO World Heritage Park, either relaxing on the beach, swimming with sea lions or hiking the coast. Late in the afternoon you’ll board your expedition yacht just in time for cocktail hour as the sun sets over the sea. Dinner will be served, and you’ll sail north towards Loreto where you’ll be looking for the nursing waters of the blue whales.
Overnight: Gallant Lady
Grey Whales
Grey whale encounters offer an unforgettable opportunity to witness one of the most remarkable migrations in the animal kingdom
There is no set itinerary on your expedition as it will be weather and sighting dependent – however the Sea of Cortez is teeming with marine life at this time of year, so there will be plenty to see! The crew’s primary objective will be for you to observe blue whales and their calves, an awe -inspiring experience when these enormous mammals choose to approach the skiff to investigate. The Sea of Cortez is also seasonally home to large pods of dolphins, finback whales, mobula rays and sometimes sperm whales, orcas and false killer whales. Your expedition yacht is assisted by a spotter plane to ensure maximum marine life sightings.
Overnight: Gallant Lady
Whale Shark
Whale sharks, the largest fish in the world, are an awe-inspiring species that draw nature lovers and marine enthusiasts from across the globe.
Enjoy a final breakfast on your expedition yacht, you’ll disembark before being transferred to La Paz airport for your charter flight to San Ignacio Lagoon. Upon arrival at the airstrip you’ll be welcomed with bubbles and hot apple cider before being transferred to camp for lunch and a welcome briefing. There will be the option of two whale watching encounters in the afternoon, or just relaxing in camp. Watch the sun set with a cocktail around the firepit before dinner and a presentation by one of the camp’s naturalists.
Overnight: San Ignacio Luxury Camp
Where to go
Baja California
Where the desert meets the sea, Baja California unfolds in a striking contrast of rugged landscapes and thriving marine life.
To ensure there is no negative impact on the whales there are allocated times for local operators to enter the lagoon – with a maximum of 90 minutes per encounter. The mothers and newborn calves stay in the time area until the babies are big enough to start their migration, they will often choose to approach the small boats (pangas). These interactions are entirely on the whales terms, so no two days at camp will ever be the same! After an early breakfast you’ll head out to the lagoon for one of two whale watching trips in the morning. Visit the grey whales again in the afternoon and enjoy a plethora of other activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, mountain biking, bird watching – all weather dependent. Enjoy fireside cocktails beneath the Mexican stars and evening presentations by Marine Biologists.
Overnight: San Ignacio Luxury Camp
Where to go
Isla Espiritu Santo Island
Isla Espíritu Santo, a UNESCO-protected island in the Sea of Cortez, is a sanctuary for wildlife and a paradise for adventurers. With its stunning cliffs, turquoise waters, and abundant marine life, it offers opportunities for snorkelling, kayaking, and hiking. A true natural gem, it combines untouched beauty with a commitment to conservation.
Enjoy a final early breakfast in camp and a final whale watching encounter (weather permitting.) You’ll be transferred back to the airport for your flight to Los Cabos arriving just after midday. Here you can meet your international flight home later that afternoon.
Your Accommodation
Marea La Paz
An eight-room boutique hotel with each residence featuring a private terrace and a partial view over the sparking Sea of Cortez. The rooms are decorated with antique Mexican furniture and original art pieces. Take some time to enjoy the Palapa on the top floor during your stay.
Gallant Lady
A 116ft expedition yacht with six suites carrying just twelves guests. The suites can be configured to California king or twin beds, all with an ensuite bathroom. Featuring a dive deck to maximise your aquatic adventures. Warm up in between activities in the hot tub, or enjoy the view from the sky lounge and sun deck.
San Ignacio Luxury Camp
Situated on the shore of San Ignacio Lagoon in a stunning natural setting, perfectly located for visiting the area’s famous grey whales during calving season. Each spacious tent has an en-suite bathroom and a small living space to relax during the day. In the evening chat with fellow guests by the firepit and enjoy talks by the naturalist guides after an incredible meal.
