Itinerary

The Pacific gray whale migration from Alaska’s Bering Sea to the warm waters of Baja’s lagoons is the longest mammal migration on earth. Nearly hunted to extinction in the past, these gentle leviathans have made a dramatic comeback and today show little fear of humans. Every spring, hundreds of them return to traditional birthing and breeding grounds at sheltered San Ignacio Lagoon on Mexico’s Baja Peninsula. Friendly and engaging, they are often intrigued with humans, swimming right up to our boats, and our small groups can frequently approach within close distance uniquely providing us with special encounters at sea.

Day 1: Loreto, Mexico


Arrive in Loreto and transfer to our hotel. At one time the capital of California under Mexico’s rule, Loreto was founded in 1697 and is the region’s oldest permanent settlement. On the Sea of Cortez, Loreto boasts fine beaches, reef snorkeling, and excellent hiking in the nearby Sierra de la Giganta Mountains. This evening we gather for dinner and an orientation to the magnificent gray whales of Baja.  

Day 2: Loreto / San Ignacio Lagoon


We drive across the desert to the Pacific Ocean today, arriving by late afternoon or early evening. Our “whale cabana” accommodations at the edge of San Ignacio Lagoon are a special feature of our trip. Secluded on a quiet stretch of beach, the cabanas are well-built thatched structures, rustic but inviting, each with two beds and a window overlooking the placid bay. Showers and toilets are shared. While basic, these are the best remote lodgings available, with the opportunity to experience the wilderness of the Vizcaino Desert, a UN Biosphere Reserve, in genuine comfort.  

Days 3 & 4: Whale Watching


Whales have been revered as mystical creatures by many cultures, and an intimate encounter with them is a dream realized for wildlife lovers. We watch them from skiffs – small motorized boats – that allow us to closely observe their fascinating range of behaviors. We may see them breach, spy-hop or come close to present their backs for a scratch. In general, we spend two hours whale watching per excursion and take two excursions per day (due to conservation regulations, these numbers may vary, depending on the total number of boats on the water at a given time), with a total of six whale-watching excursions during our stay. Our skiff drivers are experts at positioning the boats to maximize our encounters with the whales without disturbing them.

Numerous whales enter this particular lagoon, and our small boat allows us to get incredibly close. Naturally, we are very sensitive to the animals’ demeanor before approaching them. We may see males competing for females, young adults playing, and mothers protecting and teaching their calves, perhaps the most endearing of all our encounters. Babies are 14 to 16 feet at birth about them, they often come within arm’s length of our boats. Our Expedition Leader and expert local guides provide interpretation about their remarkable journey and habits.

Other activities available while we’re on shore include bird watching and hikes led by naturalists, where we may find fossils, bones and shells. If weather and tides cooperate, we may explore the local mangrove estuaries.  

Day 5: Whale Watching / San Ignacio to Loreto


After a final chance to visit the whales, we depart San Ignacio by road, returning to Loreto in time for dinner and our final evening together.  

Day 6: Loreto / Home


Transfer to the airport for flights home or transfer to Conchalito Island for the Sea Turtle Voluntourism Extension.

You may also wish to spend an extra day in Loreto to explore this historic town and beautiful, little-developed region.