Every year gray whales migrate more than 10,000 miles between their summer feeding grounds in the Arctic and the coastal lagoons of the southern Baja peninsula. Laguna San Ignacio in Baja California Sur, Mexico is one of 3 lagoons on the southwest coast of Baja that are the winter home of the gray whale. The whales use these protected, shallow, warm waters as calving nurseries.
Enjoy the whale’s mysterious spy-hops and majestic breaches from shore, and venture out among them with our naturalist guides in the comfort of sturdy 22-foot Mexican fishing pangas, piloted by our experienced local boatmen.
In addition to whale watching, this fragile and very special ecosystem offers many other sights and sounds..unspoiled shell-strewn beaches, waterfowl-rich estuaries, fossil-laden shores, spectacular birdwatching and night skies filled with stars.
Itinerary for 5-day whale watching trip
San Diego to San Ignacio
We will meet you at the Courtyard by Marriott, located in San Diego’s Old Town for an 9:00 AM departure. We will transfer across the border in our comfortable motor coach for a short drive to the Tijuana Airport. Your private charter flight will depart at about 1:00 PM and arrive in San Ignacio Lagoon in Baja California, Mexico, in time for a short excursion of the inner lagoon area, before boarding the boats for the 20-minute ride to our base camp on Rocky Point. Following camp orientation, relax and watch the whales bask offshore. Then enjoy your first camp dinner and hopefully one of those perfect lagoon sunsets.
Whale Watching Camp
You have now joined the gray whales at their winter calving and mating grounds. Our boats await each day, just steps from our camp, to take you out among the whales, which are often just offshore. We’ll explore the various and unique lagoon ecosystems… a striking stage for the spectacle of whale-watching. While on the point, walk the shoreline and beaches… tidepool… photograph the birdlife… kayak in the mangroves… or just sit back and absorb the ancient unbroken rhythms of the lagoon and its splendid wildlife. After watching the sunsets fill the lagoon with colors…enjoy good food, camp comforts, and amiable conversation. Natural history discussions and programs, led by our naturalists, are also a part of each day. Starry nights invite sleep to the sound of whales…a sound you’ll never forget.
Whale-Watching Camp - San Diego
After a hearty camp breakfast and a final walk and farewell to the whales, we’ll board the boats and travel back to the inner lagoon, for the mid-morning charter flight to Tijuana. We will then transfer across the border by bus and return to the hotel mid- to late-afternoon.
Included
Bus transfer between San Diego and Tijuana; roundtrip charter air between Tijuana and San Ignacio; all Baja ground transportation and transfers; all boating excursions; four nights accommodations at our tent Whale Camp; all meals and beverages at Whale Camp (11); lunches enroute (2); all Mexican taxes, fees and permits [Vizcaino Biosphere fee (“Conservation Passport”), Mexico tourist card, airport taxes]; experienced Baja hosts and guides; small groups to assure personalized experience.
Not Included
Tips to camp staff, personal items, trip / travel insurance, hotel in San Diego
Our Rocky Point (Punta Piedra) Camp is situated on a low bluff overlooking the observation area where all the action is, and offers incredible opportunities to view these gentle giants 24 hours a day.
Permitted by the Mexican government, our low-impact, sustainable “safari style” tent camp lies on a low shoreline bluff adjacent to the largest concentration of whales in San Ignacio Lagoon. You can actually watch the whales from your tent door!
Are you ready for the experience of a lifetime?
Join us on an amazing adventure to Laguna San Ignacio where you will get to witness the magestic gray whales, breathtaking scenery and more!