Whale Watching Voyage | Mexico

These journeys take you to some of Baja California's best marine life areas, with some days spent exploring the coast from a stay-on-board yacht; and others based at a luxury coastal tented camp.

The Sea of Cortez

You will start yacht-based, exploring the rich waters of the Sea of Cortez. From January to April we can hope to see some real Ocean Giants, including Blue Whales, Sperm Whales, Fin Whales and Humpbacks. Whale Sharks will also be present, filter feeding on the surface of the water, allowing us to snorkel with them. There are more than 900 islands in the Sea of Cortez, providing safe offshore breeding, feeding and nursing grounds for seabirds – here to fish on even vast populations of fish which visit these waters.

Other species we can hope to see on the islands include California Sealions; whilst at sea we will be on the lookout for Bottlenose Dolphins; and sometimes Spinner and Risso’s Dolphins too. To help enhance encounters, your yacht will be in regular contact with a spotter plane, directing your captain to marine life aggregations.

San Ignacio Lagoon

Stepping off the yacht, we will fly you next to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of San Ignacio Lagoon. This giant shallow-water lagoon is a safe-haven for Gray Whales, which between December and May come here to give birth, nurse their newborn pups and breed.

These 40-foot-long ocean giants are highly sociable and inquisitive towards people, often approaching us at remarkably close distances and encouraging us to touch them from the boat. These interactions are always on the whales’ terms, with the whales making any approach.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is an important feeding ground for Olive Ridley, Leatherback, Hawksbill and Green Turtles; so there are chances of seeing some of these whilst you are there. Out of the water, you might also see the endangered Pronghorn Antelope.

Your accommodation will be a luxury glamping tent where you can enjoy fireside chats, fabulous stargazing and great meals. For a bit of exercise, you can make use of kayaks and paddle boards, or take a walk in the desert nearby.

Itinerary

Itinerary (8 days / 7 nights)

Day 1 – Photo Workshop & Ocean Safari

In the morning, you will have a photo workshop at 9:30 am before going on a 5-hour whale-watching ocean safari at 11 am at Cabo San Lucas. Lunch will be eaten onboard the whale-watching vessel. You will transfer to La Paz at 4 pm, a 20 minute drive north, where you will be able to access the Mechudo Corridor from.

Day 2 – Swimming with Whale Sharks & Boarding Ship

An early breakfast will be followed by a swim with whale sharks unless there’s a strong north wind. This will be followed by lunch at Espiritu Santo. In the afternoon, you can swim with sealions or go hiking, or relax on the beach if you aren’t feeling as active. You will board the expedition liveaboard in the afternoon for cocktail hour, dinner and the navigation north to Loreto.

Days 3 & 4 – Search for Whales

For these days, you will be taken in search of Blue Whale mothers and calves on pangas. Whilst looking for these whales, it may also be possible to see Humpback, Sperm and False Killer Whales, Dolphins, Orcas and Mobula Rays. After you’ve been searching for whales, you will have the opportunity to hike, kayak or relax on the beach.

Day 5 – Disembarkation & Arrival at Campsite

The expedition yacht will be disembarked at the Marea hotel before you will transfer to La Paz airport for a 1 hour 40 minute flight to the airstrip at San Ignacio lagoon. You will be met with champagne and hot apple cider when you land before taking a boat ride to the campsite for snacks and a welcome briefing. You won’t have time for whale watching today so you can relax with cocktail hour and enjoy watching the sunset from a fire pit. There will be dinner and a presentation from a naturalist guide.

Day 6 & 7 – Whale Watching

You will have the option of beginning whale watching at 8 am on the park’s opening after an early breakfast or sleeping in to enjoy searching for whales later in the morning. You will have up to 3 whale encounters a day, depending on the weather conditions, as well as camp activities, such as hiking, kayaking and paddleboarding.

Day 8 – Departure

You will have breakfast and up to 1 more whale encounter on your last day before flying back to Cabo San Lucas Airport in the morning.