Close Encounters with Gray Whales

This experience in Baja California provides one of the best opportunities in the world for close above-water interactions with Ocean Giants.

Each year the entire Eastern Pacific population of Gray Whales make an epic migration from their winter feeding grounds in Alaska, to warm water lagoons on the Pacific Coast of Baja California. San Ignacio Lagoon, where this experience is centred, is one of only two fully protected Gray Whale 'nursery lagoons'. Thousands of Gray Whales gather here between December and May to give birth and nurture their calves through the risky early stages of their lives.

Gray whales, and in particular their calves, are naturally curious. If approached sensitively following strict conservation guidelines, whales will often approach boats, seemingly to satisfy their own interest and do a little 'human watching' as well. This human - whale interaction is a truly unique experience.

Gray Whale San Ignacio lagoon Mexico Baja California

You can hope to see other wildlife and marine life besides in the San Ignacio Lagoon UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is an important feeding ground for many endangered species of sea turtles, including Olive Ridley, Leatherback, Hawksbill and Green Turtles. There are also notable terrestrial species which can be seen in the lagoon, including the endangered Pronghorn Antelope.

You will be able to head out in search of Gray Whales every day of this 4- or 6-day experience, with up to 3 boat-based trips allowed per day. As well as this, you can make full use of the activities offered from the campsite, including kayaking, paddleboarding and hiking. You can also take a more relaxed approach, using the comfort of the glamping or luxury tents’ facilities, with 24-hour electricity and heat, ensuite bathrooms and showers with hot and cold water. Cocktail nights and bonfire sunsets will be held every night.

Itinerary

Standard 4 days / 3 nights Itinerary

Day 1

6:30 am coffee and small breakfast for 7 am coach transfer to Cabo San Lucas Airport. 1 hour 50-minute flight to camp where you will be given a welcome briefing before going out on 2 whale watching excursions.

Days 2 & 3

Either have 7 am breakfast before heading out for whale watching on park opening at 8 am; or sleep in and begin whale watching later in the morning. You will have up to 3 encounters per day on top of activities offered at camp, including hiking, paddleboarding and kayaking. In the evening, a cocktail hour and fire pit sunset watching will be held.

Day 4

Early breakfast and up to 1 more whale watching encounter before flying back to Cabo San Lucas Airport from 1 pm to 2:30 pm.

Extended 6 days / 5 nights Itinerary

Day 1

6:30 am coffee and small breakfast for 7 am coach transfer to Cabo San Lucas Airport. 1 hour 50-minute flight to camp where you will be given a welcome briefing before going out on 2 whale watching excursions.

Days 2-5

Either have 7 am breakfast before heading out for whale watching on park opening at 8 am or sleep in and begin whale watching later in the morning. You will have up to 3 encounters per day on top of activities offered at camp, including hiking, paddleboarding and kayaking. In the evening, a cocktail hour and fire pit sunset watching will be held.

Day 6

Early breakfast and up to 1 more whale watching encounter before flying back to Cabo San Lucas Airport from 1 pm to 2:30 pm.

Dates

Enquire / Book 16 Jan - 18 Apr 2025 - from £ 2,050 £ 1,490
from US$ 2,670 US$ 1,940

Standard Itinerary (4 days / 3 nights)

Enquire / Book 30 Jan - 29 Mar 2025 - from US$ 2,700
from US$ 3,515

Extended Itinerary (6 days / 5 nights)

Enquire / Book 17 Jan - 11 Apr 2026 - from £ 2,130
from US$ 2,775

Standard Itinerary (4 days / 3 nights)

Enquire / Book 05 - 15 Feb 2026 - from £ 2,730
from US$ 3,560

Extended Itinerary (6 days / 5 nights)

Enquire / Book 16 Jan - 10 Apr 2027 - from £ 2,530
from US$ 3,300

Standard Itinerary (4 days / 3 nights)

Contact us for availability

Included
5% Mexican Sales Tax
Transport starting and ending Cabo San Lucas airport
Whale watching
Accommodation
All activities in itinerary
All meals & snacks
Non-alcoholic beverages
Internet access

Excluded
Park & airport landing fees ($35 pp)
Alcoholic beverages
Tips & gratuities (recommended $250-300 pp)
International flights
Travel insurance

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