Embark on a remarkable adventure with our 8-day Big Whale Trip, offering an unparalleled whale-watching experience in the breathtaking landscapes of Baja, Mexico. Our journey takes you to two extraordinary destinations: the charming town of Loreto on the Sea of Cortez and the renowned Gray Whale Sanctuary at San Ignacio Lagoon along the Pacific coastline.

During this immersive 8-day expedition, you'll enjoy the luxury of a seaside resort hotel on the Sea of Cortez, where we spend three nights and two full days observing majestic whales and exploring the local islands. Loreto boasts an abundance of marine mammal and bird wildlife, including Blue Whales, Humpbacks, Sperm Whales, Orcas, and playful dolphins, among others. The Sea of Cortez is globally recognized as one of the most biodiverse marine habitats, making it an ideal destination for an extraordinary whale-watching encounter.

We next venture to the Pacific coastline, home to the legendary San Ignacio Lagoon and its winter breeding grounds for Pacific Gray Whales. Nestled in our private Ecolodge "Campo Cortez," we immerse ourselves in four days and nights of unforgettable encounters with the famous "friendly Gray Whales of San Ignacio Lagoon." These gentle giants approach our boats, inviting us to scratch, pet, and even sing to them and their adorable newborn calves. San Ignacio Lagoon is the exclusive site where this extraordinary interaction has become a regular phenomenon.

Join us on this unique journey to witness the wonders of whale watching in San Ignacio Lagoon and Loreto, Baja, Mexico. Book your adventure today and create memories that will last a lifetime.

We meet in Loreto at our waterfront hotel overlooking the Sea of Cortez and the local islands. We begin with a welcome Happy Hour so you have an opportunity to meet your fellow travelers, discuss the upcoming days and events and ask any questions. The next morning after breakfast at the hotel we walk across the street to load into our boats for the sea safari tour of Loreto National Marine Park. We will search for Blue Whales, Humpbacks, Fins, Orcas, and other wildlife including blue-footed boobies, sea lions, and dolphins. A stop on Coronado Island is a highlight, you’ll see turquoise water and dramatic lava flows. After enjoying snacks, browse for shells, rest, swim, or hike along the island. You’ll have time to unwind before we head back to Loreto. The rest of the day is your free time to enjoy the hotel pool, go sightseeing, kayak, walk, shop, or whatever else you enjoy. On the third day, we meet for breakfast and go for our final whale watch in Loreto National Marine Park. Upon returning the rest of the day is yours to enjoy free time in Loreto.

The following morning after breakfast we depart Loreto and embark on our scenic road trip to San Ignacio Lagoon. Enjoy a stop in San Ignacio town for lunch at the oasis Ignacio Springs and then a quick visit to the historic mission in the town center. Our road trip then continues on to San Ignacio Lagoon. Once at Campo Cortez, you’ll experience the first-class personal service of Maldo Fischer and his family and our devoted guides as they host 4 days and nights with 2 whale-watching trips daily and a variety of other guide-led expeditions.

On the final day, we have an early breakfast and say goodbye to Campo Cortez and the staff. You board our privately chartered flight at the airstrip in San Ignacio Lagoon and fly to Tijuana where our ground crew meets you and escorts you across the border to a local hotel in San Diego.

§ 8 whale watching trips (2 sea safaris in Loreto and 6 whale watches in San Ignacio)

§ 4 days and 4 nights at our private Ecolodge: Campo Cortez

§ Naturalists led discussions and field excursions

§ Hiking, beach strolling, tide pool exploration, constellation gazing

§ 3 nights in Loreto at Hotel La Mision

§ See the best of both coasts - Sea of Cortez and San Ignacio Lagoon

§ Whale watching with the friendly Gray Whales at San Ignacio Lagoon

§ Sea Safari with Whale watching in Loreto National Park to see Blue Whales, Humpbacks, Fin

Whales and other wildlife species

§ Free time in Loreto to explore on your own

§ Explore a local island off the coast of Loreto

§ All meals at Campo Cortez are included and breakfast meals in Loreto are included

Discover the unparalleled experience offered by Campo Cortez Ecolodge – your gateway to an unforgettable adventure at San Ignacio Lagoon. As a locally owned and operated ecolodge, we pride ourselves on our exceptional location, modern amenities, and commitment to sustainable practices.

Nestled on the outskirts of civilization, Campo Cortez Ecolodge provides a unique blend of comfort and environmental consciousness. Our off-the-grid community has been powered by solar and wind energy for over 25 years, ensuring a clean and renewable source of power. Constructed using traditional building methods and local materials, our palapa serves as the central gathering point for daily activities and meals.

With our state-of-the-art solar and wind generation system, you'll have access to 110 AC or 12-volt DC power for all your charging needs. Whether it's your phone, video camera, or camera batteries, you can conveniently recharge them in the dining palapa or your cabin during the day. Our facilities feature hot showers, flushing marine toilets, and numerous hand washing stations, providing modern comforts in harmony with the surrounding environment.

Stay connected with our STARLINK internet service, ensuring you can share your memorable moments and stay in touch with loved ones. Take advantage of our kayaks for guided excursions into the enchanting mangroves, or explore our trails for walking, hiking, and beachcombing. Join our tide-pooling excursions, where you'll discover fascinating marine life and even try your hand at chocolate clam hunting during our weekly clam and oyster bake.

  Always available in the palapa are: 

§ Book and video library of Baja & marine mammals & plants

§ Television to view our daily videos & presentations

§ Science and weather monitoring station

§ Coffee and hot tea

§ Snacks and fruit

§ Sodas, beer, and wine

§ Fresh drinking water 

Trip Begins: Loreto, Baja CA Sur, Mexico (One Way airfare not included)

Trip Ends: San Diego, CA USA

Day 1: 

Travel Day to Loreto, Welcome Happy Hour & Overnight in Luxury Hotel

Day 2 & 3:

Sea Safaris with Whale Watching in Loreto National Marine Park and exploring on a Local Island

Day 4:

Scenic Road Trip to San Ignacio Lagoon; Lunch in San Ignacio Oasis and quick visit to historic mission

Days 5, 6,  7:

3 full days & nights including 6 whale watching trips

Day 8:

Travel Day - After breakfast, a flight from San Ignacio Lagoon to Tijuana and then a guided trip to the San Diego hotel via CBX (Cross Bridge Express)

Daily Camp Schedule:

7:00am Coffee, cereals, fruit

8:00am Hot breakfast

8:45am Whale watching

12:00pm Lunch

2:00pm Whale watching

5:00pm Happy hour

6:00pm Dinner

9:00pm Lights out-Palapa

Camp Schedule WILL vary day to day based on tide movements and weather

Camp Activities:

§ Guided tide pool exploration & critter hunts 

§ Naturalist led excursions & lectures

§ Up close whale observation & petting 

§ Happy hour & incredible sunsets 

§ Hike to the Gray whale boneyard

§ Beach strolls and dark sky constellation gazing

§ Bird watching

§ Guided  kayaking* excursions to mangroves 

*Kayaking is dependent upon the tide and weather. Camp guides will lead kayaking trips

Availability is on a limited basis. Please make your reservations well in advance to secure your space on the aircraft and at camp. Many of our guests plan and book their trips at least six to twelve months in advance. For your comfort, space is limited at camp and all our reservations are made on a first come basis. Please call or email us to check our schedule for availability. 

Before your departure, you’ll receive from us: 

§ Comprehensive itinerary package & travel information

§ Camp guidelines & whale watching information

§ Guide information & contact information 

§ Detailed packing list