The gray whale watching season in Mexico is underway, and 2026 is off to a strong start. New year. New life!
Guests traveling with Nautilus Adventures are once again experiencing the magic of Laguna San Ignacio, one of the world’s most important gray whale breeding and calving grounds.
From the first trips of the 2025-26 season, conditions have been calm and encounters plentiful. The gray whales have been present almost constantly — cruising, resting, nursing calves, and approaching boats with the kind of curiosity the lagoon is famous for. Unique behaviour, not just for Baja California but worldwide.
Gray Whale Watching Mexico: A Lagoon Full of Life
Crew member Eline joined us for opening week, and her first days on the water captured exactly why this place is so special:
What impressed me most was learning that the calf we saw on day two was only a few weeks old, born right here inside the lagoon… We were with whales about 95% of the time. They were just always there… I knew very little about gray whales before this trip, and after just a few days, I feel much closer to the species 🤍”
by Eline, Crew Member, January 2026
–
🎥 See guests connect with more of Baja’s residents with EcoTourtugas turtle ecology session ^
More Than Whale Watching
For many guests, the experience goes far beyond the whales themselves. As repeat Nautilus traveler Jennifer shared:
This is my second trip with Nautilus, and I can’t say enough about the experience… San Ignacio gray whales are the draw, but we were also able to kayak in the mangroves, do birding, participate in citizen science with turtle ecologists, and enjoy local oysters. A really fantastic trip!”
by Jennifer C, Guest Report, January 2026
–
These moments — unhurried, immersive, and deeply connected to place — are what make San Ignacio such a standout destination.
If a picture paints a thousand words, a video says a whole lot more...
Immersive Whale Watching Experience with Comfort and Care
Guests consistently comment on the balance between wild nature and thoughtful comfort at camp:
What an amazing trip! Every detail has been considered and planned to make it an amazing experience.… The whale encounters have been awesome. We can get so close to the whales that we can see the barnacles on their tails and faces. Camp is so comfortable, and the food is excellent — with many vegetarian choices. I’m coming back!”
by Christine C, Guest Report, January 2026
–
Combined with experienced naturalists, respectful whale interactions, and small-group outings, the result is a whale watching experience that feels both intimate and enriching.
New Season, New Camp Feel
The cherry on top? Our Luxury eco-camps are looking better than ever.
Our redesigned dining and luxury tents offer more space and comfort while staying true to the wild, off-the-grid soul of San Ignacio. And then there’s the newest addition that’s already become legendary: our super-funky Dive Bar, built into a vintage bus. Cold drinks, eclectic décor, sunset golden hour — and no reason to rush anywhere.
There’s still time to join a gray whale watching tour in Mexico
With a strong early showing of whales — including newborn calves — the season is shaping up beautifully. If you’ve been on the fence, this might be your sign.
We’d love to welcome you to San Ignacio, share a few days on the water, and raise a glass together as the sun drops behind the dunes.
See you at camp,
Mike & the crew
Related Reading: Nautilus’ videographer, Allie, had the honor of naming two new manta rays recently. Read her story to learn their unusual names — ‘From Diver to Citizen Scientist: Giant Manta Edition.’
