San Ignacio Lagoon
Most Extraordinary Whale Interaction on the Planet

SEASONS

January – April
4 Days, 3 Nights
7 Days, 6 Nights

TYPES OF ADVENTURES

Glamping & Luxury Camp

PRICING (pp. dbl occ.)

Glamping Tent: US$2495
Luxury Tent: US$3045

Destination Overview

There is much more to Baja than the resort town of Cabo San Lucas. At Baja Expeditions, we are the original and oldest eco-tourism company in Baja in continuous operation since 1974. We specialize in going way off the beaten path for adventures, the animals and the people.

San Ignacio Lagoon
Gray Whales

This is the most amazing and spectacular whale interaction with humans on the planet.

Phenomenal, extraordinary, mind-shattering… How do you even being to describe the experience of a giant 40-foot long whale swimming right up to your boat, looking you in the eye and communicating very clearly that they want you to put your hand in the water so that they can push up against it to get stroked. Having a whale look you directly in the eye is an experience that nobody ever forgets. And… It’s not just the adults, the calves are unbelievably cute and and playful and will steal your heart.

Every winter, Eastern pacific gray whales migrate home to Baja, Mexico. Males cruise in and out of every bay, harbour, and lagoon in central Baja looking for females. Females do the same. San Ignacio is whale central, with 5,000 to 6,000 whales visiting the lagoon between December and May.

Our incredible good fortune began in 1972 when the gray whales started actively participating in more and more “human watching and interaction” in one of the deep water channels in the lagoon. Picture this, 40-ft whales swimming up to our idling pangas and communicating very clearly that they want us to stroke, caress, and even kiss them. It’s truly an astonishing experience.

Wild Experience

Interaction with the whales is entirely on their own terms. We never, ever chase or crowd the whales. It is up to the whales to decide to approach us. Whale interaction only happens in one small, designated part of the lagoon. The whales know where to find us if they want to play!

The Eastern Pacific gray whales are the the last significant population of these spectacular animals. In the 19th and 20th centuries, they were mostly wiped out by whaling. It brings tears of gladness to our eyes and hearts to see that this population is now healthy and stable.

Camps

Camps

Camping in the desert at the edge of the ocean doesn’t mean roughing it! Choose from either our glamping or luxury camps with all the amenities you might expect from hot and cold running water and showers and bathrooms in each tent to fine dining to attentive service.

Glamping Tents

US$2495*

We say “NO” to tiny tents with cots, sleeping bags and a couple of shared toilets and showers for the whole camp! Our tents are windproof, insulated and heated for maximum comfort, with ensuite bathrooms and showers, hot and cold running water with good pressure, and 24-hour power. Not to mention “real beds” with fine linen.

Enormous thought has gone into every detail, from a fire pit to a fine selection of wine, craft beer, single malt scotches and fine dining. We even have a bar and lounge tent and Wi-Fi-access throughout the camp.

Virtual Glamping Tent Video

*Inclusions: accommodation, meals, average of three whale panga sessions per day, non-alcoholic beverages, complimentary internet access.

*Exclusions: 5% tax, park fee $35, bar, gift shop, crew gratuities.

Luxury Tents

US$3045*

Our luxury camp features all the amenities of the glamping camp, but with 12 large and luxurious tents, ensuring the utmost privacy. Each tent features an ensuite bathroom, a dresser in the bedroom as well as a separate sitting area with a couch and easy chairs – perfect for relaxing after a day of adventure.

Think of our luxury camp as one of the world’s best pop-up hotel.

Virtual Luxury Tent Video

*Inclusions: accommodation, meals, average of three whale panga sessions per day, non-alcoholic beverages, complimentary internet access.

Exclusions: 5% tax, park fee $35, bar, gift shop, crew gratuities.

Sample Itinerary

Sample Itinerary

We recommend SJD Cabo San Lucas as your gateway airport for seamless transfers from the arrivals hall to Cabo San Lucas.

Our concierges will be on standby to assist with arrangements, address special requests, and answer any questions you might have. We recommend flying into Cabo early to enjoy and partake in our Baja hospitality.

Day Before Boarding

Join us for a complimentary morning photo and video workshop at SeeCreatures Cabo, followed by an afternoon ocean safari searching for humpback whales and sea lions.

Day 1: Meet the Gray Whales!

Our staff will open SeeCreatures at 6:30 am with coffee and a light continental breakfast to help you wake up and prepare for the 7:00 am coach transfer to the executive airport terminal at SJD. Boarding your Cessna Caravan for a 1 hour 50-minute flight to camp, where you’ll be welcomed by trays of champagne and more of our wonderful staff. Enjoy brunch and a welcome briefing at camp, followed by two afternoon whale watching excursions.

Days 2 – 3: San Ignacio Lagoon

It’s your vacation, and it’s your schedule. Many of our guests choose an early breakfast and a 7:30 a.m. panga ride to get an early start on the day’s whale watching, which we recommend so that we are in the reserve before other boats start showing up.

Alternatively, you can sleep in with a late breakfast and enjoy a more leisurely pace. Lunch. Relax. One more afternoon whale watching encounter or perhaps a walk along a hiking path, a visit to the incredible, blindingly white Salinas salt flat, mountain biking, or a game of billiards in the desert! Cocktail hour around the fire pit watching the sunset. Fine dining and then relax with a drink and an evening presentation by one of our naturalists. Please note that the number of actual whale encounters varies depending on Mother Nature. If it’s too windy, it might not be safe to be out on the water, in which case we will provide an alternate activity.

Day 4: Return to Cabo

Early breakfast and one more whale watching encounter before your flight back to Cabo. You should be on the ground between 12:30 and 1 pm and able to connect to airline flights at SDJ leaving at 2:30 pm or later.

Of course, we hope you will come back to Cabo with us and continue with more adventures, whether it’s swimming with whale sharks, scuba diving, snorkelling, or heading out for some overlanding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What am I going to see ?

You can expect up close and personal interactions with Pacific gray whales! San Ignacio Lagoon is also home to a variety of bird species including nesting ospreys and egrets.

When should I go?

We only operate in peak season when large numbers of whales are present, from January through April.

Why do your trips leave out of SJD?

Because the shortest flight to the Lagoon is from SJD which is super easy to get to with service from 15 different US cities, most of Mexico and even direct flights from overseas. Because Cabo San Lucas in the winter and spring is a really fun place to visit!! Because you won’t have any border crossing hassles. And because we offer all sorts of other activities from our Cabo San Lucas base including swimming with whale sharks and other adventures in the Sea of Cortez, scuba diving including our Socorro giant manta liveaboard trips, photography workshops and much more.

Is there another way to camp or do I have to fly from SJD?

Our camp is fly in only.

What’s included in the trip?

Return flight from San Ignacio. Hotel transfers in Cabo. Accommodation, activities, meals, snacks and non-alcoholic beverages plus unlimited whale watching subject to capacity control and weather. On-site naturalist.

Park fees, gift shop, bar, gratuities and camera rentals are NOT included.

What airport do I fly into?

SJD Los Cabos International for both commercial airlines and private aircraft.

See What Guests Have Said

What Guests Have to Say About San Ignacio

Life Changing Experience

This has been a most incredible life changing experience. We will cherish these memories. Read full review

Charles & Deb W – Tucson USA

Everything was Perfect!

Everything has been perfect!! the staff knowledge, kind, patient and helpful. Read full review

Jane B – USA

Picture Prefect Dream

The entire experience lived up to the dream of being here. Read full review

Anthony M – Atlanta USA

Awe-inspiring Creatures

Words cannot adequately describe how awe-inspiring these magnificent and playful creatures are. Read full review

Randy S – USA

Experience That Changed My Life

Today was our second date. What an amazing experience!! I am so grateful to be here. Read full review

Anahi – Cabo San Lucas

Get Inspired!

San Ignacio Lagoon - Night Sky

Get Inspired

Watch our San Ignacio Lagoon videos

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