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 renowned Gray Whale Sanctuary at San Ignacio Lagoon along the Pacific coastline and the charming town of Loreto on the Sea of Cortez .
During this 8-day expedition, we 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.
Next 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.
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 the morning of departure at a local San Diego hotel and shuttle to the Tijuana airport via the Cross Bridge Express (CBX). Your experienced guide leads the group to meet our privately chartered plane which flies directly to San Ignacio Lagoon. Upon arrival in the lagoon, you are greeted by our guides and staff and the next stop is Campo Cortez, our Ecolodge. 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 Day 5 we depart Campo Cortez and meet a privately chartered flight to Loreto. Upon arriving in Loreto, we will get settled in at the hotel and you will enjoy a free evening to explore Loreto’s many delicious restaurants on your own or you can join the group for dinner. 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. 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, kayaking, walk, shop, or whatever else you enjoy. On the seventh day, we meet for breakfast and go for our final sea safari in Loreto National Marine Park. Upon returning, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy free time in Loreto.
On Day 8, after a hearty breakfast at the hotel, we say goodbye and check out of the hotel to catch returning flights home.
§ 8 whale watching trips
§ 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 Safaris 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 company, 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 ecolodge has been powered by solar and wind energy for over 30 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 as well as a gift shop with local curios.
With our state-of-the-art solar 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 computer, 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 family and friends.
Take advantage of our prime location to explore our trails for walking, hiking, and strolling on the beach. Join a 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
§ Large screen TV to view daily videos & presentations
§ Science and weather monitoring station
§ Coffee and hot tea
§ Snacks and fruit
§ Sodas, beer, and wine
§ Clean, reverse osmosis drinking water
§ Gift shop of locally crafted goods including t-shirts and headgear
Our beachside cabins come equipped with electricity, comfortable beds and are well protected from the often harsh wind and elements of the coastal desert. Twelve of our cabins are double occupancy with a mixture of single and double beds while three cabins offer triple occupancy with a double and single bed. All our cabins are supplied with fresh linens, pillows, shelving and a countertop area with a small mirror. They are cozy, efficient and leave a small footprint on the land. You’ll find charging stations inside of each cabin with standard USB-A connections as well as two USB-C connections.
Special Accommodations: If you have any special needs, let us know and we will do everything we can to make your stay comfortable.
CPAP users: we offer two cabins that provide standard a/c power throughout the night for your medical device.
Special Diets: We happily accommodate special diets like Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten Free or others.
The town of Loreto offers a rich mix of Old Mission traditions, authentic lifestyles, with a wealth of Mexican Culture. Loreto was the first capital of the Californias, and the historic “Our Lady of Loreto” Mission, located in Loreto’s town square is still open to the public and for daily use. Loreto’s beautiful location is nestled between the Sea of Cortez and the Sierra de la Giganta Mountain range, giving visitors a unique mix between ocean and mountain activities.
LA MISON HOTEL- THE ULTIMATE LUXURY IN LORETO Discover La Mision Hotel in Baja Sur, a stunning and elegant resort with a contemporary European-Mexican Hacienda Style which shows the “Old Mission” flavor of Baja Mexico. Hotel La Mision offers a luxurious oceanfront experience for those who seek the finest hotel accommodations in Loreto, Mexico.
Trip Begins: San Diego, CA (airfare to San Diego not included)
HOTEL: BW Hacienda Hotel, Old Town, San Diego, CA
Trip Ends: Loreto, Baja CA Sur (airfare from Loreto not included)
Day 1:
Travel Day to San Ignacio Lagoon to our private Ecolodge, Campo Cortez
Day 2 - 4:
3 full days & nights including 6 whale watching trips with the Gray Whales
Day 5:
Enjoy a Scenic Flight to Loreto and check in to the Luxury Hotel for free. Evening to explore your own quaint seaside town
Day 6 & 7:
Sea Safaris with Whale Watching in Loreto National Marine Park and time to explore on a Local Island
Day 8:
Travel Day - After Breakfast, Check-out and flights home (airfare from Loreto not included)
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
Schedule WILL vary day to day based on tide movements and weather
§ Guided tide pool exploration & critter hunts
§ Naturalist led excursions & lectures
§ Up close whale observation & petting
§ Happy hour & incredible sunsets
§ Hike to Gray Whale boneyard
§ Beach strolling and dark sky constellation gazing
§ Bird watching
Because we value a small group size, availability is on a limited basis. Please make your reservations well in advance to secure your spots. Many of our guests plan and book their trips at least six to fourteen 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
We are consistently rated the #1 Travelers’ Choice on Trip Advisor year after year for one reason, our Staff and Owners - who are residents and locals to San Ignacio Lagoon. We are four generations of family living and working in the lagoon since the settlement of San Ignacio Lagoon. We take pride in our efforts at our Ecolodge to have a low-impact environmentally and the responsibility that we carry as Ambassadors to the lagoon and its many wildlife residents.
Meals, snacks, beer, wine & soda while at Campo Cortez
While in Loreto
At Hotel La Mision
Naturalist led walks & discussions. All of our boat trips have Naturalist guides to answer any questions you may have on whale behavior or activities.
Enjoy a short ride to the whale observation area from our location. Enjoy a morning and an afternoon whale watch daily while at Campo Cortez Ecolodge.
When the tide is low we provide boots for you to use for exploring the tide pools.
Entrance fee to Vizcaino Biosphere – (added to your invoice)
Premium liquor or call drinks are at a separate cost
To San Diego, Ca and from Loreto, Baja, Mexico
On your own in Loreto
On our travel day from San Diego to San Ignacio, snacks will be provided. If you want a heartier meal, there will be opportunity at the Tijuana airport to grab a quick bit to eat.
We highly recommend purchasing Travel Insurance
If you'd like to leave a gratuity for our staff, you will have the opportunity to do so at the end of the trip.
After breakfast at the hotel, we depart for the Tijuana Airport via CBX.
Arrive San Ignacio Lagoon for orientation, Happy Hour and dinner.
Experience Whale watching twice daily with total of 6 whale watches to give you the best opportunity to see the whales up-close. After whale watching, simply relax and absorb the ancient unbroken rhythms of the lagoon and its splendid wildlife; wander the shell-strewn beaches; join an afternoon low tide exploration; play games; take a natural history excursion with our guides; or simply relax. All Activities & times will be listed in the Palapa on our Activity Board.
We depart Campo Cortez after breakfast and arrive in Loreto late morning. Free afternoon and evening to enjoy the quaint seaside town.
7:00 am Meet for a Deluxe Buffet Breakfast in the Hotel Restaurant
8:00 am-1:00 pm Walk across the street to the Marina and load into boats for a sea safari including whale watching and exploring a local island.
Afternoon & Evening: Free time to experience Loreto on your own shopping, dining, hiking, or relaxing poolside. Often the group decides to meet for dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight at the hotel.
7:00 am Meet for a deluxe buffet Breakfast in the Hotel Restaurant
10:00 am Hotel Check out and shuttles to the airport for separate departures.
Enjoy views of the Sea of Cortez from your room at this beautiful hotel. Take a stroll on the Malecon or the beach, browse local shops and eat in delicious local restaurants all a short walk from our hotel. Breakfast buffet for both mornings of your stay is a delight with fresh juices, fruit, breads, full service hot breakfast.
Our beachside cabins come equipped with electricity, comfortable beds and are well protected from the often harsh wind and elements of the coastal desert. Twelve of our cabins are double occupancy with a mixture of single and double beds while three cabins offer triple occupancy with a double and single bed. All our cabins are supplied with fresh linens, pillows, shelving and a countertop area with a small mirror. They are cozy, efficient and leave a small footprint on the land. You’ll find charging stations inside of each cabin with a standard USB connection as well as two USB C connections.
Special Accommodations: If you have any special needs, let us know and we will do everything we can to make your stay comfortable.
CPAP users: we offer two cabins that provide standard a/c power throughout the night for your medical device.
Special Diets: We happily accommodate special diets like Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten Free or others.
One thing we are passionate about is respecting and honoring the whales that come here each winter. Our boat captains are all local residents of San Ignacio Lagoon and they each have decades of experience. Why does that matter? Well, maneuvering close to whales and keeping the panga steady and in perfect position is truly an art. They make it look easy but if you observe less experienced captains, you can see the difference. We respect the rules of the Lagoon to not overcrowd the whales and are considerate of other boats. Not many other camps own their own pangas or are as fortunate to have the excellent captains that we have. Our pangas are specially designed with low sides and cushioned benches to make the up close experiences easy and comfortable for our guests. Owning our boats ensures that we can keep small group sizes on each whale watch.
