Embark on a remarkable adventure with our 8-day Big Whale Trip, offering an unparalleled whale-watching experience in the remote landscapes of Baja California Sur, 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.

Our 8-Day Big Whale Trip begins in the seaside town of Loreto, where we gather at a waterfront hotel overlooking the islands of the Sea of Cortez. We start with a relaxed welcome happy hour, giving you the chance to meet your fellow travelers, connect with your guides, and prepare for the adventure ahead.

The following morning, we walk across the street to board our boats for a sea safari into Loreto Bay National Marine Park. Over two full days exploring these protected waters, we search for Blue whales, Humpbacks, Fin whales, and Orcas, along with dolphins, sea lions, and blue-footed boobies. A visit to Coronado Island is a highlight, with its turquoise waters and dramatic lava formations. Enjoy time to stroll the beach, swim, hike, or simply relax before returning to Loreto. Afternoons and evenings are open for you to unwind at the hotel pool or explore town at your own pace — kayaking, biking, sightseeing, shopping, or enjoying Loreto’s waterfront malecón.

On one of the days, in the late afternoon, we head south to Puerto Escondido, where the massive Sierra de la Giganta mountains dramatically plunge into the sea, creating a jaw-dropping backdrop. Here we board a spacious catamaran for a magical sunset whale watch. As the sun dips behind the towering cliffs and islands, we enjoy drinks and snacks while scanning for whales in one of the most scenic settings imaginable. We return to our hotel in Loreto by 7:45 pm for a delicious dinner and a well-earned night’s rest.

Midweek, we depart Loreto for a scenic flight across the Baja peninsula to San Ignacio Lagoon. Located within the El Vizcaíno Biosphere Reserve, this protected sanctuary is one of the most important breeding grounds for Pacific Gray Whales.

At Campo Cortez, our sustainable ecolodge on the lagoon’s edge, you’ll be welcomed by our local hosts and guides for four days and nights of immersive wildlife experiences. Each day includes two whale-watching excursions into the lagoon, where curious Gray whales are often known to approach small boats for close encounters. Between outings, enjoy hearty meals, naturalist talks, beach walks, birding, and the quiet beauty of this remote coastal environment.

On our final morning, after an early breakfast and farewells to the Campo Cortez staff, we board our privately chartered flight from the lagoon airstrip to Tijuana. From there, our ground team guides you across the border to a local hotel in San Diego, concluding an unforgettable journey that connects two of Baja’s most extraordinary whale habitats in one seamless adventure.

§ 10 whale watching trips (2 sea safaris, 1 sunset cruise in Loreto & 7 Gray whale watches)

§ 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 La Mision Hotel

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

§ 7 Whale watches with the friendly Gray whales at San Ignacio Lagoon

§ 2 Sea Safaris in Loreto National Park to see Blue whales, Humpbacks, Fin

whales and other wildlife species

§ 1 Sunset Cruise -Enjoy drinks, snacks, and stunning views as you watch for whales.

§ 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

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. 

Situated at the heart of the Vizcaino Biosphere, Campo Cortez solar powered Ecolodge lies on the shores of San Ignacio Lagoon, at the mouth of one of the largest bird estuaries in the area, offering spectacular opportunities to view breeding and birthing Gray whales throughout the day. A variety of species of migrating birds take refuge in the mangrove forest along our shoreline, which provides excellent bird watching and tide-pool walks. The local shoreline here is covered with millions of years of ancient whale fossils, bones, and shells.

This region of the Baja Peninsula is truly a piece of paradise that has been left untouched throughout thousands of generations and offers visitors a look at how the peninsula once was before man’s arrival.

 Daily Ecolodge Schedule:

7:00am Coffee, cereals, fruit

8:00am Hot breakfast

8:45am Whale watching

12:00pm Lunch

2:00pm Whale watching

5:30pm Happy hour

6:30pm Dinner

9:00pm Lights out-Palapa

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

Ecolodge Activities:

§ 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.

Your 8-Day Big Whale Adventure begins in the charming seaside town of Loreto, Baja California Sur — the historic heart of the Sea of Cortez. We gather at our waterfront hotel, where sweeping views of rugged islands stretch across the Sea of Cortez. The evening starts with a relaxed welcome happy hour, the perfect opportunity to meet your fellow travelers, connect with your expert guides, and toast to the unforgettable journey ahead.

After happy hour you are on your own to explore Loreto eateries for dinner, there are many great locations within a 5 minute walk from the hotel.

The next morning, after a hearty breakfast buffet, we cross the street to the marina and board our whale watching boats for an exciting sea safari inside the Loreto Bay National Marine Park. This protected paradise is one of the best places on Earth to encounter the ocean’s giants. We’ll spend the day searching for Blue whales, Humpback whales, Fin whales, Orcas, and two species of dolphins that frequently grace these nutrient-rich waters. A highlight of the day is our visit to Coronado Island. Surrounded by vivid turquoise waters and dramatic lava formations, the island is home to a lively colony of sea lions and an impressive array of seabirds — including the rare blue-footed boobies, brown pelicans, magnificent frigate birds, and ospreys. Bird enthusiasts will be in heaven.

Once ashore, you’ll have free time to stroll the pristine beach, swim in the crystal-clear water, hike the island trails, or simply relax and soak in the beauty.

On one of the days, in the late afternoon, we head south to Puerto Escondido, where the massive Sierra de la Giganta mountains dramatically plunge into the sea, creating a jaw-dropping backdrop. Here we board a spacious catamaran for a magical sunset whale watch. As the sun dips behind the towering cliffs and islands, we enjoy drinks and snacks while scanning for whales in one of the most scenic settings imaginable. We return to our hotel in Loreto by 7:45 pm for dinner and a well-earned night’s rest.

After a hearty breakfast at the hotel restaurant, we check-out of the hotel and head to the airport to meet our privately chartered flight to San Ignacio Lagoon. This scenic flight is under an hour. Once you land, you will be met by our local guides and driven to Campo Cortez Ecolodge. After a quick lunch, we venture out on the boats for an afternoon whale watch. When we return, there will be camp orientation and cabin check-in.

As the sun begins to set, join us for a festive happy hour in our open-air dining palapa, featuring fresh homemade guacamole, salsa, and chips, along with margaritas, beer, wine, and refreshing non-alcoholic beverages. It’s the perfect time to take in the colors of the lagoon, meet the staff, and connect with fellow travelers.

Dinner follows, prepared with fresh local ingredients and served with warm hospitality—an inviting end to a remarkable day.

Spend three full days at our private Ecolodge, Campo Cortez, with two whale watching trips daily and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere - hiking, beach strolling, or bird watching. Each morning, after a hearty breakfast you’ll depart on our skiffs to see the whales. Each trip lasts approximately two hours from the time we leave camp. You’ll witness the spectacular behavior of these gentle giants as they breach and spyhop all around us, sometimes approaching our skiffs for a better view of us. Observe mothers tending to their calves and males courting females. There is truly no place like this on the planet. Lunch is served midday and a second whale watch follows around 2:00 pm.

Other Activities: 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.

On our final morning, after an early breakfast and farewells to the Campo Cortez staff, we board our privately chartered flight from the lagoon airstrip to Tijuana. From there, our ground team guides you across the border to a local hotel in San Diego, concluding an unforgettable journey that connects two of Baja’s most extraordinary whale habitats in one seamless adventure.

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. 

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.

Seemingly perched on the edge of civilization, Campo Cortez is a fully off-the-grid, solar-powered ecolodge offering clean, comfortable, modern amenities with minimal environmental impact. Built using local materials and traditional methods, our palapa serves as the heart of daily life—where guests gather for meals, activities, presentations, and connection.

Powered by advanced solar generation systems, the lodge provides 110 AC and 12-volt DC electricity for charging phones, cameras, and other devices in the palapa and cabins during daylight hours. While we encourage guests to unplug and immerse themselves in nature, we also offer Starlink internet access and a cellular antenna booster for those who wish to stay connected.

Our eco-friendly facilities include hot showers, flushing marine toilets, hand-washing stations, and clean reverse osmosis drinking water. The palapa is stocked with coffee and tea, fresh fruit and snacks, sodas, beer, and wine. Guests also enjoy a Baja-focused book library, a large-screen TV for daily presentations, a science and weather monitoring station, and a gift shop featuring locally crafted goods.

Our beachside cabins are equipped with electricity, comfortable beds, and sturdy construction that protects from coastal winds and desert elements. Ten cabins accommodate two guests with a mix of single and double beds, and three cabins accommodate three guests with one double and one single bed. Two deluxe cabins offer a private in-room toilet for nighttime convenience (available for an additional fee).

All cabins include fresh linens, pillows, shelving, and a countertop with a mirror. Charging stations provide one standard USB and two USB-C connections. Designed to be cozy and efficient, each cabin maintains a small footprint on the land.

Special Accommodations: If you have specific needs, please let us know—we will do everything possible to ensure a comfortable stay.

CPAP Users: Two cabins provide standard A/C power throughout the night for medical devices.

Special Diets: We gladly accommodate vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and other dietary needs with advance notice.

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.