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.

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 whales and other marine life and exploring the local protected islands. Loreto boasts an abundance of marine mammal and bird wildlife, including Blue Whales, Humpbacks, 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, a scenic road trip across the Baja Peninsula, stopping to visit the historic town of San Ignacio with its 17th century Jesuit mission and lush date palm oasis. Continue to San Ignacio Lagoon, located within the Vizcaíno Biosphere Reserve, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and critical breeding ground for Pacific Gray Whales. Stay at our sustainable Ecolodge "Campo Cortez," designed to minimize environmental impact. Our shoreline wooden cabins offer comfortable protection from the winds with comfortable beds and linens, while our solar-powered palapa serves as a welcoming space to share meals, relax, and enjoy presentations from our resident naturalists. Spend three days experiencing close encounters with friendly Gray Whales, known to approach boats for gentle interactions — a rare and unforgettable phenomenon.

Join us on this unique journey to witness the wonders of whale watching in San Ignacio Lagoon and Loreto, Baja, Mexico while supporting marine conservation. 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, stroll the beach, 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, take an E-bike tour, 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 and then a quick visit to the historic mission in the town plaza. 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

 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. 

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 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. 

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 Ecolodge 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

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.

5:00pm: Meet in Hotel lobby to meet guide and other travelers.

5:00- 6:00pm:  Group Happy Hour poolside with fresh guacamole, margaritas and beverages.

Dinner on your own or join other guests at a variety of local restaurants all

walking distance from the hotel.

Overnight: Enjoy Ocean views of the Sea of Cortez and a good night’s sleep.

7:00 am Meet in Hotel Lobby for a breakfast buffet with fresh juices, a variety of fresh fruit, and other delicious menu options.

8:00 am-1:00 pm Walk across the street to the Marina and load into boats for a sea safari with whale watching. We will search for Humpbacks, Blue Whales, and other wildlife including blue-footed boobies, sea lions, and dolphins. A stop on Coronado Island is a highlight; turquoise water and dramatic lava flows coming from the volcano that is Coronado Island. Browse for shells, rest, swim, or hike along the island, you’ll have time to unwind before we head back to Loreto.

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 in Hotel Lobby for a breakfast buffet with fresh juices, a variety of fresh fruit, and other delicious menu options.

7:45 am Hotel Check Out

8:00am Depart Hotel and drive 4 hours to San Ignacio. Along our route up the coast of the Sea of Cortez, you’ll see some of the most picturesque coastline that Mexico has to offer. Jagged mountains, lava flows, cacti, and quaint villages are all part of the experience. Stop for Lunch at Ignacio Springs on the oasis and stretch your legs and see the lush date palms and waterways. If time permits, we make a quick stop at the historic mission in the town plaza and then we continue to San Ignacio Lagoon a 1 1⁄2 hour drive.

3:00 pm Arrive at Campo Cortez, you’ll be given a detailed orientation on the camp, and use of the facilities, and shown to your cabins.

5:00 pm Happy hour at our dining palapa: Homemade guacamole, salsa, and chips with Margaritas, beer, wine, and sodas. Enjoy the remarkable sunset and meet the staff and other guests.

6:00 pm Dinner with fresh local ingredients, beverages, and good conversation.

9:00 pm Lights out in the Palapa.

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.

7:00 am Early breakfast and then shuttle to the airstrip in San Ignacio Lagoon to meet your privately chartered aircraft.

8:15-11:15 Scenic flight north over the Baja Peninsula landing at Tijuana International Airport. Once you land, you will be met by our friendly ground crew and guide who will meet you to collect your luggage and walk across the US border via Cross Bridge Express (CBX). In San Diego, our private bus is waiting and shuttles you to the local hotel for the end of the journey.

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.