ORCA NETWORK together with Baja Ecotours presents an exclusive private group trip.

BEST OF BAJA: SEA OF CORTEZ TO SAN IGNACIO LAGOON 

Experience Unforgettable Gray Whale Watching in San Ignacio Lagoon, Baja, Mexico.

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 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 9-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 majestic whales and exploring the local islands. Loreto boasts an abundance of marine mammal and bird wildlife, including Blue whales, Humpbacks, Fin Wales, 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, 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 often approach our boats, sometimes inviting us to interact. San Ignacio Lagoon is the exclusive site where this extraordinary interaction has become a phenomenon.

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 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, 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, 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 private flight 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 day 8, we have an early breakfast and say goodbye to Campo Cortez and the staff.  We embark on the scenic road trip to Loreto.

Upon returning to Loreto, we will get settled in at the hotel and you will enjoy a free evening to explore Loreto’s many exquisite restaurants on your own or you can join the group for dinner. On our last day, we meet for breakfast and then check-out and shuttle  to the airport for flights home.

§ 9 whale watching trips (7 in San Ignacio Lagoon and 2 in Loreto)

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

whales and other wildlife species

§ 7 Gray whale watches at San Ignacio Lagoon

§ 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

§ 4 nights in Loreto at La Mision Hotel

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

§ Free time in Loreto to explore on your own

§ Explore a local island off the coast of Loreto

§ All meals at Campo Cortez Ecolodge are included and breakfast meals in Loreto are included

Trip Begins and Ends: Loreto, Baja CA Sur, Mexico (Round Trip airfare not included)

Day 1: 

Travel Day to Loreto, Group Happy Hour & Overnight in Luxury Hotel

Day 2 & 3:

Sea Safaris with Whale Watching in Loreto National Marine Park and explore a Local Island

Day 4:

Morning flight on privately chartered aircraft to San Ignacio Lagoon to our private Ecolodge, Campo Cortez, afternoon Whale Watch

Day 5 to 7:

3 full days & nights including 7 whale watching trips

Day 8:

Scenic Road Trip to Loreto and return to Luxury Hotel with free Evening to explore on your own

Day 9:

Check-out and flights home (airfare from Loreto not included)

The town of Loreto offers a rich mix of Old Mission traditions, adventure driven 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 & interactions 

§ 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

Baja Ecotours is 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 9-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.

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.

Private Flight to San Ignacio Lagoon

9:45 am Checkout of hotel and shuttle to Loreto Airport to meet our privately chartered aircraft. Flight is 45 minutes -1 hour to San Ignacio Lagoon.

12:30 pm Lunch & Welcome Orientation

2:00 pm Afternoon Whale Watch

Afternoon & Evening Time to relax, walk beaches & get familiar with camp.

5:00 pm Happy Hour in the palapa. Home made Salsa and guacamole served with

Margaritas, beer, wine, and sodas.

6:00 pm Enjoy Dinner with fresh local ingredients and handmade tortillas.

Evening

Enjoy Presentations and conversation in the palapa or star gaze and have time

to settle into your cabin. Lights out in the palapa at 9 pm.

Experience Whale watching twice daily with total of 7 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.

8:00 am After an early breakfast at camp say farewell to Campo Cortez and staff and load into vans for a scenic road trip to Loreto. Enjoy beautiful views and quaint Baja villages as you travel south to Loreto arriving in the late afternoon. 

Enjoy a free evening on your own or join the group for dinner. Overnight in La Mision 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.

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.