Baja Whale Expedition

Day 1: Arrival: Cabo San Lucas

Bienvenidos! Arrive at Los Cabos Intl Airport (SJD) at any time. Upon arrival, there will be a driver to take you to your hotel. There are no planned activities for this day, so you are free to spend the day however you would like. At a specified time, we will have a group welcoming meeting at a designated location to meet your fellow travelers and discuss the itinerary over the next few days.

Cabo San Lucas’s white beaches, crystal blue water, and spectacular arching stone cliffs have become the backdrop for Baja’s southern-most city on the peninsula. The activities here are endless: jet-skiing, banana boating, parasailing, snorkeling, kitesurfing, scuba diving, and horseback riding can all be found just by walking along the beach. This resort city is also well known for its nightlife scene in the downtown tourist district, particularly the two-block stretch surrounding Plaza Bonita. This hip, dance club filled quarter showcases Cabo San Lucas at its late-night best.

INCLUDED:
–Airport transfer from Los Cabos Intl Airport

Overnight in Cabo San Lucas

Day 2: La Paz/ Espiritu Santo Island

This morning, we’ll have an early start for our two-hour drive north to La Paz. La Paz Bay is a unique sheltered bay where whale sharks are known to arrive annually, between October and March, to feed on plankton. There are only four places on the planet where whale sharks make predictable appearances at certain times of the year, and the Sea of Cortez in Baja California is one of them.

Once arriving in the seaside city, we will board a boat to Espiritu Santo Island, one of the most beautiful islands in the Sea of Cortez, and added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1995 as a biosphere reserve. Here, the contrast between desert and sea and its rock formations of volcanic origin will captivate you, as well as the great amount of flora and fauna that inhabits the island. The island has also been voted to be home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. This natural paradise will amaze you with breathtaking island scenery and rich marine life.  It is known as “the Galapagos of the Sea of Cortez.”

Accompanied by a marine biologist guide, learn detailed information about the island, its history, as well as all the wildlife encountered during this trip. After a briefing about whale sharks, you will be outfitted with snorkeling equipment and we will set out in search of the sharks in the Bay. The surrounding reefs are teeming with tropical fish including parrotfish, angelfish, trumpetfish, Moorish idols, rays, turtles, and dolphins. Participants will get the opportunity to interact with the whale sharks in their natural habitat, learn about the scientific research that is being undertaken, contribute to the conservation of these majestic creatures, and meet the friendly sea lions of the island.

This evening, we’ll spend some time enjoying the laid-back city of La Paz, known for its seafront Malecón promenade with beaches, parks, and art by Mexican and international artists. Many bars and restaurants overlook the water. In the city center, the 19^th-century Nuestra Señora de La Paz Cathedral dominates the shady Velasco Garden.

INCLUDED:

–Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
–Transportation
–Snorkeling with Sea Lions and Whale Sharks w/ Marine Biologist Guide (3 hours)
–Snorkel Equipment
–Drinks & Snacks
–All Marine Park Fees

Overnight in La Paz

Day 3: Magdalena Bay

This morning, we will depart the area of La Paz and embark on a three-hour drive to Lopez Mateos, also known as Magdalena Bay. This stretch of land is populated by a small community of fishermen. In December, when the first whales arrive, this place becomes increasingly popular with tourists who are eager to experience a remarkably close encounter with the Gray Whales.

Whale watching at Magdalena Bay is an incredible experience! The Laguna is quiet but full of life. For thousands of years, the gray whales have migrated here to give birth to their calves and nourish them until they are strong enough to make their journey back to the cold waters of Alaska. Lopez Mateos is one of the few places in the world where you can meet a 40-ton gray whale and her newborn calf up close! The whales over the years have become very used to humans and are curious in nature. Gray whale mothers often seek out human interaction as they approach our boats. To keep this safe for the whales, only a few boats are allowed in the Laguna at a time.

Upon arrival, we’ll enjoy lunch and check into our family-run bed and breakfast before heading out for our first whale watching tour with our Marine Biologist guide.  This afternoon, we’ll have the chance to walk on the sand dunes and enjoy the view of hundreds of migrating birds and also dolphins, as they are habitants of these warm waters. Familiarize yourself with the Mexican culture as you get to know the incredibly friendly people of Lopez Mateos while enjoying a nice lobster dinner.

INCLUDED:
–Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner
–Transportation
–Whale Watching Tour w/ Marine Biologist Guide (3 hours)

Overnight in Lopez Mateos

Day 4: Magdalena Bay/ Todos Santos/ Cabo San Lucas

This morning, we’ll have another opportunity to experience a close encounter with the gray whales on our second whale watching tour. After lunch, we’ll make our way back to Cabo San Lucas with a pit stop in Todos Santos, a natural paradise where the desert meets the Sierra Laguna mountain range that is located on the Pacific coast about 45 miles north of Cabo San Lucas.

Wander the cobblestone streets lined with tiny artisan shops and refurbished haciendas in the old part of town. Visit the iconic Hotel California and have a drink at the long wooden bar, which, contrary to local lore, is not the same lovely place named in the Eagles song. The area is so enchanting that in 2006, the Mexican government designated Todos Santos a Pueblo Magico – one of just 100 or so small towns honored for its natural beauty, cultural riches, or historical relevance.

INCLUDED:
–Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
–Transportation
–Whale Watching Tour w/ Marine Biologist Guide (3 hours)

Overnight in Cabo San Lucas

Day 5: Cabo San Lucas

This morning, you’ll have some free time in Cabo San Lucas to check off any last-minute activities or shopping. Then, we’ll embark on another day on the ocean with the migrating humpback whales. At 2:30 pm, our 2.5-hour tour will begin at the famous Land’s End Arch. While out at sea, your marine biologist guide will be busy spotting whales and educating guests on the whale behavior going on around you. Your guide will also enlist the help of professional-grade hydrophones to see if the whales are communicating or “singing” below the surface and you could be lucky enough to be able to hear the whale songs live! While always maintaining a responsible distance from the whales, our captain will be busy at the wheel anticipating the next prime location for whale activity.

This evening, we’ll have a final group dinner at a local restaurant to reminisce about the amazing adventure we’ve had!

INCLUDED:
–Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
–Transportation
–Whale Watching Tour w/ Marine Biologist Guide (2.5 hours)

Overnight in Cabo San Lucas

Day 6: Cabo San Lucas: Departure

Today is departure day and there are no scheduled activities. At the appropriate time, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight.

INCLUDED:
–Meals: Breakfast
–Airport Transfer

Trip Leader
Accommodations (3 nights in Cabo San Lucas, 1 night in La Paz, 1 night in Lopez Mateos)
Meals: 5 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 2 Dinners
All transportation during the trip
Airport Transfers
Marine Park Fees
All activities and excursions as detailed

Airfare
Airport taxes and excess baggage fees
Beverages & Meals not specified
Optional Activities
Tips for your local guides & trip leader
Personal Expenses
Travel Insurance

Your whale expedition in Baja will be primarily focused on whale watching and is suitable for anyone being active 2-4 hours a day.  There will be a couple of long drives, approximately 2-3 hours in a  passenger van, but this will be the perfect time to get to know your fellow passengers. While it isn’t an overly active trip, you will get incredibly close to wildlife, which is a thrilling experience. There will be a day of snorkeling in the proximity of sea lions and whale sharks. You will also come into close proximity to gray whales and their calves. While this is exciting, it also comes with an element of danger. We take all prudent measures in relation to your safety, but please use your own good judgment. Participating in adventurous activities is always at your own risk.

World Nomads is our trusted travel insurance provider. Receive a no-hassle online quote in less than 2 minutes.

Travel insurance is mandatory to participate in any of our international trips. The minimum requirement must provide coverage of $200,000USD for medical expenses including repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some credit card companies offer travel insurance, but proof of coverage will be required. Contact your provider for details.

The US government recommends “increased caution” when traveling to Baja California Sur, but it should be noted that most forms of “criminal activity and violence” are related to the drug war, so there is a very low crime rate involving tourists. Like anywhere, being safe means heading warnings and being aware of potential dangers.

Depending on when you go, there can be 100 to 350 whales at any given time within the lagoon. Our trips are scheduled for prime whale viewing opportunities.

This is the whale’s choice, but most guests will come face-to-face with a gray whale.

No, all of the boat drivers in the lagoon abide by strict rules that allow close, yet safe encounters with the whales. The whales are the ones to make contact and it is always up to the whale if a close encounter is to occur.