When to Visit Baja for the Gray Whale Migration
Every year between December and April the Gray Whales travel to Baja California, where they enter lagoons to give [...]
Want Your Own Room? Single Supplement Fee is $400
Join Adventure People for in Baja for a whale expedition! Every year, from December to April, the southern Baja peninsula is a playground for gray whales, humpback whales, and whale sharks. The gray whales & humpback whales migrate more than 10,000 miles between their summer feeding grounds in the Arctic and the coastal lagoons of the southern Baja peninsula, where the females give birth. Meanwhile, on the opposite coast, the Sea of Cortez is a feeding ground for the elusive whale shark who migrate there to feed on plankton. Whale watching is a unique experience in Southern Baja and perhaps the most extraordinary wildlife encounter you’ll ever experience!
Our travel partner for this tour is certified by the World Cetacean Alliance for Responsible Whale Watching and they are partners with the Whale Shark Research Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of whale sharks. They are also the ONLY truly educational and comprehensive whale watching tours in all of Los Cabos and Lopez Mateos. Each tour is led by a certified marine biologist and ichthyologist who will be dedicated to teaching us about whales, their behaviors, their habits and so much more.
The safety and well-being of our travelers, trip leaders, and suppliers remain our priority. We have chosen to implement ATTA’s COVID-19 Health & Safety Guidelines, developed in collaboration with Cleveland Clinic, across all travel club trips. For our scheduled trips, we require a negative COVID test or proof of vaccination, once they are widely available. If you cannot obtain a test locally, you can purchase one by mail for $109 from EverlyWell (receive 25% off with this link https://bit.ly/2MdtOLf). For international travel, a negative COVID test will also be required within 3 days of your flight before returning to the US, regardless of whether you have received a vaccination. If we have to cancel a tour, you will receive a full credit or refund, your choice. For more information about traveling during a pandemic, please refer to our COVID-19 Travel Resources.
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
This morning, we’ll have an early start for our two-hour drive north to La Paz. Once arriving in the seaside city, we won’t waste any time as we board a boat in search of whale sharks. Whale sharks are rare, elusive, and magnificent creatures. There are only four places on the planet where whale sharks make predictable appearances at certain times of year to feed, and the La Paz Bay at the Sea of Cortez in Baja California is one of them. Accompanied by a marine biologist guide, we’ll have the opportunity to interact with whale sharks in their natural habitat, learn about the scientific research that is being undertaken, contribute to the conservation of these majestic sharks and have a great time doing it.
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 19th-century Nuestra Señora de La Paz Cathedral dominates the shady Velasco Garden.
INCLUDED:
–Meals: Breakfast
–Snorkeling with Whale Sharks w/ Marine Biologist Guide
–Snorkel Equipment
–Drinks & Snacks
–All Marine Park Fees
Overnight in La Paz
Day 3: La Paz/ Espiritu Santo Island
After breakfast, we’ll take a boat ride 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 about all the wildlife encountered during the tour. Jump in the water to snorkel with friendly sea lions and observe tropical fish surrounding the reefs including parrotfish, angelfish, trumpetfish, Moorish idols, rays, turtles, dolphins, orcas, and even whales. Birds include brown pelicans, great blue herons, snowy egrets, turkey vultures, and hummingbirds.
INCLUDED:
–Visit Espiritu Santo Island w/ Marine Biologist Guide
–Snorkel Equipment
–Drinks & Snacks
–All Marine Park Fees
Overnight in La Paz
Day 4: Adolfo Lopez Mateos/ Magdalena Bay
Today, we will depart the area of La Paz and embark on a three-hour drive to Lopez Mateos at 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 inhabitants of these warm waters. If we’re lucky, we might even see a pack of coyotes. 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: Lunch & Dinner
–Whale Watching Tour w/ Marine Biologist Guide
Overnight in Lopez Mateos
Day 5: 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 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 line 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
–Whale Watching Tour w/ Marine Biologist Guide
Overnight in Cabo San Lucas
Day 6: 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 11 am, 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
–Transportation
–Whale Watching Tour w/ Marine Biologist Guide
Overnight in Cabo San Lucas
Day 7: 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
Every year between December and April the Gray Whales travel to Baja California, where they enter lagoons to give [...]
Swimming with whale sharks, known as the "Gentle Giants," can be both a humbling and exhilarating experience, but there [...]
I had such a great experience in Cuba with Stacey (Adventure People) that she was my first call when I needed a break from sub-zero temps in Iowa. I’m not a beach bum. I like interesting adventures. The whale watching tour in Cabo went beyond all expectations. Professional, educational, ecological & entertaining. Stacey has a way of making everyone feel welcome & relaxed. You can go by yourself, join a tour and make new friends. No need to plan anything at all. Just give Stacey a call 😊
Staying at beautiful locations? Having all your travel arrangements handled flawlessly? Learning about whales from the only tour operator in Mexico certified by the World Cetacean Alliance? Having marine biologists onboard giving you an in-depth learning experience? Encounter experience of swimming with actual whale sharks?
All of this and so much more from Adventure People led by super fun Stacey Pokluda!
You will come back with a smile and incredible memories!
We swam right next to a whale shark and saw gray and humpback whales – what a fabulous experience! The group was fun loving without any drama. The guide had a drone which not only gave us tremendous aerial shots, but also helped locate the whales. He also gave us great restaurant tips. Fabulous trip! I highly recommend going on a trip with Adventure People!
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Adventure People reserves the right to modify trip itineraries at the discretion of your tour director as necessary due to weather, conditions, illness, injury, group dynamics, safety, or other unforeseen incidents. Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary.
Our travel club trips require a NON-REFUNDABLE deposit of 25% of the total trip cost in order to reserve your spot. You will have the option to pay the deposit or the entire balance at booking. Payment is due in full 90-days prior to the start date. If you book a trip within the 90-day timeframe, payment will be due in full in order to reserve your spot. Pricing is based on double/triple occupancy. Solo travelers are never required to pay a single supplement fee unless you want your own room. Adventure People offers roommate matching to pair you with a same-sex roommate. Should there be an odd number of men to women, you may be asked to join a triple occupancy room if you are one of the last to sign up. If you’d prefer to have your own room, please be sure to add a single supplement to your reservation when you book.
CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICY
All cancellations must be advised in writing. We calculate your refund on the day we received written notice of cancellation. The applicable cancellation fees shall be determined with reference to the date on which the request to cancel is received by Adventure People. All refunds will be processed within a few days of your cancellation. Cancellation of a tour or failure to join a tour will result in retention of funds by Adventure People, as follows:
91+ days prior to departure: Full deposit shall be held by Adventure People
90 to 61 days prior to departure: Full deposit and 50% of the total trip price shall be held by Adventure People
60 days prior to departure: Full deposit and 100% of the total trip price shall be held by Adventure People
No exceptions will be granted to our Cancellation Policy.
We reserve the right to cancel trips with inadequate participant attendance, in which case all money paid to Adventure People will be fully refunded. Adventure People CANNOT be held responsible for any personal expenses, such as airline tickets due to changes in itineraries or tour cancellations.
COVID-19 POLICIES: Please refer to our COVID-19 POLICIES for details.
Please be advised, Adventure People reserves the right to decline or dismiss any person as a tour participant should such a person’s behavior, health, or mental condition impede the operation of the trip.
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