Baja Whale Expedition

Bienvenidos! Arrive at Los Cabos Intl Airport (SJD) at any time. Upon arrival, there will be a shuttle 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.

This morning, enjoy some free time before we depart Cabo for our one-hour drive north to the seaside town of 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. 

We’ll arrive in time for lunch and spend some time wandering 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. 

This afternoon, we’ll continue our drive north to La Paz. Nestled on the serene shores of the Sea of Cortez, La Paz is a charming town known for its stunning sunsets, vibrant marine life, and rich cultural heritage. Wander along the picturesque Malecón, enjoy fresh seafood at local eateries, and explore pristine beaches and nearby islands. La Paz offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers, adventurers, and those seeking a tranquil escape.

This morning, we’ll board a boat to experience the thrill of swimming alongside majestic whale sharks in the crystal-clear waters of the Sea of Cortez. This once-in-a-lifetime adventure offers you the chance to get up close and personal with the largest fish in the ocean. Imagine the awe of gliding beside these gentle giants, their sheer size and grace leaving you speechless. 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. 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 19^th-century Nuestra Señora de La Paz Cathedral dominates the shady Velasco Garden.

After breakfast, we’ll take an hour boat ride to Espiritu Santo Island, one of the most beautiful islands in the Sea of Cortez 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.

Today, we will depart the area of La Paz and embark on a three-hour drive to Adolfo Lopez Mateos, a quaint fishing village renowned for its exceptional whale-watching opportunities from January to March. Visitors flock to witness the majestic gray whales that migrate here to breed and nurse their calves. The village offers a genuine, off-the-beaten-path experience with friendly locals, fresh seafood, and stunning natural beauty. 

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.  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. The lagoons of Magdalena Bay are 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 lagoon at a time.  

This afternoon, enjoy a boat ride through the mangrove forest and walk on the sand dunes to enjoy the view of hundreds of migrating birds and dolphins, as they are inhabitants of these warm waters. If you’re lucky, you might see one of the local coyotes of this area on the dunes. Familiarize yourself with the Mexican culture as you get to know the incredibly friendly people of Lopez Mateos while enjoying a nice dinner.

This morning, we’ll have another opportunity to experience a close encounter with the gray whales on our second whale-watching tour in Magdalena Bay. Afterward, we’ll enjoy a nice lunch prepared by the family before hitting the road for our 6-hour drive back to Cabo San Lucas.

This morning, we’ll spend a few hours on the ocean with the migrating humpback whales. 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.

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