Average rating Whale Watching in Baja, Mexico

whale watching in Baja

A multiple award-winning tour (including a mention in National Geographic‘s ‘50 Tours of a Lifetime‘ list), this trip to the Baja Peninsula in Mexico is an unbeatable tour for lovers of the ocean. You spend your days sea kayaking & whale watching in Baja, whilst at night you will be camping in the beautiful wilderness....

The Gulf of California (popularly known as the Sea of Cortez) was formed five million years ago as the result of tectonic activity, separating the Baja Peninsula from the mainland of Mexico. What is left today is a haven for marine and coastal life, and with its beautiful waters perfect for diving and other water sports it is hardly any wonder why this ocean paradise attracts visitors from all corners of the globe.

Species found in the area include the gray, blue, fin and humpback whales. On the sea of Cortez side of the peninsula, you find blue, fin and humpback whales from Feb through April. Gray whales are found on the Pacific side of the Baja peninsula between February and March each year, before returning to Alaska for the summer months. Protected from sharks in the shallow lagoon waters, these magnificent leviathans travel 10,000 kilometres in the Pacific Ocean to breed and grow their dwindling numbers. Thanks to the conservational efforts in the region, you’ll get the opportunity to watch this once critically endangered animal in its natural habitat, and even stroke them as they curiously come to investigate - of all the amazing things you will do on your time here, getting this close to the whales is an experience which is guaranteed to stay with you forever.

During your eight days on the tour you’ll partake in a whole host of activities, including gray whale watching, visits to a major calving lagoon, snorkelling in the crystal waters and kayaking in Loreto Bay National Marine Park. While here you’ll spend the majority of the week working out of luxury campsites, giving you the benefit of being located at the best beach spots and having most of the facilities a hotel can offer. The food you’ll get on the tour is also exquisite, expertly prepared and sourced from fresh and local ingredients.

There are a few limitations imposed on the trip with regards to physicality. Ideally you are over 14 and under 70, physically fit and not overweight. Although you don’t need previous kayak experience (it‘s an easy and fun skill to learn), you’ll find the tour easier if you have a degree of upper body fitness.
Don’t let the above put you off - if you have any concerns, they can be discussed ahead of time. Essentially you don’t need to have any more than a reasonable level of fitness.

Getting there

There is an airport in Loreto, the start and end point of the tour.

Price includes

Three nights hotel in Loreto, airport transfer at start of tour, all sleeping bags/camping/kayak gear, meals at camp, three naturalist guides. National Park Fee of $25 is paid separately. Tours with 6 or less participants are subject to a $150 surcharge.

Comfort level

Down to earth (hostels, camping, huts)

Experience required

A reasonable level of fitness and interest is all that is needed

Check Dates & Prices

  1. Available Extras (select on next page)

    • Single Room Supplement from £90.0pp

    • Snorkel Gear and Wetsuit Hire from £pp

  2. Available Extras (select on next page)

    • Single Room Supplement from £90.0pp

    • Snorkel Gear and Wetsuit Hire from £90.0pp

  3. Available Extras (select on next page)

    • Single Room Supplement from £90.0pp

    • Snorkel Gear and Wetsuit Hire from £90.0pp

  4. Available Extras (select on next page)

    • Single Room Supplement from £90.0pp

    • Snorkel Gear and Wetsuit Hire from £14.0pp

  5. Available Extras (select on next page)

    • Single Room Supplement from £90.0pp

    • Snorkel Gear and Wetsuit Hire from £90.0pp

8-Day Expedition (from £900)

8-day tour includes 5 days of kayaking in the Sea of Cortez with 4 nights camping, and 1-day Magdalena Bay Whale Watching excursion. Read more

8-day tour includes 5 days of kayaking in the Sea of Cortez with 4 nights camping, and 1-day Magdalena Bay Whale Watching excursion.

Day 1: Arrival in Loreto by air. At the Loreto airport, you'll be greeted by our ground service and transported to our hotel in Loreto. Check into pre-assigned rooms (included in trip cost). You're on your own for sightseeing or shopping until eve pre-trip meeting (6 or 8 pm) in the hotel lobby, where we'll answer questions and let you know the meeting time for the next day. Dinner is on your own.

Day 2: Please eat breakfast and be packed by the meeting time. We'll board a van and drive to the put-in site. After loading the boats, we'll teach you the basics of paddling and thoroughly review safety procedures. We won't leave shore until all participants feel comfortable in the boats. Kayak to our first night's campsite. We’ll be making 50-minute, 2 to 3-mile crossings to the off-shore islands of Carmen and Danzante in Loreto Bay National Marine Park.

Day 3-5: Our days begin with spectacular sunrises and end with delightfully cool evenings enjoying sunsets, stars, moonrise, and even bioluminescence. We'll spend our time paddling and exploring the scenic cliffs and coves of Danzante and Carmen. We'll be camping on sandy beaches allowing for superb snorkeling, swimming, tide pooling, and strolling. During the trip there will be three or four different camps on the islands with one or two layover days (ie we paddle out and back from the same camp). We’ll generally paddle 4 hours per day (with breaks). We'll sleep in comfortable and roomy dome tents, although with Baja's lack of insects you may be tempted to sleep out under the stars. Several campsites have a desert arroyo hike which will give us spectacular views as well as a great opportunity to explore some of the desert flora unique to Baja.

Day 6: After a final breakfast, we break camp and paddle to our take-out site around 2 PM. At the take-out, we unpack and proceed to our hotel in Loreto to (ah showers!) clean up. In the evening we go to a favorite local restaurant for a fun dinner (no-host; ie not included in trip price). Here we toast our new found kayaking skills and friends.

Day 7: Whale-watching day excursion to Magdalena Bay on the Baja California peninsula's west coast - wintering grounds of the California gray whale. Seafood lunch is included. Dinner is on your own. PLEASE NOTE that sometimes, this day tour may be switched to Day 2 of the combo trip.

Day 8: You are on your own for transportation to the airport for your flight homeward. You can use C&C English-speaking, air conditioned van transport for $8 each, or taxis (Spanish-speaking) are easily found, approximately $5-6/person; BUT depart for the airport no later than 2 hours before flight.

* Note on Itinerary: The itinerary may change due to reasons beyond our control such as wind, waves or inclement weather.

8-Day Motorboat Supported (from £925)

8-day motorboat supported tour includes 5 days of kayaking in the Sea of Cortez with 4 nights camping, and 1-day Magdalena Bay Whale Watching excursion. Read more

8-day motorboat supported tour includes 5 days of kayaking in the Sea of Cortez with 4 nights camping, and 1-day Magdalena Bay Whale Watching excursion.

Day 1: Arrival in Loreto by air. At the Loreto airport, you'll be greeted by our ground service and transported to our hotel in Loreto. Check into pre-assigned rooms (included in trip cost). You're on your own for sightseeing or shopping until eve pre-trip meeting (6 or 8 pm) in the hotel lobby, where we'll answer questions and let you know the meeting time for the next day. Dinner is on your own.

Day 2: Please eat breakfast and be packed by the meeting time. We'll board a van and drive to the put-in site. After loading the boats, we'll teach you the basics of paddling and thoroughly review safety procedures. We won't leave shore until all participants feel comfortable in the boats. Kayak to our first night's campsite. We’ll be making 50-minute, 2 to 3-mile crossings to the off-shore islands of Carmen and Danzante in Loreto Bay National Marine Park.

Day 3-5: Our days begin with spectacular sunrises and end with delightfully cool evenings enjoying sunsets, stars, moonrise, and even bioluminescence. We'll spend our time paddling and exploring the scenic cliffs and coves of Danzante and Carmen. We'll be camping on sandy beaches allowing for superb snorkeling, swimming, tide pooling, and strolling. During the trip there will be three or four different camps on the islands with one or two layover days (ie we paddle out and back from the same camp). We’ll generally paddle 4 hours per day (with breaks). We'll sleep in comfortable and roomy dome tents, although with Baja's lack of insects you may be tempted to sleep out under the stars. Several campsites have a desert arroyo hike which will give us spectacular views as well as a great opportunity to explore some of the desert flora unique to Baja.

Day 6: After a final breakfast, we break camp and paddle to our take-out site around 2 PM. At the take-out, we unpack and proceed to our hotel in Loreto to (ah showers!) clean up. In the evening we go to a favorite local restaurant for a fun dinner (no-host; ie not included in trip price). Here we toast our new found kayaking skills and friends.

Day 7: Whale-watching day excursion to Magdalena Bay on the Baja California peninsula's west coast - wintering grounds of the California gray whale. Seafood lunch is included. Dinner is on your own. PLEASE NOTE that sometimes, this day tour may be switched to Day 2 of the combo trip.

Day 8: You are on your own for transportation to the airport for your flight homeward. You can use C&C English-speaking, air conditioned van transport for $8 each, or taxis (Spanish-speaking) are easily found, approximately $5-6/person; BUT depart for the airport no later than 2 hours before flight.

* Note on Itinerary: The itinerary may change due to reasons beyond our control such as wind, waves or inclement weather.

8-Day Supported Beach/Kayak/Whale (from £980)

Combines 3 days of kayaking in the Sea of Cortez, 2 nights camping on Isla Coronado and 3 days camping at Magdalena Bay whale camp.

10 Day Expedition (from £1190)

10-day expedition includes 3 days whale-watching and 2 nights at Mag Bay whale camp, 5 days of kayaking in the Sea of Cortez with 4 nights camping. Read more

10-day expedition includes 3 days whale-watching and 2 nights at Mag Bay whale camp, 5 days of kayaking in the Sea of Cortez with 4 nights camping.

Day 1: Arrival in Loreto by air. At the Loreto airport, you'll be greeted by our ground service and transported to our hotel in Loreto. Check into pre-assigned rooms (included in trip cost). You're on your own for sightseeing or shopping until eve pre-trip meeting (6 or 8 pm) in the hotel lobby, where we'll answer questions and let you know the meeting time for the next day. Dinner is on your own.

Day 2: Please eat breakfast and be packed by the meeting time. We'll board a van and drive to the put-in site. After loading the boats, we'll teach you the basics of paddling and thoroughly review safety procedures. We won't leave shore until all participants feel comfortable in the boats. Kayak to our first night's campsite. We’ll be making 50-minute, 2 to 3-mile crossings to the off-shore islands of Carmen and Danzante in Loreto Bay National Marine Park.

Day 3-5: Our days begin with spectacular sunrises and end with delightfully cool evenings enjoying sunsets, stars, moonrise, and even bioluminescence. We'll spend our time paddling and exploring the scenic cliffs and coves of Danzante and Carmen. We'll be camping on sandy beaches allowing for superb snorkeling, swimming, tide pooling, and strolling. During the trip there will be three or four different camps on the islands with one or two layover days (ie we paddle out and back from the same camp). We’ll generally paddle 4 hours per day (with breaks). We'll sleep in comfortable and roomy dome tents, although with Baja's lack of insects you may be tempted to sleep out under the stars. Several campsites have a desert arroyo hike which will give us spectacular views as well as a great opportunity to explore some of the desert flora unique to Baja.

Day 6: After a final breakfast, we break camp and paddle to our take-out site around 2 PM. At the take-out, we unpack and proceed to our hotel in Loreto to (ah showers!) clean up. In the evening we go to a favorite local restaurant for a fun dinner (no-host; ie not included in trip price). Here we toast our new found kayaking skills and friends. Hotel included.

Day 7-9: We head to Magdalena Bay on the Baja California peninsula's west coast - wintering grounds of the California gray whale for two nights camping and three days of whale watching. Meals, camping gear and daily skiff whale watching sessions, marine biologist guides included. Day 9 hotel included; dinner is on your own. PLEASE NOTE that sometimes, the gray whale tour may preceed the Sea of Cortez portion.

Day 10: You are on your own for transportation to the airport for your flight homeward. You can use C&C English-speaking, air conditioned van transport for $8 each, or taxis (Spanish-speaking) are easily found, approximately $5-6/person; BUT depart for the airport no later than 2 hours before flight.

* Note on Itinerary: The itinerary may change due to reasons beyond our control such as wind, waves or inclement weather.

10 Day Motorboat Supported (from £1255)

10-day tour with the support of a motorboat which travels ahead with your gear. Includes 3 days whale-watching and 2 nights at Mag Bay whale camp, 5 days of kayaking in the Sea of Cortez with 4 nights camping. Read more

10-day tour with the support of a motorboat which travels ahead with your gear. Includes 3 days whale-watching and 2 nights at Mag Bay whale camp, 5 days of kayaking in the Sea of Cortez with 4 nights camping.

Day 1: Arrival in Loreto by air. At the Loreto airport, you'll be greeted by our ground service and transported to our hotel in Loreto. Check into pre-assigned rooms (included in trip cost). You're on your own for sightseeing or shopping until eve pre-trip meeting (6 or 8 pm) in the hotel lobby, where we'll answer questions and let you know the meeting time for the next day. Dinner is on your own.

Day 2: Please eat breakfast and be packed by the meeting time. We'll board a van and drive to the put-in site. After loading the boats, we'll teach you the basics of paddling and thoroughly review safety procedures. We won't leave shore until all participants feel comfortable in the boats. Kayak to our first night's campsite. We’ll be making 50-minute, 2 to 3-mile crossings to the off-shore islands of Carmen and Danzante in Loreto Bay National Marine Park.

Day 3-5: Our days begin with spectacular sunrises and end with delightfully cool evenings enjoying sunsets, stars, moonrise, and even bioluminescence. We'll spend our time paddling and exploring the scenic cliffs and coves of Danzante and Carmen. We'll be camping on sandy beaches allowing for superb snorkeling, swimming, tide pooling, and strolling. During the trip there will be three or four different camps on the islands with one or two layover days (ie we paddle out and back from the same camp). We’ll generally paddle 4 hours per day (with breaks). We'll sleep in comfortable and roomy dome tents, although with Baja's lack of insects you may be tempted to sleep out under the stars. Several campsites have a desert arroyo hike which will give us spectacular views as well as a great opportunity to explore some of the desert flora unique to Baja.

Day 6: After a final breakfast, we break camp and paddle to our take-out site around 2 PM. At the take-out, we unpack and proceed to our hotel in Loreto to (ah showers!) clean up. In the evening we go to a favorite local restaurant for a fun dinner (no-host; ie not included in trip price). Here we toast our new found kayaking skills and friends. Hotel included.

Day 7-9: We head to Magdalena Bay on the Baja California peninsula's west coast - wintering grounds of the California gray whale for two nights camping and three days of whale watching. Meals, camping gear and daily skiff whale watching sessions, marine biologist guides included. Day 9 hotel included; dinner is on your own. PLEASE NOTE that sometimes, the gray whale tour may preceed the Sea of Cortez portion.

Day 10: You are on your own for transportation to the airport for your flight homeward. You can use C&C English-speaking, air conditioned van transport for $8 each, or taxis (Spanish-speaking) are easily found, approximately $5-6/person; BUT depart for the airport no later than 2 hours before flight.

* Note on Itinerary: The itinerary may change due to reasons beyond our control such as wind, waves or inclement weather.

Prices from
900 GBP (8 days) per person

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