Baja Whales

Intimate Encounters with Nature's Gentle Giants

Please scroll down for links to all our Baja Whale trips.

Our new Whale Cruises, Whale Camps and Whale Shark Research Expeditions offer a unique opportunity to explore the Sea of Cortez, a UNESCO World Heritage site that is home to 1/3 of the world’s species of whales and dolphins. If you enjoyed the Galapagos you'll love this similar experience in Baja, closer to home–and with whales! This is one of the few places in the world where you can frequently see blue whales. Second only to blue whales in size are the giant, sleek finback whales; the gulf is so productive in plankton that a population of finbacks – usually a migratory species -- has made it their year-round home. You'll also snorkel in waters teeming with a wondrous array of tropical fish. See abundant bird life such as blue footed boobies raising their young and tens of thousands of royal and elegant terns in their nests. Spot gray whales surfing in the waves of the Baja Pacific coast and humpback whales breaching to the skies. Snorkel nose-to-whiskers with graceful sea lions and their pups. Kayak amidst the feeding grounds for Blue, Fin, and Humpback whales. This area is rich in feed and also attracts large pods of dolphins, jumping rays, sea lions, blue-footed boobies, frigate birds and more.There are few other places in the world where you will encounter such abundant marine life. The Sea of Cortez is a great "next cruise" after the Galapagos, or a great alternative to it.

All 3 of our new Baja cruises are aboard the 80' Don Jose. Its high second and third decks provide ideal vantage points as we ply the seas in search of marine life. The Don Jose comfortably accommodates passengers in seven above-deck, air-conditioned cabins. Snorkel gear is available at no charge and six open cockpit kayaks can be used to explore nearby coves and beaches when we anchor. With frequent anchoring for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and hiking, you will have time for unparalleled encounters with whales, dolphins and other wildlife.

Get even closer to these gentle giants at my new San Ignacio Whale camps, where curious whales approach our boats to be touched! Our camp is at an ideal location, just a short skiff ride into the lagoon, where you'll experience the thrill of a friendly whale surfacing just a few feet away. On a still night, you can even hear them breathing! We boat out on the bay in pangas to be near the mothers and her calves. The curious mothers will often approach, and encourage their baby calves to play and frolic around our boats, sometimes blowing water on us from their blowholes! On occasion, the mother rests against the boat, waiting to be stroked; her intelligence is apparent as we look into her eyes.

5-Day San Ignacio Lagoon Whale Camp: Gray Whale Breeding Grounds	$2,298	5 days	San Ignacio Lagoon
(Click on the itineraries below for details)
Visit the breeding grounds of gray whales and marvel as these gentle giants approach our boats and offer their backs to be scratched! Their newborn calves also join in the fun... (read more)
8-Day Whales & Wildlife Cruise to Lands End	$1,998	8 days	Sea of Cortez
Explore uninhabited islands and seas rich with whales and other marine life in the Sea of Cortez as you cruise all the way to Land's End at the tip of Baja. Spot gray whales surfing in the waves and humpback whales breaching to the skies. Plus kayak, hike, and snorkel with graceful sea lions and their pups–just like the Galapagos! ( read more )

8-Day Sea of Cortez Wildlife Cruise	$1,998	8 days	Sea of Cortez
Another opportunity to enjoy the experience of the Galapagos closer to home, this naturalist cruise in Baja explores the islands and coast between La Paz and Loreto. This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to 1/3 of the world’s species of whales and dolphins, including the world’s largest animals; huge Blue whales and sleek Finback whales. ( read more )

8-Day Whale Shark Research Expedition; Snorkel, Dive & Kayak with Whale Sharks!	$1,798	8 days	Sea of Cortez
Whale Sharks are the world's largest fish at 40 feet long. They feed at the surface, offering extraordinary opportunities for close encounters—even without the need for scuba gear. With a spotter plane to help locate them, you'll observe and assist our scientist as she obtains DNA samples, takes photographic IDs and records behaviors. Data on feeding zones, biology, genetics and migratory patterns will be gathered and analyzed to promote global conservation of this threatened species. You can hike, kayak, swim, and explore nature in between whale shark sightings, or if you’re a SCUBA diver, jump in, but you don't need to be a diver! ( read more )