WHALES OF LORETO
ONE DAY ADVENTURE
Includes: 2 naturalist bilingual guides, 1 local certified captain, light breakfast, snacks, meals, expedition gear, national park entrance fees.
DURATION:
7 hours
LOCATION:
Loreto, BCS
SEASON:
Jan to mid April
PRICE:
$4,750 MXN / $255 USD
ABOUT THE ADVENTURE
Every winter, the legendary Blue Whale, graces the nutrient-rich waters of Loreto and the Gulf of California, engaging in feeding, mating, socializing, giving birth, and nurturing. Embark on an extended whale-watching adventure for a remarkable encounter with one of the most magnificent giants of the ocean.
Our expeditions last eight hours, offering ample time to traverse a broad expanse of sea and increasing the chances of spotting not only blue whales but also fin whales, hybrid whales, humpback whales, pilot whales, sperm whales and both common and bottlenose dolphins, among other marine species like orcas.
We take great care of our guests and participants from the very start, offering tea and coffee early in the morning, along with local healthy snacks, nourishing breakfasts, and lunches. Comfortable blankets and cozy relaxation areas are provided so you can rest between activities. We also provide binoculars to enhance your wildlife viewing experience. Your only requirement during the expedition is to be open to meeting and experiencing these incredible creatures in their natural habitat
Guided by Regina Domingo and Leopoldo Sanmiguel, our bilingual, certified guides and wildlife experts based in Loreto year-round, your adventure will be both enriching and unforgettable. With years of experience in the region and extensive work monitoring cetaceans, they are actively involved in collecting data on whale distribution to support management plans and conservation initiatives. Their deep knowledge of the area, combined with ongoing seasonal monitoring of its marine life, ensures a meaningful and respectful interaction with nature.
During this wildlife long range adventure, we'll journey up to 100 to 150 miles from Loreto's marine national park, delving into the offshore waters and islands in search of blue whales and other cetaceans.
Our whale watching adventure sets sail from the marina in Loreto, "La Darsena," usually around sunrise. This timing lets you experience the magical moment when the Gulf of California and the whales awaken bathed in warm light, while taking advantage of the best weather conditions for optimal sightings.
BIODIVERSITY AND LANDSCAPE
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Blue whale expedition:
Expert guides: Navigate confidently with the assistance of two seasoned bilingual professionals.
Light breakfast, snacks & lunch: Enjoy included light breakfast, healthy snacks and lunch to keep you energized throughout the day. (Special diets upon request: Vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian, gluten free…)
Safety measures: Remain secure with a boat equipped with emergency kit, life-vests and a satellite phone and our super panga "La Puma" with WC and comfortable seats
Expedition gear: Educational materials, safety kit with satellite phone, binoculars, hydrophone, fins, snorkel, and mask, along with an ultralight towel, a personal box lunch, and a water mug and blankets.
Small Group: Experience a more intimate adventure with a maximum of 8 participants.
Citizen science: Participants will collect data through observations and forms, contributing to citizen science and aiding researchers in marine conservation efforts and the development of new management plans.
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Departure Time: Subject to weather conditions
Departure: Loreto Marina
Duration: 7 to 8-hour expedition around the National Park
Lunch on the boat or on a island subject to weather conditions and interactions.
Return: Back to Loreto Marina
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Whales: Blue whales, Humpback whales, Fin whales , Minke whales, Sperm whales, Pilot whales and hybrids whales.
Dolphins: Common and bottlenose
Pinnipeds : California Sea Lions
Top Predators: Orcas, false killer whales.
Sea Birds: Osprey, pelicans, cormorants, herons. egrets, blue footed booby.
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Comfortable expedition boat with WC
National park fees
Light breakfast, healthy snacks & lunch
2 Experienced certified guides
Expedition gear : Hydrophone, binoculars, ultra, light towel, blankets, personal aluminum water mug, educational materials.
Emergency kit & satellite phone
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Airfare
Airport transfers
Wetsuit
Crew gratuity
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Swimming Skills: Not required for our whale watching expeditions.
Local Law Compliance: Local law (NOM 131) prohibits snorkeling or freediving with whales, but we offer opportunities to interact with other species if conditions and laws allow.
Whale Watching Focus: About 75% of the expedition is dedicated to whale watching. Sometimes in sunny days we snorkel in some coastal areas.
Recommended Swimming Skills: Good swimming skills in the open ocean are recommended if you wish to snorkel or freedive when the option is available.
Comfort on the Boat: Participants should be comfortable spending long days on a boat.
Remote Locations: Comfort in remote locations is essential for an enjoyable experience.
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Hat & sunglasses
Rash-guard / windbraker / jacket
Warm clothes
Biodegradable sunscreen
Cameras
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By Plane: Loreto Airport (LTO)
Alaska Airlines
Route
: Los Angeles - Loreto
Frequency
: 4 Flights/Week (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday)
Route
: San Francisco - Loreto
Frequency
: 1 Flight/Week (Saturday)
American Airlines
Route
: Phoenix - Loreto
Frequency
: 3 Flights/Week (Monday, Thursday, Saturday)
Route
: Dallas - Loreto
Frequency
: 1 Flight/Week (Saturday)
WestJet
Route
: Calgary - Loreto
Frequency
: 1 Flight/Week (Tuesday)
Aerocalafia
Route
: Tijuana - Loreto
Frequency
: 2 Flights/Week (Monday & Friday)
Route
: La Paz - Loreto
Frequency
: 2 Flights/Week (Monday & Friday)
Volaris
Route
: Tijuana - Loreto
Frequency
: 2 Flights/Week (Sunday & Thursday)
Route
: Guadalajara - Loreto
Frequency
: 2 Flights/Week
By Bus
Two main bus lines operate from Tijuana to Los Cabos:
By Car
Los Cabos to Loreto
: 5 hours 30 minutes (333.6 miles)
La Paz to Loreto
: 3 hours 30 minutes (221.2 miles)
Tijuana to Loreto
: 12 hours 30 minutes (693.4 miles)
Other Options
You can also consider flying into La Paz or Cabo San Lucas airports, which are relatively close to Loreto.
BOAT + SERVICES
REGENERATIVE TOURISM
We are collaborating with researcher Mario A. Pardo from CONAHCYT-CICESE to analyze data concerning the distribution of cetaceans within Bahía de Loreto National Park. This initiative aims to enhance the management of these species in protected natural areas and to develop effective management plans and conservation strategies. During our expeditions, we will collect data using a structured form, which will subsequently be analyzed by Mario and his team. This engagement allows you as a participant to actively contribute to citizen science throughout the expedition, fostering a deeper understanding of marine ecosystems and conservation efforts.
Price per person :
Private expedition:
$4750 MXN / $255 USD
7 Paid spots
Photography package:
$1,400 MXN / 75 USD
The price in USD is subject to daily exchange rates and may vary; the listed price is only a tentative estimate.
*50% deposit required to secure booking
4 participants minimum to operate.
Private expedition 7 paid spots.
