CETACEAN CONSERVATION PROGRAM

LORETO BAY NATIONAL PARK & ISLANDS

Included: 2 naturalist guides, 1 captain, expedition gear, meals, photography, and national park entrance fee.

DURATION:

6 to 7 hours

LOCATION:

Loreto, BCS

SEASON:

April to December

$3,750 MXN / $200 USD

PRICE:

BIODIVERSITY + LANDSCAPE

dolphins loreto
orcas loreto

The Gulf of California and Loreto represent one of the planet’s most remarkable marine ecosystems, harboring nearly 36% of the world’s marine mammal species, including at least 31 cetacean species from seven different families. This rich biodiversity includes resident populations such as common dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, fin whales, Bryde’s whales, and the critically endangered vaquita porpoise, as well as migratory species like blue whales, sperm whales, pilot whales, orcas, humpback whales, gray whales, and the rare Pacific right whale.

Today, 25% of cetacean species are at risk of extinction, threatened by climate change, warming ocean temperatures, expanding industrial development, cruise ship and illegal tourism, and other human pressures. Whales and dolphins serve as ocean sentinels, playing a vital role in maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems. Protecting them means safeguarding the ocean itself.

At Baja Adventures, alongside our conservation nonprofit 501(c)(3) Nakawe Project, we transform curiosity into meaningful action. Through a unique blend of adventure and science, we invite you to be more than respectful observers, become active contributors in a new conservation story by collecting valuable data that supports marine research and informs management plans for these species and their habitats.

True conservation starts with people ready to take action. By uniting visitors and local communities, we aim to build a movement where knowledge sparks real change, empowering native peoples to become the dedicated stewards of their natural wealth.

ABOUT THE EXPEDITION

MONITORING PROGRAM EXPEDITION

Join our collaborative cetacean monitoring expeditions

Experience a unique 7-hour marine expedition where exploration, research, and conservation unite in the heart of Loreto Bay National Park. This is more than wildlife watching, it’s an active scientific mission, conducted in collaboration with leading researchers from CICESE, CONAHCYT, and the Nakawe Project, to strengthen cetacean conservation through hands-on data collection and community engagement.

What sets this expedition apart?

  • Collaborative Science:
    Work alongside marine scientists and conservationists as part of a formal partnership with CICESE and the Nakawe Project. Our expeditions directly support ongoing research and conservation initiatives recognized by CONANP, the park’s managing authority.

  • Innovative Conservation Tools:

    Develop and apply innovative methodologies for monitoring cetaceans and their habitats.

    Map the spatial and temporal distribution of whales and dolphins throughout Loreto Bay and adjacent areas (such as Agua Verde, San Bruno, and San Basilio).

    Identify seasonal patterns, migration routes, and behavioral trends of local and migratory cetacean species.

  • Threat assessment:

    Help document and analyze anthropogenic threats, including vessel traffic, incidental fishing, tourism impacts, and climate-related changes.

    Contribute to the identification of critical habitats and periods for cetacean conservation.

Your role as a citizen scientist

Operating in small groups of 4 to 8 participants, you’ll join the crew and scientists in:

  • GPS Logging:
    Recording all cetacean sightings to support spatial distribution studies.

  • Environmental Monitoring:
    Measuring surface water temperature and other environmental variables.

  • Photo-Identification:
    Capturing images for individual cataloging of whales and dolphins.

  • Acoustic Research:
    Deploying hydrophones to record and analyze underwater cetacean vocalizations.

  • Drone Surveys:
    Assisting with aerial morphometric studies to estimate population health and size.

Real Impact: From data to conservation action

  • Management Planning:
    The data you help collect feeds directly into the development of science-based management plans (and PACEs) for the park, supporting adaptive conservation strategies.

  • Community engagement:
    Your participation fosters collaboration between visitors, local communities, and scientists, empowering all to become stewards of Loreto’s marine heritage.

  • Education & Training:
    Learn to identify species, interpret behaviors, and master standardized research protocols, gaining skills that contribute to real-world conservation outcomes.

Why join?

By joining this expedition, you become an integral part of a broader conservation effort—helping to generate the knowledge and tools needed to protect the whales, dolphins, and diverse cetaceans that make Loreto Bay National Park a global treasure. Your involvement supports not only scientific discovery but also the creation of practical solutions for the long-term protection of these extraordinary species and their habitats.
Be part of the science story that safeguards the ocean’s giants for generations to come.

BIODIVERSITY + LANDSCAPE

Explore Loreto Bay National Marine Park

For explorers seeking a meaningful connection with nature and a commitment to scientific discovery and conservation, our regenerative tourism expeditions in Loreto, Baja California Sur, offer a transformative experience in one of the world’s most biodiverse marine environments.

A Marine Biodiversity Hotspot

Loreto Bay National Marine Park, established in 1996 and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Ramsar Wetland of International Importance, encompasses over 206,000 hectares in the Gulf of California. Often called “the aquarium of the world,” this protected reserve is home to more than 1,300 species of plants and animals, including over 800 species of fish, 31 species of cetaceans, and 39 species of marine birds. The park’s five islands-Coronado, Carmen, Danzante, Monserrat, and Santa Catalina-are renowned for their pristine landscapes, dramatic volcanic formations, and unique endemisms.

Marine Research and Exploration Adventure

Join our expert crew aboard a comfortable exploration vessel, guided by certified professionals Regina Domingo, Leopoldo Sanmiguel, and local captain Jorge Lombera, all of whom reside year-round in Loreto. This immersive adventure invites you to actively participate in marine research, contributing to real-time scientific studies.

Unforgettable Encounters and Custom Experiences

Beyond research, your journey includes:

  • Snorkeling and freediving in vibrant coastal habitats teeming with sea turtles, mobula rays, sea lions, and colorful schools of fish.

  • Opportunities to spot rare and local species, such as bottle nose and common dolphins, blue-footed boobies, ospreys, and a variety of rays and sharks.

  • Encounter marine megafauna: Orcas, blue whales, sperm whales, fin whales, bryde whale, minke whale, false killer whales, etc.

  • Stops on pristine beaches, where shaded areas and comfortable beach furniture are set up for your enjoyment, complemented by a delicious lunch prepared with local ingredients.

  • Optional hikes on island trails to discover the unique geological and ecological features that define the Gulf of California and Loreto Bay National Park.

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STAY WILD, STAY CONSCIOUS

    • Professional staff: Navigate confidently with the assistance of two certified and bilingual guides, and a local captain.

    • Light breakfast, lunch and healthy snacks: Enjoy included local light breakfasts and lunches to keep you energized throughout the day.

    • Safety measures: Remain secure with provided emergency kit and a satellite phone.

    • Expedition gear: Explore comfortably with fins, snorkel, and mask, along with an ultralight towel, a personal box lunch, and a water mug.

    • Small group: Experience a more intimate adventure with a maximum of 8 participants.

    • High-Quality photos: Receive professional photos capturing the highlights of your expedition.

  • Departure time: Subject to weather conditions.

    Departure: Loreto marina (Darsena).

    Duration: 6 to 7-hour adventure around the National Park.

    Lunch on the boat or on an island: Included on the 6-7-hour adventure.

    Return: Back to Loreto Marina.

    • Whales: Blue, Humpback, Fin, Bryde’s, Minke, and hybrids, Sperm whales, etc.

    • Dolphins: Common, bottlenose, risso's and spinner.

    • Rays and Mobulas: Eagle, cownose, devil, manta ray, munk mobulas.

    • Fishes and bill fishes: Yellow tail, mahi mahi, sardines, marlin, rooster, etc.

    • Seasonal sharks: Hammerheads, whale sharks, thresher shark, etc

    • California Sea Lions

    • Top Predators: Orcas, pilot whale, false killer whales, etc.

    • Sea Birds: Osprey, pelicans, cormorant, blue footed booby, etc.

    • Comfortable adventure boat with WC and shade.

    • National park bracelet fees.

    • Hydrophone.

    • Breakfast, snacks, lunch and beverages.

    • Experienced certified guides and local captain.

    • Emergency kit & satellite phone.

    • Courtesy photos of the expedition.

    • Airfare.

    • Pick up/Airport transfers.

    • Wetsuit.

    • Crew gratuity.

    • Good swimming skills in the open ocean.

    • Comfortable being long days in a boat.

    • Comfortable in remote locations.

    • Hat & sunglasses.

    • Rash-guard / windbraker / jacket.

    • Light, fast dry clothes.

    • Biodegradable sunscreen.

    • Cameras.

    • Cash for gratuities.

  • 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).

    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: 7 hours 30 minutes (333.6 miles).

    • La Paz to Loreto: 5 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.

Price per person:

$3,750 MXN / $200USD

The price in USD is subject to daily exchange rates and may vary; the listed price is only a tentative estimate.

Min 4 pax to depart.

Private adventure 6,5 spots.