Whales of Loreto
Whale watching season in Loreto: Everything you need to know
A majestic blue whale fluke in 2025 season captured in Loreto our talented guide and photographer, Regina Domingo
If you’ve dreamed of an unforgettable whale watching experience in one of the world’s most beautiful marine national parks, at Baja Adventures we still have spaces left for 2026 and 2027 whale season and our winter itineraries and day adventures in Loreto, Baja California Sur, Mexico.
Our expert team carefully selects the best weather windows to ensure spectacular whale sightings.
Why Loreto is among the best whale watching spots on earth
Blue whale in 2024 season captured in by Regina Domingo, Baja Adventures.
Nestled between the Gulf of California and the Sierra de la Giganta mountains, Loreto offers a unique marine ecosystem. Jacques Cousteau called the Gulf of California (or Sea of Cortez) “the world’s aquarium” for good reason. Nutrient-rich waters attract many migratory whale species.
Loreto’s calm coastal waters within Loreto National Park are perfect for spotting blue whales, humpback whales, minke whales, fin whales, sei whales, pilot whales, sperm whales, and orcas.
Loreto is the only official location for blue whale watching tourism in Baja California Sur and all of Mexico, uniquely hosting large aggregations of blue whales close to shore each winter.
Humpback whale breaching in 2025 season captured in Loreto by Regina Domingo
Best time to watch blue whales in Loreto
The official whale season runs from January 1st to April 31th, with blue whale peak sightings from mid-January through early March. Northerly winds during winter drive upwelling of nutrient-rich water, fueling plankton and krill growth, essential whale food, making this area an irresistible feeding ground.
Blue whale, “monocular” in 2025 season captured in Loreto Bay by Regina Domingo
Our whale watching itinerary:
5 Days, 4 Nights, 4 Expeditions, 1 Workshop, 1 Hike
Includes three days of whale watching in Loreto
Each 7-8 hour expedition covers different zones of Loreto Bay National Park, maximizing chances to see blue whales and other species like dolphins, or other whale species. With six expert eyes spotters, two guides and a local captain, our success rates are exceptional.
Baja adventures expedition boat “La Puma” with guests during a whale expedition in Loreto
Includes one day of Gray whale watching
We partner with southern lagoon stakeholders to select the lagoon with the largest whale aggregations and best climate. The adventure begins with an early transfer from Loreto in our 4x4 van. Our boat will be ready on arrival at optimal tide and weather. Guides accompany you throughout the transfer and expedition for insights and safety.
Gray whale spy-hop on a Pacific Lagoon
Wildcard day: Nature hike and Whale workshop
On windier days, enjoy a refreshing hike through Loreto’s scenic canyons or estuaries, combined with a whale ecology workshop. Learn to identify species, understand behavior, diets, ecology, and conservation as we wait for better whale watching conditions.
Baja Adventures Van with Gulf of California views
How we ensure the best experience
Flexible itineraries: Weather and whale sightings are assessed several days in advance for optimal expedition placement.
Early start: We depart before sunrise to observe wildlife waking and maximize calm conditions.
Comfortable boat: La Puma is a 27-foot vessel designed for whale watching, with comfortable seating, big shade, a restroom, hydrophone, and gear storage, accommodating 9 guests and 3 crew.
Expert team: Year-round Loreto based dedicated team with bilingual certified guides and a knowledgeable local captain.
Scientific collaboration: Work with CICSE to collect citizen science cetacean data, supporting conservation and management plans.
Safety : Larger crew (3 members) trained in remote first response. Equipped with satellite phone and emergency kit, prepared for any situation far from shore.
Intimate expeditions: Longer, remote trips avoid crowds and noise for peaceful, memorable wildlife encounters.
Baja adventures expedition boat “La Puma” and our wildlife expert guide Regina Domingo and guests during a whale expedition in Loreto
Inclusions
Your trip includes Marine Park fees, transport from the itinerary accommodation to the departure point, binoculars, blankets, light breakfast, lunch, healthy snacks, fresh fruit, coconut water, and water.
See more of the itinerary details here
The whale adventure experience
Your day begins in the peaceful Loreto harbor, La Dársena, at 6:45 a.m. We scan the waters of the 206,000-hectare marine park for whale blows, leading your journey by two certified bilingual naturalist guides who share insights and answer questions while your captain ensures your safety.
We follow a passive whale watching approach that emphasizes respectful observation and adherence to Mexican regulations (NOM-131), maintaining a safe distance and limiting disturbance to the whales.
A blue whale captured in Loreto by our guide, Regina Domingo
A calm whale offers extraordinary opportunities to witness tail flukes, feeding, courting, and breaths. Midday, enjoy a catered lunch at sea or on a scenic island, with options for all diets, accompanied by whale sightings.
Orca pod captured in Loreto by our guide Regina Domingo during February 2023.
Upgrade with professional photography
Enhance your memories by purchasing a photography package with Regina Domingo from our team at Baja Adventures, a renowned conservationist and wildlife expert who captures stunning expedition photos.
Our guide and photographer, Regina Domingo photographing pilot whales in Loreto.
Essential information
Best Season: January to April, peak late January to early March
Species: Blue whale, gray whale, humpback whale, minke whale, sei whale, pilot whales, sperm whales, dolphins, and occasional orcas.
What to bring: Thermal layers, windbreaker, sun protection, sturdy shoes, camera, reusable water bottle
Prepare for the adventure of a lifetime
Common dolphin super pod captured in Loreto by our guide Regina Domingo in Loreto.
At Baja Adventures, we provide more than whale watching—we offer a safe, authentic, immersive nature experience through regenerative tourism. Our approach actively benefits species, ecosystems, communities, science, and visitors alike.
Spaces are limited for 2026 and 2027.
Ready to set sail with the experts who make whale watching dreams come true? We can’t wait to share this unforgettable adventure with you.
Baja Adventures, research and exploration.