LORETO WHALES AND OASES
4-DAY EXPEDITION
Included: 4 expeditions, 3 nights of double-occupancy accommodation, transportation throughout the itinerary, 2 expert bilingual guides, selected meals and refreshments depending on each adventure, expedition gear, citizen science activities, and applicable entrance fees.
Collective itineraries are limited to a maximum of 7 participants, ensuring a small, intimate experience with personalized attention and low environmental impact. Private itineraries are available for groups of up to 8 participants.
DURATION:
4 days - 3 nights
LOCATION:
Loreto, Pacific lagoons and Sierra de la Giganta
Baja California Sur
SEASON:
January to April
Price with accomodation:
$29,100 MXN/ $1,630 USD
Price without accomodation:
$24,000 MXN/ $1,388 USD
2027 DEPARTURES & AVAILABILITY
January 1–4 — FULLY BOOKED
January 6–9 — FULLY BOOKED
January 10–13 — FULLY BOOKED
January 22–25 — 4 SPACES AVAILABLE
March 12–15 — 4 SPACES AVAILABLE
Our collective whale itineraries are limited to 7 participants and operate on selected dates only. Early booking is recommended due to limited availability
About the expedition
During winter and early spring, the Baja California Peninsula offers an extraordinary experience. At this time, nearly the entire global population of gray whales, along with North Pacific humpback whales, majestic blue whales and fin whales, migrate to the coasts of Baja California to socialize,feed, mate, and give birth.
Known for hosting the largest concentration of migratory marine mammals in the world, the Baja California Peninsula provides a unique opportunity to observe the largest marine mammals on our planet up close.
Winter also brings the best weather for hiking and outdoor land activities, making this the ideal season for exploring beyond the coast. This expedition combines immersive whale-watching with two days of exploring the sierras, canyons, and oases of Loreto through hikes, mule rides, and rich gastronomic and cultural experiences.
We recommend this itinerary because it offers a complete perspective of Loreto—from land to sea—allowing you to witness its diverse ecosystems and understand how they are deeply connected. At the same time, you gain meaningful insights into local cultures both along the coast and in the high sierras, enriching your understanding of this remarkable region.
Biodiversity and landscape
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Expert Guidance: 2 certified bilingual wildlife guides; max 8 participants.
Premium Transport: 4x4 Van "La Cachalote" & super panga "La Puma" with WC and comfortable seats.
Whale Watching: Gray, humpback, fin, and blue whales plus cetaceans in premier Baja waters.
Unique Ecosystems: Coasts, mangroves, and endemic-rich islands.
Snorkeling Encounters: Crystal waters with fish, sea lions, and dolphins.
Cultural Insights: Local history, culture, and conservation.
Accommodation: Loreto80 suite-style apartments in downtown Loreto.
Meals: Light breakfast, snacks, and lunch included; adaptable to special diets.
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.
Citizen Science: Collect data for marine conservation and management plans
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Activities and expeditions may be scheduled from before sunrise on Day 1 of the itinerarty or begin later in the day like at noon, depending on weather and climate conditions.
Because our adventures are nature- and weather-dependent, we rely on the latest available weather and marine forecasts to determine the best schedule. Your final, detailed itinerary order and meeting times will be sent approximately 24 hours before your adventure begins.
We strongly recommend that all participants arrive in Loreto the day before the itinerary starts, as Day 1 may require a very early, pre-sunrise departure.
Example of the itinerary:
Day 1: Welcome to Loreto
- Noon: Pick up all participants in Loreto & check in at your accommodation
- Lunch: Enjoy a group lunch at a local restaurant.
- Afternoon: Hike in a canyon at sunset, where you will retrieve and locate a camera trap for wildlife monitoring.
Day 2: Loreto and Islands
- Morning to Afternoon: Embark on a 7 to 8-hour marin expedition around the Islands of Loreto, focusing on whale watching and searching for other migratory and resident wildlife.
- Lunch: Enjoy a local beach lunch during the expedition.
Day 3: Pacific Coast Lagoon
- Morning: Depart for a half-day marine safari focused on gray whale watching in the Pacific coast lagoon.
Note: Please note that the migration timing of blue whales and gray whales varies each year and climate conditions. If you join this itinerary in late March, the number of whales aggregated may be lower, and in some cases, gray whales might have already migrated away. Should this happen, we will offer two expeditions in Loreto focused on searching for whales, giving you the best opportunity to experience,
- Afternoon: Return to Loreto and relax at your accommodation or explore the town.
Day 4: Sierra de la Giganta
- Morning: Transportation to the Sierra de la Giganta for a biocultural expedition.
- Visit: Explore the historic San Javier Mission.
- Lunch: Enjoy a local meal at the San Javier Mission.
- Afternoon: Experience a mule ride in the Sierra and visit an oasis.
- Evening: Return transportation back to Loreto.
NOTE: The activities of this adventure are subject to change according to the weather, with the possibility of changing the order and timings if necessary. We rely on accurate weather forecasts to conduct our whale expeditions in both Loreto and the Pacific lagoons. Our team will closely monitor these forecasts and select the best dates to ensure that each activity fits within the 4-day trip itinerary. Please know that the agenda of activities may vary based on weather conditions and sightings. We cannot guarantee specific timings, schedules, or the necessity to cancel an activity. If needed, we may offer a land expedition as an alternative.
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Dolphins: Common, bottlenose.
Migrating whales: Humpback, Fin whale, Bryde's, Blue whale, Hybrid whales, and sperm whales.
Sealions
Top predators: orcas
Sea birds
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4x4 Adventure van transportation
Double occupancy accommodation ( available solo for an extra fee
4 expeditions
Light breakfast, snacks & lunches ( breakfast only included on all adventures starting before 10 am, lunch included only on 7h or 8h expeditions)
Experienced certified guides
Emergency kit & satelite phone
Courtesy photos of the expedition
Expedition gear : Hydrophone, binoculars, ultra, light towel, personal aluminum water mug, snorkel gear.
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Airfare
Airport transfers
Wetsuit
Dinners
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 for those who prefer to stay on the boat.
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.
Intermediate‑level ON the canyon hike adventure day, with three short but demanding access points that require good footing and confidence on uneven terrain. The route covers about 3–4 hours of walking through rocky areas, boulder sections, and narrow passages.
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Hat & sunglasses
Rash-guard / windbraker / jacket
Warm clothes
Biodegradable sunscreen
Cameras
Water mug
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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.
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Loreto: Cold mornings and evenings, warm in the middle of the day on sunny days. high 53-70°F / 12-21°C
Pacific lagoons: Cold mornings and evenings, warm in warm in the middle of the day on sunny days. 53-70°F / 12-21°C
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Shared airport shuttles operate regularly from Loreto International Airport to downtown Loreto, usually every 20–30 minutes. This is generally the most affordable option, and you can simply provide the driver with the address of your accommodation.
The accommodation included in our itineraries is conveniently located in downtown Loreto, and you will receive the exact address and arrival information during your booking process.
If you prefer a private airport transfer, our team can also coordinate one for you at an additional cost. Simply share your flight details with us in advance, and we’ll arrange a private driver for your arrival.
Regenerative tourism and citizen science
Guided by Regina Domingo and Leopoldo Sanmiguel, bilingual, certified wildlife experts based in Loreto year-round, your adventure will be enriching and unforgettable. With extensive experience in wildlife, they actively collect data to support conservation efforts and ensure respectful interactions with nature.
On land, we work with local stakeholders to locate and set camera traps for terrestrial mammal monitoring, adding depth to our understanding of the region’s ecosystems.
Alongside passive, engines-off whale observation, the expedition includes ecology workshops, Leave No Trace practices, and locally sourced, seasonal meals prepared by regional experts—always with zero plastic waste.
We proudly collaborate with researcher Mario A. Pardo from CICESE/CONAHCYT, collecting cetacean distribution data in Bahía de Loreto National Park. Our participants contribute to citizen science through structured data collection, photo identification, and use of a hydrophone to hear whale vocalizations—deepening connections to these magnificent marine mammals.
All encounters are conducted ethically and in strict compliance with national laws to protect the whales and their habitat.
Accommodations
Our itineraries include accommodation in cozy, beautifully decorated studios and suites located in the heart of downtown Loreto. Just a short walk from the beach and the historic first mission of Baja California Sur, these units offer comfort, safety, and easy access to shops and restaurants, perfect for relaxing after your adventures.
Your expedition leaders
Leopoldo A. Sanmiguel
Founder
Expedition Leader
Regina Domingo
Director
Wildlife Expedition Leader
Regi and Leo are based in Baja California and bring more than 15 years of experience developing and leading wildlife, ecotourism and conservation-focused adventures throughout the peninsula. Their extensive field experience and local knowledge shape every Baja Adventures expedition, from marine wildlife exploration in Loreto Bay National Park to remote journeys into the Sierra de la Giganta.
Our 4x4 adventure & exploration vehicle
LA CACHALOTE
On our land expeditions, we travel aboard La Cachalote, our Ford E-350 4x4 exploration vehicle, adapted for comfort, safety and access to the remote landscapes of Baja California Sur. With upgraded suspension, all-terrain capability, captain seats, air conditioning, satellite communication and dedicated gear storage, La Cachalote allows us to reach canyons, oases, ranches and remote areas of the Sierra de la Giganta while keeping transfers comfortable throughout the adventure.
La Puma, our expedition boat
La Puma is our 27-foot super panga, designed for marine exploration and adventure. This vessel comfortably accommodates 9 passengers and 3 crew members, making it perfect for expeditions, scientific research, photography, and production work. Operating in the National Park of Loreto Bay, La Puma is equipped for long-distance journeys, featuring ample shaded areas and an onboard restroom for your convenience.
Price per person:
$29,100 MXN/ $1,630 USD x person
Private expediton:
Available upon request
Photography packages:
This itinerary can be booked privately for families or friends, or shared with solo travelers. Contact our team for availability, or click below to explore shared calendar options!
The price is quoted per person in USD and is subject to daily exchange rate fluctuations, which may cause variations.
*50% deposit required to secure booking
Private groups or couple itineraries available under quotation.
