LORETO WHALES
ITINERARY
Included: 4 expeditions, 4 nights of accommodation, 1 workshop, transportation during all expeditions, 2 expert bilingual guides, 1 local certified captain, light breakfasts & lunches, expedition gear.
Duration:
5 days - 4 nights
Location:
Loreto and Pacific lagoon,
Baja California Sur
Season:
January to March
Price:
Price per person : $35,000 MXN / $1,850 USD
Available 2026 itineraries
January 28th to Feb 1st
February 4th to 8th
February 11th to 15th
February 16th to 20th
February 22nd to 26th
March 1st to 5th
March 6th to 10th
Biodiversity and landscape
About the expedition
During winter and early spring, the Baja California Peninsula transforms into a thrilling haven for migratory whales and nature adventurers alike. Nearly the entire global population of gray whales, along with blue whales, humpbacks, and fin whales, migrate here to socialize, mate, feed and give birth.
Loreto stands out as the best place to witness these giants, especially the majestic blue whales, drawn to its nutrient-rich waters teeming with krill. It’s a powerful reminder of the delicate balance of marine life and the wild beauty that makes this stretch of ocean truly unforgettable.
More than a typical tour, this is a carefully crafted expedition—aboard the right boat, with expert guides and skilled captains dedicated to immersing you in this extraordinary cycle of life. Over five days, you’ll learn to identify, track, and observe whale aggregations in their most dynamic behaviors. In Loreto, we may also witness the intense moments when orcas, the ocean’s apex predators, hunt these majestic creatures.
Our team carefully tracks weather conditions, recognizing that finding the right climate windows is essential to a successful expedition. Taking advantage of optimal weather and location, we navigate to prime spots for respectful and authentic whale encounters. Our journey ensures a deep connection with the ocean’s untamed wilderness, with your safety and the well-being of the animals always at the forefront
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1. Expert guidance
Experience the expedition with two knowledgeable and certified wildlife bilingual guides who ensure your safety and provide insights into the region's unique ecosystems and marine life.
2. 4x4 transportation
Travel in comfort and style with 4x4 vehicles that allow you to access remote areas and stunning landscapes.
3. Whale watching & biodiversity
Witness the migration of gray, humpback, fin whales and blue whales, as well as other marine mammals, in one of the world's premier locations for whale watching.
4. Exploration of unique ecosystems
Discover the stunning coasts, mangroves, and islands of the Baja Peninsula, characterized by it endemism’s and rich diversity of wildlife.
5. Snorkeling and marine encounters
Enjoy snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, where you may encounter vibrant fish, playful sea lions, and dolphins, making for unforgettable underwater experiences.
6. Cultural insights
Learn about the local culture, history, and conservation efforts while exploring the region's natural beauty, enhancing your understanding of this remarkable area.
7. 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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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.
-Expedition brief: Conservation workshop, wildlife interaction, local ecosystems and identification of wildlife.
Day 2: Loreto and Islands
- Morning to Afternoon: Embark on a 6 to 7-hour marine expedition around the Islands of Loreto, focusing on blue whales 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.
- Afternoon: Return to Loreto and relax at your accommodation or explore the town.
Day 4: Loreto and Islands
- Morning to Afternoon: Embark on a 6 to 7-hour marine expedition around the Islands of Loreto, focusing on blue whales and searching for other migratory and resident wildlife.
- Lunch: Enjoy a local beach lunch during the expedition.
Day 5: Loreto and Islands
- Morning to Afternoon: Embark on a 6 to 7-hour marine expedition around the Islands of Loreto, focusing on blue whales and searching for other migratory and resident wildlife.
- Lunch: Enjoy a local beach lunch during the expedition.
NOTE: 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 5-day trip itinerary. Please know that the agenda of activities may vary based on weather conditions and sightings. However, 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 and bottlenose.
Migrating whales: Blue whales, humpback whales, gray whale, fin whale, Bryde's whale, Sei whales, hybrid whales, pilot whales and false killer whales.
Sea-lions
Top predators: Orcas, Sperm whales, mako sharks
Sea birds
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4x4 transportation.
Expedition boat with WC ( during Loreto expeditions)
4 nights double occupancy accommodation appartment or studio style ( available solo for an extra fee).
4 marine expeditions of 6/7 h
Light breakfast, snacks & lunch during the expeditions.
Experienced certified guides.
Emergency kit & satellite phone.
Expedition gear : Hydrophone, binoculars, ultra, light towel, personal aluminum water mug and 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 free-dive 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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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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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
: 4 hours 15 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 and services
Regenerative tourism and citizen science
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 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.
Alongside respectful, passive whale observation (engines off), the expedition features ecology workshops, Leave No Trace practices, and locally sourced, seasonal meals prepared by regional experts—always with zero plastic waste.
We’re proud to collaborate with researcher Mario A. Pardo from CICESE/CONAHCYT, collecting valuable cetacean distribution data in Bahía de Loreto National Park. Our participants can actively contribute to citizen science through structured data collection and photo identification, helping build important catalogs of individual whales.
Additionally, we use a hydrophone on board to listen to the mesmerizing whale vocalizations, deepening our connection to these magnificent creatures and their underwater world.
All encounters are conducted with the utmost respect and ethical responsibility, strictly adhering to national laws and guidelines to ensure the protection and well-being of the whales and their habitat.
Accomodation
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.
Meet the whales of Loreto
Watch what happens on our whale watching expeditions during winter time!
Your expedition leaders
Leopoldo A. Sanmiguel
Founder
Expedition leader
Regina Domingo
Director
Wildlife expedition leader
At Baja Adventures, we don’t have tour guides — we have expedition experts and certified leaders.
Regi and Leo are both locally based in Baja, they have been developing ecotourism adventures for 15+ years, and know intimately the Peninsula and its migrations by the backs of their hands.
We’re here to take the hassle out of your itinerary, keep you safe, and help create lifelong memories.
Elite 4x4 Transportation in Baja California
On our land expeditions, we provide premium 4x4 transportation led by experienced drivers. Our foremost focus is on ensuring your safety and comfort, be it conquering challenging terrain, averting overloading, or immersing yourself in a safari-style journey during your transfers.
La Puma, our expedition boat
La Puma is our 27-foot super panga, designed for marine exploration and adventure. This vessel comfortably accommodates 10 passengers and 2 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:
$35,000 MXN / $1,850 USD
Expedition + photography package
$38,000 MXN / $2,050 USD
Private expedition:
6,5 PAID SPOTS
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 expeditions available.
