WHALES OF LORETO ADVENTURE
Included: 4 expeditions, 4 nights accommodation, 1 ecology and conservation workshop, transportation during all expeditions, 2 expert bilingual guides, 1 local certified captain, light breakfasts & lunches, expedition gear, bow spotting platform and WC, citizen science activities and national park entrance fees.
The maximum group size per itinerary is 7 participants, ensuring a small, intimate experience that prioritizes personalized attention, safety, and low environmental impact.
Duration:
5 days - 4 nights
Location:
Loreto and Pacific lagoon,
Baja California Sur
Season:
January to March
Price per person with accomodation:
$38,500 MXN / $2060 USD
Price per person without accomodation :
$31,700 MXN / $1835 USD
Available 2027 itineraries
January 27th to 31th - 7 spots left
February 2th to 6th - 5 spots left
February 10th to 14th - 1 spot left
February 17nd to 21th - 7 spots left
February 24th to 28th - 2 spots left
March 3rd to 7th - 7 spots left
Whale watching experience
BLUE WHALE WATCHING IN LORETO & SEASONAL WHALES
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 and ethical whale-watching expedition. By taking advantage of optimal weather and location, we navigate to prime spots for respectful and authentic encounters with whales and other marine life.
While out on the water, we also collect valuable citizen science data to help monitor species presence and ocean health — and you’ll be an active part of this effort. Together, we contribute to a deeper understanding of the marine ecosystem while ensuring everyone’s safety and the well-being of the animals remain our top priority.
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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.
Cultural Insights: Local history, culture, and conservation.
Accommodation: Loreto80 suite-style apartments in downtown Loreto.
Meals: 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 cetacean distribution data for marine conservation strategies and 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.
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 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, educational material.
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Airfare
Airport transfers
Wetsuit
Dinners
Crew gratuity
For without accomodation price: transportation is only included when staying at properties within Loreto Center. Otherwise, you will need to arrive at a designated Loreto Center meeting point for departures.
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Punctuality is essential. Our expeditions depart on schedule, and we operate with small groups of up to seven participants to ensure a personalized experience. If you arrive more than 15 minutes late to any meeting point or departure, we will unfortunately not be able to wait, as this would affect the experience for the rest of the group
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.
YOUR WHALE WATCHING VESSEL IN LORETO
5 DAYS OF EXTRAORDINARY WHALE WATCHING
Our 5-day itinerary is the best option for those who want to ensure enough flexibility with climate conditions. Our team is adaptable, and the order of the expeditions can be adjusted depending on the weather to guarantee that each location and activity operates under the best possible conditions.
The land-based workshop day also works as a buffer, allowing us to place it on the windiest day. Wind is part of the reason why life thrives here, and true explorers know that you cannot rush nature or expect perfect conditions in a single day. With 5 days, you and our team have plenty of time to work with the wind and choose the ideal moments for each expedition.
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.
WHALE CONSERVATION, REGENERATIVE TOURISM & 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.
Sightings of specific species are never guaranteed — we work with truly wild animals in their natural environment. Our team spends the entire year observing and learning from the rhythms of the park, deepening our understanding of these dynamic marine ecosystems. Still, it’s important to remember that the open ocean is not a zoo; nature reveals itself on its own terms.
What we can promise is genuine presence and dedication: being in the right place, at the right time, with the right spotters and an ethical, experienced crew gives you the best chance to witness these incredible creatures when they choose to appear.
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 with accomodation:
$38,500 MXN / $2060 USD
Price per person without accomodation (transportation included, only within Loreto center) :
31,700 / 1835 USD
Expedition + photography package
$1,500 MXN / $80 USD
Private expedition:
7 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 options available.
