In Search of Whales: Baja Sur, Mexico
February 7-14, 2026
Trip Overview
Stretching 800 miles south from California, the rugged and remote Baja California Peninsula is where desert landscapes meet the deep blues of the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez—waters teeming with life and wonder. These nutrient-rich seas serve as a seasonal sanctuary and migration corridor for some of the ocean’s most awe-inspiring giants. From the haunting songs of humpbacks to the sheer immensity of blue and fin whales, this is where the extraordinary becomes every day.
Each winter, gray whales complete one of the longest mammal migrations on Earth to give birth and nurture their young in the warm, shallow waters of Baja Sur’s protected lagoons. Meanwhile, offshore, sharks glide silently beneath the surface, mobula rays leap in dazzling unison, sea lions play in sunlit coves, and pods of dolphins race alongside boats.
This is the backdrop for Reefs to Rockies’ 20th Anniversary Whale Watching Expedition—a celebration of wild encounters, conservation-driven travel, and two decades of connecting travelers to nature’s most spectacular shows. Join us in one of the world’s premier whale-watching destinations for an unforgettable journey into the heart of Baja Sur’s marine magic.
ABOUT YOUR EXPEDITION LEADERS
ITINERARY
Day 1 (Sat, Feb 7): Arrival in Loreto ~ Welcome to Mexico! Upon arrival at Loreto International Airport (LTO), you’ll be transferred to El Oasis, our charming accommodations nestled between the Sierra de la Giganta mountains and the Sea of Cortez. Loreto offers pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and rugged landscapes, making it a paradise for nature lovers. This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner featuring local cuisine and an opportunity to meet your fellow travelers.
Accommodations: El Oasis
Meals: Dinner
Accommodations: El Oasis
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Accommodations: Pachico’s Whale Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Days 4-5 (Tues, Feb 10 & Wed, Feb 11): San Ignacio Lagoon ~ Get ready for not one, not two, not three—but four whale-watching adventures over the next two days! San Ignacio Lagoon is famous for its friendly gray whales, and with any luck you might just find a mother and calf swimming right up to say hello. We’ll also dive into marine science with a hands-on sea turtle tagging activity. You’ll learn first-hand how researchers track and monitor these incredible creatures in the lagoon.
Accommodations: Pachico’s Whale Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodations: El Oasis
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 7 (Friday, February 13): Whale Watching and Snorkeling
Embark on another full day of whale watching, including a visit to Isla Danzante for snorkeling. The island’s clear waters are home to a variety of marine life, offering an excellent opportunity to explore the underwater world. This evening, relive trip highlights during our farewell dinner in town.
Accommodations: El Oasis
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 8 (Saturday, February 14): Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Loreto International Airport (LTO) in time for your flight home.
Meals: Breakfast
DETAILS
Price: $6595* per person based on double occupancy accommodations, i.e. two people sharing a room. Due to the limited number of cabins at the whale camp, private rooms are on request and subject to availability. Contact us for pricing and availability if interested in private accommodations.
Includes: accommodations; airport transfer on arrival and departure days; round-trip transportation between Loreto and San Ignacio Lagoon; 2 expedition leaders; all meals as listed with purified water available throughout; 2 full-day whale watching excursions from Loreto – one includes snorkeling; 5 whale watching excursions at San Ignacio Lagoon; sea turtle monitoring experience; entrance fees; gratuities for your expedition leaders, local guides, drivers, and whale camp staff, as well as at restaurants for included meals; and a conservation donation.
Excludes: flights; passport/visa fees; room upgrades; travel insurance; pre- and post- hotel stays; optional activities; personal expenses; and gratuities for hotel staff in Loreto.
*Reflects payment by ACH or check. Credit card fees will be assessed at time of booking, if applicable.
Level of Difficulty-Moderate: This trip is best suited for travelers in good health with a spirit of adventure and flexibility. Whale watching excursions are conducted by small boats—Zodiacs in the Sea of Cortez and open-air pangas at San Ignacio Lagoon. While these vessels may offer close wildlife encounters, they can involve bumpy rides depending on sea conditions, wind, and tides. Wet landings (entering and exiting the boat directly into shallow water) are possible and require stable footing and a willingness to get your feet wet.
Participants should also be prepared for drives along occasionally bumpy and curvy roads, as well as full days in the field with exposure to sun, wind, and varying temperatures. While no strenuous hiking is involved, a basic level of mobility and comfort with outdoor conditions is necessary to fully enjoy the experience.
Group Size: 6-10 participants + 2 Expedition Leaders. We are known for having smaller group sizes with a better birder to guide ratio than most companies offering similar itineraries.
A Note About Gratuities: Your trip cost includes gratuities for your expedition leaders, drivers, local guides, and whale camp staff, as well as at restaurants for included meals. This allows us to reliably and equitably compensate everyone working so hard to keep you happy, healthy, and safe during your trip.
Important Information: Itinerary has been built to allow flexibility to accommodate activities and sightseeing. Every effort will be made to carry out all activities as planned and advertised; however, activities are subject to change based on weather conditions.