San Ignacio Lagoon Gray Whales

March 19, 2027 – March 23, 2027

We have planned a once in a lifetime experience in San Ignacio Lagoon. If experiencing the Gray Whales of San Ignacio Lagoon is not on your bucket list, IT SHOULD BE! Join us for this 4-night luxury camping adventure getting up close and personal with The Gray Whales of San Ignacio Lagoon!

This incredible experience takes place right after the Socorro trip – so you can treat it as a Socorro extension or join us after Socorro at the Los Cabos Airport (SJD) for our puddle-jumper to San Ignacio Bay.

Up Close and Personal with a Gray Whale is San Ignacio Lagoon with Nautilus Adventures

Where are we going?

Every winter, Eastern Pacific gray whales make an incredible 3,000 mile journey from the icy Arctic waters of Alaska to the warm lagoons of Baja California, Mexico. These lagoons become a nursery and breeding ground, where thousands of whales gather to mate, give birth, and nurture their young.

San Ignacio Lagoon, often called “whale central,” is the heart of this experience. Each season, 5,000 to 6,000 gray whales visit, making it the ultimate destination for rare, up-close encounters with these friendly giants.

Why San Ignacio?

In San Ignacio Lagoon, gray whales, guided by trust and curiosity, approach humans to seek out interactions.

This remarkable behavior, unique to this lagoon, began in 1972 when a gray whale initiated contact with a fisherman, forging an extraordinary bond between whales and humans.

Since then, gray whales have continued to swim up to boats, offering unforgettable close-up encounters. These experiences are nothing short of phenomenal, extraordinary, and utterly mind-blowing!

When are we going?

The whales arrive in the lagoon in December and stay through the end of April.Nautilus operates exclusively during the peak whale season, from mid-January to mid-April, when the largest number of whales are present.

Sightings vary throughout the season. The first gray whales to arrive are usually adults coming to mate. As the season progresses, more whales fill the lagoon, and by early February, the first newborn calves begin to appear. Soon, the lagoon is bustling with mothers and babies, busy training for their long journey north. Towards the end of the season, when we will be there, the calves often become especially friendly!

The Luxury Camp

Imagine starting your day with the sun rising over the Baja mountains, followed by multiple whale-watching excursions to meet the friendly whales. You choose how much time you want to spend with these gentle giants, setting the pace that feels right for you.The lagoon and surrounding desert are beautiful, and these trips are done in style. Perfect if you enjoy nature and the great outdoors but love the extra comfort. Our luxury camp is located in the peaceful El Vizcaíno desert, with tents positioned near the water, offering stunning views and endless starry skies at night.You can join kayaking or paddleboarding tours across the lagoon (weather permitting), take scenic walks, or explore the area by mountain bike. Evenings are for unwinding – enjoy presentations by naturalists, watch the sun set over the salt flats, and gather around the fire pit. The Nautilus team of naturalists, scientists and local experts will be unhand to guide you through your entire experience whether it’s with you on your panga with the gray whales, or guiding you on a kayak expedition through the mangroves or bird watching or a nature walk or accompanying you to a local village to witness their efforts at turtle conservation.

Each tent includes an ensuite bathroom, a hot shower, and a “real bed” with high-quality linens for a restful night’s sleep.

Each tent village features a large dinning tent and kitchen as well as an outdoor palapa fire pit and a large bar tent complete with craft beer, single malts and an excellent wine list. You will enjoy daily all-inclusive fine dinning with freshly prepared dishes, paired with the warmth and authenticity of the Baja staff. Our luxury village will have larger tents with ocean view, private sitting areas and even a pool table in the bar tent.

The Itinerary

Day 1: Meet the Gray Whales!

Our adventure begins with a 1 hour 50 minute flight to the airstrip at the Lagoon.

After brunch, a welcome briefing, and a naturalist introduction to the whales, we’ll head out for two afternoon whale-watching encounters.

In the evening, we’ll enjoy a cocktail hour and watch the sunset around the fire pit, followed by dinner and a presentation by one of the naturalists.

Days 2 – 3: San Ignacio Lagoon

All operators in the lagoon work together to maximize guest experience while ensuring no negative impact on the whales. For this reason, Nautilus is not able to send pangas out “on demand”. Here is an example itinerary.

7 am breakfast after watching the sunrise over the sierras and then head out at 7:45 am for several whale watching encounters.

9:45 am for the second whale watching session of the day. Then again, around 10 to 10:30 am, depending on the availability in the area for whale watching, and then back to camp for lunch.

After lunch, enjoy another whale-watching encounter in the afternoon.

In the evening, enjoying cocktail hour, sunset viewing, making new friends around the fire pit, a game of billiards, or an evening presentation by a naturalist are all fine ways to finish off your day in camp.

Day 4: Return to Cabo

Breakfast at 7 am. One more whale watching encounter, and then the flight back to SJD Los Cabos.