March 6 - 9, 2023
Our March 2022 trip meeting the Gray Whales at San Ignacio Lago was Magical...we have to go back!
Touching a 45 ft long whale is like an other-worldly experience. San Ignacio Lagoon, an oasis in the rugged desert landscape of Baja California Sur is the only place in the world where gray whales willingly approach you for human-whale connections.
Each winter gray whales migrate to the warm, shallow waters of the Lagoon to mate and calve; bringing the world’s most extraordinary encounters to only a handful of select people who are called to share this one-of-a-kind wildlife experience. Explore San Ignacio Lagoon and discover the wild, rugged desert coastline; spending evenings marveling at the uninterrupted, ebony starlit sky. This is where dreamlike, magical encounters with whales become a reality.
- Our Eco-Camp Glamping tents offer all the creature comforts while letting you experience the pure wilderness of camping. All tents are double occupancy, with either twin beds or a king bed, fine linens, with en-suite toilet and showers. The camp also features fire pits, a comfortable clubhouse and an adult area serving fine wine, craft beer and single malt scotches. We have a central palapa that hosts the dining area, bar, and lounge. Our camp has commercial dishwashing sanitizers to keep everyone safe and healthy.
Special Guest Mary Rondenet will be with the group in 2023
Mary Catherine Rondenet - Whale Whisperer
Mary Rondenet, Blooming Rose Healing, is a Certified ProfessionaI Coach, Energy Touch Practictioner and a Certified Transformational Breath Facilitator and will be part of our group to San Ignacio Lagoon in 2023. Mary has been working with whale and dolphin energy in many parts of the world since 2007 and has developed a powerful breathwork technique she calls "WhaleBreathing". To use the breath and the Sacred Energy of Whales is to release what no longer serves you and to connect to the power of nature which brings us into a place of peace, harmony, and joy.
WhaleBreathing
Mary will be facilitating WhaleBreathing sessions in the evenings; a self-healing technique that helps release emotional blocks, relieving you of stress, anxiety and tension. Join Mary on a healing journey immersed in the energy of the Gray Whales that will open your Heart & Soul
WHAT YOU'LL EXPERIENCE ON THIS TRIP
Up to 3 Whale Encounters a day
Up to 3 Whale Encounters a day
Up to 3 Whale Encounters a day
You are going to see a LOT of Gray Whales! Be prepared for some Magical encounters with these Ancient and Wise Beings
Fly In By Private Charter
Up to 3 Whale Encounters a day
Up to 3 Whale Encounters a day
Wonderfully remote but just 1 hr - 55 minute flight from Cabo to San Ignacio Lagoon
What About the Food.. it's delicious!
Up to 3 Whale Encounters a day
What About the Food.. it's delicious!
Yes you are glamping but the food is 1st class! Enjoy fresh, delicious, healthy
Chef Prepared dishes.
Creature Comforts In the Wild
Creature Comforts In the Wild
What About the Food.. it's delicious!
Glamping tents with real beds, fine linens, ensuite bathroom & shower. Our whale wilderness expedition allows you to experience some of the most remote, wild corners of Baja Mexico, in comfort and luxury
Wild Experience!
Creature Comforts In the Wild
Wild Experience!
From salt flats to mangroves, discover
the unique landscapes and local wildlife
with our expert guides. Kayak paddles, beach walks, time for rest and relaxation
Conservation
Creature Comforts In the Wild
Wild Experience!
Our camps support conservation
and mangrove restoration projects
and return a share of your trip cost
to the local community.
tRIP ITINERARY
When to arrive in Cabo San Lucas
Due to our charter flight on March 6, you should arrive in Cabo San Lucas on March 4 as charter flight check-in is the morning of March 5th. After check-in there will be a whale watching cruise - included in the trip cost, from the marina in Cabo San Lucas looking for Humpback Whales, Fin Whales and pods of dolphins.
Your Gray Whale Adventure Begins...
Day 1 - Depart by Private Charter for San Ignacio Lagoon.
There will be an early morning group pick-up from the Barcelo Gran Faro Beach Resort in San Jose del Cabo on March 6th for the charter flight to San Ignacio Lagoon. Our private Cessna charter aircraft, complete with leather seats and air conditioning makes the two hour flight up to remote San Ignacio a breeze! Upon arrival to Camp Tio Timo, you will be welcomed by our expert naturalist guides and attentive hostesses with champagne mimosas before whisking you away to get straight out onto the water with the gray whales!
Get ready to watch out for spouts! Following your first whale encounters, you will return to camp for fully catered meals and to enjoy all our camp has on offer. Take out a kayak or paddleboard, or grab an ice cream or cold drink from the bar to enjoy the spectacular sunsets over the lagoon from our prime beachfront location.
Days 2-3 - Whales, Whales, Whales! Whale watching to your heart’s content!
We will start our whale watching sessions at 8:00am and continue through sunset. You can expect 2 - 3, 90-minute encounters each day, returning to camp between our whale excursion. Our goal is to ensure you get the most out of this once in a lifetime experience with these incredible cetaceans. Accompanied by our knowledgeable guides, watch them roll, breach, spyhop, and tend to their young. You may even have the incredible opportunity to stroke, pet and hug these Ancient Beings of the Sea as they seek out human interaction.
In your downtime, you can take out one of our kayaks for a paddle on the calm lagoon waters or explore the shoreline tide pools, watching out for the diverse bird life in the surrounding mangroves. Or relax with a good book on the deck of your superior glamping tent. Our attentive staff will assure you are served delicious, fresh meals and have everything you need to enjoy your time at our Eco-Camp.
Day 4 - Departure: Charter flight back to Cabo airport.
Ideally we will have our final whale excursion before we depart on our charter flight back to Cabo to bid Farewell and thank the whales for spending time with us humans. To allow for any possible charter flight delays due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances, we suggest you plan to overnight on March 9 in Cabo and schedule your flight home on March 10.
Space is Very Limited - Book Now to Guarantee your Spot!
Trip Cost: $2,630.00 per person shared glamping tent
$500 non-refundable deposit to reserve your space
What's Included:
Superior glamping tents with real beds, linens, private bathroom,toiletries
Healthy, delicious and fresh chef prepared meals
Chartered, private flight from Cabo San Lucas to San Ignacio and return
Non-alcoholic beverages and guide service
All tents are double occupancy / there are no single tents
Two to three whale watching excursions per day
battery charging station / complimentary Wifi
Not Included:
Flight to Cabo San Lucas and additional nights at hotels
Charter flight airport landing fee of $35 USD cash per person, paid at camp
alcoholic beverages
Suggested crew gratuities - typically between $250-300 USD per person.
Travel Insurance is mandatory and proof of current policy is required
FAQ's
Where do I fly into?
SJD - Los Cabos International Airport
Why does our trip leave out of Cabo San Lucas?
Because the shortest charter flight to the Lagoon is from Cabo which is super easy to get to with service from 15 different US cities, most of Mexico and even direct flights from overseas. Cabo San Lucas in the spring is a really fun place to visit!! There are all sorts of other activities you can enjoy from Cabo including swimming with whale sharks, scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking and other adventures into the Sea of Cortez. Great shopping, restaurants or just relaxing at the lovely beaches.
What can I do in my free time between gray whale encounters?
Kayak on the calm lagoon waters with a guide or take a ride on a beach bike. Take a walk and explore the pristine shoreline and tidal pools. Birders will enjoy the local avian population. Relax at camp with a good book, naps are optional, shoot pool or have a cold drink at the bar
Can you accommodate special dietary requests?
With 30 days notice, we can provide delicious vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free options.
How many people in the boat for whale watching?
Only six guests per panga to provide the highest quality, most personalized experience for each visitor.
How much time will I get with the whales?
We reckon that if you have travelled all the way to San Ignacio Lagoon for gray whale encounters, we will facilitate as much time with the whales as possible. We are currently averaging nine whale watching sessions each trip, with two trips on your day of arrival, three sessions on days two and three and a final session to say goodbye before you depart the camp.
Is touching the whales bad for them?
Gray whales are normally shy and reclusive but their behaviour changes when they are in the lagoon. These whales were thought of as dangerous because they fought back hard against the whalers who nearly exterminated them when they discovered the breeding and birthing lagoons in the 19th century.
It was only 30 years ago that a local fisherman bravely put his hand out to touch a whale who approached his panga. Much like the misunderstood orca - or “killer whale” - it became apparent that these highly intelligent animals in the lagoon were actively seeking out physical interaction with humans. It’s entirely their choice to approach our pangas and rub up alongside to be touched and stroked. Amazingly enough, the whales will grow bored with humans after several minutes if we don’t physically interact with them. It’s clear to us that the whales are actually reaching out to us to connect; not the other way around. It touches your heart, it’s amazing and emotional. We will never betray their trust nor allow any whale to be harassed.
Do I need a passport or visa?
All USA guests must have a passport valid for six months from trip date. Visas are required from certain countries, please check your specific country requirements
Do I need travel insurance? Yes
Due to San Ignacio Lagoon's remote location, it is mandatory that you purchase trip insurance covering medical and emergency evacuation coverage. Proof of insurance will be required.
COVID Protocol 2023 season:
All trips ran in the 2021 and 2022 season with strict COVID protocol, negative COVID tests were required and thorough sanitation and disinfection guidelines observed in all camp areas. We are expecting the 2023 gray whale season and trips to run smoothly and that COVID will not be a concern and COVID testing not required. But should it be, rest assured that Baja Expeditions will take all precautions necessary to keep our guests safe and healthy during their time at camp enjoying the whales.
