Baja whale watching combined with Sea of Cortez kayaking makes this tour a guest favorite. One guest described it as, "It's hands-down one of the most incredible wildlife encounters I've ever had. As I pet a massive gray whale mother, I somehow began to understand my insignificant place in this world. It's humbling and thrilling at the same time."

Baja whale watching allows you to get up close and personal with gorgeous gray whales in Magdalena Bay's calving lagoon. You are so close, you can literally pet whales as they bob their head up out of the water to say hello. In kayak, you'll be able to cross the waters of the Baja Peninsula alongside dolphins, sea lions and more whales! It's an unforgettable kayak tour as you see these sea animals from a much closer distance than doing it aboard a boat. Embrace the opportunity to snorkel the warm, blue-green waters of pocket coves with sea lions and colorful fish.

If you are looking for our classic Baja kayaking tour, go here: Sea Kayak Baja.

Overview

At a Glance Duration: 6-10 days Intensity: Beginner to Intermediate Season: mid-Jan to mid-March Minimum Age: 12-13 Begins In: Loreto, Baja California Ends In: Loreto, Baja California Airport: Loreto - LTO Trip Highlights Incredible whale watching, rare opportunity to pet whales, snorkel with sea lions, and more!! Baja Whale Watching Baja whale watching in Magdalena Bay is unique in that it's protected from the Pacific by a series of arid islands. There are actually a lot of advantages to having these sandy islands safeguard Magdalena's lagoons from strong ocean currents. Not only does it create a safe haven for winter whales to mate and give birth to their young, but the special conditions also allow for the flora and fauna in the area to be at its finest. You can expect mangled mangroves, huge sand dunes and a variety of desert plants in their full glory to be among the sights to see on your Baja whale watching tour. The gray whales may have had to travel 5000 miles from the Bering Strait in order to get to the safety of the bay, but you won't have to travel nearly as far to view them tending to their newborn calves. A motorized skiff will take you swiftly and safely into the deeper parts of the bay, where you won't just view the "mommy and me" action, you'll actually be able to pet some of the whales that swim by! Unlike other companies, we guarantee our whale sightings, which might include whales breathing, bobbing, flipping or fluking (or all of the above!). You have further options included with this Baja whale watching package. When it comes to watching whales, you can either join us for a one-day, breathtaking excursion by motorboat, or stay three days at our independent whale camp located on a remote beach and convenient to the best spots for gray whale sightings. If you choose to stay at our camp, you'll also be delighted by a host of other wildlife such as dolphins, seals, sea gulls, pelicans and more! A friendly guide will be on hand to give you the lowdown on the dizzying array of plants, birds and other things that make Magdalena Bay so great. Before or after your stay at the bay, you'll head over to Loreto for three to five days of ocean kayaking and camping. Like Magdalena Bay, Loreto Bay National Marine Park also has exclusive islands, the waters of which are home to blue-footed boobies, fin whales, blue whales, dolphins and sea lions. The Sea of Cortez is the perfect spot for a mini vacation and whale watching. With so many things to see and do, not a single member of your party will ever find themselves bored. You can kayak, hike or snorkel, or take in the assortment of animals and massive whales. All make for a great time, and all are under the prestigious umbrella of being part of a recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site. Days of sunshine and warm, glass-like waters make the Sea of Cortez (and Loreto Bay Park in particular) an awesome alternative to the same old Hawaii come winter. With any of these tours, your first and last night will include a hotel in Loreto. There will also be one "comfort stop" during the transition from kayaking to whale watching. The other nights are spent in fun, tented beach camps. All of your activities will be led by naturalist guides, who won't just serve you information, but chile relleno and margaritas, too!

Dates & Rates

Below you will find all available instances of this trip. Roll over departure dates to see a complete list of departures. Roll over the demographic icons to get a brief overview of the demographic group.

Title	DATES OFFERED	Intensity	Departures	Adult	Youth	For Whom?
10 Day Whale & Kayak Combo	12/2012-03/2013	Beginner to Intermediate	View Dates	$1,895	$1,705
8 day 3x3 tour	12/2012-03/2013	Beginner to Intermediate	View Dates	$1,475	$1,327
8 day Expedition	12/2012-03/2013	Beginner to Intermediate	View Dates	$1,355	$1,219
8 day Supported	12/2012-03/2013	Beginner to Intermediate	View Dates	$1,445	$1,300
10 Day Whale & Kayak Combo	12/2013-04/2014	Beginner to Intermediate	View Dates	$1,995	$1,795
8 day 3x3 tour	12/2013-04/2014	Beginner to Intermediate	View Dates	$1,525	$1,372
8 day Supported	12/2013-04/2014	Beginner to Intermediate	View Dates	$1,495	$1,345

Getting There

Baja Whale Watching Getting There This sea kayak Baja tour begins and ends in Loreto, Baja (as in Baja California, or Mexico officially). Loreto is a quick, direct flight from LAX, but can also be accessed via other transportation methods. You can view a complete guide to traveling in Loreto here (Getting There - Baja - PDF). Please call our office at 800-451-6034 if you have any questions about flights or travel, as we have decades of experience in ensuring our guests have smooth transit to their respective destinations. While we cannot directly book any flights for you, a good recommendation for a travel agent is contained within the guide above.

FAQ

Baja Whale Watching Itinerary When is the optimal or ideal time to go on a whale watching trip? All of our combination tours take place in late January through mid-March. This assures that the gray whales will be present in Magdalena Bay to calve, making winter an excellent time to travel so you can witness these awe-inspiring events. The best news is, we GUARANTEE these whale sightings on our combo tours! Even though it might be winter elsewhere, the conditions of Baja still remain moderate and comfortable during the start of a year. Temperatures are usually 75-80 degrees F (23-27 degrees C) in range, with a windy patch here and there. Temperatures get higher in late February and March. What is included in the trip cost? Every combo tour includes: 3 nights hotel in Loreto (based on double occupancy, single supplement $130-140), arrival airport transfer, sleeping bags/camping/ kayak gear & instruction, naturalist guides, meals at camp, taxes. Plus the following depending on your tour: 10-day Sea of Cortez/Mag Bay Motorboat Supported Combo: 10-day motorboat supported tour includes 3 days whale-watching & 2 nights at Mag Bay whale camp, 5 days of kayaking in the Sea of Cortez with 4 nights camping. 8-day 3 X 3 Sea of Cortez/Mag Bay Motorboat Supported Combo: 8-day 3x3 motorboat-supported combo includes 3 days of kayaking in the Sea of Cortez and 2 nights camping on Isla Coronado, and 3 days whale-watching/2 nights camping at our Magdalena Bay whale camp. 8-day Sea of Cortez/Mag Bay Expedition (Self-Supported) Combo: 8-day tour includes 5 days of kayaking in the Sea of Cortez with 4 nights camping, and 1-day Magdalena Bay Whale Watching excursion. 8-day Sea of Cortez/Mag Bay Motorboat Supported Combo: 8-day motorboat supported tour includes 5 days of kayaking in the Sea of Cortez with 4 nights camping, and 1-day Magdalena Bay Whale Watching excursion. *Not Included on any tour: National Park Fee $25. Snorkel gear and wetsuits - weekly rental $20 each. Add $150 to all Baja trips with 6 or fewer guests.

Itinerary

Baja Whale Watching Itinerary 8-Day Itinerary Day 1: You've arrived! No need to make your own way to your accommodations; our friendly ground service will pick you up from the Loreto airport and transfer you to the tour's designated hotel (included in trip price). Check in and relax; the only thing on the agenda this evening is a group meeting concerning the tour, which will occur later in the day. Day 2: You'll need to have breakfast and be packed by the scheduled meeting time. You'll then board a van along with your fellow trip mates and drive to the put-in site. After the boats are good to go, we'll instruct you on the basics of paddling and give you the 411 on all things safety. We won't embark until all trip participants feel safe and secure in their boat. We'll then kayak to our first campsite, which entails a 50 minute, two to three mile journey. Our final destination will be the islands of Carmen and Danzante in Loreto Bay National Marine Park. Days 3-5: Each day will start with a spectacular sunrise and finish with a splash of stars and moonlight. In between, we'll be busy discovering the hidden secrets of the cliffs and coves of Carmen. Besides some killer kayaking, other activities will include superb snorkeling, swell swimming and terrific tide pooling. You could also choose to just walk the pristine beaches of Danzante, or join us on a hike for visually rich views of the surrounding desert area. During the trip, there will be three or four different campsites across all the islands with one or two layover days at each. Our paddling time will usually clock in at around four hours each day (not straight through, of course). There will be no cramped quarters on this camping trip; our accommodations will include comfy, roomy dome tents, or if you're feeling extra adventurous, sleeping out under the stars. One of the best things about Baja when it comes to "roughing it" is that there will be a lot less bugs to contend with compared to your scouting days! Day 6: After a good breakfast, we'll leave our current campsite and paddle to the transition site, arriving at around 2 p.m. This will be our "comfort stop" for the trip, which includes a night in a hotel and the opportunity for restaurant style grub. Consider joining your fellow tour mates in the evening for a fun meal at a local restaurant (price not included). We'll be able to discuss our adventures so far while looking forward to what still lies ahead. Day 7: Today is our wonderful whale watching experience at Magdalena Bay. Located off of Baja California's west coast, it is the wintering grounds of the magnificent gray whale. Imagine the excitement you'll feel getting closer than the average human to these incredible creatures. A yummy seafood style lunch will be provided (dinner is up to you). Sometimes this tour might be switched to Day 2. Day 8: You are free to leave for the airport via your own transportation arrangements at any time. An English-speaking, air conditioned C&C van will run you about $8 a person, or you can opt for a readily available, Spanish-speaking taxicab for approximately $5-6 per person. While we know you enjoyed your time in Mexico and would like to stay longer, be sure to leave no later than two hours before your flight so you don't miss it! * Please note: We will always do our best to make good on the schedule listed above. However, the included itinerary may be subject to adjustments due to reasons beyond our control (e.g., wind, waves, inclement weather). 10-Day Itinerary Day 1: You've arrived! No need to make your own way to your accommodations; our friendly ground service will pick you up from the Loreto airport and transfer you to the tour's designated hotel (included in trip price). Check in and relax; the only thing on the agenda this evening is a group meeting concerning the tour, which will occur later in the day. Day 2: You'll need to have breakfast and be packed by the scheduled meeting time. You'll then board a van along with your fellow trip mates and drive to the put-in site. After the boats are good to go, we'll instruct you on the basics of paddling and give you the 411 on all things safety. We won't embark until all trip participants feel safe and secure in their boat. We'll then kayak to our first campsite, which entails a 50 minute, two to three mile journey. Our final destination will be the islands of Carmen and Danzante in Loreto Bay National Marine Park. Days 3-5: Each day will start with a spectacular sunrise and finish with a splash of stars and moonlight. In between, we'll be busy discovering the hidden secrets of the cliffs and coves of Carmen. Besides some killer kayaking, other activities will include superb snorkeling, swell swimming and terrific tide pooling. You could also choose to just walk the pristine beaches of Danzante, or join us on a hike for visually rich views of the surrounding desert area. During the trip, there will be three or four different campsites across all the islands with one or two layover days at each. Our paddling time will usually clock in at around four hours each day (not straight through, of course). There will be no cramped quarters on this camping trip; our accommodations will include comfy, roomy dome tents, or if you're feeling extra adventurous, sleeping out under the stars. One of the best things about Baja when it comes to "roughing it" is that there will be a lot less bugs to contend with compared to your scouting days! Day 6: After a good breakfast, we'll leave our current campsite and paddle to the transition site, arriving at around 2 p.m. This will be our "comfort stop" for the trip, which includes a night in a hotel and the opportunity for restaurant style grub. Consider joining your fellow tour mates in the evening for a fun meal at a local restaurant (price not included). We'll be able to discuss our adventures so far while looking forward to what still lies ahead. Day 7-9: It's time for our wonderful whale watching experience at Magdalena Bay. Located off of Baja California's west coast, it is the wintering grounds of the magnificent gray whale. Imagine the excitement you'll feel getting closer than the average human to these incredible creatures. You get two great nights of camping and three full days of whale watching. All meals, camping gear and daily rides to view whales are conveniently included. There will also be guides who are not just guides, but marine biologists to boot! On day 9, an included hotel transfer will occur (dinner is on your own). Sometimes this tour might be switched to Day 2. Day 10: You are free to leave for the airport via your own transportation arrangements at any time. An English-speaking, air conditioned C&C van will run you about $8 a person, or you can opt for a readily available, Spanish-speaking taxicab for approximately $5-6 per person. While we know you enjoyed your time in Mexico and would like to stay longer, be sure to leave no later than two hours before your flight so you don't miss it! * Please note: We will always do our best to make good on the schedule listed above. However, the included itinerary may be subject to adjustments due to reasons beyond our control (e.g., wind, waves, inclement weather). 3x3 Whale Watching/Kayaking Combo Itinerary Day 1: You've arrived! No need to make your own way to your accommodations; our friendly ground service will pick you up from the Loreto airport and transfer you to the tour's designated hotel (included in trip price). Check in and relax; the only thing on the agenda this evening is a group meeting concerning the tour, which will occur later in the day. Day 2: You'll need to have breakfast and be packed by the scheduled meeting time. You'll then board a van along with your fellow trip mates and drive to the put-in site. After the boats are good to go, we'll instruct you on the basics of paddling and give you the 411 on all things safety. We won't embark until all trip participants feel safe and secure in their boat. We'll then kayak to our first campsite, which entails a 50 minute, two to three mile journey. Our final destination will be the islands of Carmen and Danzante in Loreto Bay National Marine Park. Day 3: Our day will start with a spectacular sunrise and finish with a splash of stars and moonlight. In between, we'll be busy discovering the hidden secrets of the cliffs and coves of Carmen. Besides some killer kayaking, other activities will include superb snorkeling, swell swimming and terrific tide pooling. You could also choose to just walk the pristine beaches of Danzante, or join us on a hike for visually rich views of the surrounding desert area. During the trip, our paddling time will usually clock in at around four hours (not straight through, of course). There will be no cramped quarters on this camping trip, however; our accommodations will include comfy, roomy dome tents, or if you're feeling extra adventurous, sleeping out under the stars. One of the best things about Baja when it comes to "roughing it" is that there will be a lot less bugs to contend with compared to your scouting days! Day 4: After a good breakfast, we'll leave our current campsite and paddle to the transition site, arriving at around 2 p.m. This will be our "comfort stop" for the trip, which includes a night in a hotel and the opportunity for restaurant style grub. Consider joining your fellow tour mates in the evening for a fun meal at a local restaurant (price not included). We'll be able to discuss our adventures so far while looking forward to what still lies ahead. Day 5: You'll need to have breakfast and be packed by the scheduled meeting time. You'll then board a van along with your fellow trip mates and drive to Puerto Lopez Mateos at Magdalena Bay. We'll be at the hub of humpback activity with our ideal base camp accommodations. We'll board skiffs to take in the playful and awesome antics of local whales, including witnessing the mating and birthing behaviors of the California gray whale. It's truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience that's not to be missed. When we're not whale watching, there are beaches and dunes to explore, waters to tread and fantastic foods to dine on served up by one of our expert naturalist guides. They'll be able to fill you in on all the need-to-knows regarding the gray whale and more! Sometimes this tour might swap in order with the kayaking experience. Day 6: You'll need to be on time for this morning's whale watching event, as it is strictly a two hour session. Later in the afternoon, we'll complete a healthy trek over the amazing dunes that run parallel to the Pacific. If you just can't get enough of the whales (and really, who could blame you?), you can buy more viewing time and do that instead. An additional two hours will run you $200 for up to six people. A hearty dinner and a sky that will pull on your heartstrings marks the end of another unbelievable day. Day 7: One final two hour whale watching session is included. We then rejoin our waiting, familiar van for transport back to Loreto, a farewell dinner (not included) and a restful night's sleep. Now that you've seen the whales, you just might be inspired to save them! Day 8: It's sad to say good-bye the lovely Loreto, but at least you have a host of wonderful memories to take with you! We can arrange to extend your holiday using our preferred rates if eight days just isn't enough. There are day tour and add-on options aplenty! * Please note: We will always do our best to make good on the schedule listed above. However, the included itinerary may be subject to adjustments due to reasons beyond our control (e.g., wind, waves, inclement weather).

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