San Ignacio Lagoon
Gray Whale Watching
SEASONS
Mid-January – Early-April
Adventures from 4 – 12 days
TYPES OF ADVENTURES
Glamping & Luxury Camps
PRICING (Pp. dbl occ.)
From US$2,645
Every year something truly magical happens here.
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 local 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!
Will I really see gray whales on this trip?
Yes! Each season, San Ignacio Lagoon is visited by large numbers of gray whales, many of which are known for being friendly and interactive with humans. In other places, you might wait all day just to catch a glimpse of one, but during peak days last season, over 200 whales were counted in the lagoon in a single day.
Pregnant whales are among the first to arrive, and at the start of the season, you might see newborn calves. As the weeks go on, these little ones begin mingling more. By the end of the season, they’re often playful and social. Single whales come and go from the lagoon in search of mates, so the numbers are always shifting.
We operate exclusively during the peak whale season, from mid-January to mid-April, when the largest number of whales are present.
San Ignacio lagoon is a protected whale sanctuary.
Laguna San Ignacio is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and protected whale sanctuary. We adhere to strict guidelines that ensure non-intrusive, ethical whale watching in their natural habitat. Our tours take place in a designated whale-watching zone, with a limited number of boats allowed at any time to maintain a respectful distance. Outside of this area, interacting with the whales is illegal. We never chase, feed, or coerce the whales into approaching.
Our trained guides ensure that all interactions occur only on the whales’ terms, allowing close encounters only if the whales choose to initiate them. This approach ensures that our whale-watching experience is both safe and respectful.
Glamping
From US$2,645
Your private tent is windproof and heated for maximum comfort, featuring an ensuite bathroom with hot and cold running water, a real shower, and 24-hour power. Each tent includes a full-sized bed with fine linens for a restful night’s sleep after your day’s adventures.
Every detail has been thoughtfully considered, from Baja-inspired décor to gourmet dining and a curated selection of wine, craft beer, and single malt scotch.
After a day of whale watching, relax around the fire pit or unwind in the lounge and bar tents.
Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the camp.
Luxury
From US$3,195
Our Luxury Camp takes glamping to the next level, offering all the amenities of our Glamping Camp with added space, privacy, and elegance. Each tent features a private ensuite bathroom, a beautifully furnished seating area with a sofa and easy chairs, perfect for relaxing after a day of adventure. Thoughtful details and added luxuries make it feel like a true retreat.
Think of our Luxury Camp as one of the world’s finest pop-up hotels, surrounded by wilderness, yet designed for absolute comfort.
Your Trip Options
More days. More adventure. Options from 8 to 12 days in Baja.
San Ignacio + Whale Sharks
8 Days / 7 Nights: $4,000
Humpback whale watching in Cabo, 4 nights in La Paz, and 2 full days of panga swim with whale sharks, sea lions, beach lunch, and UNESCO Isla Espíritu Santo. More info…
San Ignacio + Sailing Adventure
8 Days / 7 Nights: $4,000
4 nights onboard a crewed sailing yacht with captain, chef, and naturalist. Includes sea lion swims, kayaking, beach walks, and whale watching with observation airplane support. More info…
San Ignacio + Expedition Yacht
8 Days / 7 Nights: $5,095
3 nights onboard our 116 ft expedition yacht. Searching for blue and humpback whales + 1 nt boutique hotel La Paz + UNESCO Isla Espíritu Santo & more! More info…
Baja Blast: The San Ignacio+ Adventure
8 Days / 7 Nights: $4,000
Humpback whale watching in Cabo, then enjoy 4 nights in La Paz with daily adventures. Isla Espíritu Santo and snorkelling with sea lions. Panga supported kayaking. Balandra Beach. More info…
Baja Blast: The San Ignacio+ Adventure
10 Days / 9 Nights: $4,925
Everything in our 8-day Baja Blast. PLUS 2 ocean safari days searching blue, fin, and humpback whales with observation airplane support. Based in Loreto or La Paz, wherever whales lead. More info…
Baja Blast: The San Ignacio+ Adventure
12 Days / 11 Nights: $5,825
All the adventure of our 10-day trip. PLUS your choice of 2 nights at a surf camp near Todos Santos or a beach camp on UNESCO Isla Espíritu Santo. More info…
Typical Trip Itinerary
Welcome to Baja
We recommend Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) as your gateway to Baja. From here, transfers are available to local hotels in Los Cabos — the perfect starting point for a pre-trip adventure or relaxation before your flight to San Ignacio Lagoon.
Our concierge team is on standby to assist with arrangements, special requests, and any questions you may have.
Day Before Boarding
Complimentary Pre-Trip Adventure: Ocean Safari with SeeCreatures Cabo
Ease into your Baja experience with a complimentary afternoon humpback whale watching trip from Cabo San Lucas. Contact our concierge team ahead of time for full details and to confirm your spot.
Day 1: Meet the Gray Whales of San Ignacio Lagoon!
Your adventure begins at SeeCreatures Cabo, meeting between 6:30 and 7 am for your private 1-hour 50-minute flight to our airstrip at San Ignacio Lagoon.
Upon arrival, our staff will greet you with warm smiles, complimentary champagne or hot apple cider, followed by a short five-minute ride to camp. Enjoy brunch, a welcome briefing, and an introduction from our naturalists about the gray whales and what to expect during your stay.
This afternoon, head out for your first two whale-watching encounters, or simply unwind at camp and soak in the serenity of the lagoon. Then, as evening falls, join cocktail hour by the fire pit, watch the sunset over the desert, enjoy dinner, and a presentation by one of our naturalists.
Days 2 – 3: San Ignacio Lagoon: Nature & Adventure
At San Ignacio Lagoon, all operators work together to provide an unforgettable guest experience while ensuring no negative impact on the whales. For this reason, whale encounters take place within a designated area of the lagoon, and each panga (small boat) is allowed a maximum of 90 minutes per session.
Because whale-watching times are coordinated among all operators, departures follow a set schedule rather than on-demand requests. This cooperative system helps ensure that every guest enjoys meaningful and respectful interactions with the whales.
Early Risers: Watch the sunrise over the sierras, enjoy breakfast at 7:00 am, and depart at 7:45 am for the day’s first whale watching session.
Slow Start: Sleep in and enjoy a relaxed breakfast. The second departure is around 9:45 am (depending on conditions and scheduling).
Return to camp for lunch and relaxation, then enjoy an afternoon whale-watching session or join one of our other activities: naturalist-led kayaking or paddleboarding in the mangroves, guided birdwatching or nature walks, mountain biking, or visit a local village for a hands-on sea turtle conservation experience. Or rest and recharge at camp, surrounded by nature.
Evenings bring cocktail hour, sunset views, and a presentation by one of our naturalists. Share stories with new friends around the fire or play a game of billiards before turning in under a spectacular starry sky.
Day 4: Scenic Return to Cabo
Enjoy breakfast at 7:00 am, followed by one last whale-watching excursion (weather permitting) before your scenic return flight to Los Cabos (SJD), arriving around 1:30 pm.
If you are flying home today, please book your departure after 3:30 pm. Otherwise, we’ll arrange your transfer back to SeeCreatures Cabo — for more Baja adventures.
What Guests Have to Say About San Ignacio Lagoon
Life Changing Experience
This has been a most incredible life-changing experience. We will cherish these memories. Read full review
Charles & Deb W – Tucson USA
Everything was Perfect!
Everything has been perfect!! the staff knowledge, kind, patient and helpful. Read full review
Jane B – USA
Picture Prefect Dream
The entire experience lived up to the dream of being here. Read full review
Anthony M – Atlanta USA
Awe-inspiring Creatures
Words cannot adequately describe how awe-inspiring these magnificent and playful creatures are. Read full review
Randy S – USA
Experience That Changed My Life
Today was our second date. What an amazing experience!! I am so grateful to be here. Read full review
Anahi – Cabo San Lucas
