San Ignacio Lagoon - Gray Whales

San Ignacio Lagoon Gray Whales

This is the most amazing and spectacular whale interaction with humans on the planet.

Phenomenal, extraordinary, mind-shattering… How do you even being to describe the experience of a giant 40-foot long whale swimming right up to your boat, looking you in the eye and communicating very clearly that they want you to put your hand in the water so that they can push up against it to get stroked. Having a whale look you directly in the eye is an experience that nobody ever forgets. And… It’s not just the adults, the calves are unbelievably cute and and playful and will steal your heart.

Every winter, Eastern pacific gray whales migrate home to Baja, Mexico. Males cruise in and out of every bay, harbour, and lagoon in central Baja looking for females. Females do the same. San Ignacio is whale central, with 5,000 to 6,000 whales visiting the lagoon between December and May.

Our incredible good fortune began in 1972 when the gray whales started actively participating in more and more “human watching and interaction” in one of the deep water channels in the lagoon. Picture this, 40-ft whales swimming up to our idling pangas and communicating very clearly that they want us to stroke, caress, and even kiss them. It’s truly an astonishing experience.

Wild Experience

Interaction with the whales is entirely on their own terms. We never, ever chase or crowd the whales. It is up to the whales to decide to approach us. Whale interaction only happens in one small, designated part of the lagoon. The whales know where to find us if they want to play!

The Eastern Pacific gray whales are the last significant population of these spectacular animals. In the 19th and 20th centuries, they were mostly wiped out by whaling. It brings tears of gladness to our eyes and hearts to see that this population is now healthy and stable.

Camps

Camping in the desert at the edge of the ocean doesn’t mean roughing it! Choose from either our glamping or luxury camps with all the amenities you might expect from hot and cold running water and showers and bathrooms in each tent to fine dining to attentive service.

Glamping Tents

We say “NO” to tiny tents with cots, sleeping bags and a couple of shared toilets and showers for the whole camp! Our tents are windproof, insulated and heated for maximum comfort, with ensuite bathrooms and showers, hot and cold running water with good pressure, and 24-hour power. Not to mention “real beds” with fine linen.

Enormous thought has gone into every detail, from a fire pit to a fine selection of wine, craft beer, single malt scotches and fine dining. We even have a bar and lounge tent and Wi-Fi-access throughout the camp.

Luxury Tents

Our luxury camp features all the amenities of the glamping camp, but with 12 large and luxurious tents, ensuring the utmost privacy. Each tent features an ensuite bathroom, a dresser in the bedroom as well as a separate sitting area with a couch and easy chairs – perfect for relaxing after a day of adventure.

Think of our luxury camp as one of the world’s best pop-up hotel.

What am I going to see ?

You can expect up close and personal interactions with Pacific gray whales! San Ignacio Lagoon is also home to a variety of bird species including nesting ospreys and egrets.

When should I go?

We only operate in peak season when large numbers of whales are present, from January through April.