Baja’s Ultimate Whale Safari

Image by Chris Breen

Join us on the ultimate whale quest in Baja California, where Mexico’s stunning peninsula meets unparalleled marine adventures. Encounter blue, grey, fin and humpback whales, plus whale sharks, in comfort and style.

This unique itinerary presents wonderful opportunities to encounter blue whale mothers and their calves, marvel at acrobatic humpback whales, and observe majestic fin whales up close. Our adventure doesn't stop at whale watching; we also have the incredible opportunity to swim alongside the gentle giants of the sea - whale sharks.

We enjoy three nights aboard the luxurious Gallant Lady, offering incredible opportunities to witness the wonders of Baja’s marine life. Our whale watching experience is elevated with our exclusive spotter plane, allowing us to locate numerous whale species and active viewing areas. Here, we hope to encounter blue whale mothers and their calves, plus fin whale, sea lions, mega pods of dolphins, and with luck, orca and sperm whale.

After our adventures at sea, we take an exclusive charter flight to San Ignacio Lagoon, where we stay in the heart of this natural sanctuary at San Ignacio Luxury Camp. Each day at the lagoon offers intimate excursions to encounter grey whales in their natural habitat.

Throughout this meticulously crafted itinerary, you will be accompanied by Wildlife Worldwide founder and tour leader, Chris Breen, or tour leader and cetacean enthusiasts Helen Bryon and Hazel Pittwood. This is the ultimate whale safari, focusing on responsible and intimate wildlife encounters and promising the most phenomenal whale interactions on the planet.

Typical Itinerary

Day 1: Depart the UK. Fly via Overnight in Mexico City to Los Cabos, Mexico.
Day 2: Arrive in Baja California

On arrival, we transfer to Cabo San Lucas on the southern tip of the peninsula. The remainder of today is free to explore and relax. Dinner this evening is under your own arrangements.

Accommodation: Casa Bella Hotel, 1-night
Day 3: Whale watching & transfer to La Paz

Today, we enjoy a photo workshop followed by our first whale watching expedition. Venturing offshore from Cabo San Lucas and with no other vessels in sight, we hope to encounter the majestic humpback whale. After lunch on board, we transfer by road to La Paz.

Accommodation: Marea Hotel (or a similar alternative), 1-night
Day 4: Whale sharks and island wonders

After an early breakfast, we enjoy a morning swim with whale sharks (subject to wind and weather conditions). Afterwards, we visit Espiritu Santo Island, where we enjoy lunch and an opportunity to swim with sea lions or explore the island. Later, we board our expedition yacht and set sail.

Vessel: Gallant Lady, 3-nights
Days 5-6 : Whale watching

Over the next couple of days, our primary goal is to observe blue whale mothers and their calves. Our exclusive spotter plane maximises our chances of encountering wildlife by locating whales and active viewing areas. Our pilot and naturalist will guide our vessel to all the action. Once located, these majestic giants often approach us for close encounters—an awe-inspiring sight! We also look out for large pods of dolphins, fin whale, mobula ray, orca, and sperm whale. Beyond wildlife viewing, we also enjoy beach visits, guided hikes and kayak excursions.
Day 7: Fly to San Ignacio Lagoon

Today we disembark and enjoy a scenic charter flight to San Ignacio Lagoon. On arrival, we transfer to our luxury camp. This afternoon, we have time to relax. As the sun sets, we enjoy a cocktail followed by dinner.

Accommodation: San Ignacio Luxury Camp 3-nights
Days 8-9 : Whales & wilderness

Today we venture out on an early morning whale watching excursion. Weather permitting, we have the opportunity to enjoy up to three whale watching excursions each day.

After a day of exploration and awe-inspiring moments with the majestic grey whales, we can relax at camp, enjoy a delicious evening meal and experience stargazing under the Mexican night sky.
Day 10: Final whale watch, fly to Los Cabos & return to the UK

After a delicious breakfast we head out for one last whale watch excursion before taking our charter flight back to Los Cabos Airport. Travel back to the UK via Mexico City.
Day 11: Arrive back in the UK

Key info

Duration and price including flights from/to UK: 11 days from £8,195 pp
Duration and price excluding international flights: 9 days from £6,595 pp
Single supplement: On request – please contact us.
Trip type:
Voyage
Group Size: 8–11
Group Departures:
Make a booking request or enquire:
1. 1 Feb 2027 , Fully booked , Led by Chris Breen
2. 10 Feb 2027 , Fully booked , Led by Helen Bryon
3. 19 Feb 2027 , Fully booked , Led by Chris Breen
4. 28 Feb 2027 , Limited spaces , Led by Hazel Pittwood Enquire Book
5. 13 Feb 2028 , Led by Helen Bryon Enquire Book
6. 22 Feb 2028 , Led by Helen Bryon Enquire Book
Included in the price/package:
- All land accommodation
- 3-nights aboard Gallant Lady
- Return charter flights to San Ignacio Lagoon
- Transfers
- Most meals
- Guided activities
- Whale watching excursions
- Services of a local naturalist guide
- Services of a Wildlife Worldwide Tour Leader
- Conservation fund contribution
Activities available:
- Boat trip
- Camping
- Panga ride
- Swimming
View Detailed Itinerary
Send an Enquiry

Expert leaders

Chris Breen

Chris studied Geographical Sciences in Plymouth, however his first encounter with the wider world was in 1983, when he headed off to Zambia.

Under the tutelage of the late Norman Carr, the pioneer of walking safaris, he worked as a wildlife guide and managed a wilderness camp. On his return to the UK, he had a spell at a major tour operator before setting up Wildlife Worldwide in 1992.

Since then he has travelled the world in search of first-class wildlife experiences. He devised the Festival of Wildlife concept, which has spawned the Festival of Bears. An ardent conservationist, Chris has co-led each of these since their inception. He dedicates several weeks each year to communicating his irrepressible passion for nature to those who travel with him.

View all tours led by Chris

Helen Bryon

A member of the Wildlife Worldwide team, Helen is a qualified South African safari guide who following a trip to Baja California, discovered a passion for cetaceans.

Extending her marine mammal knowledge accordingly, she has also turned her attention to improving her ornithological knowledge throughout the different destinations she leads to, including South America and Europe. With her boundless energy, enthusiasm and eye for perfection, Helen will ensure you get the most from your time on her trips whilst sharing her passion for wildlife.

View all tours led by Helen

Hazel Pittwood

Hazel worked as a wildlife guide on a variety of ships for ten years before leaving life at sea to join Wildlife Worldwide.

She’s a specialist in marine mammals and polar wildlife, with a wealth of experience in Svalbard, Antarctica and various sub-Antarctic islands. Hazel has also led small group tours in Monterey Bay and Baja California, as well as snorkelling trips with orca and humpback whales in Norway.

View all tours led by Hazel

Featured locations:

The Sea of Cortez (also known as the The Gulf of California) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that separates the Baja California Peninsula from the Mexican mainland. It is thought to be one of the most diverse seas on the planet with the widest variety of whales and dolphins, and nearly 900 species of fish. Find Out More about {acc:title}

Where: West coast
Ideal for viewing: blue whale, fin whale, humpback whale, whale shark, Bryde’s whale
Excellent for: Whale watching, Dolphin watching

San Ignacio Lagoon is located in the Mexican province of Baja California and is one of the winter sanctuaries of the eastern Pacific grey whale. Here, males and females congregate looking for mates and newborn calves prepare themselves for the long journey north to their summer feeding grounds in the Arctic. Find Out More about {acc:title}

Where: West coast
Ideal for viewing: grey whale, Cape pygmy owl, Harris hawk, leatherback turtle, olive ridley turtle
Excellent for: Whale watching

A narrow peninsula stretching south from California into the Pacific, Baja California is a truly unique wildlife destination. With its rich marine ecosystems, remote beaches, cactus-studded hills, and dramatic coastline, Baja offers some of the finest marine wildlife experiences in the world. Find Out More about {acc:title}

Where: Baja California Peninsula
Ideal for viewing: grey whale, blue whale, fin whale, humpback whale, whale shark
Excellent for: Wildlife cruises, Whale watching, Birdwatching, Dolphin watching

Featured accommodation:

A delightful retreat set on the shores of San Ignacio Lagoon, this camp redefines glamping by offering the highest standard of accommodation in the area, making it the perfect haven for those seeking a unique blend of wildlife, adventure and luxury. Find Out More about San Ignacio Luxury Camp

This itinerary is available on the following cruise vessel:

This luxurious 35-metre vessel accommodates up to 12 guests in six beautifully appointed en suite cabins. A comfortable base for wildlife and adventure, communal areas include a spacious lounge, sun deck and dining area. Daily activities include guided hikes ashore, kayaking excursions, and wildlife watching. Find Out More about Gallant Lady

Baja’s Ultimate Whale Safari

Typical Itinerary

Day 1: Depart the UK. Fly via Overnight in Mexico City to Los Cabos, Mexico.

Day 2: Arrive in Baja California

Day 3: Whale watching & transfer to La Paz

Day 4: Whale sharks and island wonders

Days 5-6 : Whale watching

Day 7: Fly to San Ignacio Lagoon

Days 8-9 : Whales & wilderness

Day 10: Final whale watch, fly to Los Cabos & return to the UK

Day 11: Arrive back in the UK

Key info