Whales of Baja California Sur
Expeditions · baja-california-sur · mexico
Whales of Baja California Sur
Eight days among gray, blue and humpback whales in the heart of the Sea of Cortez
At a glance
About the expedition
Eight days through the heart of the Gulf of California, one of the richest marine environments on Earth. On a single trip we photograph sea lions, whale sharks and three species of whale: gray, blue and humpback.
A small group of just 6 photographers, two professional guides, private boats and a slow pace, so every encounter can unfold without rushing.
- Three whale species on a single trip: gray, blue and humpback
- Snorkeling with sea lions and whale sharks in Espíritu Santo National Park
- A small group of just 6 photographers with two professional guides
- Private, exclusive boats for every whale-watching outing
- Loreto, a «Pueblo Mágico», and the Sierra de La Giganta missions
- Optional Colorado River Delta extension: drone flying at dawn and dusk
Itinerary
Day by day
-
1
Madrid to Mexico
Overnight flight from Madrid with Aeroméxico, bound for Mexico.
Overnight flight -
2
Arrival in La Paz
Arrival in La Paz. A free day to explore the city: the waterfront, a little shopping and a sunset with a margarita in hand. If flight connections mean taking the Mexico City to La Paz leg in the afternoon, we use the morning…
HotelRead the full day
Arrival in La Paz. A free day to explore the city: the waterfront, a little shopping and a sunset with a margarita in hand.
If flight connections mean taking the Mexico City to La Paz leg in the afternoon, we use the morning layover to visit the historic center of the capital: the Zócalo, the Templo Mayor Museum, Calle Madero, the Plaza de la Independencia, the Cathedral and the Torre Latinoamericana.
-
3
Espíritu Santo National Park
Snorkeling with sea lions and whale sharks in Espíritu Santo National Park, with a certified guide and a private boat for the whole group.
Hotel -
4
Bahía Magdalena: gray whale (day 1)
We head to Bahía Magdalena for the first day of gray whale watching on a private boat. Afterwards, transfer to Loreto.
Hotel (Loreto) -
5
Loreto: blue and humpback whale (day 1)
Watching humpback and blue whales, the largest animal on the planet, in Loreto National Park, on a private boat with one of the best captains in the area. In the afternoon, a visit to one of the Sierra de La Giganta missions and…
Hotel (Loreto)Read the full day
Watching humpback and blue whales, the largest animal on the planet, in Loreto National Park, on a private boat with one of the best captains in the area.
In the afternoon, a visit to one of the Sierra de La Giganta missions and a walk through Loreto, one of Baja California Sur's «Pueblos Mágicos»: the waterfront, the pedestrian area and its craft shops.
-
6
Loreto: blue and humpback whale (day 2). Back to Bahía Magdalena
A second day of blue and humpback whale watching. In the afternoon we return to Bahía Magdalena to spend the night and have fresh seafood from the bay, ready for an early start the next day.
Hotel (Bahía Magdalena) -
7
Bahía Magdalena: gray whale (day 2). Back to La Paz
A second day of gray whale watching in Bahía Magdalena. In the afternoon, back to La Paz for the group's farewell dinner.
Hotel (La Paz) -
8
End of the trip, or start of the extension
Here the group splits, based on what each traveler chose at booking. Those finishing the trip here fly home to Madrid from La Paz. Those who booked the Colorado River Delta extension continue to Tijuana to begin the three days…
Read the full day
Here the group splits, based on what each traveler chose at booking. Those finishing the trip here fly home to Madrid from La Paz.
Those who booked the Colorado River Delta extension continue to Tijuana to begin the three days across the Upper Gulf of California (see «Extra services»).
Gallery
What's included
Included
- Accommodation at every destination in a double room with breakfast.
- Snorkeling with sea lions and whale sharks, with a certified guide, in Espíritu Santo National Park.
- 2 days of gray whale watching.
- 2 days of blue and humpback whale watching.
- National park fees.
- Transport in 2 high-end automatic sedans, fuel included.
- Private boats for every whale-watching outing (vessel exclusive to the group).
- Activities insurance.
Not included
- International flights.
- Gratuities.
- Meals (snacks aboard the boats) and dinners (on your own; the guide recommends spots ranging from taquerías to restaurants).
- Travel insurance (cancellation, luggage, medical): each traveler arranges the cover they prefer.
- Anything not listed in the sections above.
Your guides
Gorka Leclercq
Underwater director, producer and camera operator for more than three decades. He has directed and produced numerous documentaries in seas all over the planet and has worked with national and international media. Over more than 30 years in the audiovisual…
View profile
Néstor Rodan
Néstor Rodan is a landscape photographer and photographic travel guide from León, Spain. With deep expertise in the landscapes of northwest Iberia and a passion for extreme, cold-climate destinations like Baikal, Greenland, and Lofoten, he combines storytelling and technical mastery—including drone photography—as a Canon ambassador. Recognized internationally, he leads transformative real-world photography experiences.
View profileSee their 6 trips
-
![]()
Algarve, Portugal, February 2027
Feb 9-14, 2027 · 7 seats free
-
![]()
Vietnam and Cambodia · September 2027
Aug 29 - Sep 14, 2027 · 3 seats free
-
![]()
Ethiopia · December 2026
Dec 4-11, 2026 · 1 seats free
-
![]()
Costa Rica · January 2027
Jan 14-23, 2027 · 8 seats free
-
![]()
Patagonian Autumn 2027
Mar 16-31, 2027 · 8 seats free
-
![]()
RioTinto Mining · May 2027
May 7-9, 2027 · 8 seats free
Frequently asked questions
How many places does the expedition have?
Just 6, with two professional guides. A small group lets us offer close attention and an unhurried pace at every encounter.
Which species will we see?
The stars are the gray, blue and humpback whales, plus sea lions and whale sharks. With luck, other Sea of Cortez species may appear (fin whale, sperm whale, several dolphin species, among others), though these sightings are not guaranteed.
Are sightings guaranteed?
No. They depend on the animals' behavior and sea conditions on each outing. The richness of the area makes multi-species encounters very common, but no sighting can be guaranteed.
What happens if bad weather cancels a boat outing?
Outings can be cancelled due to rough seas or bad weather. In that case, local providers usually do not refund the amount: they issue a voucher for another date.
Is the Colorado River Delta extension included?
No. It is optional, booked and paid separately (1,390 € per person in a shared room, group of 5). Each traveler decides whether to add it when confirming their booking.
How does payment work?
1,500 € on booking confirmation and 1,890 € before the end of 2026.
What is the cancellation policy?
Once payments are made there are no refunds: boats, vehicles and rooms are contracted and shared across the whole group. If a participant cancels, we recommend finding a replacement within the group whenever possible.
Another question? Ask the assistant or write to us on WhatsApp.