Itinerary
What you can expect on your whale watching adventure.
San Ignacio Lagoon
Indulge yourself in a life changing journey to witness these gentle giants up close. Each year San Ignacio Lagoon is the birthplace of many Pacific grey whales, as well as a stopping point on their 10,000-mile migration. The lagoon, located in the remote El Vizcaino Biosphere Reserve (established in 1988), was once a prime hunting location for whalers. Today, descendants of the survivors have a unique relationship with humans that can only be experienced here.
Designated a World Heritage Site (by UNESCO) in 1993, the community of San Ignacio Lagoon takes great pride in preserving this area for future generations. The extensive mangrove estuaries that border the lagoon, serve as fish and bird nurseries and are an integral part of the lagoon ecosystem. At high tide it’s possible to go through the estuary and watch a variety of bird species. Fill your free time by strolling in the vast open spaces and discover shells and marine bones along the seashore. Or just relax in camp. Finish your days enjoying beautiful sunsets.
The Pure Baja Travels
Experience
5 days and 4 nights in San Ignacio Lagoon, Mexico
$4,200
Day 1 Arrival: San Diego to San Ignacio Lagoon
Your adventure begins today! Your driver will meet you at the hotel in San Diego and take you to the CBX border crossing; from CBX you will cross the border to Mexico directly in the Tijuana airport; From the Tijuana airport, you will fly to Loreto or Hermosillo (depending on flight availability) where you will board a flight taking you to San Ignacio Lagoon. Upon arrival, you will transfer to camp by land. After camp orientation, we will share our first meal together and later, you will experience firsthand, the spectacular sunsets of San Ignacio Lagoon.
DAYS 2, 3, & 4: Whale Watching
Weather permitting*, we will spend each day whale watching in the morning and afternoon. Each boat will have an expert guide and local boat driver. We’ll return to shore for lunch and have time to explore around the camp, relax and then set off for more whale watching. When we return you’ll have some time to relax before happy hour, followed by dinner, and a natural history talk. *Days when seas are rough, alternative activities will be offered.
Day 5 Departure: San Ignacio Lagoon to San Diego
After breakfast we will provide you with a sack lunch and load the vehicles, Then, head towards the lagoon airstrip where the charter plane will return you to Loreto or Hermosillo (depending on flight availability). You will board your flight to the Tijuana airport. From the airport you will cross directly to the USA via CBX. Once in the USA, your driver will pick you up and take you back to the hotel in San Diego.
Prices and itineraries subject to change.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is your refund / cancellation policy?
100% refund with 2 months notice prior to the trip (less $100 per person admin fees).
50% refund with 1 month written notice prior to the trip.
NO refund is given with less than one month’s written notice prior to the trip.
Separate terms apply to private group trips. (Please contact us for more information.)
Cancelled trips: In the highly unlikely event that Pure Baja Travels has to cancel a trip, due to lack of participants or some other uncontrollable factor, we will give at least 1 month’s notice prior to the departure date. A full refund will be issued as well.
Pure Baja Travels is not responsible for expenses incurred by trip members in preparation for the trip (Non-refundable airline tickets, personal gear bought for the trip, etc. )
Should I purchase travel insurance?
Pure Baja Travels strongly advises that you purchase travel insurance in case you suddenly need to cancel your trip due to unforeseen circumstances.
Is the gratuity included?
Gratuity is not included in the cost of the trip.
It is customary within the industry and a fair guideline is around 5-10% of the trip fee.
Please allow your satisfaction with our service to be the best judge of how much you would like to tip.
Gratuities are shared evenly amongst the entire crew.
What important documents should I bring?
- Passport
- Driver’s License or ID card (optional)
- Trip insurance information
- Tourist visa (No charge)
- Cash
Do you have a packing list?
Yes! You can download the packing list here.
Are there luggage restrictions?
There is a maximum of 30 pounds of luggage per passenger, including carry-on.
Are kids allowed and what is the minimum age recommended?
Kids are allowed. We have found that the minimum age of 8 years old is the most tolerant of the whale watching boat rides and outings.
That being said, parents know their children the best. You will know if your child is patient enough to be in a boat for an extended period of time.
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Where is San Ignacio Lagoon and how do I get there?
Located in Mexico, San Ignacio Lagoon is in the state of Baja California Sur. In the middle of the Baja Peninsula you will find the lagoon at the end of a very rough road, on the Pacific side. You will arrive in the lagoon on a chartered flight starting at the Tijuana airport.
What type of food will be served?
Traditional Mexican meals will be served buffet style with locally sourced seafood and regional wine, along with Mexican beer and pop.
Three meals – breakfast, lunch and dinner – will be served in camp, along with a happy hour drink and appetizer.
Special dietary restrictions can be accommodated.
What are the sleeping accommodations?
Geo dome tents are double occupancy. If single occupancy is desired there is an additional charge.
Mexican cots with a sleeping bag are provided as bedding.
Please bring your own liner for the sleeping bag.
What are the bathrooms like?
There will be one bathroom for 3 geo-domes to share.
The toilets are composting toilets. Sawdust, sourced from La Paz is deposited into the toilet.
The sawdust aids in odor reduction and helps in the composting process.
Are there showers in camp?
Yes, there are 3 single-stall showers that have heated water throughout the day.
What is the weather like in San Ignacio Lagoon?
Weather conditions are variable in San Ignacio Lagoon through the whale watching season.
The mornings start cool (low 50’s) and usually warm up as the day advances (80-95 °F). The evening cools down and wind usually starts again, lasting through the night (overnight low in the 50’s).
Wind is always a factor in San Ignacio Lagoon. Basically you need to be prepared for two weather conditions: hot and dry and cold and wet. Please be prepared to layer up or layer down.
What time zone is the lagoon?
Reading List
Be sure to check out our recommended reading list.
Forms
Click on each of the documents below to ensure you are fully prepared for your adventure.