Puerto Chale Whale Watching

Day 1: Journey to Puerto Chale and Whale Watching

Begin your day with breakfast at your hotel or on your own, then depart promptly at 7:30 AM for the scenic drive to Puerto Chale, located south of Magdalena Bay on the shores of Bahia Almejas. Upon arrival, settle into your waterfront tents and prepare for your first whale watching excursion.

Board motorized skiffs for a 3–4 hour journey across the protected waters, keeping your eyes on the horizon for magnificent gray whales. A stop onshore allows you to enjoy a fresh, bountiful picnic lunch amid the stunning surroundings. Return to camp in the afternoon to relax and soak in the view of the water, mangroves, and the distant mountains of Margarita Island. Dolphins may even grace the shallows nearby with playful displays.

As the sun begins to dip, gather for Baja Happy Hour followed by an engaging presentation from one of our expert naturalist guides. Conclude the day with a flavorful dinner prepared by a local chef from the nearby village, immersing you in authentic Baja cuisine.

• Accommodation: Puerto Chale Whale Watching Camp
• Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Whale Watching and Return to La Paz

Start your day with one last breakfast at camp before setting out for a final whale watching session on the water. Return to camp around lunchtime to enjoy a final meal before boarding the van for the 2.5-hour drive back to La Paz.

Arrive in La Paz in the mid-afternoon, check into your hotel, and take some time to refresh or explore the charming town. The evening is yours to relax, dine, or wander along the waterfront at your leisure.

• Accommodation: Not included (Seven Crowns El Centro Hotel recommended)
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

NOTE: Weather and sea conditions will dictate our daily schedule. Normally the seas are calmer in the morning. On rare occasions rough water may prevent us from going whale watching. In this case we offer substitute activities such as walking, bird watching and kayaking in the protected waters near our camp. There will be no price adjustment or refunds given in the event of weather-related cancellation of whale watching.

Day 1: Travel to Puerto Chale Whale Camp and Go Whale Watching

After breakfast at the hotel or on your own, make sure you're ready to depart at 7:30 am sharp for the journey to Puerto Chale, south of Magdalena Bay on the shores of Bahia Almejas. Upon arriving at camp, we unload your gear and show you to your tents. Then we board our motorized skiffs for your first whale watching adventure. This is your introduction to the area and first opportunity to witness the magnificent gray whale. We spend between 3-4 hours at sea including a stop on shore for a bountiful picnic lunch.

The boats return us to camp where you can relax and settle in. Located at water's edge, with a beach and mangroves, our camp offers stunning views over the water, and to the distant mountains of Margarita Island. With luck you might even catch a glimpse of dolphins playing in the shallow waters offshore. 

In the late afternoon it's time for Baja Happy Hour and a presentation by one of our talented naturalist guides. This is followed by a delicious dinner of local fare, prepared by a local cook hired from the nearby village.  

• Accommodation: Puerto Chale Whale Watching Camp
• Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Baja California Mexico Whale Watching and Bird Watching in Almejas Bay

A little after sunrise, your guides will serve hot tea and coffee while preparing breakfast. During this time, feel free to take a leisurely walk along the beach with a fresh cup of coffee, or relax at camp and enjoy the soothing sea breeze and perhaps watch some birds in the nearby mangrove trees.

After breakfast, we take our motorized skiff out into the bay for a day of immersive encounters with gray whales. We spend the day on the water spotting whales and stop for a picnic lunch on a nearby shore. Throughout the day there will be plenty of opportunity to observe these magnificent marine creatures as they birth and nurse their young in the warm lagoons of Baja. 

After a day of whale watching, you have some time for swimming, walking along the beach, or simply watching coastal wildlife from the shore. There is a little-used road near camp, so trail runners might enjoy a jog. In the late afternoon we gather in our signature whale tent dome for another presentation by our naturalist guides to discover more about whales and the marine environment.

Come evening, enjoy another dinner of local Mexican fare, share stories of the day and relax beneath the stars. 

• Accommodation: Puerto Chale Whale Camp
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Return to La Paz and Departure

This morning, it's time to gather your belongings and savor one last breakfast with your fellow travelers at whale camp before boarding a boat for your final whale-watching experience. We return to camp at lunch time and enjoy lunch before boarding our van for the 2 1/2 hour drive back to La Paz.

Once we arrive, we enjoy lunch before we make the drive back to La Paz. Our goal is to arrive between 3 and 4 PM.

Check into your hotel, take a refreshing shower, and perhaps take a walk to explore the town. Enjoy the evening in La Paz on your own. 

• Accommodation: Not Included, Seven Crowns El Centro Hotel is recommended 
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

NOTE: Weather and sea conditions will dictate our daily schedule. Normally the seas are calmer in the morning. On rare occasions rough water may prevent us from going whale watching. In this case we offer substitute activities such as walking, bird watching and kayaking in the protected waters near our camp. There will be no price adjustment or refunds given in the event of weather-related cancellation of whale watching.

Day 0: Arrive in La Paz

Once you arrive in La Paz, take a short drive or walk to your hotel (not included in tour cost). After check in, you have the freedom to explore La Paz at your leisure or simply relax at the hotel until your evening orientation meeting. 

We recommend you stay at our recommended tour hotel since this is where we have our orientation meeting. If you need to leave luggage at the hotel during your whale camp tour, you need to be a hotel guests.

During the evening orientation that takes about 30 minutes, you meet your fellow travelers as well as your Tour Leader who answers any questions you might have and outlines the schedule for the days ahead. 

Please see our Baja Travel Guide for full details on travel to and from La Paz.

• Accommodation: Not Included, Seven Crowns El Centro Hotel is recommended.
• Meals Included: None

Day 1: Whale Watching in Bahia Almejas, south of Magdalena Bay

After enjoying breakfast on your own or at the hotel, have your things gathered and be ready for an early departure for Puerto Chale. It's a 2 1/2 hour drive and once we arrive we unload our van, drop luggage in tents and then board our boats to go whale watching! It takes about 30 minutes to get to the heart of the action and your first encounter with the majestic gray whales that call these waters home.

We spend about 3 1/2 - 4 hours at sea and stop half way to enjoy a picnic lunch on shore. We return to camp later in the afternoon and there's time to settle into your tent, relax, take a walk or watch birds in the nearby mangroves. Soon it's time for our delightful happy hour followed by a naturalist-guide presentation designed to enrich your experience in this natural wonderland.  

Dinner is served soon after sunset and is comprised of fresh local fare prepared by our camp chef. Afterwards enjoy stargazing with fellow guests, and head to bed at your leisure.

• Accommodation: Puerto Chale Whale Watching Camp
• Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Whale Watching and Exploring Almejas Bay

As the sun begins to rise, tea and coffee will be served as your guides prepare a delicious breakfast. During this time, you’re welcome to take a stroll along the beach or nearby trails. The offshore mangroves offer excellent birdwatching opportunities. 

Mid-morning we board our whale watching skiffs (pangas) to head out into the bay. Often the whales congregate near the "boca" or mouth located between Isla Cresciente and Isla Margarita. Weather and water conditions will dictate exactly where we go, but rest assured your guides will know where the whales are most likely to be seen. We stop for a picnic lunch on one of the islands to stretch legs and enjoy the views and wild nature.

We return to our camp later in the day and there is time to explore on your own, read a book, take a swim, relax with a nap or share stories with your fellow guests.  As the sun approaches the horizon it's time for our signature Baja Happy Hour followed by a naturalist-led presentation in our whale camp dome. Dinner is served al fresco (weather permitting) or in the dome. Fresh and bountiful, you eat well at our camp.  

• Accommodation: Puerto Chale Whale Watching Camp
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Whale Watching and Exploring Almejas Bay

Weather dictates our timing and activities each day, but with cooperating seas we plan to head out after breakfast for another superb day with the whales. Today we also visit a large colony of seabirds that includes frigate birds, comorants and perhaps some boobies. The mountainous Isla Margarita provides a spectacular backdrop to our day.

Mid-afternoon we head back to camp to relax, take a stroll, swim, or simply enjoy observing the bay, where we sometimes spot dolphins swimming nearby. 

Appetizers will be provided in the early evening and, if we're fortunate, we might witness a stunning sunset. Dinner and a leisurely evening will cap off your final day at our Puerto Chale Whale Camp. 

• Accommodation: Puerto Chale Whale Watching Camp
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Whale Watching and Return to La Paz 

This morning, it’s time to pack up your gear and enjoy a final breakfast at the Whale Camp before hopping in a panga for your last whale-watching adventure. We will spend about two hours observing whales and enjoying the adventure. We return to camp for lunch and then depart in our van for La Paz, aiming to arrive between 4:00 to 5:00 PM.

Upon arrival, say goodbye to your Tour Leader and enjoy another night in the city. 

• Accommodation: Not Included, Seven Crowns El Centro Hotel is recommended.
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

NOTE: Weather and sea conditions will dictate our daily schedule. Normally the seas are calmer in the morning. On rare occasions rough water may prevent us from going whale watching. In this case we offer substitute activities such as walking, bird watching and kayaking in the protected waters near our camp. There will be no price adjustment or refunds given in the event of weather-related cancellation of whale watching.