Loreto, Baja Sea Kayaking and Whale Watching
Trip Highlights
- Gray whale encounters: Watch mothers and calves up close in Magdalena Bay, where curious whales often approach boats.
- Remote island camping: Stay on wild beaches surrounded by dolphins, sea lions, and a wide variety of seabirds.
- Kayaking Loreto Bay National Marine Park: Paddle a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to blue whales, vibrant marine life, and stunning desert scenery.
- Snorkeling & hiking: Swim in turquoise coves and explore rugged island trails rich with unique plants and views.
- Guided Baja experience: Enjoy fresh camp meals, local knowledge, and insights from naturalist guides.
Our most popular wildlife adventure in Baja combines sea kayaking in the Sea of Cortez with whale watching in Magdalena Bay, one of the major calving lagoons for gray whales. This is the ultimate Baja trip, combining one of the most incredible wildlife encounters on the planet - witnessing gray whales nurse and calf their young - and sea kayaking through the magnificent beauty of Loreto Bay National Marine Park in the Sea of Cortez. Go eye-to-eye with gray whales in a calving lagoon on Baja's Pacific coast and then cross the Baja Peninsula to paddle a kayak alongside dolphins and blue whales in the clear waters of the Sea of Cortez. Our Sea of Cortez Kayaking and Magdalena Bay Whale Watching Combo tours let participants get close to whales, explore desert islands by sea kayak and snorkel along isolated coves in warm, turquoise waters.
Magdalena Bay is sheltered from the Pacific Ocean by a barrier of desert islands. The sandy barrier islands protect the lagoons from oceanic currents, creating a fascinating environment of twisting mangrove-lined estuaries, chaotic sand dunes and blooming desert plants. January through March, hundreds of gray whales mate and bear their young in these protected waters after traveling over 5000 miles from the Bering Strait.
You can watch gray whales and their newly born calves up close from the safety of motorized skiffs in the deeper parts of the bay, where friendly whales swim up to the skiffs for a head rub! Breaching, spy-hopping and fluking, the whales will captivate your attention with their behavior.
You'll stay three days at our exclusive whale camp located at a remote beach on a barrier island in the heart of gray whale activity. In addition to whales, the lagoon is home to dolphins, sea lions, pelicans, and thousands of shorebirds. Your guides will introduce you to the desert plants, birds and other wildlife of Bahia de Magdalena on our Baja whale watching tour.
Then head back over to Loreto for three or five days of Baja sea kayaking and camping on remote islands in Loreto Bay National Marine Park, where the surrounding water is a sanctuary for blue-footed boobies, fin and blue whales, dolphins and sea lions. The Sea of Cortez is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers the perfect blend of Baja kayaking, hiking and snorkeling. Abundant wildlife, massive whales, sunny weather and warm, crystalline waters make the Sea of Cortez one of the best winter adventure destinations in North America and Mexico.
With each of these tours, your first and last nights will be hotel-based in Loreto with an extra hotel night between kayaking and whale watching. All activities are led by naturalist guides, who dish out tasty chile relleno and margaritas in tented beach camps at days end. You'll bring home a lifetime of memories.
Images & Videos
Itinerary
Day 0 - Arrive in Loreto, Evening Orientation Meeting
Upon your arrival in Loreto take a quick cab ride to your hotel and check into your room (Not included in trip cost). Spend your afternoon exploring the beautiful town of Loreto. You can tour the historic Mission located in the center of town, stroll through the local market and dine on authentic Mexican cuisine before meeting your guides in the Hacienda hotel lobby for an evening orientation meeting.
Please see our Baja Travel Guide for full details on travel to and from Baja.
- Accommodation: Not included
Day 1 - Whale Watching in Magdalena Bay
*Notes on Itinerary for Days 2 - 7:
- Approximate paddling distances listed and can vary depending on group size and weather. We will do our best to adhere to the schedule listed above. However, the itinerary may change due to reasons beyond our control such as wind, waves or inclement weather.
- We run this itinerary in both directions - in other words, your trip may start with kayaking and finish with whale watching, or start with whale watching and finish with kayaking.
- Although there is a very good chance we'll see whales and other marine life throughout the week, the frequency, proximity, and quality of sightings will ultimately be determined by the wildlife.
At 7:30am SHARP a van will arrive to transport you two hours to Puerto Lopez Mateos, Magdalena Bay on the Pacific Coast. Here you will have your first whale watching session as you take a federally-licensed skiff from Puerto Lopez Mateos out to Santo Domingo Island where Whale Camp is located. Upon arrival to camp you will have a chance to unload your gear and settle into your pre-assembled tent before sitting down to a hearty lunch. After lunch, your guides will lead you on a hike across the dunes of Santo Domingo Island to the Pacific Ocean where you can then meander down the beach back to camp for happy hour and dinner under the stars.
- Accommodation: Camping
- Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2 - Whale Watching in Magdalena Bay
Arise to the sounds of birds chirping and waves lapping the shore as coffee and tea are prepared to greet you and the morning sun. Feel free to stroll along the beach, sip your coffee, and watch the whales as your guides prepare a hot breakfast. You will have two whale watching sessions by federally-licensed skiff today, with plenty of time for dune walking, hiking, and relaxing on the sand while whales frolic offshore. You can also elect to do birding tours in the mangrove areas of the lagoon instead of whale watching, or part whale watching, part birding sessions.
- Accommodation: Camping
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 - Return to Loreto
You will enjoy one final two hour whale watching session after breakfast in the morning before returning to Puerto Lopez Mateo by skiff. Take a few minutes when returning to Puerto Lopez Mateo to explore the small local shops at the port and possibly purchase a commemorative token before heading out to enjoy a hot seafood lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch check back into the tour hotel for a shower or stroll along the waterfront malecon before an orientation meeting, located in the lobby of the tour hotel, for the kayaking portion of your tour.
Dinner is on your own tonight.
- Accommodation: Hacienda Suites or similar (included in tour)
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4 - Time to go Kayaking
Please eat breakfast and be packed by the meeting time, where you will be shuttled to the kayak put-in site. After loading the boats, your guides will teach you the basics of paddling and thoroughly review safety procedures. The group won't leave shore until all participants feel comfortable. You’ll make 50-minute, 2 to 3-mile crossings to the off-shore islands where you’ll have a chance to snorkel and hike before lunch, and then kayak to your first night's campsite. Roomy dome tents are provided, although with Baja's lack of insects you may be tempted to sleep out under the stars. Several campsites have desert arroyo hikes which offer spectacular views as well as some of the desert flora unique to Baja.
- Accommodation: Camping
- Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 - Kayaking in the Sea of Cortez
With the smell of coffee and hearty breakfast wafting through the air as you arise in the morning to get ready for a day of paddling. While paddling you will explore the scenic cliffs and coves of Isla Danzante and Isla Carmen. Opportunites for snokeling, beachcombing, and hiking will be mixed into your day before you settle down at the next campsite for dinner and star gazing.
- Accommodation: Camping
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 - Return to Loreto
After a final breakfast, you will paddle to the take-out site and unpack your kayak while the guides prepare lunch. A van will return you to the hotel late-afternoon to relax and clean up. In the evening, you are invited to join your group for a final no-host farewell dinner to say good-bye and toast new found kayaking skills and friends.
- Accommodation: Not Included
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7 - Departure Day
There are no scheduled activites today so you may depart Loreto at any time.
Note on itinerary: We will do our best to adhere to the schedule however changes may occur due to reasons beyond our control such as wind, waves, or inciement weather. PLEASE NOTE that sometimes the kayak portion of the tour may precede the gray whale portion.
Day 0 - Arrive in Loreto - Evening Orientation Meeting
After checking into your hotel rooms (not included in trip cost), you're on your own for sightseeing until the orientation meeting (7 PM if your whale watch starts first, 6 PM if your Kayak adventure starts first) in the Hacienda Suites lobby (Loreto) where your guides will answer questions and review the morning plan.
Please see our Baja Travel Guide for full details on travel to and from Baja.
- Accommodation : Not included
Day 1 - Whale Watching in Magdalena Bay
Depart at 7:30 am sharp for van transportation two/three hours to the Pacific coast, to Puerto Lopez Mateos on Magdalena Bay. Your first whale-watching session will start immediately upon arrival. You might even see whales right from the dock! At the end of the two-hour session, the boat driver will ferry you across the bay to our exclusive base camp on a sand-dune barrier island. You’ll have a chance to unload your gear and settle into your pre-assembled tent before a hearty lunch. Your guides will lead a hike across the dunes to the Pacific Ocean this afternoon. You can meander back to camp along the beach in the sunset, just in time for happy hour and dinner under the stars.
- Accommodation: Camping
- Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2 - Whale Watching in Magdalena Bay
Tea and coffee greet you with the morning sun, and you’re welcome to stroll along the beach and watch whales while your guides prepare a hot breakfast. You will have two whale watching sessions by federally-licensed skiff today, with plenty of time for dune walking, hiking, and relaxing on the sand while whales frolic offshore. You can also elect to do birding tours in the mangrove areas of the lagoon instead of whale watching, or part whale watching, part birding sessions. Be sure to board the skiff as soon as it arrives, as the clock starts ticking on the strictly regulated 2-hour session.
- Accommodation: Camping
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 - Return to Loreto
You’ll enjoy one final whale watching session after breakfast in the morning before you start your van ride back to Loreto. We expect to have you back in the late afternoon. Check back into the tour hotel for a shower or take a stroll along the malecon before an orientation meeting for the kayaking portion of your trip.
Dinner is on your own tonight.
- Accommodation: Hacienda Suites
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4 - Time to go kayaking
Please eat breakfast and be packed by the meeting time, where you will be shuttled to the kayak put-in site. After loading the boats, your guides will teach you the basics of paddling and thoroughly review safety procedures. The group won't leave shore until all participants feel comfortable. You’ll make a 50-minute, 2 to 3-mile crossings to the off-shore islands where you’ll have a chance to snorkel and hike before lunch, and then kayak to your first night's campsite.
- Accommodation: Camping
- Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Day 5-7 - Camping and Kayaking in the Sea of Cortez
The days begin with spectacular sunrises and end with delightfully cool evenings, enjoying sunsets, star-gazing, moonrise, or even bioluminescence in the sea on moonless nights. You will paddle and explore the scenic cliffs and coves of Danzante and Carmen in the Loreto Bay National Marine Park/UNESCO World Heritage Site. Camping on sandy beaches allows for superb swimming, tide pooling, snorkeling, beachcombing and hiking. Plan to paddle to a new camp site every day, wind permitting, with one layover day at the same site. Roomy dome tents are provided, although with Baja's lack of insects you may be tempted to sleep out under the stars. Several campsites have desert arroyo hikes which offer spectacular views as well as some of the desert flora unique to Baja.
- Accommodation: Camping
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 - Return to Loreto
After a final breakfast and breaking camp, you will paddle to the take-out site and unpack your kayak while the guides prepare lunch. A van will return you late-afternoon. In the evening, you are invited to join your kayak group for a final farewell dinner (no-host) out on the town to say good-byes and toast new found kayaking skills and friends.
- Accommodation: Not included
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 9 - Departure Day
There are no activites planned for this day so feel free to depart at any time.
Please Note: This tour involves transportation to and from Loreto to the whale camp at Magdalena Bay or San Ignacio Bay.
As the whales migrate north to arctic waters, we also move our whale watching tours north from Magdalena Bay to San Ignacio Lagoon. This is one of the three prime whale watching areas in Baja, with several hundred whales visiting each winter. While not as close to Loreto as our Magdalena Bay whale camp, traveling to San Ignacio gives us the opportunity to have the powerful experience of getting up close to the gray whales for another month into the spring. To get to San Ignacio Lagoon, we drive north from Loreto to the historic French mining town of Santa Rosalia (where we visit a church designed by Gustave Eiffel of Eiffel tower fame) and on to the historic Spanish mission town of San Ignacio. From here it's another hour to the bay and our accommodations. This trip is offered as a stand-alone whale watching tour, or better yet, combined with sea kayaking in the Islands of Loreto.
Featured Accommodation
Dates & Rates
| Dates | Adult (USD) | Child (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | ||
| Jan 24, 2026 to Jan 29, 2026 6-Day | $2,790£0€0$0$0 | $2,590£0€0$0$0 |
| Jan 31, 2026 to Feb 05, 2026 6-Day | $2,790£0€0$0$0 | $2,590£0€0$0$0 |
| Feb 05, 2026 to Feb 12, 2026 8-Day | $3,390£0€0$0$0 | $3,090£0€0$0$0 |
| Feb 07, 2026 to Feb 12, 2026 6-Day | $2,790£0€0$0$0 | $2,590£0€0$0$0 |
| Feb 12, 2026 to Feb 19, 2026 8-Day | $3,390£0€0$0$0 | $2,090£0€0$0$0 |
| Feb 14, 2026 to Feb 19, 2026 6-Day | $2,790£0€0$0$0 | $2,590£0€0$0$0 |
| Feb 19, 2026 to Feb 26, 2026 8-Day | $3,390£0€0$0$0 | $2,090£0€0$0$0 |
| Feb 21, 2026 to Feb 26, 2026 6-Day | $2,790£0€0$0$0 | $2,590£0€0$0$0 |
| Feb 28, 2026 to Mar 05, 2026 6-Day | $2,790£0€0$0$0 | $2,590£0€0$0$0 |
| Mar 05, 2026 to Mar 12, 2026 8-Day | $3,390£0€0$0$0 | $3,090£0€0$0$0 |
| Mar 07, 2026 to Mar 12, 2026 6-Day | $2,790£0€0$0$0 | $2,590£0€0$0$0 |
| Mar 12, 2026 to Mar 19, 2026 8-Day | $3,390£0€0$0$0 | $3,090£0€0$0$0 |
Supplementary Information
**ALL PRICES ARE IN USD
6-DAY TOUR RATES
- $2790 per adult
- $2590 per youth
8-DAY TOUR RATES
- $3390 per adult
- $3090 per youth
Single Kayak: If you are interested in reserving a Solo kayak for yourself, it will cost an additional $100 for the trip and we require that you fill out an eligibility questionnaire. Your adventure consultant will determine if you qualify after receiving the filled out questionnaire. In any case, the Trip Leader of your adventure always has the right to decide that a solo kayak is not appropriate based on weather and ability.
Single Supplement: If you are a solo traveler, you will be charged a $75 per night single supplement charge while staying at the Hacienda Suites halfway through the tour. If you wish to have your own private accommodations at whale camp (or we are unable to pair you up with another solo traveler), you will also be charged a $150 per night single supplement charge. Solo travelers may be asked to share a tent with another guest at our whale camp. If you are asked to share a tent, rest assured that tents are 8x12', full-height canvas wall tents, with two cots and plenty of room to maneuver around your tent-mate without difficulty. During the kayaking portion of the trip, solo travelers will be provided with their own 2 person tent, at no additional cost.
Please note, we have a limited supply and availability per departure, so please inquire at the time of booking if you have any questions.
PRIVATE CHARTER TOURS
Available for 10-14 guests January to mid-March
- Minimum of 10 paid spaces is required.
- With 13 paid spaces, the 14th space is free.
INCLUDED
- Full services of our Adventure Consultants
- Professional naturalist and bi-lingual guides
- All meals and beverages as indicated on the itinerary
- Hotel accommodations between activities as dictated by the itinerary
- All transportation while on tour
- All kayaking, camping and snorkeling equipment
- Whale watching sessions by Panga
- All applicable taxes
- Panga Supported Kayaking Tour. *NOTE: We require 4 paid spaces to confirm a trip. If a trip has only 2-3 participants we offer the option to run it as a "self-supported" trip meaning there is no panga (motorboat) to carry gear. In this case the guide and guests carry their personal gear as well as a portion of the community camping equipment, food and water. Our adventure consultants will discuss this option with you should it arise. For more information on panga supported kayaking tours, please see here.
NOT INCLUDED
- Airfare
- Transportation to and from the airport
- Hotel accommodations Before and After tour
- Breakfast on the morning between kayaking days and whale camp
- National Parks & Biosphere Reserves access fees required by itinerary
- Gratuities
- Items of a personal nature
PLEASE NOTE
Strong winds and/or rough water conditions sometimes prevent our trips from going as scheduled. We are at the mercy of nature, as well as decisions made by Port Captains on our Baja trips. In these cases we may alter the itinerary to mitigate these issues. This could look like staying in a campsite for multiple nights, delaying water crossings by a day or two, or transferring the trip to an entirely different location. If we cannot kayak, we will provide a substitute activity. Each whale-watching session is two hours in length. We cannot guarantee the presence of whales, nor mother whales with calves, during our trips. We have set the dates for our whale watching season to conform to the date range that the whales are usually in Magdalena Bay. However, we cannot control their movements, or when they might arrive at the bay, or leave to swim north towards the end of the season. We have chosen conservative dates to improve the odds of seeing whales. Tides are also a factor as during low tide, any whales that leave the bay cannot enter again until the tides are higher. We end our season at Magdalena Bay around the third week of March and move trips either north to San Ignacio Bay or sometimes south to Puerto Chale. We recognize this isn't ideal, however we have no control over nature and we've found that most prefer to still have a trip going, versus no trip at all. Since we are basing our decisions on constantly shifting wind and weather forecasts, decisions to alter trips are made last minute (no sooner than noon the day prior). The safety and security of our trips is our top priority. Our guides monitor forecasts very closely and will inform you as soon as any changes are made. ROW Sea Kayak Adventures reserves the right to modify and alter trip itineraries and will not provide any refund in these circumstances.
Reviews
FAQ & More
How do I get to Loreto?
Please see our Baja Travel Guide for full details on travel to and from Baja. Additionally, please see our Flying to Loreto page for information on flights from various cities across the U.S. and Canada.
Do you provide transportation to and from the airport?
Airport transfers are not included in your tour package price.
Are your tour prices in USD?
Yes, all of our tour pricing is in US Dollars.
What’s included in this tour package? What’s not included?
Packages Include: Hotel accommodations in between activities only, all paddling and camping equipment, all snorkeling gear, all meals and beverages once the tour begins, bi-lingual certified Guides and the full service of our Adventure Consultants. Dates provided reflect your arrival date; all packages include an arrival and departure day.
Packages do not Include: Airfare, transportation to and from airport, Hotel accommodations before and after tour, gratuities, $30 National Parks & Biosphere Reserves access fees required by itinerary, and items of a personal nature.
When is the best time to go & see whales?
Our Combo tours are offered late January through mid-March, when the gray whales are present in Magdalena Bay to calve. This time of year in Baja can have cooler days (75-80*F/23-27*C) and a chance of wind, with temperatures rising in late February and March. As an added bonus to spring trips, the islands of Loreto National Marine Park, located in the Sea of Cortez (where you will kayak), are home for 6 different species of whales including Blue, Fin, Sei, Humpback, Bryde's and Pilot whales. They swim up into the Sea of Cortez from late January through April. There are few other places that harbor such a concentration and diversity of whales.
What kind of kayaks do you use?
For all of our Baja tours we use high quality, fiberglass kayaks, made by Seward. The majority of our fleet is comprised of tandems, as these boats offer the greatest stability, speed, and ease of paddling. There are typically a small number of single kayaks present on the tour, which will be utilized by the guides. Depending on weather conditions, and interest, they may allow guests to rotate into singles; however this will be at the guide's' discretion based on safety and the paddling objectives for the day. We also have a limited number of solo kayaks available to reserve and use throughout the trip (for an additional cost) for paddlers who have ocean kayaking experience.
Are your kayak trips motorboat supported?
Yes, if at any time a guest does not want to paddle they are welcome to ride in the panga instead. For more information on panga supported paddling tours, please see HERE.
Can I paddle a single kayak?
We have single kayaks available to reserve and use throughout the trip (for an additional cost of $100) for paddlers who have previous ocean paddling experience. If you would like to reserve a single kayak for your trip you will need to contact our Adventure Consultants to add this to your reservation and provide a summary of your ocean paddling experience.
What are the physical requirements for this trip?
When stopping at shore, you should be able to climb in and out of the kayaks on your own. They will be floating in calf-deep water. Your guides are happy to assist, but balance and limberness are required. When you get to your evening campsite, all group members must to be able to help carry the kayaks above the high tide line, in teams of 6-8, before the group disperses. You will change camp sites almost every night, but may have a layover day. Camp sites are assigned by the National Park Service immediately prior to the tour.
What’s camp like? Are there toilets and showers at camp?
During the kayaking portion of the tour, you will paddle to a new campsite almost every day but may have a layover day. Campsites are assigned by the National Park Service immediately prior to the tour. We endeavor to secure the very best campsites for the natural beauty and amenities of the area. Your guides will give a demonstration of how to set up and take down your provided dome tent. We also will provide you with a sleeping bag, liner sheet, pillow and an inflatable thermarest sleeping pad. There will be a kitchen/dining area and shade tarps where you can sit back and relax. While kayaking, we can only carry enough fresh water for drinking and cooking. There are no fresh water sources on most of the coastline and islands we visit. You can clean up with saltwater and soap off above the high tide line, or bring disposable shower wipes. A porta potty will fit into a hatch of the kayak or on the panga support boat, and will be transported to each campsite and set into a sheltered area for solid waste. Liquid waste can be expelled below the high tide line, or in a separate porta-potty bucket.
While on the whale watching portion of the tour, you will stay at our exclusive base camp located on a sand-dune barriers island. Our whale camp has pre-assembled roomy full-height wall tent with two cots, night stand, rectangular sleeping bag with clean sheet, small pillow, and comfortable self-inflating pad are provided for your convenience at camp. There is also a washroom tent with a portable toilet. We recommend packing biodegradable shower wipes to freshen up with as there is no fresh water at whale camp.
Watch Now: Camping in Loreto, Baja with Sea Kayak Adventures
Watch Now: Baja Bathroom Facilities
Read Now: Camping in Magdalena Bay with Sea Kayak Adventures
What gear do I need?
Sea Kayak Adventures will provide you with a detailed packing list prior to your trip. We provide all of the necessary camping, paddling and snorkeling equipment, which you will need to fully enjoy your adventure. If you are interested in more specific information, check out our general Baja packing list here! If you have any questions, or need help deciding what to bring, you can call or e-mail one of our friendly Adventure Consultants at any time for some extra advice!
Who will my guides be?
We know your Guide will make the biggest difference on your trip! Which is why we pride ourselves on employing only the best local guides for all of the incredible locations that we visit. Part of this is to support our eco-tourism efforts, but we also believe that there is no better way to experience a new destination than through they eyes of a local! We find talented and skilled local guides, train and certify them, and provide a positive and consistent source of income to them and their families. Most of our guides are with us for the long-term, despite the seasonal nature of the industry.
What kind of food will I eat? Do you accommodate dietary restrictions?
Our renowned wilderness meals are prepared daily by our guides using local, fresh, healthy ingredients. In Baja you can expect an authentic dining experience, with savory dishes like chiles rellenos, tostadas, ceviche, and chicken mole. We even serve delicious desserts like brownies and pineapple upside-down cake! Each morning, we serve up freshly brewed coffee or tea. Throughout the day we provide an abundance of local fruits, vegetables, and other snacks. Wine and mixed drinks are served with hors d’oeuvres each evening for happy hour.
We do our best to accommodate special dietary requests, working within the parameters of the destinations in which we operate. If you have a very strict diet, we recommend packing extra snacks that you know you can eat.
What’s the weather like in Baja?
In the winter months mid January through mid March, days are generally in the 70's (20’s C) and nights in the 60's (15 C). Clear blue skies and sunshine can make it feel warmer of course, but these are the true temperatures. We go snorkeling, but as water temperatures are in the 60's (15 C), most people wear the wetsuits that we provide.
Is there a single supplement fee for solo travelers?
Our tour costs are based on double occupancy on any included hotel nights. Solo travelers who would like their own single hotel room can pay a single supplement or can be matched up with another solo traveler of the same gender if one is available and willing to share. If we are unable to pair you with another solo traveler, we must apply the single supplement charge to cover our hotel costs. Solo travelers will always have their own tent during kayaking tours, at no additional cost. Single tents at whale camp are available at an adiditonal cost. However, we are unable to guarantee individual tents at whale camp due to limited tent capacity. If you are asked to share a tent at our whale camp, rest assured that tents are very spacious, full-height canvas wall tents, with two cots and plenty of room to stand and maneuver around your tent-mate without difficulty.
Do I Get to Touch the Whales and What is a "Friendly" Whale?
Some of the gray whales in Baja exhibit what is known as "friendly" behavior. While they have the entire sea as their home, some whales choose to come very close to our boats to interact. When this happens, there are times when it is appropriate to touch the whales. In fact, if we don't interact they will sometimes swim away in search of another boat of humans to play with. We can't know the emotion that the whales are experiencing, but clearly they have a choice to approach the boats or not. Equally fascinating is the fact that often these friendly whales bring their babies up close as well, sometimes even pushing the calf closer to the whale-watching skiffs. On some tours the whales choose not to get close to us and it's important to remember that these are whale watching trips, not whale touching trips.
*Note on wildlife encounters: We are passionate about offering our guests the chance to experience the natural beauty of wildlife in its most authentic form—wild and free. While our sea kayaking and whale watching tours explore regions rich with diverse marine life, it’s important to understand that these encounters are always on nature’s terms. Wildlife sightings are unpredictable and unplanned, which is part of their enchantment and wonder. We cannot guarantee specific sightings or interactions, as each trip holds its own unique discoveries. The thrill of the unexpected and the privilege of observing animals in their natural habitat makes each journey special. Our guides are dedicated to enhancing your understanding of the ecosystems we visit, making every experience a meaningful one, regardless of what wildlife we may or may not encounter. Thank you for joining us with an open mind and an adventurous spirit as we celebrate the wonder of wild places.
What are your Terms and Conditions?
Please see our full Terms & Conditions HERE.
Can I bring a drone on the trip?
Due to Mexican Park regulations, drones can only be operated by special permit. Because of this, and the potential of impacting others' experiences on our trips, we ask guests not to bring drones.
Reviews
Outstanding
Our combined trip of sea kayaking and whale watching was everything we had hoped it could be. The sea kayaking was a short three days starting just outside Loreto, B.C.S., Mexico. We were told the secret to a great trip was flexibility. Due to strong winds our first day our guide, Mario, decided that we should delay crossing the channel until the next morning. All of the decisions made during the trip were made with the safety and comfort of the guests as a top priority. Each evening we would have an educational discussion about the things we had seen and experienced during the day. We saw whales spouting in the distance, identified the sea life that surrounded us, and bird watched at every opportunity. One evening we identified star constellations. I’ve had this talk multiple times, but Mario tied the constellations together in a way to help remember them. The food on the trip was great. The other guides, Alejandro, Aaron and Germann are great camp hosts. They always had our tents pitched before we arrived, had hors d’oeuvres and a drink of our choice ready for our enjoyment. They efficiently broke down camp each morning without making us feel rushed. They worked well together and always left the campsite better than they found it. The next leg of the trip was whale watching. Again flexibility was key. The area we were scheduled to visit had only a few whale sitings in the prior months. Mario, with a masters in marine biology specializing in cetaceans (whales), gained approval to change our visit to a new part of Magdalena Bay, an area he had never visited. The support staff and Mario scrambled and worked hard to find us accommodations and arrange for food and a whale watching boat. The accommodations were not what we had expected when we signed up for the trip, but were obviously the best available in the tiny fishing village. The boat ride out to see the whales was longer due to the location, but the reward was multiple whales on every trip out. We saw single adults, groups of three and four whales, breaching whales, spy hopping whales and, for the first time in the season, a mother and “tiny” calf. All in all, because of the outstanding staff at Sea Kayaking Adventures, a professional and competent group of guides, and an overarching spirit of flexibility we achieved our objectives. We kayaked in an area we have never been, we experienced whales in a way we have never had the opportunity and we felt safe during the whole trip. The trip was a success. We thank Sea Kayaking Adventures. We will travel with them again.
Exceeded our expectations
Wow! We did both the Three-day Kayak trip and the Whale Camp and both trips exceeded our expectations. We were fortunate to have seen 5 species of whales: blue, humpback, grey, orca and sperm; sea turtles, porpoises and rays! Diego, Jennifer and the other guides were great professionals and truly know their stuff and they took great care of their all their guests.
Superb
Trip was well planned and we saw many whales and beautiful scenery. Diego, Damian, Tannia, and Efraim were great guides and the food they prepared was superb. Really good flexibility to accommodate our interests and choices and some limitations. Lots of type 1 fun and some well managed type 2 fun!
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