Puerto Chale Whale Watching

*Please note that the following information is meant to provide a general overview of your tour. The specifics of your trip will be contained in a pre-trip letter you will receive prior to your confirmed departure.

Important Trip Details:

MEETING PLACE: 7 Crown Centro Hotel, La Paz
MEETING TIME: 7:00 PM MST
TRIP MILES: 2.5 hour drive from La Paz to Whale Camp
RETURN TIME: Between 4-5 PM local time
THE LAST SUPPER: Join your guide and fellow trip guests for a no host farewell dinner at a favorite local restaurant. 
TRIP LENGTH: 3 or 4 days
AGE LIMIT: Recommended age is 8
BOAT TYPE: Panga Motor Boat
NEAREST AIRPORTS: La Paz (LAP) or San Jose del Cabo (SJD)

Day 0: Arrive in La Paz

Once you arrive in La Paz you have the freedom to explore town 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 watching 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 Puerto Chale

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 Puerto Chale

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. 

*On 3-day trips you will enjoy breakfast at camp and one last whale watching session before returning to La Paz in the evening.

• 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.

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.

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

*As of November 2024, there is easy access to La Paz with new direct flights from Los Angeles to La Paz via Alaska Airlines!

We highly recommend checking the weather prior to your trip for an updated forecast and current conditions. We recommend the following websites. 

WHEN TO GO?

Baja whale watching may be a year-round activity, but gray whale season peaks in the winter months of January-April.

Baja weather is much more mild than many places in North America, but it is still in North America, as it is north of the equator, and does have all four seasons. The summer months of June through August are blistering hot and rather humid in Baja Sur. It's a time that sport-fishers and a few other tourists come, but it's not peak season due to the heat. All the summer heat has the benefit of heating up the sea and that is appealing to people that love warm water.  As the weather cools down in September and we begin our kayaking and tour season in October, the water holds that heat and the Gulf of California is wonderfully warm. If your dream is hot weather and warm water, then October through mid November is a great time to visit Baja. By early December the seas have cooled somewhat and daytime temperatures are lower. It's not cold by any means, but it's not hot either. 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.

• Loreto average temperatures 
• Loreto Gulf of California average water temperatures
• La Paz average temperatures
• La Paz Gulf of California average temperatures

Winds are also a factor in Baja. The Gulf of California is less windy in October, November, and mid-March through the summer, than it is in December through February. That's why some of our trips, like Isla San Jose, are only offered during the less windy timeframes because of logistics and the orientation of the islands. Be aware that your trip may be altered by wind conditions at any time, but it's more likely to be an issue in the December through February timeframe.

Whales!  Both the Gulf of California (Sea of Cortez) and the Pacific are important habitats for whales who come here by the thousands. Seeing gray whales at our Puerto Chale Whale Camp, is a highlight for many.  The mothers arrive starting in late December to give birth and nurture their calves before swimming north to Arctic waters, starting in late March and April.  On the Gulf of California side of the Baja peninsula there are blue, minke, fin and orcas and we often see these while we are kayaking from mid-January to mid-March.  Seeing whales is a big draw for many and one reason our peak season is generally mid-January through late March.  If you don't care so much about whales, and warmer weather is of paramount importance, then it's best to come outside of the whale season.  You will still see plenty of marine life, and some animals, like manta rays, are more active in the late spring.

Compared to much of North America, Baja weather is idyllic. Even the coldest day in Baja is mighty nice!  With the proper clothing and expectations, it's always the "best" time to be in Baja! But consider your wishes and the experience you want to have when deciding when to go. Always feel welcome to contact our staff if you have questions.

Sea Kayak Adventures Physical Requirements

Here at Sea Kayak Adventures our first and foremost goal is for you to have an enjoyable and safe experience. While most of our trips are suitable for beginners, some of our trips are more active than others and it’s important that you understand the physical requirement of the trip you choose. 

All of our sea kayaking trips are active adventures that involve some level of physical exertion and possible exposure to the elements including but not limited to wind, rain, heat, sun, cold temperatures and cold water conditions. Sea Kayak Adventures is able to accommodate people with physical limitations, disabilities and medical conditions; please speak with your Adventure Consultant if you think you will require any additional assistance while on the trip.  We ask that you consult your Doctor if you have health or medical conditions that could impact your ability to participate in an active and outdoor adventure.  In general, all trip participants must be able to do the following:  

• Wear all protective and safety equipment that are required by Sea Kayak Adventures and recommended/required by industry wide standards.
• Load and unload, on their own or with the aid of a qualified companion, the bus and/or van providing transportation for Sea Kayak Adventures activities.
• Reach the water access points (put-in and take-out) on their own, or with the aid of a qualified companion.
• Enter and exit the raft, kayak and/or inflatable kayak on their own or with the aid of a qualified companion.
• Remain seated and balanced in a floating raft, canoe, kayak or inflatable kayak w/ the aid of adaptive equipment, if necessary.
• Float on their back when entering moving and still water.  The participant must be capable of turning from face-down to face-up in the water with the aid of a Personal Floatation Device and must be able to hold their breath while under water.
• Remain calm and keep breathing under control in the event of a swim.
• Climb into the kayak, with the help of another person, should an involuntary swim happen at any point on the water.
• Make progress toward the shoreline or a boat by swimming in moving water and must be able to exit the water and ascend the shoreline once reached.
• Participate as an active paddler when instructed by the guide for the duration of trip. 
• Move about the campsite on their own or with the aid of a qualified companion on all trips that include overnight camping and/or lunch.

Physical Preparedness

Whether you are an avid sea kayaker, or it is your first time, you’ll enjoy these incredible trips, and share in our passion for adventure, commitment to conserving the environment, and relishing unique experiences. For those new to the sport, kayaking is easy to learn in the sheltered waters that we visit, and we provide all of the camping gear, kayaking equipment and guidance needed. In addition, we keep our groups small to allow you to not only travel intimately among nature, but to ensure you receive the necessary attention from our guides.

Baja Whale Watching South Packing List

Overview:

The packing list outlined below is meant to serve as a guide to help you plan, prepare and outfit yourself for your upcoming travels. We have provided our best recommendations and suggestions. If you pack according to this list you will have what you need.

Our whale camp is located on an island on the Pacific Coast side of Baja. At times it is quite a bit cooler on the Pacific side than the Gulf of California side. Fog and mist are common. When out in the pangas (motorboats) for whale watching, it can be windy and cool. If you’re lucky and the sun is out during the day you will need to focus on sun-protection. However, evenings are always cool and the weather is highly variable. Thus, be sure to pay attention to our recommendations about cold-weather gear.

Gear Provided by ROW Sea Kayak Adventures

Sea Kayak Adventures provides all necessary equipment for your selected tour. This includes all necessary camping equipment for your tour. At whale camp we have stand-up canvas tents, each with two cots. In addition, we provide a sleeping pad, sleeping bag, sleeping bag liner, and pillow with pillow case.

Luggage Recommendations

Sea Kayak Adventures trips are best enjoyed if you travel light. We think it is wise to avoid checking any luggage under the plane. If you do check a bag, make sure that you have everything that is either essential or would be hard to replace, with you in your carry-on.

We recommend packing in one soft sided, roll-on (ideally a non-hard-sided version) or duffle luggage that meets carry-on requirements. Alternatively, if you must have a checked bag; make sure your personal item is packed with your “hard to replace items.” You will be able to leave luggage not needed for your kayaking trip in hotel storage.

We also recommend bringing one small day pack.  This dual purpose pack can serve as your personal item during your flights as well as your day pack for hikes during the tour. Outside zippered pockets are nice and allow you to organize your travel gear. Carry medications, travel documents, important personal items and other essentials or “hard-to-replace” items in this on the plane.

Baja Whale Watching Packing List

Essential Items

• Passport – Please check that it is valid for the required amount of time depending on your destination.
• A photo of your passport on your phone. A photocopy of your passport, inside a ziplock bag and stowed elsewhere in your luggage. (As an additional precautionary measure, consider leaving a photocopy with family or friends at home as well.) 
• Copy of your air tickets with ticket numbers, placed elsewhere in your luggage and/or email someone back home your air ticket information in case you lose your phone.
• Credit and/or Debit/ATM card that works internationally, ideally with chip technology (Some banks want you to notify them of travel plans ahead of time which often can be done online.) In Loreto there are two banks where you can get pesos using your ATM debit card. The one with the best rate is Banco Azteca.
• Plan to use cash (pesos) for small purchases, taxis and incidental tipping
• USD, CAD or Euros for guide gratuities at the end of your trip
• Watch or small travel clock with alarm (if you are taking a phone, this can serve as your alarm clock)
• Money belt or concealed passport carrier to carry your passport, travel documents and money, hidden under your clothing
• TSA-accessible lock for luggage security when not on your person (optional- can buy these at any travel or outdoor recreation store)

Active Clothing

The evenings and early mornings at Magdalena Bay, Puerto Chale, and San Ignacio Lagoon can be chilly; therefore packing according to this list is important.

• One - three pair long, lightweight, nylon pants with zipper pockets (zip off legs give you more options)
• One- two pair nylon shorts
• Swimsuit
• One light-weight bottom layer like a long-sleeve synthetic shirt or merino wool t-shirt
• One medium-weight layer of fleece – synthetic or merino wool for warmth
• One heavier-weight layer of fleece OR a “puffy jacket” of synthetic down
• One windbreaker or light raincoat (better) that truly stops wind, for use on the pangas when whale watching
• Sarong (optional, but super handy for changing clothes, laying on the ground, etc.)
• One - three short sleeve button-up shirt(s) or t-shirt(s) 
• One - three long sleeve shirts, ideally with SPF protection 
• Underwear 
• One wide-brim, tie-on hat
• One lightweight waterproof raincoat 
• Three pair light synthetic or merino wool socks
• One synthetic or down jacket
• One pair tennis or running shoes, to use for hiking and for casual camp time that can get sandy
• One pair of sandals with ankle straps to wear while kayaking, on the beaches, walking around towns, etc. 
• One buff - for sun protection as well as wind protection on cold days
• One warm beanie cap or ski cap (especially important on whale watching trips and November to March when cooler winds can be present)

Casual Pre & Post Activity Clothing

• One - two other comfortable pairs of bottoms: pants, shorts, skirts, dresses, etc.
• One pair other lightweight shoes for time in town
• One - two tops: short sleeve, long sleeve and/or button up shirt(s)
• One light sweater or jacket for warmth in the evenings and mornings
• One pair pajamas

Additional Gear 

• Retaining strap for glasses and sunglasses
• Flashlight or headlamp
• One pair of paddling gloves 
• One pair of light wool gloves if you get cold easily
• Small day pack or fanny pack for hikes 
• One large-mouth water bottle, 1 liter or larger
• Camp towel (small lightweight towel, backpacking style works great)
• ​Camera and appropriate charging mechanism (We do have a solar panel at whale camp that can recharge phones but it doesn’t always work based on sunshine)
• Back up battery pack for electronic devices
• Waterproof camera or valuables case
• Binoculars or monocular 
• Glasses or contacts if needed
• Polarized sunglasses
• ​Reusable/clean gear bags for wet or soiled items
• ​Small ​​reusable, leak-proof bags for liquid or spillable personal items
• Books or E-reader, pen and notepad, headphones, etc. If you want to listen to music, please do it privately with earbuds or headphones.
• Small travel pillow if you require more support than provided pillow.

Toiletries and First Aid

• Standard toiletry kit including general hygiene products, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, etc. (keep liquids under 3.38 oz.(100ml) for carry-on)
• Insect repellent 
• Reef safe sunscreen (we highly recommend Stream2Sea as a reef safe option)
• Lip balm with SPF 20-50
• Pre-moistened toilette packets or disposable shower wipes to refresh
• Prescriptions and any necessary personal medicines (please be sure to bring necessary prescriptions and any needed emergency medicine such as an EpiPen, Benadryl, etc)
• Heavy duty skin lotion for dry, sun-baked, and salted skin
• Small squeeze bottle of hand-sanitizer gel
• Shampoo and soap (we recommend biodegradable, multi-purpose options)
• *Optional female urinary device (allows women to urinate standing up without removing clothing). Silicon or hard plastic ones work great. Popular name brands include Gogirl and Shewee.

Insect Repellent

Mosquitoes and no-see-ums (sand flies) are sometimes present during our Baja tours. Please ensure that you pack a quality insect repellent and consider full coverage clothing for the evenings and time around camp. The full coverage clothing will provide great sun protection as an added bonus. We recommend repellent with DEET or Picaridin Insect Repellent (Picaridin is less toxic and less harsh on gear/clothing than DEET. Here is one example of a Picaridin-based repellent.

A NOTE ON GRATUITIES:
Like anyone in the service business, outdoor adventure guides appreciate gratuities. Our guides are some of the best and most highly trained in the business. They not only guide you through the salty waves, but set up camp, cook and serve gourmet meals, provide interpretation on the natural and cultural history of the area and strive to provide the highest level of hospitality. Tipping is ultimately a personal decision, however if you appreciate the service your guides provided, then as a guideline we suggest a gratuity of 10-20% of the trip price.
Tips can be given to the SKA Trip Leader at the end of the trip in the form of cash. The Trip Leader distributes the tip equally among the guides and gives a portion to SKA’s behind-the-scenes, unsung heroes like our drivers and food shoppers.

Sea Kayak Adventures - Recommended Baja Reading List

• Reveles, D. (2004). Tequila, Lemon & Salt from Baja...Tales of Love, Faith and Magic
  The border town of Tecate comes to colorful life and the lives of its inhabitants unfold, full of surprises and a few broken dreams in this collection of stories from Daniel Reveles.

• Reveles, D. (2007). Guacamole Dip: From Baja...Tales of Love, Faith and Magic
  The beloved storyteller takes readers back to Tecate, Baja California, for another helping - his tales are always humorous, often magical, and sometimes poignant. Reveles captures the Hispanic culture and flare perfectly.

• Minch, J. (2017). Roadside Geology and Biology of Baja California, 2nd Ed
  The book contains road logs that provide kilometer-by–kilometer highlights of the roadside geology and biology of specific areas.

• Botello, J. (1998). Other Side: Journeys In Baja
  A tale of two journeys, one outer and one inner. The outer explores the length, breadth, and depth of Baja and its rich history, its vibrant people, and the haunting beauty of the land. The inner journey involves a border world where cultures clash illuminating the landscape of the soul.

• Swartz, S.L. (2014). Lagoon Time: A Guide to Grey Whales
  An extraordinary first-hand account of the experiences and discoveries made by Dr. Steven Swartz and his colleagues in San Ignacio Lagoon, Baja California Sur, Mexico, that provides visitors a look into the human and natural history of Laguna San Ignacio

• Crosby, H. (2010). Cave Paintings of Baja California
  The Cave Paintings of Baja California are considered one of the 5 most significant areas in the world for pictographic murals and the only one in the Western Hemisphere.

• Keir, D. (2016). Baja California Land of Missions
  This book contains a detailed history of the activities by the Spanish and others attempting to colonize the peninsula of California from 1535 to 1855.

• Aitchison, S. (2010). The desert islands of Mexico's Sea of Cortez
  The desert islands in the Sea of Cortez are little known except to a few intrepid tourists, sailors, and fishermen. Though at first glance these stark islands may appear barren, they are a refuge for an astounding variety of plants and animals

• Alderfer, J., & Hess, P. (2011). National Geographic backyard guide to the birds of North America
  Essential for the millions of Americans who watch and feed birds in their backyards—whether experienced birders or new birding enthusiasts.

• Berger, B. (1998). Almost an island: Travels in Baja California
  Berger takes readers beyond the Baja of guidebooks and offers a wildly entertaining look at the real Baja California.

• Carwardine, M. (1995). Whales, dolphins, and porpoises
  The perfect introduction to 96 species of whale, dolphin, and porpoise. This pocket-size guide is essential for the family reference shelf, helping you to identify each species and discover more about them.

• Day, T. (2006). Whale watcher: A comprehensive guide to the whales of the world and where to see them
  Every year, more than four million people go whale watching, and the numbers keep growing.

• Dedina, S. (2000). Saving the Gray Whale: People, Politics, and Conservation in Baja California
  Once hunted by whalers and now the darling of ecotourists, the gray whale has become part of the culture, history, politics, and geography of Mexico's most isolated region.

• Gotshall, D. (1998). Sea of Cortez marine animals: A guide to common fishes and invertebrates, Baja California to Panama

• Howell, S. (1999). A Bird-finding Guide to Mexico
  With a rich variety of stunning avifauna, Mexico provides the first taste of the Neotropics for many birders. At last here is a guide to Mexico's best birdwatching sites, from Baja California to the Yucatan Peninsula.

• Hupp, B., & Malone, M. (2008). The edge of the Sea of Cortez: Tidewalkers' guide to the upper Gulf of California

• Krutch, J. (1961). The Forgotten Peninsula; a Naturalist in Baja California
  Krutch describes the desert plants and marine animals as well as the human and natural history of Baja California.

• McPeak, R. (2000). Amphibians and Reptiles of Baja California
  Covers species that occur on the Baja California Peninsula, islands of the Gulf of California, and the islands along the Pacific Coast.

• Niemann, G. (2002). Baja Legends: The historic characters, events, and locations that put Baja California on the map

• Perlo, B. (2006). Birds of Mexico and Central America
  This is the only field guide to illustrate and describe every species of bird in Central America from Mexico to Panama, including Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica. This handsome work covers more than 1,500 species.

• Rebman, J., & Roberts, N. (2012). Baja California Plant Field Guide (3rd ed.)
  This new edition of the Baja California Plant Field Guide discusses or describes over 715 different plants in more than 350 genera in 111 families.

• Russell, D. (2001). Eye of the Whale epic passage from Baja to Siberia
  Named a Best Book of the Year by three major newspapers upon its initial publication, and now available for the first time in paperback, Eye of the Whale offers an exhilarating blend of adventure and natural history as Dick Russell follows the migration of the gray whale from Mexico's Baja peninsula to the Arctic's Bering Strait.

• Steinbeck, J., & Ricketts, E. (1976). The log from the Sea of Cortez: The narrative portion of the book, Sea of Cortez
  1941, here reissued with a profile "About Ed Ricketts" In search of a respite from the national stage, Steinbeck and his close friend, biologist Ed Ricketts, embarked on a month long marine specimen-collecting expedition in the Gulf of California, which resulted in their collaboration on the Sea of Cortez.

• Thomson, D., & Findley, L. (1979). Reef fishes of the Sea of Cortez: The rocky-shore fishes of the Gulf of California

• Wilson, B., & Wilson, A. (2006). The complete whale-watching handbook: A guide to whales, dolphins, and porpoises of the world

Additional Baja and Whale Watching Information 

Weather Report- Check the local weather before you go.

Trip Advisor - Read guest reviews

Baja Travel Guide - Additional information on travel to and from Baja

7 Best Places to Eat in Loreto, Baja - Explore our favorite restaurants

History of Magdalena Bay - A deeper look at Mag Bay.

10 Things to Know About Baja's Whale Watching Season

Guide to Magdalena Bay's Gray Whale Season

Common Birds of Magdalena Bay - Learn about birds you'll see while kayaking.

The Migration of Gray Whales - Learn the migration patterns of the magnificent Gray Whales.

Insiders Guide to Loreto, Baja - Everything to see and do in Loreto.

Baja Bathroom Facilities - Meet the baño! Learn all about how we create a comfortable bathroom experience while camping in Baja. 

What to Wear Paddling - See our recommendations on how to dress for a warm day on the water.