New AFS Ultimate Whale Safari, Baja
Glamping with whales in the world’s largest aquarium!
March 23-29, 2026
Small Group
“I thought Galapagos was great, but this Baja trip of a lifetime exceeded all expectations, Suzy. You just can’t top this whale expedition in the Sea of Cortez in March! I have so many things to thank you for, from the staff to the wonderful new AFS friends I made.” -Julie P.
Imagine locking eyes with a 45-ton gray whale as it glides up to your boat, nudging close as if it’s asking for a scratch behind those barnacles or flipping over to show off its
belly. This is the kind of magic you find at Laguna San Ignacio, where these gentle giants—affectionately called “Friendly’s”—are famous for their warmth and curiosity. Every March, hundreds of gray whales migrate here to breed and raise their young. It’s like stumbling into a Whale Nursery, with mothers and calves playing all around. Past AFS groups have been blown away by the experience, and now it’s your turn to join in on the world’s most extraordinary whale encounters.
Unlike the crowded commercial vessels that pack these waters each March, our seven-day intimate journey takes you into the heart of the wilderness. We begin in the coastal town of Loreto, where the Sea of Cortez stretches endlessly from your beautiful seaside hotel balcony.
We then travel through the Baja Peninsula to our private basecamp at Campo Cortez. You’ll love glamping in our waterfront, solar-powered cabins, complete with proper bedding, Wi-Fi, and the freshest meals. We’ve partnered with a renowned, family-owned ecolodge that has earned top marks as Baja’s most sustainable whale-watching operator. Our guides, who’ve lived alongside these gentle giants for generations, will lead our small group into this sacred sanctuary. Twice a day, we glide through the lagoons in small boats for perfect up-close encounters.
Between whale watches, join guided tidepooling expeditions, stroll pristine beaches, and scan the skies for rare birds. As night falls, gather for fascinating naturalist talks and stargazing under some of North America‘s darkest skies.
Beyond Gray Whales — while the “friendlies” steal the show, keep your binoculars ready. These waters host an incredible cast of marine life: blue whales, humpbacks, orcas, sea turtles, dolphins, sea lions, and even whale sharks make appearances. The surrounding El Vizcaino Biosphere Reserve is Mexico’s largest protected area, providing critical habitat for countless species.
What makes this Baja expedition special? Six intimate whale watching excursions. Four nights at an eco-conscious lodge committed to whale conservation. Two nights of luxury at La Mision seaside hotel in Loreto. Expert naturalist guides who call this lagoon home. All-inclusive experience at Campo (meals, drinks, activities). Historic tour in San Ignacio’s 17th-century mission town. A perfect balance of adventure and comfort.
We made this affordable for just 22 fortunate AFS nature lovers. Come “high-five” a sea lion and get your best photos ever. Don’t miss the boat… the whales are waiting for you! Totally wild, totally unforgettable.
TRIP OVERVIEW
You will make some “giant friendships” in Mexico’s Baja Peninsula. Hundreds of grays make their 6000 mile migration from the Bering Sea here, the longest mammal migration on earth. Once hunted to nearly extinction, the whales made a dramatic comeback. So engaging, you’ll be delighted as they entertain us. In
Welcome to Laguna San Ignacio’s premier locally owned and operated Ecolodge – Campo Cortez –located along the shores of San Ignacio Lagoon in the heart of Mexico’s largest protected area, El Vizcaino Biosphere Reserve. Gray Whales have m the beargrated here for thousands of generations for the purpose of giving birth and mating. Over the years, these whales have come to be known as “friendlies” because of their notable behavior approaching our boats, encouraging us to scratch, pet and even sing to them and their newly born calves. Over the years, this has become a regular occurrence only at San Ignacio Lagoon. This unique location is the only Gray Whale birthing lagoon in the world that has been left untouched by industrialization and modern civilization and has a local community striving to keep the lagoon a sacred and protected sanctuary. Our low-impact Ecolodge is a sustainable way to come and experience this life-changing event and interaction with the whales. We are one of the last View booking and trip details here remaining family-owned operators at San Ignacio Lagoon. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff have guided thousands of life-changing adventures.
Our Glorious AFS Itinerary
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MAR 23 – WELCOME TO LORETO, BAJA CA Sur
Everyone flies USA to Loreto Mexico. Details on air, coming in trip tips. Land starts 3 PM March 23. Meet for happy hour today at the hotel for Orientation and Happy Hour at 5pm (check-in available by 3pm, sometimes earlier). This evening is free for you to tour the plaza and have dinner on your own or join our guide at the hotel for a group dinner (dinner not included).
Loreto Seaside Historic Baja Town – The town of Loreto offers a rich mix of Old Mission traditions, adventure driven lifestyles, with a wealth of Mexican Culture. Loreto was the first capital of the Californias, and the historic “Our Lady of Loreto” Mission, located in Loreto’s town square is still open to the public and for daily use. Loreto’s beautiful location is nestled between the Sea of Cortez and the Sierra de la Giganta Mountain range, giving visitors a unique mix between ocean and mountain activities.
Overnight: LA MISON HOTEL– THE ULTIMATE LUXURY IN LORETO
Mar 24: Road Trip to San Ignacio Lagoon
Mar 25-27: Full Days Whale Watching and Other Activities at Campo Cortez Ecolodge
3 full days & nights including 6 whale watching trips. Group led tide-pool exploration, guide presentations after happy hour and home-made tortillas and local meals. Beer/Soda and wine are all included. Experience Whale watching twice daily with total of 6 whale watches to give you the best opportunity to see the whales up-close. After whale watching, simply relax and absorb the ancient unbroken rhythms of the lagoon and its splendid wildlife; wander the shell-strewn beaches; join an afternoon low tide exploration; play games; take a natural history excursion with our guides; or simply relax. All Activities & times will be listed in the Palapa on our Activity Board.
Campo Cortez Our Private Ecolodge – Discover the unparalleled experience offered by Campo Cortez Ecolodge – your gateway to an unforgettable adventure at San Ignacio Lagoon. As a locally owned and operated company, we pride ourselves on our exceptional location, modern amenities, and commitment to sustainable practices. Nestled on the outskirts of civilization, Campo Cortez Ecolodge provides a unique blend of comfort and environmental consciousness. Our off-the-grid community has been powered by solar and wind energy for over 30 years, ensuring a clean and renewable source of power. Constructed using traditional building methods and local materials, our palapa serves as the central gathering point for daily activities and meals.
With our state-of-the-art solar generation system, you’ll have access to 110 AC or 12-volt DC power for all your charging needs. Whether it’s your phone, video camera, or computer, you can conveniently recharge them in the dining palapa or your cabin during the day. Our facilities feature hot showers, flushing marine toilets, and numerous hand washing stations, providing modern comforts in harmony with the surrounding environment. Stay connected with our STARLINK internet service, ensuring you can share your memorable moments and stay in touch with loved ones.
Take advantage of our prime location to explore our trails for walking, hiking, and strolling on the beach. Join our tide-pooling excursions, where you’ll discover fascinating marine life and even try your hand at chocolate clam hunting during our weekly clam and oyster bake.
Daily Ecolodge Schedule: Whale watching is always the highlight of course but walk through a typical day at Campo Cortez to get a feel for what’s in store.
After a restful night’s sleep under an enormous star-filled sky in your private solar-powered cabin, you’ll wake to a spectacular sunrise. Coffee, tea, oatmeal, and yogurt are always available in the dining area by 6:30 am or earlier and Fresh fruit is to follow just before breakfast. By 8:00 am, a hearty, hot breakfast is served, and good conversation amongst other guests is enjoyed. During the mornings, you’ll be able to watch the magic of the tide as coyotes and birds begin feeding in the tidal zone – easily viewable from the dining palapa or the porch of your cabin.
Birds include Brandt Geese, Great Blue and White Herons, Reddish Egrets, Ospreys fishing and Cormorants feeding on sea grass to name but a few. Your first whale-watching trip usually begins around 9:00 am, where we take a short 10-minute boat ride to the designated whale-watching zone for some incredible encounters with mother gray whales and their calves.
Daily itinerary in a nutshell:
- 7:00am Coffee, cereals, fruit
- 8:00am Hot breakfast
- 8:45am Whale watching
- 12:00pm Lunch
- 2:00pm Whale watching
- 5:00pm Happy hour
- 6:00pm Dinner
- 9:00pm Lights out – Palapa
The schedule WILL vary day to day based on tide movements and weather
Ecolodge Activities:
- Guided tide pool exploration & critter hunts
- Naturalist-led excursions & lectures
- Up close whale observation & petting
- Happy hour & incredible sunsets
- Hike to Gray Whale boneyard
- Beach strolling and dark sky constellation gazing
- Bird watching
Our Pangas – one thing we are passionate about is respecting and honoring the whales that come here. Our boat captains are all local residents of San Ignacio Lagoon and each have decades of experience. Why does that matter? Well, maneuvering close to whales and keeping the panga steady and in perfect position is truly an art. They make it look easy but if you observe less experience captains, you can see the difference. We respect the rules of the lagoon to not overcrowded the whales and are considerate of other boats. Not many other camps own their own pangas nor are as conscientious.
Mar 28: Say Goodbye to Campo Cortez and Travel Day back to Loreto
Overnight: LA MISON HOTEL
Mar 29: Farewell and travel home
Buffet Breakfast included at Hotel La Mision. Some guests will stay on and continue their adventure in Loreto on their own or we have a morning shuttle to the airport for individual flights home.
Deposit: $750 (after July 1, 2025 this is non-refundable)
Based on a minimum of 20 participants. (Small group price add $200pp) A $90 Vizcaino Biosphere Fee added. to final invoice. This amount covers tips for the professional guides, assistants, and camp staff, as well as any help you receive during the trip. Single supplement $995 additional. Limited only one in the group.
Not included- International air from USA.
Itineraries are prepared up to a year ahead and things can change. Modifications may be made. All rooms are run of house.
Have you read the Trip Tips yet? Scroll to the top of the page and click the link.
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