If you’re a Nature Lover who seeks insight from Animal Wisdom, who’s Young at Heart and is ready to revel in the Magic of Playfulness, then join me for a Life-Changing Experience where the Friendly Whales of Baja, as our Teachers, inspire us to Trust, to Play, and to Live in the Now.

What can you expect to experience if you come spend six unforgettable days with us, surrounded by Pristine Nature, where the Wild West meets the Pacific Coast?

• You’ll experience the REAL Baja Sur and participate in community-based projects that help preserve local ecosystems and livelihoods.

• You’ll frolic with the Friendly Whales of Baja, immersing yourself in the NOW through the Poetry of PLAY, loving each moment for what it is.

• You’ll visit remote, stunning, one-of-a-kind landscapes that are filled with unique, protected biodiversity and feel like you have it all to yourself.

• Through channeling the True Teachers—Nature, Animals, and your Inner Child—you’ll unlock your soul’s innate genius and sense of spirit so you can remember how to live freely and unapologetically.

• You’ll meet likeminded people that understand how everything in this world is connected and that value the importance of SOLIDARITY.

Let’s Go!

The San Ignacio Lagoon is the ONLY undeveloped protected Gray Whale breeding and birthing ground in the World!

Pacific Gray Whales were hunted by whalers to near-extinction three different times, which put them on the defensive for decades when it came to sharing their lagoon with humans.

Our gracious hosts at the San Ignacio Lagoon were the first local fisherman family to brave a friendly whale interaction in the Baja lagoon in 1972. By the end of the day their father was rubbing and scratching the whale’s head and belly like a giant water dog!

He was dubbed “The Grandfather of the Whales”, and today his family works as a team to keep his legacy alive. They’ve been introducing new friends to their cetacean family, with utmost respect, ever since. 

Come meet San Ignacio’s Graciously Friendly Whales and their Playful Calves with us! You’ll be supporting a very important sustainable ecotourism movement piloted by resilient local families that care deeply about making your experience unforgettable.

You’ll be received by our host family with great vibes and an authentic desire to share their world with you. They’ve converted their land into a rustic and spacious eco-camp, complete with seven solar-powered coastline cabañas, dry (sawdust) composting toilets, and an Earthship Gathering Center built using recycled materials and earth plaster. 

• Three cabañas sleep two people and have a shared bath
• Four cabañas sleep two to three people and have private baths
• Each of the seven cabañas’ lagoon-facing walls have oversized windows so that you can lose yourself as you gaze at the tranquil waters from the comfort of your bed.

You’ll appreciate the simplicity, spaciousness, and comfort of the layout, whose minimalist-yet-personable design accentuates the raw and pristine essence of the surrounding wilderness. Taking care of the land and leaving minimal impact is of utmost importance. 

The dry sawdust composting toilets are a responsible (and odorless!) ecological choice. Water is a scarce commodity in the desert. The fresh sawdust gives the baños a pleasant woodshop fragrance and helps with the natural process of returning everything to the earth over time. 

The Earthship Gathering Center is the hub of the land, and it’s where you’ll most likely be found when you’re not out playing with whales. Here you’ll enjoy meals, drinks, trade whale tales with camp staff and visitors alike, peruse the natural history library, and watch the most spectacular sunsets over the water every evening. 

We’ll spend the majority of our journey in rural areas enjoying locally sourced food prepared by local families who know how to cook with love, meaning you won’t find fresher ingredients or more mind-blowing meals around.

Prepare to eat locally caught seasonal fish, harvested lagoon shellfish, sizzling chiles rellenos, mind-blowing guacamole appetizers, the zestiest house made salsas you’ve ever sampled, and more surprises!

Other typical regional dishes include Machaca Burritos (traditional dehydrated meat that’s rehydrated when sautéed with vegetables), Chilaquiles (a breakfast dish with softened corn tortilla strips, eggs, and beans),fish and shrimp tacos, date pie, date bread, rice, beans, and homemade tortillas (both corn and flour). 

Are you vegetarian, pescatarian, vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, or have any other dietary needs? No problem! Please let us know if that’s you when you register so we can let our hosts know in advance.

EL VIZCAINO BIOSPHSERE RESERVE 

We’ll be crossing the very expansive and diverse Vizcaino Biosphere Reserve, which stretches all the way across the peninsula–from the Gulf of California to the Pacific coast.

Along our journey, we’ll travel through marine, coastal, desert, and mountainous ecosystems, visiting Magical Pueblos, Oasis Towns, and Fishing Villages along both coastlines. 

You’ll meet resilient communities dedicated to the conservation of their beautiful land and traditional ways of life. You’ll also find a great abundance and variety of flora and fauna, much of which is endemic and endangered, including over 400 plant species, hundreds of migratory bird species, 64 mammal species, and of course—the Kings and Queens of our destination—The Majestic Gray Whales.

*Order of activities/dates may be subject to change

Day 1: ARRIVE TO LORETO*

Our journey begins with your arrival into the magical coastal town of Loreto, one of Mexico’s designated Pueblos Mágicos.

The backdrop will stun you: Loreto is situated where the beautiful blue gulf waters meet the surrounding Sierra de la Giganta mountains and the burnt-orange mystical Sonoran desert. 

We’ll be there to receive you at the airport, and once we’re all together, we’ll have a light meal and have our first in-person check-in. Then we’ll drive across to the San Ignacio Lagoon, check into our lodging, and gather for dinner.

* if you would like to come earlier or stay later for some additional exploring, please contact me for more information regarding additional excursions, private tours, extended lodging, or travel planning ideas.

Day 2, 3, 4: SAN IGNACIO LAGOON

As we continue towards the Pacific coast, the terrain gives way to an expansive, pastel desert horizon made of shimmering salt flats.

A sense of awe will overcome you as the San Ignacio Lagoon—the only undeveloped protected Gray Whale breeding ground in the world—comes into view.

The Lagoon is also home to four species of endangered marine sea turtles (Leatherback, Olive Ripleys, Green, and Hawksbill), Bottlenose Dolphins, California Sea Lions, Harbor Seals, and many species of seabirds such as Reddish Egrets, White Ibis, Elegant Terns, Brant Geese, Ospreys, and more!

We’ll spend three full days on the water, hanging out with the magnificent gray whales in the San Ignacio Lagoon–their winter breeding and birthing grounds.

These famously ‘friendly’ 45-foot long whales and their calves are curious creatures and enjoy checking out humans that come to visit their sanctuary.

In addition to their spy-hopping and breaching behavior, they may approach our boats to eyeball us, trade splashes with us, and in some instances even receive pets or kisses from us.

Commune With Gray Whales in Baja California

Day 5: SAN IGNACIO TOWN / BAHIA CONCEPCION / LORETO

A welcoming site, the lush, green, volcanic oasis town of San Ignacio is the birthplace of one of the only rivers of Baja Sur.

San Ignacio is called Kadakaamán in the native Cochimí language, which is believed to mean “Red Grass River”.

You’ll appreciate the zen pace of life as you reintegrate after having communed with whales in Nature for a few days. Step into the laid back plaza, shaded by the leafy canopy of magnificent trees, and accept the town’s invitation to pause and just…BE.

After three whale-filled days at the San Ignacio Lagoon, we’ll say goodbye and head back to the oasis town of San Ignacio after breakfast. We’ll visit the plaza, the Mission, and the Cave Art Museum. Then we’ll head to the Gulf of California coastline, stopping in la Bahia Concepción for some food and drinks on a stunning beach, where life is as it’s been for half a century.

In the late afternoon we’ll make our way back to Loreto, check into our lodging, and have a farewell dinner and a closing check-in.

Day 6: DEPART FROM LORETO* (OR OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES)

After breakfast, you’ll have this half day to spend as you please:

Explore the historic town, go souvenir shopping, hang out at the beach….

OR

Embark on a 4 to 5-hour excursion through Loreto Bay National Marine Park in search of the largest mammal on earth: The Blue Whale** (additional costs apply).

*if you would like to come earlier or stay later for some additional exploring, please contact me for more information regarding additional excursions or travel planning ideas.

**This excursion will return to Loreto between 1 and 2 pm. Plan your flights accordingly. If you would like to stay in Loreto for another night and want help coordinating logistics, please contact me.

Want to Experience MORE Close Encounters with Mega Marine Fauna amidst Paradisiacal Landscapes?

Say YES to our journey’s extension to La Paz and the Gulf of California, the World’s Living Aquarium, and LIVE ALL OF IT:

• Snorkel alongside 45-foot long Whale Sharks as these Gentle Giants glide serenely through the warm coastal waters, feeding on plankton.
• Frolic in the Sea with Playful Sea Lions as they zip and dance all around you while you snorkel off the islands they inhabit.
• Cheer on Breaching Humpback Whales from your Sunset Catamaran Cruise with sorbet colors reflecting off the sea as your backdrop.

For those joining us on the extension, we’ll make our way from Loreto to La Paz (approximately 5 hour drive) where we’ll spend an additional 4 days and 3 nights immersing ourselves even deeper into the Magical Big Blue Realm. You’ll be brimming with joy and rejuvenation by the time you head home.

*Additional costs apply.
Please note: You must book your return flight from La Paz International Airport (LAP) instead of from Loreto. Contact me if you would like help with this.

1. Our small group size!
2. The San Ignacio Lagoon is the ONLY undeveloped protected breeding ground for Gray Whales IN THE WORLD.
3. The boats we’ll ride are small (21-23 feet long) and seat a maximum of 8-10 passengers. Mama Whales are 45 feet long. ‘Intimate Experience with Whales’ is an understatement.
4. You’ll never forget the first time you gaze into a whale’s eye … and realize they’re gazing right back into yours.
5. Our host family were the FIRST lagoon residents to make friends and play with the whales. They grew up sharing their home and introducing their whale friends to visitors since the 1970s.
6. Have you ever eaten fresh, hand-harvested oysters? Hatchet scallop? Fresh dates?
7. Have you ever had an opportunity to kiss a whale before?
8. You’ll be supporting a sustainable ecotourism movement piloted by local families that care deeply about making your experience unforgettable!

Every Winter I migrate to the San Ignacio Lagoon, same as the whales. I get to see old whale tails, meet new whale faces, and watch the little ones grow until they are big and strong enough to embark on their Northern Migration in the Spring.

I’ve been collaborating with the San Ignacio Lagoon community since 2016. Human impact and climate change have altered the ecology and their livelihoods, and I’m truly inspired by the exemplary resilience and leadership they show in turning things around and forging ahead. For their sake, for the Whale’s sake, and for Mother Earth’s sake.

I’m proud to consider myself a collaborator, liaison, and an extended part of their family.

A Baja Native, Pichi Pangui (pronounced Peachy Pan-ghee) is much more than a tough little terrier mutt. She’s a big, smiling heart with four legs and a tail.

She is very friendly, intelligent, perceptive, and gets on with all sorts of animals—two legged, four legged, no legged. She is very helpful in opening hearts and offering comfort, and she works as a Therapy Dog when she’s not out exploring the world.

As Chief Fun Officer, Pichi Pangui will make sure everybody is feeling alright, feeling present and not too much in their heads. She’s open for Therapy Sessions during our time together if you need some one-on-one with her.

Choose your room type:
$2795 USD Double or Triple Occupancy
$3515 USD Single Occupancy (limited single rooms available)

Send me a message indicating your desired room type and payment method preference for your nonrefundable deposit:

• Zelle
• Paypal
• Venmo
• Check or Money Order

YOUR NEW WHALE FRIENDS WILL BE SO EXCITED TO MEET YOU

• A $795 non-refundable Deposit is required at time of registration.
• Your Reservation is not confirmed until your Deposit has been received.
• Your Balance is due by December 15, 2022.
• Any cancellation made between December 15 and January 15 will result in a loss of 50% of the trip price.
• Any cancellation made between January 15, 2023 and the trip departure will result in a total loss of funds. 
• We reserve the right to cancel the trip if it does not meet the trip minimum. If we do so your deposit will be refunded in full. 
• We recommend Trip Cancellation Insurance whenever making travel plans. You can use our suggested Travel Guard Insurance online and choose from several policy options.