Baja Mexico | Gray Whales and Desert Trails with Marin Nature Adventures

Upon arrival at Loreto International Airport, you'll be met and transferred the short distance to Hotel La Mission. The quaint town of Loreto was the first Spanish colonial settlement in Baja, established 1697. The city centers around the very first mission church, still standing today. Together we'll stroll through the town and along the waterfront before we welcome dinner and orientation to the exciting days ahead.

Our first boat tour of the trip is on the azure waters of the Loreto Bay National Marine Park. We'll gently motor around dramatic Coronado Island observing a colony of sea lions, with good chances to see Bottlenose Dolphins and Blue-footed Boobies. We'll stretch our legs on an island trail, then return to Loreto for lunch at La Palapa. During our four-hour drive to San Ignacio, we'll stop briefly to stretch at a mangrove beach. San Ignacio is a genuine oasis in the middle of the Baja Californian desert. Buffet dinner tonight.

After breakfast we'll travel through the El Vizacaino Biosphere Reserve, to spend the day observing Gray Whales in Laguna Ojo de Liebre (Scammon's Lagoon). This lagoon is the largest of three lagoons in Baja where most Gray Whales give birth and breed after their migration down the Pacific Coast from Alaska. Sharon & Kevin will teach the fascinating natural history of these migratory whales and interpret their behaviors as we enjoy morning and afternoon whale watching excursions. After a full day at the lagoon, we'll backtrack to the delightful Ignacio Springs B&B.

Today we drive across a strikingly beautiful open stretch of desert and a salty mudflat to reach Laguna San Ignacio Lagoon, a smaller lagoon but intact in its natural state. Aboard sturdy pangas operated by Mexican fisherman, we will seek additional close encounters with the graceful Gray Whales. After a hot lunch served at the lagoon, enjoy an hour or so walking/birding before returning to the pangas for an afternoon excursion with the whales. Dinner at La Huerta Restaurant.

Relax and enjoy the shaded Ignacio Springs property or choose to visit a local home near the tree-filled central plaza for a tortilla making demonstration and visit the mission church. Returning through the desert to Loreto, we'll have lunch with a view of Volcán Tres Virgenes, one of the tallest peaks on the peninsula. Kevin & Sharon will lead a short hike through the cactus desert. Special Farewell dinner this evening.

Early risers will experience a spectacular sunrise over the Sea of Cortez before breakfast. Catch your return flight from Loreto Airport or consider extending your stay for additional days of Baja bliss.