Photo Credit: Ally Marsh | Joanne Lasnier | Lee Morgan | Hilary Thompson
Baja Whale Watching Tours
Embark on an unforgettable wildlife adventure with Searcher Natural History Tours on our signature 12-day journey through Baja California, Mexico. Renowned as a premier whale watching destination, Baja California hosts over a dozen whale species, including the friendly gray whales of Laguna San Ignacio and the majestic blue whales—the largest creatures on Earth. With decades of experience in ecotourism and exclusive access to Mexico’s protected areas, we offer unparalleled opportunities to witness nature at its finest. Your ultimate whale-watching experience starts here. Join us!
Departing from San Diego, California
Arriving to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Your 2026 Adventure is Here: Tours Now Available!
- All Meals, Snacks, and Beverages, Including Beer and Wine
- Shared Accommodations in an Air-Conditioned Cabin
- All “Panga” Excursions in Laguna San Ignacio with Local Operators
- All Other Shore Excursions and Water Activities
- Onboard Biologist and Naturalists
- Mexican Tourist Visa and Area Access Fees
- Mexican Conservation Passport to access Natural Protected Areas
“A Life-Changing Experience! Seeing gray whales up close was absolutely magical. The crew was knowledgeable and made the trip unforgettable. I’ll cherish these memories forever!”
“We have thoroughly enjoyed our trip thanks to Team Searcher! This has been one of our most memorable experiences ever. Thank you for having us!”
The wildlife encountered was more than we dreamed of seeing. Staff was so helpful, safety-conscious and polite. We would recommend to anybody that wants to see whales to come on this trip. Thanks for the great experience!
“Your professionalism and humor were much appreciated, your team fantastic, and the whole trip exceeded all expectations. All the whales, dolphins, rays, seals, and sea lions were more than we hoped for. Thank you!”
“Not only did we encounter some truly magnificent wildlife in stunning scenery, but the knowledge and determination of both crew and naturalists to ensure we got as much as possible out of our time with them and their attention to our well-being and safety 24/7 was brilliant!”
12-Day Itinerary
San Diego to Cabo San Lucas
San Diego
Travel to San Diego, CA. Check-in and board Searcher at Fisherman’s Landing between 3:00–7:00 PM. Return by 7:30 PM for the 8:00 PM captain’s orientation. Departure at 10:00 PM.
Ensenada going South
Stop in Ensenada in the morning for Mexican Customs and Immigration Clearance. Spend the day observing wildlife at sea aboard Searcher.
Islas San Benito
Anchor at Islas San Benito with skiff transportation ashore for walking and wildlife observation. Hike to an old lighthouse and observe elephant seals in breeding season, jousting males, nursing pups, and resting females offer excellent wildlife photography. We’ll observe nesting birds such as osprey and ravens, along with unique desert plants. Whale watch while aboard Searcher for remainder of the day.
Laguna San Ignacio
Anchor among the gray whales and make this famous lagoon your home for two days. Whale watch from smaller boats, called pangas, and see the whales up close. Watch mothers care for their calves and marvel at the power and grace of breaching and spy-hopping whales. Explore pristine beaches for shells, blooming plants, and tidal animals, and observe feeding birds in the mangrove channels.
Offshore Bahía Magdalena
Spend the day at sea aboard Searcher, observing different whale species, herds of common dolphins, sea turtles, and pelagic seabirds with the scenic Baja California coastline as a stunning backdrop for wildlife photography.
Offshore Cabo San Lucas
Welcome to Sea of Cortez! Whale watch where humpback whales gather while aboard Searcher for the morning. Humpback whales are very acrobatic, spectacular to observe, and great for photography. In the afternoon stop at a beach nearby for birding and a snorkel session. NOTE: If the Whale Shark Encounter at Bahia La Paz is available, the remainder of the itinerary may occur in a different order.
Isla San José
Arrive to La Paz area to observe the area’s whale sharks and participate in the optional Whale Shark Encounter. Then we travel to Los Islotes, two islets and underwater rocky reefs used by sea lions as haul-out sites. Skiff rides around the islets give great views of the sea lions, fishes and invertebrates along the reefs, and nesting boobies and other birds. Or dive in for some great snorkeling. Then there’s time to whale watch offshore for blue, fin, or other whales.
Isla San José
Skiff rides and snorkeling at Isla San José/Los Islotes. Visit one of Baja California’s premier islands with giant cardón and barrel cacti and stunning scenery. Go ashore for a botanical walk in a vast arroyo, snorkel in clear waters, and whale watch for blue whales, fin whales, and other whales.
Mainland
Morning walk and snorkeling session in mainland. Whale watch while aboard Searcher for remainder of the day.
Isla San Francisco
We’ll stop at this small island with a beautiful sandy beach to explore sand dune community and snorkel in an area where Cortez Garden eels are found. This island has beautiful desert plants, and an early morning walk is an enjoyable option. Bird life is abundant too.
Again, we’ll spend time aboard Searcher for the afternoon whale watching in this productive area while we’re headed South.
Cabo San Lucas
Disembark Searcher in Cabo San Lucas early morning. Transfer to Los Cabos (also called San José del Cabo) airport for return flights, or head downtown to a hotel in Cabo San Lucas or San José del Cabo (recommended) on your own. Arrange flights after 12:00 PM.
Tour Videos
Extend Your Holiday
After leaving Searcher in Cabo San Lucas at tour’s end, why not enjoy some relaxation in the Mexican town of San Jose del Cabo?
- Enjoy San Jose’s charming hotels with outdoor patios, wine bars, coffee bars (try Cafe Calafia) and restaurants (try Casa Natalia)
- Peruse art galleries and shops for souvenirs, jewelry, and local art work. Visit Cabo 8 gallery on Obregon.
- Taste delicious Mexican fare and Baja’s famous beer, wine and margaritas.
- Bird and enjoy the quiet of nature at a nearby estuary, or join a birding tour to search for Cape region endemics with local experts.
A review of Birding Los Cabos from our guests:
Maria Elena Muriel is an excellent, experienced, birder/guide and we would highly recommend using her services. The company is committed to promoting birding activities in the region in order to protect their habitats, especially that of endemic species. -Phil & Gill Moss U.K.
