Baja Ultimate Whale Safari 2024

BAJA ULTIMATE WHALE SAFARI 2024

Join us in February/ March 2024 and discover some of Mexico’s biggest marine mammals.

Why Join This Trip?

• Complete adventure itinerary that allows you to discover some of Mexico’s biggest marine mammals.
• Opportunity to swim with whale sharks at El Mogete in La Paz.
• Opportunity to snorkel with sea lions at Los Islotes in Espiritu Santo Island
• Enjoy luxurious accommodations at Marea Boutique Hotel and aboard the Nautilus Gallant Lady
• Experience luxury glamping accommodation in San Ignacio Bay

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Trip Overview

Baja Ultimate Whale Safari is a complete adventure that allows you to discover some of Mexico’s biggest marine mammals. Starting your trip in the Sea of Cortez, with the help of a spotter plane you spend several days tracking blue whales as they follow plankton blooms through the Sea of Cortez to congregate, mate, and breed. While blue whales are the stars of this journey, there's a plethora of other incredible wildlife to discover, including fin whales, humpback whales, super pods of dolphins, and if you're lucky, sperm whales.  This adventure also gives you the opportunity to swim with the whale sharks at El Mogote in La Paz and snorkel with sea lions at Los Islotes in Espiritu Santo Island.

After four days and three nights in the sea of Cortez on a luxury expedition vessel, your adventure continues in San Ignacio Lagoon, where you will spend two full days getting up close and personal with the friendly gray whales. The Laguna San Ignacio is the last remaining virgin lagoon for the world's reproduction and calving of gray whales. This is the only place in the world where gray whales come close to humans! Wonderfully remote, but only two hours from Cabo San Lucas, you will travel there by private plane and spend three nights in luxury glamping accommodation.

Check out these amazing videos to learn more!

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Marine Life to Photograph

The biodiversity between the Northern and Southern Sea of Cortez is incredible. The sea life we witness on the surface from the boat, dinghies or snorkeling is fantastic. There's potential to see dolphins, sea lions, pilot, humpback, blue, fin, sei, orca, and sperm whales. Also, flying mantas, blue and brown-footed boobies, cormorants, frigate birds, and the endemic yellow-footed gull.

Diving Conditions in February/March

Average water temperatures in February/March are in the low to mid-80s. A full 3mm wetsuit is recommended. Although the conditions in the Sea of Cortez are mostly calm, there are times that the sea is rough. Please be prepared for this type of situation and bring sea sickness medication if necessary.

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Inclusions

• 1-nights accommodation at the Marea Boutique Hotel in La Paz, double occupancy
• 3-nights accommodation aboard the Nautilus Gallant Lady, double occupancy
• 3-nights luxury glamping accommodation in San Ignacio Bay, double occupancy
• 5-hour whale watching day trip around Cabo
• 1/2 day whale shark snorkeling in La Paz
• 1/2 day sea lion snorkeling in la Paz (certified divers have the option to dive)
• 2 full days searching for blue whales in Loreto National Park
• 2 full days of grey whale encounters in San Ignacio Bay
• All meals, from lunch on day 1 to breakfast on day 8
• Airport transfers between SJD and trip start/end point
• All road transfers between venues during the trip
• Private group charter flights between San Ignacio Bay and Cabo
• Airplane spotter to assist with whale sightings
• Educational presentations from local experts

Exclusions

• $35 USD port/park fees payable in cash on arrival
• [MANDATORY] Trip insurance with medical evacuation cover
• Crew gratuities
• Alcoholic beverages

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Trip Type

This trip is a PHOTO GROUP TRIP. It will be led by a professional or experienced photographer who will be happy to provide advice and guidance on all elements of your photography as required. The logistics of this trip mean that formal photography tutorials and workshops are not practical. 

What to expect from our Photo Group Trips

• Photography support - Your trip leader will ensure that they spend time with everyone throughout the trip, providing advice and guidance on all elements of photography. If you have specific questions about your equipment, shot composition, or post-processing, they will be happy to support you.
• Quality time with fellow photographers - You will meet like-minded divers or travelers with a passion for photography. Newer photographers will benefit from the experience of more advanced shooters, and those with experience can share their advice and tips with the group. 
• Suitable for everyone - New and experienced photographers are welcome on all our trips. Gain the necessary skills to start shooting great photos, increase your confidence in finding the best underwater shots, or hone specific skills. We also encourage non-photographers to join, and do our best to split groups according to skills and interests. 

Enjoy free,  unlimited access to a wealth of knowledge and advice from your photo instructor.

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Trip Schedule

This is a sample itinerary, subject to weather and other conditions.

• Day 1 - Arrive into San Jose del Cab and Ocean Safari
• Guests flying into SJD will be picked up by group transport and meet the rest of the group at Hotel el Ganzo. Get straight out on the water with a 5-hr ocean safari, including lunch. Afterwards a luxury coach transfers you to La Paz for hotel check-in and dinner. 
• Day 2 - Whale Sharks, Sea Lions, and Nautilus Gallant Lady 
• Breakfast at the hotel. Swimming with whale sharks in the morning and Espiritu Santo Island adventures with sea lions in the afternoon. Guests with a diving certification can scuba dive with the sea lions if they wish. Lunch on the water or beachfront. Mangrove exploration, kayaking, and shore hikes also available. Late afternoon, board the Gallant Lady expedition yacht. Cocktail hour and dinner on the Nautilus Gallant Lady. Briefing. Set sail for the Mechudo Corridor.
• Days 3 - 4 - Explore the Mechudo Corridor with the help of a spotter plane
• The Mechudo Corridor is alive with whales! Whale watching and exploration as far north as Loreto National Park. Blue and fin whales, plus humpbacks and often mega pods of dolphins. We’ll also be on the lookout for orcas and sperm 
• whales. The airplane spotter will guide the boat to the hottest action. Where possible, guests can swim with dolphins and various marine life, and enjoy the whales from the boat.
• Day 5 - Transfer to San Ignacio Lagoon via Private Flight
• Morning private aircraft charter flight to San Ignacio Lagoon. You will be greeted with a tray of champagne after your 1 hour 55-minute flight to camp and if you want, head out right away for your first whale encounters. You’ll be on the water with the friendliest whales on the planet.
• Days 6 - 7 - Gray Whales and more Gray Whales - Encounters and Interactions 
• Your choice of three whale encounter sessions a day (weather and park capacity control permitting) or enjoy being in camp. Hiking, walking, mountain bikes, bird watching, or visit the dazzling white salt flats. Evening presentations by a naturalist.
• Day 8 - Gray Whales and Transfer to San Jose del Cabo
• Early breakfast—one last morning of gray whale encounters and then a private aircraft charter back to San Jose del Cabo, arriving early evening.

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About The Nautilus Gallant Lady Liveaboard

Nautilus Gallant Lady is a 116-foot yacht that accommodates just 12 guests in 6 large suites. This beautiful ship combines the luxury of a Broward motor yacht with a thoughtful liveaboard dive boat design. The Lady is available for private charters in the Sea of Cortez, as well as scheduled trips to Bahía de los Ángeles whale sharks or Cabo Pulmo marine park and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Superior Suite (LEFT) & Premium Suite (RIGHT)

Nautilus Gallant Lady Cabin Details

Superior Suites - Inde, Dofleini, Rosario, Nautilus & Swell
2 superior suites are located on the main deck and 3 are located on the lower deck. 4 of the suites can be configured with either a California king bed or two doubles, and each suite has a private ensuite bathroom with a shower. All suites have individually controlled A/C.

 
Premium Suite - Emerald
This spacious premium suite is on the lower deck and can be configured with either a California king bed or 2 doubles. It has its own private ensuite bathroom with a full-size bathtub.

Check this page to see more details and customer reviews on the Nautilus Gallant Lady Liveaboard.

Check out this amazing video from Nautilus Dive Adventures.

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About The Trip Leader

Flight Information

Guests should fly in and out of San Jose del Cabo International Airport (SJD), arriving no later than 10am on February 24. Group transport will depart the airport at 10.30am. If you choose to arrive the day before, we recommend staying at Hotel El Ganzo as this is the starting point for the trip. If you make other arrangements, please meet the group at Hotel El Ganzo no later than 11am on February 24.

Departure flights should be made after 8pm on March 2. The charter flight will return from San Ignacio Bay as late as 6pm, so we recommend staying overnight in Cabo and departing the following morning. 

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Payment Schedule

• Deposit: $1,000
• Payment 2:  $2,000 1 May 23
• Balance: 1 Dec 23

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WANT TO EXTEND YOUR TRIP?

We can help with that! See more of Mexico before or after your trip with Bluewater in Baja. Flying all that way merits a multi-destination vacation! La Paz is an amazing destination nearby that offers a range of additional unique experiences. Here are some examples of packages we can add on to your trip reservation:

*Rates are subject to change at any time; please contact us for the most updated pricing. 

7 NIGHTS AT THE 5 STAR COSTA BAJA RESORT & SPA

Price: Starting at $2,087 per person based upon double occupancy.

The Hotel CostaBaja Resort & Spa is the first and only luxury hotel & spa in the city of La Paz. This boutique hotel offers a selection of ocean, mountain, and marina views. North of the hotel is Espiritu Santo Island, where you will find the greatest marine life in the world and the best sport fishing within Baja Sur.

• 7 nights in a king or twin room
• Full buffet breakfasts
• 5 days of 3 tank dives
• Lunches & drinks on the boat
• National park permit fees 
• Roundtrip Cabo transfers
• Free WiFi: Yes
• Swimming Pool: Yes

Costa Baja Resort & Spa

7 NIGHTS AT THE 3 STAR LA CONCHA BEACH RESORT

Price: Starting at $1,803 per person based upon double occupancy.

A beach resort offering a peaceful and mellow atmosphere on the Sea of Cortez. Over a hundred sea view rooms are featured in La Concha Beach Resort. Located in front of the ocean and with a full view of the beach and pool, the accommodations include essential details to luxury amenities.

• 7 nights in a king or twin sea view room
• Full American breakfasts
• 5 days of 3 tank dives
• Lunches & drinks on the boat
• National park permit fees
• Roundtrip Cabo transfers
• Free WiFi: Yes
• Swimming Pool: Yes

La Concha Beach Resort

7 NIGHTS AT THE 4 STAR HOTEL CATEDRAL 

Price: Starting at $1,670 per person based upon double occupancy.

Hotel Catedral La Paz is a new concept of accommodation to suit the needs of today's travelers. It is part of the historic center of the city, surrounded by major attractions next to Our Cathedral Lady of La Paz. With its sophisticated contemporary modernist architecture, Hotel Catedral La Paz focuses on every detail to offer its guests an excellent service and quality, both in the rooms and its gourmet restaurant.

• 7 nights in a king or twin sea view room
• Full breakfasts
• 5 days of 3 tank dives
• Lunches & drinks on the boat
• National park permit fees
• Roundtrip Cabo transfers
• Free WiFi: Yes
• Swimming Pool: Yes

Hotel Catedral La Paz

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Photo Gallery 

Images courtesy of Nautilus Gallant Lady.

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