LORETO BLUE WHALE EXPEDITION

BAJA CALIFORNIA SUR

INQUIRY

Included: 1 expeditions, 1 local certified captain, 2 expert bilingual guides, light breakfast and lunch, expedition gear, and high-quality photography.

DURATION:

7 to 8 hours

LOCATION:

Loreto, BCS

SEASON:

Jan to April

Price per person:

$4,000 MXN / $225 USD

Every winter, the legendary Blue Whale graces the nutrient-rich waters of Loreto and the Gulf of California, engaging in feeding, mating, socializing, giving birth, and nurturing. Embark on an extended whale-watching adventure for a remarkable encounter with one of the most magnificent giants of the ocean.

Our expeditions last eight hours, offering ample time to traverse a broad expanse of sea and increasing the chances of spotting Blue Whales, Fin Whales, Hybrid whales, Humpback Whales, and both common and bottlenose Dolphins, among other marine species.

During this wildlife long range expedition, we'll journey up to 100 miles from Loreto's marine national park, delving into the offshore waters and islands in pursuit of blue whales and other cetaceans.

Our Blue Whale tours set sail from the marina in Loreto.

We are collaborating with researcher Mario A. Pardo from CONAHCYT-CICESE to analyze data concerning the distribution of cetaceans within Bahía de Loreto National Park. This initiative aims to enhance the management of these species in protected natural areas and to develop effective management plans and conservation strategies.During our expeditions, we will collect data using a structured form, which will subsequently be analyzed by Mario and his team. This engagement allows participants to actively contribute to citizen science throughout the expedition, fostering a deeper understanding of marine ecosystems and conservation efforts.

ABOUT THE EXPEDITION

BIODIVERSITY + LANDSCAPE

Blue whale expedition:
- Expert Guides: Navigate confidently with the assistance of two seasoned bilingual professionals.
- Snacks & Lunch: Enjoy included healthy snacks and lunch to keep you energized throughout the day.
- Safety Measures: Remain secure with provided emergency kits and a satellite phone.
- Expedition Gear: Explore comfortably with binoculars, hydrophone, fins, snorkel, and mask, along with an ultralight towel, a personal box lunch, and a water mug and blankets.
- Small Group: Experience a more intimate adventure with a maximum of 8 participants.
- High-Quality Photos: Receive professional photos capturing the highlights of your expedition.
- Citizen science: Participants will collect data through observations and forms, contributing to citizen science and aiding researchers in marine conservation efforts and the development of new management plans.
Departure Time: Subject to weather conditions
Departure: Loreto Marina
Duration: 7 to 8-hour expedition around the National Park
Lunch on the boat or on a island subject to weather conditions and interactions.
Return: Back to Loreto Marina
Whales: Blue whales, Humpback whales, Fin whales , Bryde’s whales, and hybrids.
Dolphins: Common and bottlenose
Pinnipeds : California Sea Lions
Top Predators: Orcas, false killer whales and sperm whales
Sea Birds: Osprey, pelicans, cormorants, herons. egrets, blue footed booby.
- Comfortable expedition Mexican super panga with WC
- National park fees
- Light breakfast, snacks & lunch
- 2 Experienced certified guides
- Expedition gear : Hydrophone, binoculars, ultra, light towel, personal aluminum water mug.
- Emergency kit & satellite phone
- Courtesy photos of the expedition
- Airfare
- Airport transfers
- Wetsuit
- Crew gratuity
- Swimming Skills: Not required for our whale watching expeditions.
- Local Law Compliance: Local law (NOM 131) prohibits snorkeling or freediving with whales, but we offer opportunities to interact with other species if conditions and laws allow.
- Whale Watching Focus: About 75% of the expedition is dedicated to whale watching. Sometimes in sunny days we snorkel in some coastal areas.
- Recommended Swimming Skills: Good swimming skills in the open ocean are recommended if you wish to snorkel or freedive when the option is available.
- Comfort on the Boat: Participants should be comfortable spending long days on a boat.
- Remote Locations: Comfort in remote locations is essential for an enjoyable experience.
- Hat & sunglasses
- Rash-guard / windbraker / jacket
- Warm clothes
- Biodegradable sunscreen
- Cameras
By Plane: Loreto Airport (LTO)
Alaska Airlines
- Route
  : Los Angeles - Loreto
  Frequency
  : 4 Flights/Week (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday)
- Route
  : San Francisco - Loreto
  Frequency
  : 1 Flight/Week (Saturday)
American Airlines
- Route
  : Phoenix - Loreto
  Frequency
  : 3 Flights/Week (Monday, Thursday, Saturday)
- Route
  : Dallas - Loreto
  Frequency
  : 1 Flight/Week (Saturday)
WestJet
- Route
  : Calgary - Loreto
  Frequency
  : 1 Flight/Week (Tuesday)
Aerocalafia
- Route
  : Tijuana - Loreto
  Frequency
  : 2 Flights/Week (Monday & Friday)
- Route
  : La Paz - Loreto
  Frequency
  : 2 Flights/Week (Monday & Friday)
Volaris
- Route
  : Tijuana - Loreto
  Frequency
  : 2 Flights/Week (Sunday & Thursday)
- Route
  : Guadalajara - Loreto
  Frequency
  : 2 Flights/Week
By Bus
Two main bus lines operate from Tijuana to Los Cabos:
- Aguila
  www.autotransportesaguila.com
- ABC
  www.abc.com.mx
By Car
- Los Cabos to Loreto
  : 5 hours 30 minutes (333.6 miles)
- La Paz to Loreto
  : 3 hours 30 minutes (221.2 miles)
- Tijuana to Loreto
  : 12 hours 30 minutes (693.4 miles)
Other Options
You can also consider flying into La Paz or Cabo San Lucas airports, which are relatively close to Loreto.