Frequently Asked Questions

Gray Whales are typically present at San Ignacio Lagoon from mid-January through early April.

Anytime from late January through early April can be excellent. We schedule our guided trips from early February through late March, during the heart of the Gray Whale season.

You are best off to join one of our guided trips that takes advantage of the best dates during the Gray Whale Migration. Anytime from the first week in February till the first week of April is what we call the bulk duration of the migration to San Ignacio Lagoon.

The number of Gray Whales in San Ignacio Lagoon changes throughout the season as whales arrive, give birth and begin their northward migration. Every visit is different, which is part of what makes the experience so special.

That is always the whale's choice. Some Gray Whales voluntarily approach the boats, while others keep their distance. Up close interactions are common in San Ignacio Lagoon.

Many of our guests enjoy a variety of close encounters with the Gray Whales. Some whales come close enough to touch, while others swim alongside the boat, look up at guests or linger nearby. Not every encounter includes touching, but seeing these magnificent whales up close is an unforgettable experience.

The Gray Whales often show a natural curiosity toward the boats and may swim alongside them or come closer for a visit. Our experienced captains know the lagoon and its whales well and provide guests with wonderful close-up encounters while treating the whales with care and respect.

Yes. Whale watching takes place only during designated operating hours and in authorized areas of the lagoon. Other areas remain protected from whale-watching activity, giving the whales space away from the boats.

We provide two whale-watching outings each day, with each outing lasting approximately two hours. Lagoon regulations allow boats to spend up to 90 minutes in the whale observation area. Campo Cortez is ideally located only about a 15-minute boat ride from the observation area, which means less time in transit and more time enjoying the whale-watching experience.

Our Ecolodge is ideally situated only a few minutes ride from the mouth of the lagoon and the designated whale watching area. We have a unique location that allows us a short boat ride to the whale watching area and a break from the wind.

See the "lagoon map" for details.

Two daily outings provide a comfortable and responsible whale-watching schedule while allowing time for lunch, changing weather and wind conditions, and the applicable operating rules. This schedule helps us provide a rewarding experience without rushing the day.

We are locally established, owned and operated. At Campo Cortez you are amongst a family that not only works at the Ecolodge, but also are the owner-operators. That said, all of the camps offer a wonderful atmosphere and you will not be disappointed with any choice of operators at San Ignacio Lagoon.

Our hospitality, local ownership and operation, and permanently based, solar-powered ecolodge set us apart. Campo Cortez offers comfortable beds and fresh linens and is located on a mangrove estuary with whale watching at your doorstep. Kayaking is also available when conditions allow.

We added this question after asking returning guests why they choose to stay with us and what makes us different. The most common answers are: Solar Cabins that offer protection during strong winds. Our location: a short ride to the whale watching area and this is a major factor when the wind comes up in the lagoon. We take pride in offering a clean experience at our Ecolodge…bathrooms with real flushing toilets and showers with running water. The comment that sums it up best "people that aren't campers are comfortable".

Yes. When conditions allow, guests may have an opportunity to kayak in the mangrove estuary and observe its birdlife. We also have a unique tidal flat where our guides may lead tide-pool explorations to look for octopuses and other tidal creatures, including a clam hunt when the tide is right. Activities depend on tides, weather and operating conditions.

Yes, passports are required for travel to Mexico. Please make sure your passport is valid and current before your trip.

Yes, but additional documentation may be required when a minor travels with only one parent or with a guardian. We recommend carrying a consent letter from the absent parent or parents and confirming whether it must be notarized. Please check the current requirements with the appropriate government authorities and your airline before traveling.

There are no minimum age requirements. Most children from ages 7 and up will have a great experience at camp.

Yes, we encourage you to offer this experience to your children. We offer discounts for children and it's an amazing introduction to the marine environment for them.

Yes! We welcome guests of all ages, and there is no age restriction for going out on the boats. We have a few specific requirements for families traveling with infants, so please contact us for details. If you would like additional assistance, we may also be able to arrange a camp nanny with advance notice.

Yes, check with our office for the latest details for discounts.

Yes, you just need to contact our office for details on our agent incentives as well as "operator" discounts - for those operators that book the entire camp or organize their own groups and trips.

Typically on any given trip we have between 12 and 26 guests.

Our camp's normal capacity is setup for 26 guests, however for special events and private groups/organizations, we can handle up to 40 guests.

Our normal boat capacity is 10 guests per boat. Typically we have six to eight guests on each boat.

We recommend a minimum stay of two days at the lagoon. This gives you more time to experience the Gray Whales and provides some flexibility in case weather affects the whale-watching schedule.

Unfortunately no. As dog lovers ourselves, we had allowed pets in camp. However, the park now has restrictions and we can no longer allow pets at the camp.

Cell Service: Yes, we now have a cellular booster antenna at the Ecolodge. In order for your cell phone to work, you should call your carrier to get a Mexico plan during your stay if you plan to use your cell phone

Internet: Yes, we now offer STARLINK at Campo Cortez.

No, all deposits are non-refundable. Please be certain of your travel plans before booking your trip.

Trips cancelled 91 or more days prior to trip departure are fully refundable except for your deposit (groups may have a different cancel policy). Trips cancelled 90 days or less before the departure date are non-refundable. All travelers are highly encouraged to purchase trip cancellation insurance.

We accept checks, ACH payments, credit cards and wire transfers. An additional processing fee applies to credit-card payments.

Our booking platform, WeTravel, offers multi-currency checkout. International guests can select from the supported currencies and payment methods shown during checkout. The available options and any applicable processing fees depend on the currency and payment method selected.

Final payment is due 90 days prior to your trip departure date.

The total shown on your booking page includes your trip fee and the applicable governmental, airport, CBX or biosphere fees for that trip. Prices and fees may vary by departure, but once you book, you will not be charged more if the published price later increases.

Gratuities are not included in your trip fee. Crew gratuities are not mandatory, but they are customary in this part of the world. If you thought the service levels were deserving and the staff went "above and beyond", the crew would be appreciative of a generous gratuity. For your information, gratuities on these trips generally average 8-12% of the trip fee.

We do not expect guests to give gratuities during the trip. Instead, we ask that all gratuities be given at one time at the end of the trip. Your guide will provide an envelope and comment card, and you may leave cash or a check in the envelope. Gratuities are pooled and distributed evenly among the entire staff, including the hardworking team members you may not see regularly.

Yes, you can write a check for a gratuity or pay in US dollars. Checks are held until the end of the season and then cashed after season's end.

That depends on your trip. Guests on our Five-Day Private Air trips generally have less need for pesos because credit cards can be used for food purchases at the airport, and Campo Cortez accepts U.S. dollars. For Big Whale trips that include Loreto and for Self-Arrival trips, we recommend carrying some pesos for meals, activities, smaller purchases and spending money.

Yes. Because our cancellation policy is strictly enforced, we strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance soon after booking. Coverage varies by policy, so please review the terms carefully to make sure the plan is appropriate for your needs.

You may purchase coverage from any provider. We currently work with Faye, and our representative there has generally been helpful to our guests. Please remember that all coverage and claim decisions are made by the insurance provider according to the terms of the policy.

FAYE: Click here to run a quote and to learn more about what the Faye Plans offer. Using this link will connect you with the extra coverage and personal handling we can assist you with when using this provider.

Many visitors travel safely throughout Baja each year, but it is important to understand that Baja California and Baja California Sur are two different states with separate travel-advisory guidance. Most of our trips take place in Baja California Sur, including San Ignacio Lagoon and Loreto, while Tijuana is in the state of Baja California. We recommend reviewing the current guidance for both states before traveling, taking normal travel precautions and avoiding driving after dark.

Yes. For our Private Air trips, we use Cross Border Xpress, commonly called CBX. CBX is a dedicated, secure airport terminal in San Diego connected directly to the Tijuana International Airport by an enclosed pedestrian bridge. Guests cross through the CBX facility and enter the Tijuana airport without traveling through the city of Tijuana.

Imagine turning your clock back 75 years - that's the easiest way to describe Baja. Remote, strikingly beautiful scenery, vast amounts of open range and little development, but the people are what are most unforgettable, down to earth, very friendly, hospitable and helpful best describe the people living in Baja.

You should take the same precautions you would when traveling anywhere else. Keep your valuables with you at all times, don't leave valuables sitting in your car overnight in hotel parking lots and keep your bags in sight when transiting the airports.

Campo Cortez has never had a safety or theft incident since our beginnings. Guests sometimes accidentally leave items such as cellphones, jackets or cameras in their cabins, and we frequently locate the items and help arrange their return.

Locks along with keys are available at anytime. We don't often use them, however you can ask the camp manager for a key to your cabin. There are no safes inside the cabins.

Yes, we offer cabins, restrooms and showers that have wheelchair access.

Yes. Please notify us in advance so we can reserve one of the two cabins designated for CPAP use. These cabins are available on a first-booked basis.

Yes, we assist all of our guests getting into the boats, and when needed we offer transportation to the boats for guests that cannot walk long distance due to an accident, recent operation or any physical challenges. Just let us know on your reservation form any assistance you may require.

Yes, we have seat cushions on all of our boats.

Yes. Campo Cortez uses a central solar-power system that provides a light and USB charging outlets in each cabin. The system is suitable for charging phones, cameras and other small electronics, but it cannot operate high-powered appliances such as hair dryers.

No, although our cabins have power in them, they can only power small electronics and battery chargers. Blow dryers and power tools require far too much power from our solar cabins.

Most cabins do not have bathrooms inside them. Campo Cortez has clean, comfortable flushing toilets in a central bathroom facility, and chamber pots for nighttime liquid use are available for guests who prefer not to walk to the bathrooms after dark. Our two Deluxe Cabins offer private in-room water closets with flushing toilets for nighttime use.

Our restrooms are NOT out-houses. We offer four marine toilets at our bathroom station that are connected to a properly built septic system. Each contains a full-size toilet, electricity, running water and flushing toilets. These are the same toilets you find on ships. Most important is we take great pride in our restrooms and the cleanliness of them.

This is a very common question and one we cover a lot. Not to worry, we have a large selection of chamber pots next to the bathrooms for just these occasions. Take the appropriate chamber pot back to your cabin for nighttime use and in the morning you can take it to the bathroom for disposal. Don't be embarrassed, there will be plenty of others doing the same thing. Chamber pots are strictly for liquid use only.

Yes, the camp offers two shower stalls and changing rooms with on demand hot water shower systems. You’ll get fully pressurized hot water for your shower in a clean and comfortable area. There is a separate space to keep your dry, clean clothing and where you can change your clothes.

Yes, but we ask guests to keep showers reasonably brief and conserve water. Our potable water is brought to Campo Cortez from local aquifers near San Ignacio, making it a precious resource in this desert environment. Wastewater from showers must also drain into the surrounding area, and excessive runoff could introduce too much fresh water into the native vegetation and disrupt the lagoon's fragile ecosystem. Thoughtful water use helps us protect this special place.

Yes, but few you will ever see. There are sometimes scorpions under rocks or in the brush. Take precautions if turning over rocks or branches when walking around the camp.

Our location is home to a wonderful variety of wildlife. Coyotes are sometimes seen on the tidal flats or near camp. As with all wildlife, guests should observe them from a respectful distance and follow staff guidance.

Not really. Mosquitoes are not usually an issue at camp this time of year.

Bird watching at the lagoon is actually incredible. Typically you will see more than 40 species of birds around the camp. There are more, but this an average of what you will see from your doorstep. You will also notice we have a few nesting areas at camp setup for our resident Ospreys. Often you'll see the adults bringing back fish for their young.

Weather varies dramatically in Baja Sur. We'll supply you with a suggested packing list and typical weather patterns in your itinerary. Expect mornings to be chilly and afternoons typically warm and then evenings getting cold again - typical desert weather during the winter in Baja Sur. You should always be prepared for wind at San Ignacio Lagoon and the Pacific coastline here.

December through February: morning and evening temperatures range between 40°F to 60°F while daytime temperatures 60°F to 75°F. March through April: morning and evening temperatures are from 45°F to 65°F while daytime temperatures range 70°F to 80°F.

Yes, you want to be prepared for cold as well as warm conditions and be sure to bring splash resistant clothing when going out on the boats.

The water is typically around 55°F to 65°F and there are few places to swim in the lagoon. We recommend you do not pack for swimming at San Ignacio Lagoon.

No and yes. It's very rare that we have rain at the lagoon during the winter months. However it does rain occasionally and you need to be prepared just in case.

Yes, our drinking water comes from San Ignacio and the local drinking water company that treats all of our water via reverse osmosis, UV and filtration. Our water is clean and safe to drink.

Yes, all of our potable water at camp for cooking, showering and in the hand-washing stations comes from our local desalinization facility and is sea water converted to fresh water which is not only acceptable for household use, but drinking as well.

Yes, we cook vegetarian meals on a daily basis and can accommodate most special diets. You need to inform us by notating on your reservation form any dietary needs or restrictions you have so that we are prepared for your arrival.

Yes, just let us know on your reservation form; and while at camp just let any staff member know your dietary needs so we are prepared for your dietary needs.. Now, if your diet is beyond what we can accommodate with our normal food stocks, please bring what you need and we can either cook it for you.

It's all you can eat at camp. And always expect fresh homemade tortillas, rice and beans with every meal. Our meals are varied throughout the day and usually consist of fruit, oatmeal, coffee and tea available by 6:00 am, followed up by a heavy breakfast; Lunch is typically a light meal and followed up by a happy hour around 5:00pm and then a hearty evening meal. Sodas, beer and wine are always available at no extra charge.

Yes, we always have on hand simple easy meals such as Kraft macaroni and cheese, oatmeal, cereal and a variety of other common simple meals. Let us know what you need and we will accommodate your child's needs.

We serve authentic, and healthy meals at camp. We don't cook with lard or other animal products. We use all vegetable or olive oils - never cheap and hard to digest oils. Expect homemade, healthy and great tasting meals. Most of our meat comes from local ranches and our fish is caught fresh from the lagoon. Our poultry comes from a local ranch in the mountains as do many of our vegetables.

Our trip begins in San Diego at the Best Western Hacienda. The trip begins and ends at this location. The hotel offers secure parking as well as discount rates for our guests.

We use the CBX border crossing in San Diego and cross directly into the Tijuana Airport where our privately chartered aircraft departs for San Ignacio Lagoon and we return to Tijuana and return using the CBX border crossing and then our charter bus returns to our hotel in San Diego.

Cross Border Xpress is a convenient pedestrian bridge connecting the Tijuana airport to a terminal in San Diego, allowing travelers to bypass long border wait times. Enjoy hassle-free travel between Mexico and the US with our secure and reliable service.

In years past we flew from San Diego (pre September 11, 2001). It is now an administrative hurdle to fly a charter aircraft into the USA. It can be done, however it is no longer a time-saving procedure.

Yes, our charter planes are all certified and commercial aircraft and are inspected on a regular basis and kept to Mexican FAA standards which are the same as US standards.

Yes, the charter operators and pilots employed have numerous years experience flying in Baja. This is a unique area in that it is very remote and our operators fly to islands off shore and land on short dirt runways. They therefore keep their aircraft in excellent condition beyond regulated standards due to the environments they fly in. Some of our pilots have flown for us over 20 years.

Absolutely! Contrary to what we hear in the press, Mexico and specifically Baja is undoubtedly safe and heavily visited by tourists. Over 50 million visitors cross the border each year at the San Ysidro (Tijuana/San Diego) border crossing; and Tijuana is the most visited city in the Western Hemisphere, second only to New York City. Additionally 300,000 people cross the border each day at the San Ysidro/San Diego border crossing, making it the busiest and most secure border crossing in the world.

You will board our private charter bus or bus and are escorted by our guide that makes this trip twice a week with our guests to the CBX border crossing where we cross directly into the Tijuana Airport and our terminal to board our privately chartered aircraft.

Your guide will be one of our seasoned professional guides that has led our trips on many occasions. You’ll receive a guide package from your guide with all of their contact information and a photo about ten days before your trip begins. Your guide will travel with you from the hotel all the way to the airport and back when you return.

The drive is approximately 30-45 minutes to the CBX border crossing where we then have priority status to fill out paperwork for Mexican immigration and crossing on the private bridge to the Tijuana Airport. This takes approximately 1.5 hours total to go from the hotel to CBX and then crossing to the Tijuana airport.

The flight is approximately 2 to 2.5 hours from Tijuana to San Ignacio Lagoon and a very scenic flight.

Yes, we bring a variety of snacks on the trip with us and water for the bus ride. We recommend you have a hearty breakfast on the morning of travel as we only offer snacks on the bus ride and on the aircraft and you’ll have a full day until we get to Campo Cortez for a late lunch. Because we go through standard airport Security, you will not be allowed to bring water through security. Water is available for purchase in the Tijuana airport Terminal.

We get these at the CBX border crossing on the morning of our trip. Have your passports handy and your guide will assist with the process.

This is paid in advance before your arrival and already invoiced to you. You won’t need to worry about this fee.

On any given trip we will have as few as eight guests and up to as many as 26 guests.

Depending on the trip you choose, your trip begins either in San Diego or Loreto.

BW1 and BW3 trips begin in Loreto, Baja, Mexico, while BW2 trip begins in San Diego. Be sure to read the trip overview for each trip to know where each trip begins.

Loreto is a beautiful small Mexican city located on the Sea of Cortez in the state of Baja Sur. Currently Alaska Airlines and American Airlines offer service from the USA while Volaris Airlines, Calafia Airlines and Aeromexico offer service within Mexico. From San Diego we find it very easy to use the Cross Border Xpress that takes you directly to the Tijuana Airport and fly out of Tijuana. Check with us for a list of airlines.

BW1: is a guided trip once in the town of Loreto and activities in Loreto, then to Campo Cortez and back to San Diego on our charter aircraft and the Handlery Hotel.

BW2: is similar to our 5 day air trip where we begin the trip in San Diego (Handlery Hotel) and our guide will be with the group all the way to the airport in Tijuana. The trip continues guided to Loreto along with activities in Loreto. You return home on your own from Loreto by any of the commercial airlines.

BW3: Begins in Loreto, Baja, Mexico and is guided from Loreto to Campo Cortez at Laguna San Ignacio and then back to the town of Loreto.

Approximately 45 minutes from Loreto to San Ignacio Lagoon and the same for the return trip. From our hotel, the airport is 10 minutes from the hotel where we board our privately chartered aircraft.

This is probably the most scenic drive in all of Baja, Mexico - driving between Loreto and San Ignacio. The drive is approximately 3.5 hours to the town of San Ignacio and another 1.5 to Campo Cortez at San Ignacio Lagoon. We make stops along the way for scenic overlooks, bathroom breaks and lunch in the town of San Ignacio where we also visit the 17th Century mission in the village square.

BW1: Three nights hotel in Loreto, welcome happy hour in the hotel lounge, whale watching in Loreto (2 full days on the Sea of Cortez), flight to Laguna San Ignacio, 4 days and nights at Campo Cortez and whale watching (all inclusive). Lastly, your return flight from San Ignacio Lagoon to Tijuana and your CBX border pass, finally our charter bus to the Handlery Hotel in San Diego.

BW2: Meet at Handlery Hotel in San Diego, charter bus to CBX border crossing and your border pass, charter flight to Laguna San Ignacio, 4 days and nights at Campo Cortez and whale watching (all inclusive), flight from Lagoon to Loreto, three nights hotel in Loreto and happy hour arrival. Lastly, whale watching in Loreto (2 full days on the Sea of Cortez).

BW3: Meet in Loreto at the designated hotel. Three nights hotel in Loreto, welcome happy hour in the hotel lounge, whale watching in Loreto (2 full days on the Sea of Cortez), flight to Laguna San Ignacio, 4 days and nights at Campo Cortez and whale watching (all inclusive). Lastly, our return scenic drive from Laguna San Ignacio to Loreto through desert, mountains and along the Sea of Cortez shoreline.

Our Big Whale Trips are limited to 13 passengers. Our Ecolodge however has a capacity of between 20 to 26 guests at any given time.

Everything! Your fee covers our all-inclusive stay at camp: two whale watches daily, meals, sodas, beer and other drinks and your fully furnished cabin.

No, there are no other charges at the camp. There are however t-shirts and other souvenirs for sale at camp.

Yes, but only if we have space available at the camp, and if your dates are the exact same days as our guided trips at the camp. This ensures we can maintain group continuity. See the Fee Schedule for joining a guided trip. These trips are run much differently than our standard self-arrival trip that we offer at the beginning and end of the season.

You can drive, by crossing the border in California or Arizona and head south on highway 1; You can also fly to Cabo San Lucas, La Paz or Loreto in Baja, Mexico; or if you are a private pilot, you can fly directly to the lagoon.

We will supply you with a suggested packing list and what you need when crossing the border to Mexico and back to the USA. You will also need your passport, copy of your auto insurance, registration and be sure to get temporary Mexican insurance for your automobile through an online agent. It's the law. You must have Mexican coverage for your auto while in Mexico and it is quite affordable. Lastly, when crossing the border into Mexico, pull into the declare lane so that you can walk over to Immigration and fill out and pay for a "FM1" tourist visa.

Loreto, Baja Sur. Mexico is the closest commercial airport to San Ignacio Lagoon and a great little town to spend time at before or after your trip. Check with us for a list of airlines.

Absolutely! Contrary to what we hear in the press, Mexico and specifically Baja is undoubtedly safe and heavily visited by tourists. Over 50 million visitors cross the border each year at the San Ysidro (Tijuana/San Diego) border crossing; and Tijuana is the most visited city in the Western Hemisphere, second only to New York City.

Additionally 300,000 people cross the border each day at the San Ysidro/San Diego border crossing, making it the busiest and most secure border crossing in the world.

Between Tijuana and San Ignacio there are three military checkpoints. These are standard checkpoints that every vehicle goes through. When driving south, you usually do not encounter them, but when driving back north, we are asked to get off of the bus or out of our vehicles for an inspection. In most cases it goes pretty fast and sometimes there are inspections of bags – much like customs and TSA at an airport.

No, remember these are routine checkpoints and are a normal occurrence throughout Mexico and most of the world. There is nothing to be concerned about. You may be asked to open your bag or luggage for a visual inspection and nobody will check your bags without you being present unlike in North America with TSA or Customs.

Only in the movies! Don't believe everything you hear and remember, when traveling anyplace in the world, you need to take basic precautions so as not to be targeted for petty thievery. Our Mexican neighbors have many of the same questions about traveling to the USA when they hear about violence in schools, gang activity, and the abundance of gun violence in the USA. News happens, and is reported, but does not make it the norm. You'll find travel in Baja to be not only safe, but the locals are incredibly helpful if you break-down or need assistance.

Yes, we will be happy to help you with where to stay, how long it takes to drive from one city to the next and an overall plan for your trip.

Approximately 5.5 to 7 hours depending on how many stops you make along the way. Because the drive is so scenic, you’ll want to make many stops along the way.

14 hours from the border to Campo Cortez at San Ignacio Lagoon. You can break the drive up by staying overnight in Guerrero Negro or you can make it to the town of San Ignacio by night fall and stay overnight in San Ignacio. Check with us for suggested itineraries.