Extraordinary Wildlife Encounters

Experience the Gray Whales of San Ignacio Lagoon in one of Baja's most remarkable wild places. Spend several days along the lagoon, join multiple small-group whale watches and discover an experience shaped by the whales themselves. Every outing is different, and every close approach is entirely on their terms.

Visit the Gray Whale Sanctuary

San Ignacio Lagoon lies along the Pacific coast of Baja California Sur within the protected El Vizcaíno Biosphere Reserve. Each winter, Gray Whales migrate thousands of miles from their northern feeding grounds to these sheltered waters to mate, give birth and care for their calves.

Some curious whales choose to approach the small boats, but the experience is about more than a single close encounter. It is the opportunity to spend several days surrounded by whales, desert landscapes, abundant birdlife and the quiet rhythms of the lagoon.

Discover the Gray Whales

Pristine. Protected. Unforgettable.

Experience Baja with the People Who Know It Best

For more than 30 years, Baja Ecotours has welcomed travelers to experience the Gray Whales of San Ignacio Lagoon. From Campo Cortez Ecolodge on the shores of the lagoon, our small-group trips offer multiple opportunities to observe mothers, calves and curious whales—guided by generations of local knowledge and always on the whales’ terms.

Real Stories From Our Travel Community

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4.9 on Tripadvisor

10x Tripadvisor Award Winner since 1995

480+ Guest Reviews

March 2026

San Ignacio Lagoon is a magical place and the staff of Baja EcoTours support that magic. The staff is friendly, warm, inviting and knowledgeable. The comfortable and relaxed atmosphere coupled with great food just makes the experience memorable. I haven’t forgotten the whales who are the stars of the show. I didn’t want the experience to end!

David B

April 2026

This place is a true immersion into the unique nature of the Baja Peninsula. The camp is rustic, but comfortable, and the staff went over and above to make his experience memorable. Everything was included and we worried about nothing. Our excursions to see whales, dolphins, and other wildlife were incredible. You can't beat the setting...

Janice M

March 2026

Baja Ecotours Campo Cortez is the best place to experience San Ignacio Bay and interactions with the magnificent Gray Whales! The location on the bay is perfect, cabins and common areas comfortable, crew knowledgeable, capable and friendly. They did everything to be sure we had the experience we were hoping for!...

Nancy H

Feb 2026

We HIGHLY recommend the Great Migrations Tour offered by Baja Ecotours!! Despite a few bumps in the road, (this was the inaugural tour combining the Monarch Butterflies of Michoacán and the Gray Whales on St. Ignacio), all in all, it was a magical experience! ... Two "bucket list" items checked in one amazing tour.

Rich M

Feb 2026

Truly a trip of a lifetime. We had heard about the "friendly whales", and had been whale watching before....but this was so different. Days on the water we were mostly surrounded, and for our family, a whale actually swam right up to our boat, put her head out of the water, and stayed with us for several minutes close enough to pet...

Deb H

Check out our 480+ Tripadvisor Reviews

Choose Your Baja Experience

5 Day Air Trips
Gray Whales & Campo Cortez

Spend four nights at our Campo Cortez Ecolodge with three full days to experience the Gray Whales of San Ignacio Lagoon. We take care of the journey from San Diego, including private air transportation directly to the lagoon.

5 Days • 4 Nights • 6 Whale Watches

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Big Whale Trips
The Sea of Cortez & San Ignacio Lagoon

Experience both coasts of Baja, from the marine life of the Sea of Cortez to the Gray Whales of San Ignacio Lagoon. Along the way, explore some of Baja's most remote and beautiful places before spending several days at Campo Cortez.

7 & 8 Day Trips • Both Coasts of Baja • Small Groups

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Our Signature Trips

Great Migrations Trip
Butterflies & Whales

Experience Nature's Miracles: Monarch Butterflies and Gray Whales. Experience both with our Great Migrations tour!

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James Dorsey Trip
Journey with the Author

Spend a week with the author of “The Lagoon,” James Michael Dorsey, as he leads a once in a lifetime trip.

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Welcome to Campo Cortez Ecolodge

Our home at San Ignacio Lagoon - Campo Cortez Ecolodge sits along a remote stretch of coastline overlooking the Gray Whale sanctuary.

Life here is simple, comfortable and relaxed. Spend your days on the lagoon, enjoy fresh meals together in the palapa, watch the sunset, look for birds along the shoreline, and get to know the guides, family and other guests who share the experience with you.

Discover Campo Cortez

Experience Baja with the People Who Know It Best

For more than 30 years, Baja Ecotours has welcomed travelers from around the world to experience the Gray Whales, wildlife and remote landscapes of Baja. From our Campo Cortez Ecolodge on the shores of San Ignacio Lagoon, our small-group adventures combine meaningful wildlife experiences with the local knowledge and personal connections that come from decades of living and working here.

Read Our Story