Whales of Baja
“We were curious. Our curiosity was not limited, but was as wide and horizonless as that of Darwin, or Agassiz or Linnaeus or Pliny. We wanted to see everything our eyes would accommodate, to think what we could, and, out of our seeing and thinking, to build some kind of structure in modeled imitation of the observed reality.” The Log from the Sea of Cortez, (Steinbeck 1960, 70)
Join us for a unique opportunity to witness the world’s largest animal, the blue whale, encounter gray whales, and snorkel alongside whale sharks in the rich waters of the Sea of Cortez along the stunning Baja Peninsula.
Dates: January 12-18, 2027
Open to: ages 16 and up
Cost: $3600 (includes all costs except airfare and lunch)
What Will We Do: Journey to the spectacular waters of Loreto in Baja California, Mexico, where desert landscapes meet one of the richest marine ecosystems on Earth. It is also one of the most biologically productive seas in the world. During this immersive adventure, you’ll head out on two whale-watching excursions in search of the magnificent blue whales that migrate through the Sea of Cortez each winter. You’ll also travel to a protected lagoon for a rare and unforgettable encounter—getting close to, and perhaps even gently touching, friendly gray whales that often approach boats and interact with visitors. On land, explore the striking landscape of the Baja peninsula on a guided desert hike, discovering how plants and animals survive in this dramatic meeting place of desert and sea.
The journey continues in La Paz, where you’ll have the chance to swim alongside gentle whale sharks, the largest fish in the ocean. Throughout the program, deepen your understanding of these remarkable animals through engaging talks from marine mammal specialist Zack Klyver, founder of Flukes and naturalist with the Bar Harbor Whale Watch Company. You’ll learn about the challenges whales and other marine life face today—and the conservation efforts underway to protect them. The program fee includes double-occupancy accommodations in a comfortable, nicely appointed hotel, daily breakfast and dinner, and all transportation once you arrive in Baja, allowing you to focus entirely on exploration, learning, and the unforgettable wildlife encounters that make this region so extraordinary. Space is limited to 20 so don’t wait. Register today!
