Embark on a private, VIP grey-whale expedition from Los Cabos to Guerrero Negro – a curated full-day wildlife experience that pairs a scenic King Air flight with guided panga excursions into the lagoons where grey whales gather each winter.
The Baja grey-whale nurseries concentrate the world’s wintering mothers and calves – Laguna Ojo de Liebre (Scammon’s Lagoon) holds the largest share of whales, with San Ignacio and Magdalena Bay also important seasonal sites. Ojo de Liebre has the highest overall numbers, which makes it a prime destination for high-quality grey whale watching.
To have the highest probabilities of an incredible grey whale sighting, we only operate this tour from February through the second week of March each year.
We prioritize Ojo de Liebre for grey whale watching because of its overall population and chances of close, calm-lagoon encounters; San Ignacio is smaller and often more intimate; Magdalena Bay covers a huge area and can be more spread out – sightings are possible but encounters there may be less concentrated than at Ojo de Liebre.
Other cool things we do on site during the expedition is that we can visit the salt mine, salt craters and Mesa del Carmen cave paintings (in this area we find some of the oldest in the Americas)
Your day begins with a private King Air charter from Los Cabos to Guerrero Negro (approximate scenic flight time ~1.5 hours), followed by private ground transfer to lagoon access points and panga-based excursions. Expect guided naturalist narration, controlled small-group panga approaches and plenty of shore/boat-side photo opportunities. The expedition is designed for comfort and maximum viewing time.
Grey-whale tourism is strictly regulated. Operators limit the number of swimmers/boats around individual whales and follow approach/rotation rules to minimize stress on animals. While grey whales are famously curious and historically have approached boats and people, contemporary best practice emphasizes non-invasive observation and strict adherence to local regulations – licensed guides and operators enforce these protocols.
Expect to see mothers with calves, spy-hopping, tail and pectoral slaps, and gentle approaches to pangas. Depending on timing and location, other marine life (dolphins, sea birds) may add to the day. Note that whale behavior is natural and never guaranteed; we plan the expedition to maximize safe, high-quality encounters.
Private King Air charter, private ground & water transportation, dedicated guide/naturalist, panga excursions in the lagoon, lunch, refreshments, park fees and VIP handling. Pricing starts at $16,950 + taxes for up to 5 guests (private charter basis). Availability and exact pricing are seasonal-contact us to confirm current rates and any custom requests.
Ideal for small private groups, wildlife photographers, naturalists and travelers seeking a premium, low-crowd experience. The private-charter format is best for guests who want comfort, flexibility and focused wildlife time rather than a large commercial tour.
Your grey whale watching booking supports licensed, regulated operators who work under park protections. Guests should follow guide instructions, use reef/eco-safe sunscreen, avoid touching or disturbing wildlife unless explicitly directed by a guide under permitted, low-impact protocols, and respect the animals’ space at all times.
Contact our reservations team for date availability, to confirm seasonal openings, to request multi-day extensions, private photography support, or combo itineraries (for example adding La Paz snorkeling or Espiritu Santo on multi-day trips). Since daily capacity is regulated and hotel space is limited, we recommend booking at least 6 months in advance.
Grey Whales multi day at Ojo de Liebre (3 nights / 4 days): $34,500 USD, taxes included – for a maximum of 4 guests. Includes all ground transportation, private aircraft, 2 hotel rooms, dedicated guide, food, refreshments and local excursions to the salt mine, salt craters and cave paintings.
Ojo de Liebre is a rare pocket of Baja where dramatic landscapes and rich biodiversity converge in one place, offering something extraordinary to experience in every season. Its sweeping sand dunes shift with the wind and glow gold at sunset, while nearby mangrove pockets shelter juvenile fish, rays, and migratory birds throughout the year. The area’s famous salt flats and natural salt craters create an otherworldly terrain unlike anywhere else on the peninsula, and just beyond, ancient cave paintings stand as silent guardians of the region’s deep cultural history.
What truly sets Ojo de Liebre apart, however, is its status as the most important gray whale nursery of the three Baja lagoons. Thanks to its depth, temperature, and uniquely protected geography, it consistently hosts the highest density and overall number of gray whales, attracting more mothers and newborn calves than San Ignacio or Magdalena Bay. Its expansive size gives whales ample space for courtship and birthing, while its calm, shallow areas provide ideal conditions for mothers to care for their young. This lagoon is also the first stop for whales arriving from the Arctic, making it the earliest and longest-lasting gathering point of the season.
Whether you’re exploring dunes, paddling through mangroves, wandering ancient cave sites, or witnessing one of the world’s most extraordinary whale migrations, Ojo de Liebre stands out as a destination where both nature and culture coexist in their most pristine form.
Gray whales are renowned for undertaking one of the longest migrations of any mammal, traveling over 10,000 miles round-trip annually from the cold Arctic waters to the warm lagoons of Baja California Sur.
Historically, gray whales were heavily hunted during the 19th and early 20th centuries, bringing their population to the brink of extinction.
One of the most fascinating stories surrounding gray whales is the transformation of their relationship with humans. In the past, gray whales were hunted to near extinction in Baja’s protected waters, where they sought sanctuary to give birth. Known as “Devil’s Fish,” these whales were notoriously aggressive when hunters attempted to capture them—hence the origin of their ominous name. However, everything changed when a fisherman, Francisco “Pachico” Mayoral, had a life-changing encounter in San Ignacio Lagoon. A gray whale approached his boat and allowed him to touch it, marking the beginning of an unprecedented bond between humans and these gentle giants.
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