2018 Combination Blue Whale and Gray Whale itineraries This page is only about our combo gray and blue whale watching trips
What's a Combo trip all about?
We have combined what we consider to be the two best gray whale watching Baja trips anywhere into one exciting adventure package. The gray whale portion of the trip takes place in Laguna Ojo de Liebre or in Magdalena Bay, on the Pacific West Coast of the Baja Peninsula. The Blue whale portion takes place in the Sea of Cortez, offshore of Loreto on the east coast of the peninsula.Either whale watching trip all by itself is exciting and is guaranteed to give you memories that will be with you for a lifetime. Doing the two together allows you to experience the deep emotions and feeling of connectivity that can only come from getting up close and seeing a 40 foot whale eyeball to eyeball . Then join the Blue whale quest and feel the rush as a huge 80 foot whale surfaces just a few yards off the bow, and the blow drifts across our small 24 foot motorboat.
Although we call it Blue whale watching it is really much more than that. We expect to see both of the two largest whales, the Blue whale and the Finback whale. We also commonly see other species such as Humpback whales, huge pods of up to a thousand dolphin and uncommonly we might see Orcas and even a Bryde's Whale. The Gray whale watching is known for the Friendly Gray Whales who enjoy coming close to the boat. Close enough you will likely have a chance to pet or touch one. We introduced this combo trip in 2002. It has proved to be far more popular than we ever visualized it would be. Meals provided as part of the tour are indicated by (B, L, D). In this example breakfast, lunch and dinner will be provided that day as part of the tour package. If you have any difficulty understanding the daily activity for any tour let us know, we'll gladly clarify.
Combo Trips on our Schedule for the 2018 Baja Whale Watching Season
Eight day gray and blue whale trip
February 9 - February 16
8 day trip is the shortest trip duration we recommend to do for both gray whales and blue whales.
Eleven day gray and blue whale trip
February 9 - February 19
11 day trip has the largest number of whale watchings, taking place in fewer different locations.
Our driver meets you at 6:00 a.m. at the Holiday Inn Bayside in San Diego. From there he drives you approximately 1 1/2 hours to the Ensenada Airport where you will meet your flight to Guerrero Negro. Upon arrival at the Guerrero Negro Airport you will be transferred approximately 1 1/2 hours to our secluded and very nice seaside camp location. (D)
After breakfast your group will drive across the Baja Peninsula to the Sea of Cortez where you will stay in Loreto tonight at the El Dorado Hotel. (B)
Today we go on two gray whale watching boat rides. We always expect to have fun on every boat trip. Every trip seems different, but you can be assured that you will see hundreds of whales while out on your whale watching trip. But no trip to see the gray whales would be complete without a very close encounter with a friendly whale. We do not offer a guarantee that this will happen. But we have a perfect 20+ year record for close encounters for our five day and longer trips. We expect that you will have a great whale watching experience. (B, L, D)
These are your blue whale watching days. Each day you will get up and have breakfast at 7:00 a.m., then arriving at the dock at 8:00 a.m. Our days of whale watching in Loreto are always started early because of the constant afternoon winds. Time on the water is dependent on many variables such as location of the whales, weather and sea conditions. (B & L)
After our combined groups finish their two days of blue whale watching off shore of Loreto, the 2 different combo groups begin separate activities to match their itineraries.
Today the 8 & 11 day groups will transfer back to our shore side accommodations at Laguna Ojo de Liebre.
(B & D)
We’re scheduled for two gray whale boat rides. Then later those on the 8 day trip can enjoy one last sunset from the shore by their tents. (B, L, D)
For our 11 day group members two gray whale trips planned for today. (B, L, D)
Following breakfast we transfer our eight day group members to the airport. You fly back to Ensenada where once again our driver will transport you back to the Holiday Inn Bayside, expect to arrive around 4:00 to 6:00 PM. (B) END 8 DAY TRIP
Today our 11 day group is again scheduled for two gray whale watching boat rides. (B, L, D)
The 11 day group undertakes their last two gray whale watching trips. (B,L,D)
The 11 day group leaves Laguna Ojo de Liebre and flies north to Ensenada. We cross the border arriving in San Diego 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. (B)
Meals provided as part of the tour are indicated by (B, L, D). In this example breakfast, lunch and dinner will be provided that day as part of the tour package.
Please note: Our itineraries are subject to change to suit local conditions, weather, whale activity or other situations that in our sole opinion requires us to make a change. We make every effort to maintain the same overall activities should a change be made.
These trips while not strenuous are truly adventure trips. Maintaining a mind set that is open to whatever the day ahead might bring will surely enhance your vacation experience. Almost every one of these trips takes place hundreds of miles from any large city, for at least a portion of the tour. These distant and rural conditions are a reality that is part of the experience of travel in Baja California. If upscale or deluxe accommodations are a necessity please discuss the various options we can offer you directly with our office staff. We want your vacation to be all that you expect it to be.
Important notes about our trips
** We reserve the absolute right without limitation or restriction to make changes to the trip itineraries. Changes are made to accommodate local conditions, weather, animal behavior, legal or political situations, road conditions or other normal or unexpected life situations. We try our best to maintain the same whale watching opportunities regardless of any changes we make. We seldom make major changes, but every year some minor changes are made.
*** We do not REQUIRE trip/travelers emergency insurance. However we strongly urge every guest to purchase adequate insurance to cover any possible unexpected or unplanned for events. In the event you choose to not have travelers insurance for this trip, you will be asked to sign an additional waiver that simply says you were advised to get the insurance, but chose to not do so as you have the financial means readily available to handle any emergency.