Baja Whale & Cave Adventure

 
Where: Baja, Mexico
When: March 13th-20th 2025
Duration: 8 days
Group Size  8 participants

 

Price $4,975

Overview

A spectacular journey into the heart of Baja to commune with the sacred whales & visit pre-hispanic cave paintings.

“The entire trip exceeded our expectations. Touching a baby whale was most memorable but this trip is more than just a singular event. It is a matrix of many valuable and authentic experiences. Everything went without a hitch!” – Cyndi Ransom 2019

Adventure into Baja with founder Dawn Feuerberg for 8 days. You will walk the white sand beaches on Isla del coronado, be guided to pre-Hispanic cave paintings that are some of the most important cultural historic sites of its kind in the world, kayak in fresh water lagoons, and discover your soul’s connection to Whales. To support your journey yoga & meditation will be offered. It will be a beautiful time to connect with oneself, magestic wildlife and pre-hipsanic cultures.

 

Mama Whale Giving us her Baby!:

This 48 ft. long mama pushed her 24 ft. baby to our boat that was smaller than the baby! The renewed sense of gratitude & inspiration that you feel when communing with these whales is an incredible gift.  

Whale Love:

This cheeky 27 foot baby whale demanded our attention in March 2017 and, in turn, we loved him up.  The 48 foot Mama whale was close by encouraging him to interact. They are truly loving, gentle and playful creatures. 

Itinerary

You will arrive into Loreto, the relaxed and beautiful eco-tourist destination nestled between the clear blue Sea of Cortez and the towering Sierra de la Giganta. We will begin our program with a welcome dinner at our hotel on the cobblestone patio on the sand, in front of the Sea of Cortez with views of the Coronado Island. We’ll introduce ourselves and set the stage for our journey together. Afterward we will have a lovely warm evening walking tour of Loreto’s historical pueblo, known for its authentic Mexican charm and hospitality. Time permitting, there will be optional massages offered.
We will be starting our first day off early with a boat trip out to the Loreto Bay National Marine Park, which consists of five outstanding islands. We will visit Coronado Island which is twenty-five minutes from the Loreto Marina to explore bird rookeries, view the marine wildlife, and search for dolphins, sea lions and possibly Blue Whales. After touring the island we will have a delicious picnic at the lovely white sandy beaches, with opportunities for more exploration. An optional mindfulness meditation class will be offered in the morning to support your travels and help you arrive.
After breakfast, we will begin our journey north along gorgeous coastline and traverse inland through a semi-arid, pristine desert wilderness, flanked by the spectacular vistas of the Sierra mountain range. Along the way,we will pause and view the Tres Virgenes Volcanos. For lunch we will picnic on the Sea of Cortez in a beautiful secluded cove. We will arrive in the early afternoon to a small village, known for having more date palms than residents. After arrival you can enjoy a serene paddle or kayak on the lagoon. We will stay the night in charming local accommodations on a fresh water oasis.
Today we will begin our day travelling north to visit the cave paintings in the mountains of the San Francisco de la Sierra. The pre-Hispanic cave paintings in this area are some of the most important cultural historic sites of its kind in the world. Guided by a local expert, we will hike or mule-ride up to the cave, have a lovely picnic lunch while we take in the magnificent paintings that tower above. In the afternoon we will return to San Ignacio Pueblo to stroll through the square, have an ice cream and visit the Dominican Church that was constructed entirely of volcanic rock.
Our first whale-watching trip begins around 9:00 am where we take a short five-minute boat ride from our camp to the designated whale-watching zone for some incredible encounters with mother gray whales and their calves. Each day on the lagoon you will have 2 opportunities to go out and view and interact with the whales. After returning from your morning whale watch you have time to enjoy a variety of activities before lunch like walking to the whale-bone museum, tide pool walk to see octopus, beach-combing, bird watching or just relax in front of your cabin. Lunch is served mid day and you are then afforded a slight break to relax either at your cabin reading; take a small hike along the shoreline or to the mangroves; or join a guided tide-pool excursion to see the animals in the tidal zone such as Octopus and Scallops. As the tide allows, we depart on our second whale-watching excursion usually by 1:45 pm to 2:00 pm. After returning to camp there will be plenty of time time to wander the shell-strewn beaches, watch whales from the shore, browse our Baja library, relax beachside or simply enjoy the peace and quite of your cabin with a view of the lagoon. It is a peaceful, go at your own pace atmosphere. At day’s end, we can gather at Happy Hour where we’ll be treated to coffee, margaritas, beer and refreshments as we watch the spectacular sunset over the dunes. Sunsets are soon followed by authentic lagoon style Mexican meals with plenty of fresh vegetables, homemade tortillas, rice & beans and other specialties. When we retire to our cabins, we will be lulled to sleep by the sounds of the lagoon; whales breathing in the distance and coyotes singing to the moon.
After a restful night’s sleep under an enormous, star-filled sky, we’ll wake to a spectacular sunrise. Afterward, coffee, tea, oatmeal and yogurt are always available in the dining area by 6:30 am or earlier and fresh fruit is available just before breakfast. By 8:00am a hearty, hot breakfast is served. During the mornings we’ll be able to watch the magic of the tide as coyotes and birds begin feeding in the tidal zone – easily viewable from the dining palapa or the cabin porches. We will again have two more opportunities to take a boat ride to the whale watching area.
We will be heading back to Loreto on this day, taking our time to take in the beautiful and diverse desert surroundings, stopping along the way to visit a sustainable ranch and take in the local way of life. We will enjoy a delicious lunch on the Sea of Cortez at a local Baja stye restaurant on our return journey. In the late afternoon we will arrive at our lovely accommodations for some R&R and comfort.
We will have the opportunity to do go for a kayak or take in the sunset before the Farewell dinner.
Transfer to the airport in Loreto & your international flight home.

Baja, Mexico

Central Baja is renowned for its natural beauty and pristine environment. The narrow peninsula is barely linked to the Mexican mainland. This unique region separates the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of California (a.k.a. Sea of Cortez), resulting in one of the most interesting and diverse geographical areas of the world. The towns in Central Baja California , offer a relaxing alternative to the more touristy Los Cabos area. Loreto, the relaxed and beautiful eco tourist destinations is one of the oldest settlements in Baja California Sur where the towering Sierra de la Giganta and Sea Of Cortes unite with spectacular results. The Sea of Cortes is one of the most productive and diverse seas on the planet and is protected by the Loreto Bay National Marine Park which is home to 5 pristine islands that are covered by volcanic cacti, white sand beaches and a nearby rocky islets. Central Baja is famous for its cave paintings in the Sierra de San Fransisco which are larger and more numerous than those found at the world renowned European site of Altamira. This region is also home to Baja California’s San Ignacio Lagoon which is the primary calving ground for eastern Pacific gray whales and part of Mexico’s El Vizcaíno Biosphere Reserve — the largest wildlife refuge in Latin America.

Highlights

The Whale Connection

Each winter from December through April, a magnificent event takes place along the Eastern Pacific shoreline, as a primal calling brings forth the longest known mammal migration. From the cold Arctic waters of the Bering Sea, Pacific Grey Whales make their way south to the warm, remote waters of Mexico’s Baja Peninsula, to birth their babies in the protected lagoons here. Whales have been revered as mystical creatures by many cultures throughout time, and an intimate encounter with them is a dream realized for wildlife lovers. Truly, few wildlife experiences in the world can compare to a visit to this area & be up-close with these gentle giants. Known as “ballenas amistosas” (Spanish for “friendly whales”) by local fishermen because of their curious and gentle nature, these whales seek out human interaction, often approaching the boats to present their newborn calves as if to show them off. They actually encourage humans to scratch their backs and baleen as they lounge around the boats! Over the years, this extraordinary behavior has become a regular occurrence. On our trip, on Day 5 & 6, you will be waking up to a warm cup of tea or coffee and viewing the whales right outside you cabin door. Each day we will have two opportunities to take a five minute boat ride out to the lagoon to connect with these awe-inspiring creatures. The area we visit is the only Gray Whale birthing lagoon in the world that is less visited and has a local community striving to keep the lagoon a sacred and protected sanctuary for these magnificent giants.

Accommodations

Loreto Beach Front Baja Style Hotel

The first 2 nights and final night we will be at a lovely hotel with sophisticated hacienda décor and covered terraces or patios that overlook The Sea of Cortes and the pool. The morning sunrise over the ocean is right out your front door. This place has been a favorite for nature enthusiasts for years.

Boutique Yurts on an Oasis

This Bed and Breakfast is on an Oasis at the river’s edge. The beautifully decorated and comfortable mongolian style yurts are nestled in palms that are over 300 years old. The atmosphere is relaxed and tranquil. Paddle boards and kayaks are available to venture out into the fresh water lagoon that is birthed from a natural mineral spring. We will be staying here 2 nights as we explore the outlying areas and prepare for the whale watching portion of our adventure.

Eco-Friendly Whale Camp with comfortable beds

You will be staying at a clean solar powered eco camp on a Lagoon for 2 nights. The remote location has spectacular views and variety of activities combined with a full service solar powered Eco-lodge and comfortable cabins with electricity. This is the ideal place to observe the Grey whales in their natural habitat. Each cabin offers its own spectacular view of the lagoon and is situated close to the waters edge. All of the cabins are supplied with fresh linens, pillows, clean sleeping bags, extra blankets and are equipped with a small desk and mirror as well as shelves to store your clothing and valuables. You will enjoy 3 homemade authentic mexican coastal meals daily during your stay. They are prepared fresh daily onsite and the handmade tortillas are delicious! Special dietary needs can be accommodated. There are on demand hot water showers. Each has a shower room and a dry dressing area with table and mirror and a locking door for your privacy. Welcome to the camping adventure portion of our week in Baja!

About Your Guides

Dawn Feuerberg (AKA Aurora in Spanish)

Owner and founder of Aurora Adventures, LLC.

Traveling for me is all about the connections. My ability to subtly bridge cross cultural connections between my travelers and the locals abroad is what sets me apart. At a very young age I began to travel on my own seeking out and connecting with the aboriginal, the indigenous and the authentic local life abroad. Often times finding myself being the only non-native in the region. My longstanding relationships abroad give my clients access into an enriching, in depth local experience. I am both well connected and extremely enthusiastic about sharing my access with others.

 

I value the genuine art of discovery travel for all ages. I create flexible itineraries within my tours that provide individuals the opportunity to make new discoveries. This tone of flexibility and openness in my approach to travel is equally matched with my attention to detail, my ability to multi-task and basically get the job done in a coherent, safe, comfortable and if desired, luxurious manner.

Read full bio…

Trudi Angell

Trudi Angell is an award-winning organizer of rural, sustainable tours in Baja California Sur. Since 1986 she’s organized mule trips to renowned World Heritage Rock Art sites and famous road less ranches, missions and villages in the heart of the peninsula. She was Associate Producer for Corazon Vaquero, an intimate documentary portrait of Californio ranch lifestyle. For three decades she has explored the peninsula’s historic routes by mule, learning from her vaquero guides. With over 3000 trail-miles logged, Trudi has developed an intimate knowledge about the people, area, history and roots of Baja California.

Trudi will be leading us to the pre-hispanic cave paintings on Day 4 of our tour. It is a very beautiful time to spend with her in her element!

Inclusions

What’s Included

(This is an all-inclusive tour with no hidden costs.)

  • 8 day exclusive private tour of Central Baja
  • Airport Transfers to and from Loreto
    Private expert guide and private vehicle for entire tour
  • Boat trip to Coronado Island
  • 2 day whale camp with 4 boat tours to to whale watch on Lagoon
  • 2 nights accommodation in charming hotels in Loreto
  • 2 nights accommodation in charming Bed & Breakfast on a fresh water Oasis.
  • 2 nights in clean solar powered eco-cabins at whale camp.
  • 6  Delicious & abundant breakfasts
  • Welcome Dinner and Farewell Dinner
  • 3 additional local fresh dinners
  • 4 Local fresh lunches
  • All day private tour to cave paintings with a legendary guide.
  • Walking tour of Loreto and Mission
  • Walking tour of San Ignacio Pueblo
  • Owner & Founder of Aurora Adventures, Dawn Feuerberg as your bilingual guide.

What’s Not Included

Airfare to and from Loreto, 1 lunch, 2 dinners, Guide gratuities, Excess baggage charges, Alcoholic beverages, Airport taxes and items of a personal nature such as souvenirs, laundry fees, immunizations or insurance of any kind.

Travel

If you are planning to travel with the group, contact us immediately to find out the specifics of the group flight. The sooner you make your reservation the more likely you will be able to travel with the group. Otherwise you may make other travel arrangements.

Safe & Secure

Each program includes:

  • Insured, comfortable and air conditioned vehicles are provided for transportation in the host country.
  • Optional International Medical Travel Insurance for each participant.
  • Pre-departure advising
  • Pre-departure and onsite orientations
  • Risk Management & Crisis management plan

Cost

All-inclusive Program Cost

$4,975

Space Limited to 10
limited spaces left.

Register Now

Contact us at 805-540-1762 if you would like to pay personal check.

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Reviews

This was more than a trip… where you see the sights and experience great food, meet great people… it was so much more than that… I brought home a renewed gratitude for all I have and all I have to offer… a beautiful journey!Mr. WordPress
This was more than a trip… where you see the sights and experience great food, meet great people… it was so much more than that… I brought home a renewed gratitude for all I have and all I have to offer… a beautiful journey!Mr. WordPress
This was more than a trip… where you see the sights and experience great food, meet great people… it was so much more than that… I brought home a renewed gratitude for all I have and all I have to offer… a beautiful journey!Mr. WordPress