A Photography Workshop in Baja California Sur

Join us on an unforgettable journey through one of the most vibrant marine ecosystems on Earth. Our Whales of Baja photography workshop takes you from the calm, aquamarine waters of the Sea of Cortez to the wild Pacific coast at San Ignacio Lagoon—two dramatically different environments teeming with life. This is your opportunity to photograph some of the ocean’s most iconic species in their natural habitats, guided by expert instructors and surrounded by Baja’s landscapes.

A Biodiversity Hotspot

Few regions in the world can match the biological richness of Baja California Sur. The Sea of Cortez, often called the “Aquarium of the World,” supports over 900 species of fish and 30 species of marine mammals. During our time in Loreto Bay National Marine Park, we’ll go out on daily sea safaris in search of blue whales, the largest animals to ever live on Earth. These gentle giants migrate to the Sea of Cortez each winter to feed, and February offers some of the best chances to witness and photograph them as they rise from the depths with surprising grace.

But blue whales are just the beginning. You’ll also have the chance to photograph humpback whales breaching in the distance, fin whales slicing through the surface, pods of common and bottlenose dolphins riding the bow wake, and California sea lions lounging on the rocks or playing just below your boat. The skies are alive with frigatebirds, brown pelicans, ospreys, and other seabirds soaring against the backdrop of volcanic cliffs. It’s a photographer’s dream—a perfect blend of motion, light, and raw nature.

Gray Whales: An Unmatched Encounter

Then we head west to San Ignacio Lagoon, a place like no other on Earth. This UNESCO-listed biosphere reserve is one of just three lagoons in the world where gray whales migrate each year to mate, give birth, and raise their calves. What makes San Ignacio especially remarkable isn’t just the concentration of whales—it’s their behavior.

The gray whales here are famously curious and social. Many will voluntarily approach boats, sometimes bringing their calves alongside. In rare and magical moments, they may even lift their heads above the surface, encouraging gentle contact. Scientists and naturalists alike are still working to understand why, but the behavior is unmistakable: these whales seek interaction. For photographers, this offers an almost surreal opportunity to capture eye-level portraits, dramatic waterline compositions, and intimate moments between mothers and calves.

Over the course of six dedicated whale-watching excursions, you’ll have ample chances to document this behavior from close range. We’ll be based at Campo Cortez, a remote, solar-powered ecolodge committed to conservation and sustainable wildlife encounters. It’s the perfect base for diving deep into the rhythms of the lagoon, with a backdrop of coastal desert, salt flats, and bird-filled skies.

Beyond the Whales

Outside of whale encounters, your days are filled with naturalist-led tide pool walks, where you’ll photograph vibrant starfish, sea anemones, and other hidden marine invertebrates. Evenings bring stargazing under a pristine dark sky, with the Milky Way often arching across the desert horizon—ideal for both astrophotography and quiet reflection.

This trip is timed to align with the peak gray whale season and the annual return of blue whales to the Sea of Cortez, maximizing your chances of witnessing rare and powerful wildlife behaviors. With expert instruction from our photography guides and passionate local naturalists, you’ll not only walk away with incredible images—you’ll come home with a deeper connection to the natural world and an experience you’ll never forget.