Whales of Baja: Gray Whales, Blue Whales & Loreto Photo Workshop & Photo Tour                
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Whales of Baja: Gray Whales, Blue Whales & Marine Wildlife

Lodge-Based Photo Workshop
Book Trip
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Whales of Baja: Gray Whales, Blue Whales & Marine Wildlife

Lodge-Based Photo Workshop
Upcoming Departures
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  Deposit: $3,000.00  
Start/End

Loreto, Mexico / San Diego, CA

Length

8 Days/7 Nights

Fitness Level

Level 1 - What's This?

Group Size

Up To 12 Guests

Highlights
  • Blue Whale Encounters: Photograph the largest animals on Earth in the nutrient-rich waters of the Loreto Bay National Marine Park.

  • Humpbacks, Dolphins & Sea Lions: Morning sea safaris offer chances to capture dynamic marine life in action.

  • Coronado Island Exploration: Stunning volcanic landscapes, white sand beaches, and turquoise water teeming with life.

  • Close Gray Whale Interactions: Six whale-watching excursions in San Ignacio Lagoon, famous for friendly and curious gray whales.

If you have any questions about a trip, itinerary, or gear, our Photo Experience Coordinators are available for a personalized one-on-one consultation to provide all the details you need.
Trip Description:

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.

What's Included
  • All listed meals during the workshop

  • All transportation during the workshop

  • All lodging during the workshop

  • Airport transfers on trip start/end dates

  • 8 whale watching trips (2 sea safaris in Loreto and 6 whale watches in San Ignacio)

  • Naturalists led discussions and field excursions

  • Professional photography guiding and instruction

What's Not Included
  • Flights to Loreto, Mexico (LTO) or from San Diego, CA (SAN)

  • Meals not listed as included on the itinerary

  • Lodging outside workshop dates

  • Souvenirs and personal items

  • Gratuity for photography guide(s). Please refer to our FAQ section for more details about gratuities

  • Trip Insurance & Medical Evacuation Insurance - see plans here.

 Trip Itinerary 

Most meals included – (B,L,D) denotes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 1(D)
We’ll arrive in the charming seaside town of Loreto and a shuttle will take us to check in at the lovely La Misión Hotel, ideally located right along the waterfront. After settling in, we’ll gather for a welcome happy hour at 5pm to toast the start of our adventure and get to know each other. Dinner will be at one of the many great restaurants within walking distance of our hotel.

Days 2 & 3 (B,L,D)
After a 7am breakfast at the hotel, our days begin with a sea safari in Loreto Bay National Marine Park, where we’ll search for blue whales—the largest animals on Earth—along with humpbacks, dolphins, sea lions, and other marine life. Afterward, we’ll head to the beautiful Coronado Island to explore its pristine beaches and turquoise waters. The afternoon is yours to relax by the pool, wander the historic town, or photograph the stunning landscapes and architecture around Loreto.

Day 4 (B,L,D)
Today, we’ll leave the coast and take a scenic 4-hour drive inland to the remote and magical San Ignacio Lagoon. Along the way, we’ll stop for lunch at an oasis and visit a beautiful historic mission tucked into the desert landscape. Upon arrival at Campo Cortez Ecolodge, we’ll get oriented to our off-grid home for the next few days, followed by happy hour and a delicious group dinner to end the day.

Days 5-7 (B,L,D)
Each of these days at San Ignacio Lagoon we'll enjoy two whale-watching excursions—one in the morning and one in the afternoon. This is one of the best places on Earth to observe and even interact with Pacific gray whales up close. In between boat outings, there’s time to enjoy a guided tide pool walk, listen to a naturalist talk, or just relax and take in the peaceful surroundings.

Day 8 (B, L)
This morning, we’ll have breakfast at 7am and then board a private charter flight around 8:15am from San Ignacio Lagoon to Tijuana, enjoying stunning views of Baja California from above. Upon arrival, we’ll cross the CBX bridge into the U.S. and take a shuttle to our hotel in San Diego (if you aren't planning to depart on this day), and then to the San Diego International Airport where our journey will end.

Please note that the exact sequence of the itineraries on all photography trips will be based on weather and lighting conditions. The goal on these trips is to make sure we are at the right place at the right time for the perfect light on our subjects. Also, itineraries can change for a variety of other circumstances including floods, forest fires, national park closures, road closures, and more. Due to the nature of wildlife and landscape photography, we do not guarantee any specific sightings or specific compositions.
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We’re so confident that the Photography Trips we offer will not only meet but exceed the lofty expectations set forth on our website – if your trip experience does not 100% match the promises laid forth on our website we will gladly give you a credit toward a future trip.

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BACKCOUNTRY JOURNEYS

"Backcountry Journeys offers guests the unique opportunity to explore our natural world from behind their own lens. We run a selection of hand-crafted Photo Tours, Workshops & Safaris connecting passionate people to exceptional experiences. Locations worldwide.
All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Journeys Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLC - Copyright 2025

CONTACT US

Monday-Friday
8am to 4pm Mountain Time
928-478-1521
adventure@backcountryjourneys.com

TRIP CATALOG

Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.

BACKCOUNTRY JOURNEYS

"Backcountry Journeys offers guests the unique opportunity to explore our natural world from behind their own lens. We run a selection of hand-crafted Photo Tours, Workshops & Safaris connecting passionate people to exceptional experiences. Locations worldwide.

- Russ Nordstrand, Backcountry Journeys Founder & Director

CONTACT US

Monday-Friday
8am to 4pm Mountain Time
928-478-1521
adventure@backcountryjourneys.com

TRIP CATALOG

Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.

All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLCs - Copyright 2025
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