Mar 25 - Apr 5, 2025 Depart: San Diego, California, USA
Return: Cabo San Lucas, Baja California, MX
$6795 22 Spots Open
Departing from San Diego, California
Arriving to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Embark on an unforgettable 12-day adventure whale watching tour to witness up to a dozen different whale species, including gray, blue, fin, sperm, and humpback whales, along with various dolphins off the Pacific coast of Baja California. Extend your journey into the vibrant waters of the Sea of Cortez, teeming with even more marine life. Discover offshore islands perfect for birdwatching and photography and enjoy snorkeling among colorful tropical reef fish.
12-day Itinerary
San Diego to Cabo San Lucas
San Diego
Travel to San Diego, California. Board Searcher at Fisherman’s Landing by 8 p.m. for passenger orientation. Depart at 10 p.m.
Ensenada and offshore travel south
Stop at Ensenada harbor for Mexican Customs and Immigration clearance. Whalewatch during the afternoon for migrating gray whales, dolphins, and seabirds aboard Searcher.
Islas San Benito
Hike to an old lighthouse and observe elephant seals crowded in each cove. It’s breeding season and jousting males, nursing pups, and resting females make for wonderful wildlife photography. There’s a chance to observe fascinating Guadalupe fur seals who have re-established here as well. We’ll observe nesting birds, such as osprey and ravens, and enjoy unique desert plants.
Laguna San Ignacio
Here we anchor among the gray whales and make this famous lagoon our home for two days. Whalewatch from smaller boats, called pangas, and see eye-to-eye with the whales. Observe mother gray whales care for their calves, and marvel at the power and grace of breaching and spyhopping whales. Explore pristine beaches for shells, blooming plants, and tidal animals and observe feeding birds in the mangrove channels.
Offshore Bahía Magdalena
Spend the day observing blue whales and humpback whales, herds of common dolphins, sea turtles, and pelagic seabirds with the Baja California peninsula as a truly scenic backdrop for wildlife photography.
Offshore Cabo San Lucas
Cruise to Gorda Banks where humpback whales gather. Humpback whales are very acrobatic–spectacular to observe, photograph, and listen to with our underwater microphone.
Isla San José
Searcher will arrive at the first stop in the Sea of Cortez for sunrise at the spectacular red sandstone cliffs of Punta Colorado. Then we’ll take a desert plant and bird walk through an arroyo formed by the scenic red cliffs. After our hike, we can enjoy snorkeling to view tropical fish in the reefs and sandy coves underwater. For the afternoon, we’ll have plenty of time to whale watch for blue whales, fin whales and sperm whales, as well as the large pods of bottlenose dolphins that frequent this area. NOTE: If the Whale Shark Encounter is offered on this day, the remaining itinerary may be re-ordered.
Isla San Francisco
We’ll stop at this small island with a beautiful sandy beach to explore sand dune community and snorkel in an area where Cortez garden eels are found. This island has beautiful desert plants and an early morning walk is an enjoyable option. Bird life is abundant too.
Again we’ll spend time aboard Searcher for the afternoon whalewatching in this productive area.
La Paz/Los Islotes
Arrive to La Paz area to observe the area’s whale sharks and participate in the optional Whale Shark Encounter. Then we travel to Los Islotes, two islets and underwater rocky reefs used by sea lions as haul-out sites. Skiff rides around the islets give great views of the sea lions, fishes and invertebrates along the reefs, and nesting boobies and other birds. Or dive in for some great snorkeling. Then there’s time to whalewatch offshore for blue, fin, or other whales. NOTE: If the Whale Shark Encounter is offered on this day, the previous itinerary may be re-ordered.
Isla Cerralvo
Make a stop at one of Baja California’s premier islands for giant cardón and barrel cactus, and incredible scenery. We’ll go ashore for a beach walk and then dive in for some great snorkeling. There’s time to whale watch offshore for Baja’s blue whales, fin whales, and other whales.
Cabo San Lucas
Disembark Searcher in Cabo San Lucas early morning. Transfer to Los Cabos (also called San Jose del Cabo) airport for return flight connections or downtown for hotel stay in Cabo San Lucas or San Jose del Cabo (recommended) on your own. Arrange for a flight out after 12 noon.
Tour Notes
MEALS INCLUDED: All meals (and beverages) from breakfast on Day 2 through breakfast on Day 12.
NOT INCLUDED: Ground and air transport to San Diego (Fisherman’s Landing where Searcher is docked) on Day 1 and return from Cabo San Lucas on Day 12, crew gratuity, whale shark encounter.
SAFETY NOTE: Because safety is our primary concern, we reserve the right to restrict passenger activities, if necessary. Please watch instructional boarding videos in the Searcher Safety link for information on necessary physical abilities for this tour.
SNORKEL/SWIMMING NOTE: There are both beach- and skiff-entry locations on the itinerary. Please see Searcher Safety for videos to illustrate both. The Whale Shark Encounter is an optional snorkel/swimming activity. Please review the details here: Whale Shark Encounter.
Itineraries and schedules subject to change based on weather conditions, wildlife opportunities, Captain’s discretion, and the uncertainties operating within foreign preserve guidelines.
Tour Documents
Important Tour Documents
- Booking a Baja Whalewatching Tour
- Travel Insurance
- Acknowledgement of Risk Form
- Searcher Safety videos
- Passenger Form
- 12-day Planned Itinerary or 8-day Planned Itinerary (April)
- Gear List for Baja Whalewatching Tour
- Suggested San Diego Services
- What to do in San Diego?
- Hotels in Los Cabos
- Extending your Holiday in Los Cabos
Baja Wildlife Information