Baja Whales & Wine | 2025

The central Baja California region is a pristine destination of undeveloped splendor. Uninhabited islands, a combination of mountains and deserts, and a lively sea come together in a mixture of incredible natural beauty. The exciting opportunity to get up close to the Gray Whales is complemented by subtle, flavorful notes in the region's award-winning wineries. Come join us on this once-in-a-lifetime small group adventure! 

Itinerary

Day 1:  Fly to San Diego

Fly to San Diego, CA on own to arrive in the early afternoon. We will meet with the other travelers, walk along San Diego Bay, and have dinner at leisure. 

Day 2:  Baja California, Mexico and San Quintin

Depart this morning for Northern Baja California, Mexico. Bievenidos! We will cross the border at Tijuana, the world’s busiest land border crossing. Visit Tijuana’s bustling Mercado Hidalgo before continuing on scenic Highway 1 to Ensenada for lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, we will return to Highway 1, traveling south through Northern Baja’s tomato, strawberry, and pepper fields on our way to San Quintin and tonight’s Welcome Dinner.  (B, L, D) 

Day 3: Guerrero Negro

After breakfast, we will continue driving south on Highway 1 to Guerrero Negro, Baja California Sur, through the Desierto Central de Baja California which is rich with unique vegetation. We will stop in Catavina along the way to take a short walk through this fascinating desert with rock formations, granite boulders and cave paintings that offer a glimpse into the indigenous human and animal life that once populated the region. After lunch at a local restaurant, we will continue to Guerrero Negro, which will serve as base camp for our next day’s whale watching experience. Dinner this evening is included at the hotel. (B, L, D) 

Day 4:  Whale Watching

Early this morning, we will depart for Guerrero Negro’s nearby lagoon, Ojo de la Liebre. The lagoons serve as the magnificent Gray Whale’s first calving stop on the journey from the Bering Strait. Aboard small, non-intrusive boats, captained by local guides, you will experience an up-close encounter with these gentle and curious giants. Afterward, lunch is included at a local restaurant before returning to the hotel. The remainder of the afternoon and evening are at your leisure. (B, L) 

Day 5:  More Whale Watching

We will have a morning departure after breakfast and travel back to Ojo de la Liebre, also known as Scammon’s Lagoon, for our second time to experience close encounters with the whales. Home to more than just the giant Gray Whales, the nearby lagoons are teeming with sea life including dolphins, sea lions and seals, as well as being surrounded by giant osprey nests and frequented by a variety of other migratory birds. Later, we’ll visit the world’s largest salt producer before traveling north for an overnight stay in the village of Catavina. Dinner is included this evening at the hotel. (B, L, D)

Day 6:  Ensenada

This morning, after breakfast, we will continue north to the bustling port city of Ensenada. Lunch is included along the way, arriving at our hotel in the afternoon. Time permitting, join our tour guide for an orientation walk through down-town Ensenada. The evening is yours to relax or explore the charming shops, cafes and taquerias that Ensenada is known for. (B, L)

Day 7:  Guadalupe Valley Wine Country

Today, after breakfast, you will have your choice to either relax and explore more of Ensenada, or take a side trip to La Bufadora, a local attraction and one of the largest natural ocean geysers in North America. Later in the afternoon, we’ll continue to the heart of Mexico’s premier wine country, the Guadalupe Valley, which has wineries that nowadays rival those of Napa Valley and other prominent wine regions. Here, we will visit a locally owned and operated winery for tastings and our Farewell Dinner. (B, D)

Day 8:  Home

Today, after breakfast, we will return to San Diego where we will have time for lunch before heading home on a late afternoon flight. (B)

Please Note - * This tour requires average physical activity. Participants should be in good health, able to climb stairs, climb in and out of boats, and walk reasonable distances, possibly over uneven ground or unpaved trails. This tour has early mornings that can be chilly. Come prepared for cold mornings and nights. Must have passports.