Whale Watching & Turtle Tagging In San Ignacio Lagoon B.C.S.

Whale watching with Pachico’s Tour was nothing short of amazing. We saw tons of whales every day and got to pet one! The most incredible part of our time at their family whale camp was that we felt like family, everyone was friendly, attentive and made us not want to leave. My family cannot recommend them enough. ❤️

It's like sleep-away camp, conservation, and stewardship all in one but then add whales! You have to go! Everything was organized to be easy. Don't be afraid to ask questions or tell the Pachico's team what you need. They are helpful and kind. The schedule was clear. We knew what to expect. The day is full but there is time for rest. You can choose to rest in your room or hang out in the meeting/dining area, on the swing, or anywhere outside. Check out the osprey nests. Go for walks. Investigate the shells. Stargazing is magnificent.If you're driving in, you may lose your GPS signal, so review the directions before you go. You can park right next to your cabin for easy unloading and loading. Meals were amazing. It's okay to ask for a half portion. There was plenty of drinking water to refill your water bottle at any time we were in camp. There was also water on the boat, but it's best to fill up in the meeting/dining area. This room was built out of recycled/upcycled materials by one of the brothers, Rana.The rooms were comfortable and clean. There are locks on the cabins. Composting toilets did not smell and were changed daily. We were able to wash our thick, long hair in the showers with the water pressure. Be mindful of water usage. Charge your phone after whale watching. Consider a power bank if you need to charge after dark.The lecture series was impactful. There aren't words to capture the whale part of the experience. There just aren't words. Pack more layers than you think you need. A scarf or buff for your neck, face, and ears with protect you on the way to and from the whale observation area. Your outer layer should be water proof/resistant and stop the wind. Bring a small flashlight for walking back to the cabins in the evening and so you don't wake up your friends with the overhead light if you get up in the night. Most importantly, pack your sense of adventure and fun. Be ready to make new friends. Share your pictures. The best pictures of you will come from your new friends. Take time to put the camera away and be in the moment.

Whale watching Baja, San Ignacio We had an absolutely magical experience with the whales, Pachico's family and guides were top notch, they know the lagoon inside and out and were so respectful of the whales, ensuring that our interactions were not pushy or forced. I really felt how much they all love the lagoon and the whales and how they work to educate their guests. Definitely a 5 star experience!

An unforgettable experience where it all started As someone who has loved whales since I was a child, I had high hopes for my first trip to see the gray whales in Baja - but as someone concerned with the welfare of animals and climate change, I was also nervous that I might find an enterprise that wasn't benefitting the whales or the local environment. Turns out I had nothing to worry about: my experience at Pachico's gave me both an unforgettable experience and the peace of mind knowing that I was supporting a family business deeply invested in their community - human and non-human.For those who don't know, Pachico Mayoral was the first person to ever witness friendly behavior from a gray whale, and after years of informally offering to show people what he'd found, he started a full-time business in whale-watching. Now run by his son Pancho and the rest of his family, the Mayorals are offering their generations of knowledge as local fishermen and naturalists to help visitors experience this delightful phenomenon of friendly whales interacting with humans. I’ve been whale-watching on both the East and West Coasts, seen numerous species of whales, and have never had an experience like this before. Seeing so many whales you lose count, watching whales swim up to and under your boat, seeing their giant heads break the surface to look at you - it’s a singular experience that is honestly addictive, so prepare for some serotonin depletion the day after you leave. You’ll want to come back!I visited in late February with my partner and found the whole experience well-balanced between structure and autonomy. We had booked the 3-day/4-night whale watching and turtle tagging package, which included 2 whale watches per day, and a turtle tagging session on the last day. Because Pachico's camp is located further from the whale-watching area than any other camp, the team has a special arrangement where visitors are taken out for one whale watch in the morning, followed by a picnic lunch on a nearby beach, and another whale watch in the early afternoon. This gave us ample time to see whales throughout the week and saved us an additional trip to and from the observation area between sessions. Plus, lunchtime on the beach offered us the chance to explore the nearby mangroves and shoreline. Much of our group consisted of a sizable number of birders, and one naturalist, Ranulfo, was happy to devote a bit of time to bird-watching. We arrived back at camp each day around 2pm, leaving plenty of time for a siesta (which you might need after all that sun) or some exploring before happy hour and dinner. After dinner, Pancho or one of the other naturalists would give a presentation about some topic related to the whales, other wildlife (turtles, birds, etc), the local ecosystem, or Pachico's story. At the end, you get to walk back to your cabin, tent, or camper under a sky full of stars (no light pollution here!). What's not to love?I had an incredible time and can't wait to return, but YMMV. Here are some indicators that a stay at Pachico's is for you:- You're coming to see whales! Because Pachico's hosts much smaller groups, all of us were able to attend the two whale-watching sessions every day (I was told this isn’t a guarantee elsewhere, but don’t quote me). Six sessions over three days means you'll be much more likely to have memorable interactions with the grays!- You're not bothered by low-ish water pressure or lack of flushable toilets for a few days. Considering the lack of local infrastructure out there, Pachico's has done a commendable job offering private bathrooms with hot showers in all of their cabins. Used properly, the composting toilets don't smell at all, and the showers work fine - but it won't be like your water pressure at home- You are game to REALLY unplug. The camp center (where meals are held) has wifi service, but cabins do not. The wifi that does exist isn't meant for things like streaming, uploading pics, etc, so maybe don't plan to be uploading to Tik Tok while you're there. Cell service on the lagoon is sparse to begin with, so this is just a good thing to keep in mind regardless- You'd like the option to camp at the lagoon. Someone in my group mentioned Pachico's is the only company that'll let you bring your own tent or camper, and that it cut her costs as a solo traveler considerably (again, don’t quote me!)- It's important to you to support small and local businesses. The Mayorals and their extended network are all part of the local community of fishermen and conservationists, and they've made trade-offs to the size of their business to keep it sustainable. The camp hosts smaller groups than others and works hard to ensure as much opportunity to see the whales as possible, and those choices are evident in the quality of your experienceIn short: I can't recommend Pachico's highly enough, but even if you don't stay with them, do yourself a favor and go to see these animals. It'll restore your love for this planet like nothing else.

We had a wonderful time in our four days at camp and going out on the lagoon! We saw way more whales than we could count and had a friendly encounter on day one, then a few more throughout. Pancho was very helpful with all the logistics and with getting us oriented, and made the slightly tricky task of getting to the camp without a car much easier. Our guides, Lisa, Ranulfo, and Rana, were knowledgeable and skilled. Everyone was incredibly friendly and hospitable throughout, and our meals were delicious too! Most importantly for us, everyone involved cares deeply about protecting the wildlife and the environment in the lagoon, and about educating guests on the importance of the ecosystem and the preservation success stories that the lagoon represents. Many thanks to everyone involved, it was a totally unforgettable experience and we'll be back soon!

This is a yes. Very well run, family values. Great food, cute comfortable cabins and the guides are keen, friendly and genuinely care for the whales.

I’m beyond grateful to have visited San Ignacio Lagoon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and play with gray whales. Always support local! @pachicosecotours is a family-owned operation with deep roots. In 1972, a fisherman, Don ‘Pachico’ Mayoral was the first person to make physical contact with the whales and develop relationships with them–a moment that has since resonated around the world. His legacy lives on through his direct descendants. It is the first and only 100% local tour company in Laguna San Ignacio. Although the Mayoral family are trailblazers in their community, they face significant challenges due to their location. Their business is the farthest from the prime whale-watching areas compared to newer ecotourism companies supported by foreign investments. This geographic disadvantage leads to higher transportation and fuel costs, while adhering to competitive pricing agreements with other tourism providers. Despite these obstacles, Pachico’s Ecotours stands out as the only tourism company in the region fully funded by local investments and staffed entirely by locals. Their dedication to preserving their community’s heritage and providing authentic, meaningful experiences sets them apart as a distinctive and valuable part of the ecotourism industry. Our guide, Ranulfo Mayoral and panga captain Gabriel are outstanding. They know their craft and it shows. THE BEST in the whale watching industry! Dinner was delicious, and it was lovely to have our guide, Ranulfo, join us and provide a briefing. That night, we experienced a windstorm but felt very secure in their eco-cabins, which are the only ones equipped with private bathrooms and hot water! Talk about luxury in such a remote part of the world. I feel so blessed to have had this magical experience. Ranulfo thoroughly prepared us for what to expect—and what not to! I went in with no expectations and was rewarded with the incredible sight of a mother whale and her calf coming right up to the boat. I even got to touch them—a moment I will never forget.

We had a great outing with Pachico Tours. Great family operated company with a lot of history and respect for the whales. They were super professional and knowledgeable. When I emailed Pancho about a tour he was very upfront about the possibility that we might not see any whales since we were late in the season. I really appreciated his honestly and integrity. We took our chances had an incredible outing with Toni, Pedro and little Pachico III. We ended up seing 5 cow & calf pairs. Truly incredible to witness the gray whales, not to be missed. Thanks so much!

Incredible place! We stayed there one night in an ecocabaña, which has everything you need. In the morning we went whalewatching, and even tough it was low season, we saw more than 10 whales! The crew (Toni and Pedro) are amazing. Honestly price/quality 10/10 🙂

I had one of the greatest experience of my life! Toni and Pedro were amazing

Whale watching with Pachico’s Eco Tours was absolutely life-changing, and we cannot recommend them enough! The depth of knowledge, authenticity, and care that the Mayoral family brings to this operation is stunning. And the whales!!! Witnessing the curiosity and trust of these giant ancient creatures was an experience unlike any other. Book with these folks — you won’t regret it.

This was one of the absolute best experiences of my life. I went for the whales (and oh my goodness the encounters with the whales were phenomenal), and yet I found my time with the people at camp to be just as wonderful as our time on the water! It's clear that the entire team--from the guides, to the chefs, to the captains, to the folks behind the scenes and the family members who run the business--has immense respect, compassion, and care for the whales. This level of care is at the heart of everything they do at the camp, and it makes the experience that much more magical and, frankly, unbelievable. I can't wait to come back!

Incredible experience!!

Of the three locations we visited to see whales on the peninsula (San Ignacio, Magdalena Bay, and Cabo), Pachicos was the best. On several occasions the grey whales came right up to the boat where they could be touched briefly. A very knowledgeable naturalist was on each of the two boats, so we learned a lot about whale behaviors and other facts as we were looking for the next sighting. Cabins on the beach are unheated, but plenty of covers are provided. The vibe at Pachicos is very friendly and informal; guests feel like part of a family after the first meal; margaritas are fantastic. The naturalists live at the camp also, so are available almost any time to discuss aspects of the whales and other interesting things about nature in the area. And, as a bonus, we got to participate in a research project measuring and releasing black sea turtles (sub-species of green) with Eco Tourtugas, a conservaion NGO in the area co-founded by Pachicos management. Pachicos is definitely to be recommended.

Wonderful 4 night whale watching trip. Great experiences with the friendly gray whales. Thank you Pancho, Lisa, and all the staff for a memorable experience.

If you want to reawaken your inner child and experience one of the most exhilarating encounters of your life, this place is the closest to heaven that I could possibly imagine. Top three best experiences of my life.

This is such a special place and an incredible experience. We stayed for 3 nights and did 2 days of whale watching which was perfect. Each outing was unique as you never know what exactly will happen and we were blown away by the whales (sometimes literally as that's how close you are to the blowhole)! I kept my expectations low as the whales are free to do as they please and there are no guarantees that they'll interact with you. Happily, this trip totally exceeded my expectations and we had several close encounters. We loved our cabin which had it's own private bathroom and beautiful view of the lagoon. The sunsets and starry night sky were unbelievable. We enjoyed meeting our fellow travelers and the wonderful owner, Pancho, the guides, Adrianna and Pamela, and the fantastic support staff. They work hard to make sure that you have a great experience while at the same time protecting the whales and the entire unique ecosystem. Cannot recommend them highly enough.

We had an amazing experience visiting the San Ignacio Lagoon with Pachico’s. Pancho, Adriana and Pamela were wonderful hosts and exceptionally knowledgable about the whales and the overall ecosystem of the lagoon and surrounding areas. The encounters with the whales exceeded all expectations. The lodge and accommodations are clean and comfortable with beautiful sunsets and views of the lagoon. We can’t wait to go back!

Whale Watching Wonder This is such a special place and an incredible experience. We stayed for 3 nights and did 2 days of whale watching which was perfect. Each outing was unique as you never know what exactly will happen and we were blown away by the whales (sometimes literally as that's how close you are to the blowhole)! I kept my expectations low as the whales are free to do as they please and there are no guarantees that they'll interact with you. Happily, this trip totally exceeded my expectations and we had several close encounters. We loved our cabin which had it's own private bathroom and beautiful view of the lagoon. The sunsets and starry night sky were unbelievable. We enjoyed meeting our fellow travelers and the wonderful owner, Pancho, the guides, Adrianna and Pamela, and the fantastic support staff. They work hard to make sure that you have a great experience while at the same time protecting the whales and the entire unique ecosystem. Cannot recommend them highly enough.

Wonderful Experience We had an amazing experience visiting the San Ignacio Lagoon with Pachico’s. Pancho, Adriana and Pamela were wonderful hosts and exceptionally knowledgable about the whales and the overall ecosystem of the lagoon and surrounding areas. The encounters with the whales exceeded all expectations. The lodge and accommodations are clean and comfortable with beautiful sunsets and views of the lagoon. We can’t wait to go back!

Exceptional! Pachico’s delivered a whale watching triple crown: seeing, touching, experiencing. Our guide, Adrianna, and our captain, Pedro, were exceptional: they knew whales, gave us appropriate and thorough information, and were respectful of the whales and environment in a way that left me feeling like I’d had an exceptional experience and hadn’t harmed the environment. These guys are good at what they do.

A whale of a time! My very favorite moment was when we were out in the boat surrounded by friendly whales (six of them right next to us and many more within a half mile) and petting one of them, and another nudged in to be petted. We went back and forth petting the one and then the other. The captain was skilled, experienced and sensitive to the whales. The whales are incredibly graceful, and even when they surrounded us, they were gentle with us and the boat. We saw everything you could imagine: nursing calves, courtship and mating, spyhopping, fluking, breaching. We even got a bonus bird-watching experience in the mangroves. Each time we went out whale watching with a local captain and an experienced marine biologist aboard. Pachico's attracted some lovely people from around the globe, whose company we enjoyed on and off the water.

Whale world The gray whales and other marine life were fantastic. Our guides and captains were so helpful. There are many whales camps at the lagoon. Good water boots are provided to wade out to the panga boats. Pachico's is about a half hour boat ride from the whale protection area in which the 90 minute time for the boat is monitored. We had lunch on a wild beach near the whale area each day. There are no bathrooms where the packed lunch is served on camp tables, there are bushes to go behind. Then you reboard the boats, have the afternoon 90 minutes with the whales, and then the 25-30 minute boat ride back to Pachico's camp. At the camp, the cabins have comfortable beds. The shower water is heated by solar panel, and the electricity for a few light bulbs in the cabin is also solar. In the dining cabana, there is a (cell phone) charging station supplied by solar panels, and WiFi. The toilets are composting toilets. It was an amazing place to be.

Looks great. Heard about it on YouTube Travel Beans

Amazing family run operation with a rich history of the area. Great tour guides and accommodations are really nice. Highly recommend staying here to go see the whales!

Excelente atencion. Gracias a Victoria, Adriana y a nuestro capitan Don Fernando

Fabulous experience A once in a lifetime type of experience...learning about and getting up close to magnificent gray whales, and often their babies. Being able to observe and touch these wonderful gentle giants does something magnificent to one's heart! The two guides, Alex and Victoria were knowledgeable, fun and made one feel both safe and welcome. Two great people.

Looked after like family and experienced the most incredible whale watching. Pancho and his family looked after us from the moment we arrived. Alex Romero guided us with Juan to experience the most incredible life changing interaction with the grey whales. My daughter is vegan so the cook took time to prepare different food for her every meal. Could not recommend Pachico ecotours enough.

Whale watching with Pachico’s We couldn’t even imagine how many whales we would see up close and personal; what an amazing experience! We saw males, females, babies, spy hops, and breaches; all so close to our panga. The staff were all very friendly and knowledgeable. The meals were excellent! As a bonus, we also saw sea lions, dolphins and a bird tour through the mangroves. Alex, Adriana, and Capitan Juan took great care of us. A truly memorable experience!

Excelente paseo, pudimos ver cómo 10 ejemplares de esta ballena

Everything about this experience was perfection! The staying quarters are comfortable and have beautiful views, the food was fresh, local, and amazing, the staff were knowledgeable, unbelievably friendly and accommodating and the best part of course was how conscious they are of how negative interactions could impact the whales and environment they live in. They truly care about the whales, we are in their space not vice versa, just how it should be. I was very blessed to be able to meet friendly whales.

Best whale watching tour. Great food. Friendly staff. Loved this experience. Rooms are very comfortable.

Experience of a LifeTime Pachico's Eco Tours not only hosts a truly amazing experience through kind, knowledgeable staff, amazing food, and cozy quarters, but they are consciously creating space to see the sights and interactions of a lifetime. I can't say enough about the experience.

I recently returned from the Pachicos EcoTours (March2019) and cannot imagine a better experience. From the first, Pachicos became our home because of the exceptionally warm, kind and knowledgeable staff. The whale watching was outstanding, imagine a mother and baby gray whale coming to your boat for direct contact. The accommodations are lovely, clean and simple. This is the original, local tour founded by the family of the man, Pachico, who made the first friendly contact with the gray whales. Thank you for an adventure of a lifetime!

Pachicos made our first encounter with the whales an amazing experience,we were there last week 3/24 were blown away with how close whales came to the boat,the experienced staff,their knowledge of the eviroment and wild life,my kids were thrilled to have had whales so close and be able to touch them.Cant wait to be able to go back.🤘😎

Un campamento en medio del desierto para salir a ver ballenas, muy amables y las instalaciones hacen que la pases super bien!!!

Excelente Servicio y la comida mas deliciosa que he comido ..😊

La mejor experiencia en ballenas

The experience of a lifetime. We enjoyed Pachico's hospitality from March 9 to 16, 2017. The whale-watching was superb, and being a long-time Baja family run operation added to the Pachico's experience. The respect for the whales, the environment, and the Baja was exceptional.

TRIP OF A LIFETIME, Pachicos Ecotours I recently returned from the Pachicos EcoTours (March 2019) and cannot imagine a better experience. From the first, Pachicos became our home away from home because of the exceptionally warm, kind and knowledgeable staff. The whale watching was outstanding, imagine a mother and baby gray whale coming to your boat for direct contact, a magical experience. The accommodations are lovely, clean and simple. Respect for the environment, the whales, and our comfort was profound. This is the original, local tour founded by the family of the man, Pachico Mayoral, who made the first friendly contact with the gray whales. Thank you for the adventure of a lifetime!

Breath taking encounters were pure joy! Pachico's Eco Camp was delightful. The cabins all had great views and were clean and nice. Loved the composting toilets and serious recycling there. The restaurant and bar was homey with the shell floor and local arts and crafts for sale. The people who live and work here are mostly family and all are super passionate about the whales and their environment. Ruby, Ranulfo and Victoria were all wonderful! But the whales stole the show every day!!!! To have a whale and her calf come right up to the side of your boat and let you touch them is magical. And when they blow water out their blow hole onto your face....well, there is nothing better...This was an experience of a lifetime. Highly recommended!!!!

Мечты сбываются Бухта в Сан Игнасио оказалась нашим вторым пунктом"большого китового тура",где,наконец то сбылась наша мечта-потрогать кита!Сами туры организованы отлично-сбор в 9.00-9.30,небольшой брифинг о правилах поведения с китами и мерами безопасности и вперёд.Тур на человека стоил 55$.Добраться до офиса можно либо самостоятельно на авто,либо существует трансфер за 35$ из Сан Игнасио от места проживания и обратно.Так же предоставляются желающим эко-домики на берегу бухты,кто желает провести несколько ночей и выполнить несколько выходов в бухту к китам.Мы были 27 и 28 февраля-невероятное количество резвящихся молодых китов,прыгающих и высовывающих головы,ну,и конечно,большие китихи с китятами.Все капитаны лодок являются профессионалами и мастерами своего дела.А Руби сделала всё возможное,чтобы наш отдых превратился в праздник(несмотря на наше полное незнание языка).Она-Женщина с большой буквы,очень интересная,общительная и привлекательная.ОДНОЗНАЧНО ВСЕМ РЕКОМЕНДУЮ К ПОСЕЩЕНИЮ!

PACHICO’S ECO CAMP GRAY WHALE WATCHING AT SAN IGNACIO LAGOON This camp has recently had a change in management, which now involves all of Pachico’s sons and daughters. They are updating the website and other information. You can find their other excellent reviews (5 stars) by searching “Pachicho’s Ecotours” on Trip Advisor. In the 1970’s, Pachico Mayoral was the first fisherman in the area to notice that gray whales were seeking contact with humans. He found they sought being stroked and played with. These creatures were considered “killer fish” based on their behaviors when hunted prior to a moratorium in the late 1940’s. He became a leader in protecting the whales and establishing environmentally responsible guidelines for interacting with them and conserving the land around the lagoons. You can see documentaries about him by Googling his name. Pachico himself founded this company, which is run by his daughters and sons since he passed away in 2013. We were thrilled that we ended up experiencing whale watching with this “first family” of whale watching and conservation. We stopped in Guerrero Negro, another whale watching area, a few days before and went on a watch with Mario’s Whale Watching Tours, and the experience was first rate. We had a mother and her calf approach the boat and linger to be pet and to play with the boat. Upon reaching the town of San Ignacio, we had a difficult time finding a similar tour lasting four or five hours. All of the websites I consulted were for tours out of eco-camps at the lagoons themselves (as opposed to from the town), and the sites had little information about costs (which is also true for Pachico’s), or else they cost many thousands of dollars for multiple days and included flights from the US and transfers from La Paz or Loreto. We decided to drive out to the lagoon and see for ourselves what was available. The drive is down an excellent paved road until the final 5.5 miles or so, when it reverts to a dirt road, rather poor, but easily though slowly passable with a compact rental car. The scenery is spectacular and changes with every turn of the road. At what seemed to be the end of the road, there was just a cluster of homes and one small store. When I asked the store proprietor in my very poor Spanish about tours, she took me to the door and motioned toward Pachico’s. She told me to see “Rubi.” We drove to Pachico’s and met Rubi right away. She is one of the best things about choosing to tour with this company! She is bright, flexible and efficient, possesses a wealth of information about whales, history, ecology and conservation, as well as being lots and lots of fun. She has worked in San Ignacio Lagoon in several of the camps and as a community organizer, so provides information about the local people and their developing village. Oh, and she speaks great English! We ended up booking a casita with full bath for several nights, receiving a discount because it was shoulder season (early February). The view of the lagoons and their encircling mountains takes your breath away. You could sit on the deck of the casita, or look through the bank of windows in your unit, for days. And the night stars are like nowhere else—bright and sharp in the cool night air. The casitas and clubhouse/dining area are all permanent buildings made of reclaimed wood and other environmentally sound materials. Many of the other eco camps in the area use tents for their lodgings and main buildings. I’ve read in a number of reviews that these tents can be drafty, so we appreciated how snug we were when the wind was blowing outside. This was shoulder season and the camp wasn’t busy, so the prices were rock bottom. The cost for two nights and days and one three hour whale watch trip, along with all of our meals and happy hour each day, came to about $400 US for the two of us. This has got to be one of the best deals on the planet, and it provided the highlight of our trip. Pachico’s is in a remote location, which is one of the things that makes it magical. Internet is spotty, and there is little formal “entertainment,” though there is always good conversation with knowledgeable people in the main cabin. It really makes you think about the privilege of being in a unique spot where nature is in charge. One of Pachico’s sons, Angel, was our guide for whale watching. Once we reached the lagoon, Angel stayed a bit away from the small cluster of pangas already there. Almost immediately, whales began swimming around our boat. Soon, a mother and calf came over to us and began brushing the side of the boat. Sure enough, she let us pet her and her baby, continuing to circle the boat and interact. Being so close to one of these gentle giants was a privilege we’ll never forget. If you have whale watched off of Cape Cod or elsewhere in the Northeast, you will be overwhelmed by the numbers of whales, their proximity, and their antics. Pachico’s also offers daily whale watching trips, for those not interested in staying on site. One tour is whale watching in the morning with lunch on a beach and an afternoon of exploring the mangroves and their abundant wildlife. Another offers an hour and a half with the whales, with lunch on the beach and a return to the whales in the afternoon. There are also three hour tours. A wonderful couple from southern California stayed while we were there. They are guides and boat captains for whale watching off the US coast and work with another Pachico son, Pancho. The clubhouse became not only the dining area but the place for long conversations about the day’s sightings and all manner of other things. We were sometimes joined by Rudolpho, another son, who has an impressive amount of knowledge of the whales and the area and Anselma, a daughter, who turned out to also be the proprietor of the store in the village! The CA couple went on a watch with Rudolpho and had a similarly fulfilling time of interaction with several whales and their young. They happened to know a worker/guide at one of the very expensive camps and stopped to visit with her. She said that company’s excursions had not resulted in whale encounters in the past few days, unlike our experiences. I feel strongly that the whales, who local fishermen such as Angel sometimes know by name, actually recognize the boats and their captains. It only makes sense to go out with people who descend from the whales’ first human “friend,” Pachico Mayoral. The maximum time with the whales is regulated by law and enforced by an officer on a boat on the lagoon, and is 1.5 hours. Pachico’s tours take about ½ hour to get to the ideal watching spot, but then have that same time with the whales. The scenery on the trips out and back from the lagoon, as well as the birds, sea lions and dolphins that accompany you, complete the embarrassment of natural riches that is San Ignacio. Don’t hesitate to book with these wonderful people. If you have questions, ask them. They are honest and fair, and will work with you to create a perfect and affordable trip that you will remember for a lifetime! You leave feeling like members of a wonderful family.

Such a full of life experience San Ignacio Lagoon is amazing and our experience here was fantastic. Small groups in boats, getting personal with whales, the birds and sea shells and whole experience went well. We rented a car in Loreto and drove over taking our time and seeing places along the way. About 5 1/2 hours of driving time but we stayed overnight near Mulege and looked around in the town of San Ignacio (dates are a specialty) and there is a museum .We had a 3 night package and I am glad we did because one day had winds that didn't allow us to go out. Lots of beautiful nature in this area. The Internet is not available at the camp so email and wait 3,4 or 5 days for a reply, very nice folks there.

Should be on everyone's bucket list Words and pictures can't describe this experience. We were so excited to go on this trip and all expectations were met - yes the whales are the true show here but everything about Pachico's added to the great time. We couldn't have been happier with all aspects of the camp - food, staff, huts, etc. We will definitely return to Pachico's. They go out of their way to make your trip pleasurable.

Excellent staff, good food...but whales are the stars We have been on many whale trips in the USA, off coast of Oregon and California. And have seen many whales. However, this experience was beyond expectations. There are whales everywhere. As you might expect from these amazing creatures, they all have different personalities. Some cruise by and take a peak, others just cruise by, and others come up to the boat for a close encounter. Mothers with calfs are perhaps showing off their young. Some of the young ones like to show tricks...sky-hopping and rolling. We were fortunate enough to see several boats have close encounters with the whales and people stroking them for several minutes. We saw this on 3 different days. We also had our own close encounter with a mother and calf. They are amazing. We all need to do more to protect our oceans and these creatures. Pachico's is a great advertisement for being environmentally friendly. Solar power, composting toilets etc. In the evenings after dinner we sat with the staff chatting and on occasion singing. Great people, great place, great whales. Recommend a minimum of 2 days of whale watching. And thank you to the people of Pachico's.

Such an Amazing Experience! We stayed for three nights in a premium cabana with attached bathroom. The cabana was spacious and clean and withstood the winds well. The food was good and varied. The staff were all excellent. Jorge is the camp manager and makes sure all your needs are taken care of. The guides, Henry, Lupita and owner/guide Jesus are passionate about their love of whales and it shows. The other guests were also all passionate about nature, and everyone got along well. I thought we were just lucky, but I realize that if you come all that way (5-6 hr drive from the nearest airport), you must really have to love animals. And if you love whales you can't miss going to this place. Suggestion: it can get quite windy and a bit wet in the viewing pangas. Definitely bring a light rain jacket with a hood. Hats and sunglasses should all be on straps. Wear and bring strong sunscreen and chapstick. The Pachico website is very thorough about what to expect and what to bring.

Trip of a lifetime! We spent 2 days whale watching with Jesus, Jorge, Renolfo and the rest of the wonderful staff at Pachico. I couldn't say enough about them. So warm and friendly. And with a genuine love for the whales. If you're looking for a luxury suite and 5-star meals, this may not be for you. But if you want to experience the grays up close and personal in an environment that's comfortable and fun, this is the place to be.

Three phenomenal days with Jesus and his amazing crew. Pachico's reputation is well deserved. We booked the cabana package (with bath) for three full days. The food was varied, fresh, wholesome, and well prepared. Happy hour lasted hours and was included. The cabins simple but oh-so-convenient right on the lagoon. But the main reason to be there, of course, was the whales. San Ignacio and Pachico's takes conservation very seriously, treating the whales with such respect. They include both a morning AND afternoon session, each a full 90 minutes, and separated by such on a secluded beach. The captains and guides are top rate; we delighted in hours of up-close encounters with moms and babies, breaching, spy-hopping, rolling, logging, ... We must have been able to gently touch the inquisitive whales dozens of times. The camp staff was equally skilled and friendly. A bucket list trip for any animal lover, equal to safari in Africa. A room tip: 3 of us shared room 6 (a double and single). This room and room 7 are large, windowed, with a full porch. Try to get one of these!

DO NOT HESITATE ! Awesome Awesome Awesome does not say it all As others have said this was a little out of my comfort zone...Initially but not anymore ! We selected the Cabana with composting toilet and shower. AN AWESOME choice for us! Upon arrival at the camp we were greeted by Jorge who was welcoming and throughout our stay he provided EXCEPTIONL information / food / and hospitality :). EVERYONE at the camp was awesome from kitchen staff to boat drivers, naturalists and Henry the intern who ROCKED ! These people know their stuff and the Margaritas were YUM ! Were there whales ? YES !!! And yes, they are as friendly as what you hear. We were lucky enough to PET, RUB, AND Love ! While not guaranteed IT HAPPENS ! And it is life changing to be so honored ! You go out and have two sessions per day with the whales. In between a GREAT lunch is provided on a beautiful beach ! The pangas (boats) are comfortable, low enough to the water to be able to splash and pet the whales. I strongly suggest to bring sunscreen and water shoes as depending on the tide you may have to wade to or from the boats. We were very lucky with the weather and had warm with no wind. I UNDERSTAND this is unusual and wind can be an issue. We spent 4 days here and I would have loved more! We flew to Loreto. RENTED AN SUV....we were glad we did when we reached the dirt road. Drove day 1 to San Ignacio TOWN. Spent one night, enjoyed the plaza and Mission. THIS WORKED GREAT as we wanted off the road before dark. The next morning we had breakfast, explored a bit and then did the trek on THE DIRT ROAD to Pachecos. You cannot get lost on the dirt road :). I had concerns prior to leaving home. If you have any questions please message me. I am more than happy to help.

Bucket list item - check off Amazing experience from arrival to departure. Went out on three boat excursions two mornings and a afternoon. Touched whales, can not explain the entire experience. Its a must do! For me it is a check of of the bucket list. Flew into Loreto, stayed overnight there then rented a car and drove to San Ignacio Bay. The drive is a experience, if you drive it must be in the daylight and you are driving down a sandy road with no signs to the end. The hut were OK (we are so spoiled). We were oceanside the food was delicious. The guides on the boats are experienced, they know where to go and they are respectful of the whales and other local boats in the area. We only stayed two nights. I suggest staying longer and taking the wildlife tours. You will not be sorry. Also rent a FWD if you can, we did it in a Jetta........ The drive from Loreto is over the Baja Peninsula mountains to the Pacific side, it is 5 hours give or take. Have a great time.

Does Jesus really need another 5 star review? 🙂 I first visited Pachico's camp in the early '00s... looooong after he had begun his work with the ballenas gris... and it has been a goal since to return and actually go out on a boat and share in this incredible experience. So, finally, after many years my girlfriend and I fulfilled this dream. It was so worth it!! I know this is supposed to be a review about Jesus Mayoral's camp/company vs the other outfits on the laguna, but I can't fairly comment on the others as I haven't experienced them... I can say, however that, as a long time Baja adventurer and world traveler, our Pachico's Eco Tours experience surpassed all of our already-high expectations. The accommodations were spartan but cozy, the solar showers were hit or miss (amazing that hot water is even an option in remote Baja now!) the food was amazing (caught in the the laguna that day) the communal building (where meals are served and guests gather to socialize and share their experiences) is beautiful, the boats are.. well, boats... mainly, I think what makes choosing Jesus' tour so special is that his dad helped found the framework/groundrules for the whole unique, highly-protected, un-touristy, whale-first experience in this laguna. Jesus will be the first to tell you that he cannot guarantee a puppy dog, pet the whale interaction, but that is exactly what we got. A baby boy literally spent over an hour with us, pushing his nose up against the boat for us to pet, opening his mouth and sticking out his tongue, spewing his delicious "puppy breath" all over us.. as his 40 + ft mother floated under the boat. It was simply mind blowing. We all cried. And on a side note, we also loved picnicking out on the barrier islands and in the beautiful mangroves. In short, every moment... motoring out across the beautiful laguna in the morning and evening, seeing the whales spout and breach all around us, beaching on the islands and exploring them at lunch, napping in our cabana at sunset overlooking the laguna and distant mountains, eating delicious food with the warm staff and fellow guests...and, luckily, having a long, intimate encounter with a baby boy and his momma (and learning an amazing amount of detail about the whales from Jesus' entire life on the laguna)... all of this made for one of the hands down best experiences of our lives. Thank you Jesus! See you again soon! John and Jess

Amazing, incredible, wonderful!!! Our experience with Pachicos was absolutely incredible!! We stayed for 2 nights in the cabañas - on arrival in the afternoon of our first day we were greeted by Jorge who gave us a quick tour of the site and showed us to our cabañas. We then had some dinner and enjoyed a couple of Margaritas (the Margaritas were amazing but warning - they were large and rather strong!!). As we sat with our drinks watching the sun set we saw dozens of pelicans fly past the windows! That night I was absolutely blown away by the stars - with no ambient light from nearby towns the sky was absolutely alight with them!! I have never seen anything like it! The following morning we went for a short walk before our first tour and found a selection of sea birds (including a large number of pelicans) on the shoreline eyeing up some nearby fisherman who looked as though they had just returned from a trip!! As we travelled out to the lagoon for our first tour we were fortunate to see a few dolphins before seeing our first grey whale. We went toward the end of the season so the only whales left were mothers an calves getting ready to leave on their migration. We saw many pairs before we were approached by our first calf. The calves are curious and he or she swam round the boat (and even pushed the boat round for a short while) looking in at all of us and letting us reach over and touch her! Mum stayed nearby but did not come as close to the boat! We had a few other interactions and saw a number if breaching whales as well! The number of boats in the bay was low and at no time did I feel the whales were being harassed - the boats never approached the whales but just stop nearby and wait to see if the whales approached us!! We stopped for lunch on a beautiful deserted beach before heading out for much of the same in the afternoon!! That evening, we had another lovely meal and a few margaritas with the staff of Pachicos - a wonderful end to a perfect day! The following morning we went out once again on the boats. Although we saw many whales on this tour, none approached the boat and interacted as closely as the day before. We did see some amazing behaviours but if you want to increase your chances of an interaction I would recommend more than one trip out!! The guides were knowledgable and passionate about what they do!! The food was well prepared, the margaritas were good, the cabañas were comfortable with stunning views but most importantly the interactions with the whales was without a doubt one of the most amazing experiences of my life - and at no time did I feel like my experience was at the expense of the whales - interactions were on their terms!!! A fantastic experience!!!

Bringing a tear to my eye just remembering the wonderful experience. This was so worth the 12 hour flight to L.A., over night stay there, two hour flight to Loreto and then 5 hour drive to the lagoon. We arrived as the sun was setting, were welcomed with a delicious margarita and after a lovely meal I was presented with a freshly baked birthday cake. All the amazing things that you read in the reviews of Pachico's are true. The whales didn't disappoint us and we spent over an hour on the first day with a mother and her baby, who were certainly enjoying the interaction with us as much as we were with them. We spent two days and three nights with Jesus and his team and the respect that they show the whales (not to mention the joy that they obviously still feel from the encounters with these amazing creatures) is inspiring. The cabanas are basic, but you are only there to sleep and waking up knowing that there is a delicious breakfast waiting before your day on the lagoon is certainly a great start to the day. I could go on and want to be there again NOW!

Wonderful Experience I Will Never Forget Awesome time whale watching with the wonderful group of people that run Pachico Ecotours! This operation is state of the art and I couldn't have imagined going whale watching with any other company. Their staff is customer service oriented, knowledgeable, and just out right good people. Their camp is absolutely beautiful, the facilities are impeccably clean, the food was fresh and delicious, and I've never slept better at night. The entire experience was mind blowing out on San Ignacio Lagoon and nothing in my life to date can compare to the awesomeness of what we saw and participated in. I really never thought that a whale would ever conscientiously want to engage with a human on a boat, but many of them did indeed! We got to pet many babies and some of the people even got to pet the mothers! To witness a HUGE mother whale bringing her baby over to your little panga boat (sometimes on her back) and encouraging the social interaction left me awestruck and marveling at the wonders of our world. Thank you Jesus for the work you do, the wonderful staff you employee, and for making a lifetime dream turn into a reality of such quality nothing will ever compare.

Incredible experience!!! If you want to understand and experience the wildness and remoteness of the Baja desert and San Ignacio Lagoon there is no better place than Pachico's! The drive is amazingly beautiful and I don't think one would have the same sense of place by flying in. The staff is so gracious and happy (our guides and captains were extremely knowledgeable and respectful of the whales), food was delicious and cabanas were a perfect step above camping to protect us from the wind. The mama whales do really come right up to the boat with their babies!! There really are no words to describe the love and joy one feels as the baby opens his/her mouth to show you his/her baleen and let you rub their lips. The trust and forgiveness of these whales to offer us their most precious possession after we slaughtered them and drove them to near extinction in this same lagoon lead me to a profound insight. If they can forgive us (whales are as or more intelligent than we are) I can forgive the the wrongs I have been holding onto in my life which seem so petty in comparison. Not many trips offer this kind of experience and I believe it is due to the inter-connectedness the guides and captains at Pachico's have with the whales.

Truly amazing! Great food, wonderful staff. Basic cabins and well kept bathroom facilities. If you are looking for a hotel, stay in San Ignacio or Santa Rosalia. But if you want to be on the edge of the lagoon and experience some real life whale watching, stay at least 2 nights and take the tour both days. The whales are amazing, up close, just unbelievable.

Pachico's Eco Tours - WOW!!!!!!!!! 5 stars!!!!! I just returned from a 4 day trip which included 2 full days of whale-watching in Laguna San Ignacio with Jesus and his wonderful team. I flew from LAX to Loreto and drove to the camp. A very easy drive and the directions from the team were A-1. I cannot express how truly amazing this experience was. The camp is fabulous and very well organized - I had a tent which they provided all fully set up and they have cabanas too. The whale watching was insane - many many whales that come right up to the boats and literally hang out with you. It will blow your mind! I traveled on my own and was made to feel very welcome - I also met some wonderful people. I can't wait to go back - a truly unique experience.

Whale interaction..five stars ! Flew from LAX to Loreto and then drove to the camp. Mexican roads tend not to have many signposts, so it is possible to get lost. Due to recent hurricane damage in the south of Baja, the road crews have been transferred south. So the last five miles or so from San Ignacio town are not paved and have to be taken very slowly, or you have your teeth fillings shaken out ! The Cabanas are on the compact size and could do with more shelf space, although new larger ones have been built. As this is an " eco camp", there is no mains electricity, shower and tap water is restricted (it all has to be shipped in, and after use, be shipped out) the " eco toilet" is different, but yet functional and efficient. The food, scrambled eggs features in breakfasts, is actually very good and cooked very well. Quality fish and scallops appear on dinner menus, it's very well thought out, and Georges is very helpful with the food. Then of course, we come to the whales. Or rather, they seem to like to come to us. I've done whale watching trips off Vancouver Island, Hawaii, Kaikoura New Zealand and the nearest you almost ever get to a whales, due to local restrictions, can range from 1000 feet to 100 yards. At San Ignacio Lagoon, I touched several mother whales and two calf whales. One mother whale and calf gently pushed our boat sideways for about 25 yards before submerging beneath us. You are almost guaranteed to see loads of whales, and have a very good chance of touching whales and/or their calves. Just be careful when leaning over in the boat to touch a whale, that the camera around your neck doesn't get dunked in the salty sea water. It has happened. You need to allow for at least a three day visit to ensure you have a good chance of an encounter. After all, this is the whales' world, not Sea World.....three shows a day. It's their choice. When a whale comes close, and you can look into its eye, you realise there's intellect there. Finally, what's it like to touch a whale. The flesh feels surprisingly soft and like a wet car tyre inner tube, just be careful of the barnacles though. And yes, although it takes time to reach the camp, I'd go back there again. Thoroughly recommend it.

Whales, Whales and More Whales This adventure was fantastic. Everyone in our boat touched a whale and was able to study the whales up close and personal. Pachico Ecotours was the best ever. Jesus, the owner, was able to tell us about the whales because he lived there and was raised be a Whale tour guide father. He was very familar with the whales and their journey to Baja. I can not say enough about the quality of treatment you will receive it you go down to visit the Whales. FANTASTIC!