Join world-renowned photographer Art Wolfe for an unforgettable six-day photography journey to the vibrant waters and sun-soaked landscapes of Baja California Sur. Timed during the gray whale calving season, this experience offers rare and intimate opportunities to photograph and interact with these gentle giants at close range, often just feet from your lens.
Over the course of this small-group adventure, you’ll explore Baja’s striking desert-meets-ocean scenery, enjoy private boat excursions into remote lagoons, and hone your craft with expert insight from one of the world’s most respected visual storytellers. Each day brings new subjects from playful whale calves to vibrant bird life, dramatic coastal light, and desert textures all designed to spark creativity and deepen your photographic vision.
With a relaxed pace, thoughtfully selected accommodations, and a focus on meaningful encounters over rushed itineraries, this trip invites you to slow down, look deeper, and capture Baja’s wild beauty in a way few others experience.
Early Bird Pricing Available Through April 30th!
Led by Art Wolfe and Gavriel Jecan
Limited to 10 participants
Transportation and Accommodation
- Participants are responsible for their own flights to and from San Jose del Cabo.
- Upon registration you will download a PDF that includes additional information about the tour.
Itinerary
Shooting schedules have the ability to be altered to effectively cater to the photographic desires of the group, as well as to adapt to changeable weather conditions.
Day 1 – Feb 9: Welcome to Baja California Sur!
Today you’ll arrive at the airport in San Jose del Cabo where you’ll met by your guides for the 2.5 hour drive to La Paz and Hotel Indigo on the shores of the Sea of Cortez. We’ll get you settled in your lovely rooms with ocean views, then enjoy a wonderfu welcome dinner on the grounds of Hotel Indigo. During dinner your guides will conduct a trip briefing, outlining the adventures to come.
Day 2 – Feb 10: Sea of Cortez / Isla Espiritu Santo Exploration
There’s a reason that Jacques Cousteau called the Sea of Cortez the Aquarium of the World and the Galapagos of the North! This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to 39% of the world’s total number of marine mammal species, accounts for a third of the world´s marine cetacean species, and has 891 fish species.
In short, Isla Espiritu Santo and the Sea of Cortez comprise one of the best marine life viewing destinations in the world. Whales, dolphins, whale sharks, sea turtles, manta rays and plenty of beautiful tropical fish call the surrounding waters home, while a terrific range of bird species including Blue-footed Boobies, Reddish Egrets, Magnificent Frigatebirds, Great Blue Herons and Yellow-footed Gulls frequent the island’s skies and shores.
The island itself is stunning, with magnificent towering cliffs, spectacular sandy bays, amazing lava rock formations, and rock art left by the now-extinct Guaycura and Pericu Indians. Today we’ll explore the shores and waters of the island, visit the Magnificent Frigatebird and Blue-footed Booby rookeries, possibly swim with the sea lions at Los Islotes, and cap off this wonderful day with a delicious picnic lunch at one of the island’s gorgeous beaches. It’s an absolutely fabulous day!
Dinner and overnight at Hotel Indigo.
Day 3 – 5 Feb 11-13: Camp Cecil de la Bahia / Magdalena Bay Whale Watching Adventure
Today we’ll drive 3 hours north to Magdalena Bay and our luxury tent camp Camp Cecil de la Bahia. The camp is located on a sliver of land with the Bay and the gray whales on one side, and a protected estuary with mangroves, abundant birdlife, dolphins and more on the other. Each year the gray whales migrate 6,000 miles from arctic waters to the Pacific lagoons of the Baja peninsula to mate, give birth, and enjoy a warm winter respite. Magdalena Bay is one of the most important of these lagoons, and Camp Cecil de la Bahia is one of the best whale watching spots in all of Baja. Whales are simply everywhere!
The tents of Camp Cecil de la Bahia are beautifully appointed walk-in safari-style tents with gorgeous beds, seating areas, rugs, chandeliers, and en-suite bathrooms. The camp chef prepares three beautiful meals a day and daily happy hour.
We’ll spend the days out on the water interacting with the amazing gray whale mothers, babies and sporting males, and when not with the whales we can explore the incredible bird life of the mangrove estuary. It is a dreamy, wild and remote spot, completely ensconced in nature, enhanced by delights of great food and comfortable lodging.
Day 6 – Feb 14: Transfer to La Paz / Farewell dinner
Today we’ll depart Camp Cecil de la Bahia, with one final whale watching session the way back to shore. We’ll head back to La Paz where we’ll have the afternoon to explore the shops and art galleries of town, with a fabulous farewell dinner in town.
Day 7 – Feb 15: Departure Day
After breakfast, transfers to the airport for your return flights. You’ll depart with full memory cards, lasting friendships, and a renewed creative spark.
The price includes:
- All accommodations, including 3 nights at Hotel Indigo in best available rooms and 3 nights at Camp Cecil de la Bahia in Magdalena Bay (full buyout of the camp).
- All meals from dinner on day one through breakfast on the final day; daily happy hour and drinks with dinner at Camp
- All transportation including roundtrip airport transfer
- All adventures and related equipment
- Bilingual naturalist guides who are certified Wilderness First Responders
- All fee, permits and taxes
The price does not include:
- International airfare
- Travel insurance
- Gratuities
- Any item not specifically mentioned in the itinerary