Imagine waking up to the gentle sounds of gray whales breathing just offshore, then heading out on calm lagoon waters for unforgettable face-to-face encounters with these gentle giants. At Baja Jones Adventure Travel, we offer the ultimate gray whale watching safari camp experience in Laguna Ojo de Liebre (formerly known as Scammon’s Lagoon), one of Baja’s most reliable and productive lagoons for intimate interactions with wild gray whales.

This is the only place on Earth where you can legally touch or pet a friendly gray whale in its natural habitat. Our private shoreside camp sits right on the lagoon’s edge inside the UNESCO-recognized Vizcaíno Biosphere Reserve, giving you maximum time on the water and incredible proximity to the whales. Led personally by owner and expert Keith Jones—author of Gray Whales, My Twenty Years of Discovery and a guide with over 25 years of experience—you’ll enjoy twice-daily boat trips in small pangas, where curious mothers and playful calves often approach the boats for scratches, eye contact, and even gentle “kisses.”

While other popular lagoons like San Ignacio have seen dramatically low numbers this past season—with many groups reporting empty waters or departing early—our lagoon continues to deliver strong activity. In 2026 we saw more than 100 friendly gray whale babies and more than 700 adults. Nearly every boat trip included close encounters with dozens of energetic baby whales (calves). Almost every boat trip brings close encounters, often with multiple adults circling the boats and moms with babies staying close for interaction. The 2026 days were phenomenal, with 5 or 6 adults surrounding one boat while a mom and calf stayed nearby on another.

Unlike more crowded or less consistent locations, Laguna Ojo de Liebre consistently hosts far more whales and newborns, creating a vibrant nursery where you’ll witness breaches, spyhopping, and heartwarming mother-calf moments. Guests describe it as magical, life-changing, and better than any other wildlife adventure—intimate, respectful, and full of joy. Whether you’re a solo traveler, couple, or family, our no-single-supplement policy and warm hospitality make everyone feel at home. Come for the whales, stay for the adventure, comfort, and lifelong memories in this remote Baja paradise.

• 🚙 Van Transport: We provide round-trip transportation between San Diego 12 hours, Yuma 10 hours, or Loreto BCS 6 hours to our camp.

• 🚘 Self-Transport: Clients are welcome to arrange their own transportation to and from the destination.

• ✈️ Airline Travel (Limited): A limited number of flight spots are available. Just look for the matching trip date and duration marked 'Alternate Travel' in our listings OR contact Keith to discuss several options.

Our gray whale watching trips take you deep into the heart of Baja California Sur, Mexico, for a true safari-style adventure focused on the annual migration of friendly gray whales. These majestic creatures travel thousands of miles from their Arctic feeding grounds to the warm, protected waters of Laguna Ojo de Liebre to give birth, mate, and teach their calves to swim—creating one of nature’s most incredible spectacles.

Trips typically run 4–6 days (with options for shorter or extended stays), open from late January through late March when whale activity peaks with hundreds of adults and dozens of energetic newborns. You’ll arrive via comfortable ground transport or scenic small-plane flight from San Diego, cross the border smoothly, and settle into our exclusive camp on the lagoon shore. Days blend excitement and relaxation: two 90-minute boat excursions per day (nearly four hours on the water) for close whale encounters, delicious all-inclusive meals in our big dining tent, evening Q&A sessions with Keith sharing his deep knowledge of gray whale behavior, and peaceful nights under starry skies with the sounds of whales nearby.

Our camp keeps it personal with accommodations up to 24 guests in insulated wood-sided cabins (some with private gas-heated hot water showers and RV-style toilets), offering real beds, comforters, robes, slippers, and heaters for morning and evening comfort—far sturdier and more practical than traditional canvas tents in Baja’s variable weather. It’s family-friendly, welcoming to solo travelers (about half our guests!), and perfect for groups of 6–12 or larger private setups.

This isn’t just whale watching—it’s an immersive, low-impact eco-adventure where the whales often initiate the interactions. Many guests return year after year, calling it the trip of a lifetime. Peak season (mid-February to mid-March) offers the highest concentration of active whales and babies, but every departure delivers magic. We handle all logistics so you can simply show up in San Diego and let us take care of the rest.