Visited March 12-15, 2025. Took the gray whale journey for 3 nights and 4 days with Baja…read moreExpedition, specifically Nautilus (glamping tent which got a free upgrade). I enjoyed the humpback whale expedition which came with a free lunch and drinks. We saw a lot of action not terribly far from shore. They also offered a photo workshop. Believe this is more useful for folks that use a digital camera as opposed to a cell phone camera although she gave some tips on that as well. Both were complimentary (on March 11). There was nothing wrong with the trip per se but there are many parts that occurred to get you to where you end up finally. Everyone was nice but I feel like there is a drop in communication as there are too many parts of the wheel. The charter flight was about 2 and half hours so make sure you use the restroom. There is NO bathroom on board. Also for clothing, please make sure you are covered from head to toe. This is NO joke. The weather may seem hot as hades on shore except at night, prepare for windy freezing conditions (they provided a heater AND heating blankets). When you are on the panga and travelling fast, it will be windy and probably cold. However, when you are waiting for some action, you are under the sun in water. Do NOT wear shorts and bring a cover-up for your face as well. Caps/hats are all good ideas. They offered the gaiters and a wind breaker.
I commend the luxury tent. This is really what you are paying for. The fact that you get your own porta-potty and running water was fantastic. The shower had more settings than my own shower. They also offer room service so if you don't want it, please let them know. The food was decent as well. Breakfast is buffet and there is a person who can make you an omelet and the lunch and dinner are plated. Honestly, unless you enjoy the feeling of a 5 star hotel, don't think it was necessary. You honestly don't have that much time to eat during this trip. The time is literally spent getting ready for and the whale excursions. There's a volleyball net, soccer goals & bikes for you but it was so windy and honestly not much time to do any of that. Happy Hour had a different "snack" each day (oyster one was awesome) but no alcohol is free except for the one you get when you get off the plane. The food and service was wonderful. Was every dish a 5? No, but you are in a place where they have to import everything. There is also a nightly 30 minute? presentation given by some of your tour leaders. This tour company had the furthest spot (closest to the airport) so you spend a good 30 minutes (travelling quite fast) to get to the area where the whales are (and don't forget the return trip). We saw plenty of whales but everyone is there to "touch" a whale. The last day there, all the boats in our area did manage to touch one and our boat collided with another panga. Luckily all, including the whale, were unharmed but needless to say, our panga did NOT touch one. It also sounded like the whales were not coming to that area as much anymore. In fact, some were spotted in Cabo.
Pro Tips: You should ask they rotate the people on the boats so you're not always with the same captain or panga. If you don't mind sharing a central porta-potty, pick a tour company that is closer to the area where they gather. You will have more free time. Don't drink any diuretics before the panga rides as bathrooms are limited to nature (although some boats do have a bathroom). Pangas that are lower might be better because than when you reach over the boat, you're closer to the surface of the water and don't have to bend over as much. This is a desert area so keep that in mind when packing.