Mexico
Mexico: The Great Gray Whale Migration and Baja’s Natural Wonders
Program No. 12315RJ
Witness the gray whale migration, one of nature’s most phenomenal events, and see these gentle giants up close in the heart of their breeding grounds.
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Participant Reviews
Based on 202 Reviews
SHOWING
WOW oh just WOW. Petting the whales is a spiritual experience! It was a LONG trip to see them but worth it! The later trips will provide a greater opportunity to see the whales because they are most likely to arrive late January into mid-February. The road trip down to the lagoons was long but with beautiful scenery and informative lectures and mini-hikes along the way. This was a "once in a lifetime" experience.
— Review left April 22, 2025
Outstanding! Many of the whales want to come up to the boat and have you splash them, or gently touch them! They even roll over on their backs and let you gently touch them! Mama whales bring their babies near the boats, encouraging them to check out these people who are so excited to see the whales! It was an experience of a lifetime!
What gave this trip its heart was the outstanding, amazing guide Artemio! He brilliantly shared Mexican culture and history through a series of heartfelt stories, beautifully told to share the warmth and beauty of Mexico without ever stepping anywhere near any of the potentially divisive topics that could come up given the realities of American politics right now. He made us feel that we were welcome friends, hanging out in his home listening to his wonderful stories.
His story-telling was also brillant because he shared his stories at the perfect times to break up the bus rides, or tied them to wonderful experiences we had just had, or were about to have. He, and his brilliant team, also surprised us several time with fresh, delicious Mexican food! Artemio would tell us a wonderful story of his childhood memories, and the cultural significance of a Mexican morsel, like tamales, tortillas, or empanadas, and then fresh, delicious, beautifully made tamales, tortillas or empanadas would appear handed out by his wonderful assistant Nicholas. He also had his food stories and treats, perfectly timed to the exact time when you were just starting to feel peckish. Brillant!
He was on top of every detail for this trip. He showed great care, empathy and skill in helping us with every aspect of this trip, even a couple of minor medical emergencies due to pre-existing conditions people had (not from the trip, we always had 100% safe water and delicious food, and this team took excellent precautions that ensured nobody was at risk of falling as we walked the desert). He was prepared for anything and everything! THANK YOU ROAD SCHOLAR!
— Review left April 19, 2025
Absolutely loved this program! The amount and quality of time spent with the whales was fabulous! Our leader was so warm and helpful, food was so fresh and tasty. Baja is lovely. Highly recommended this trip..
— Review left April 9, 2025
It was wonderful!!!! Anilu and Irene did a magnificent job coordinating everything. e saw everything you could expect while watching whales in Guerero Negro and Laguna San Ignacio. And the extra activities were both interesting and educational. This was an excellent experience for our first Road Scholar tour.
— Review left March 31, 2025
It's wonderful to have an experienced leader from the area who is so highly qualified and informative. All the worry is taken care of, the hotels, the rest stops, the restaurants, the border crossing. We learned a lot about the Baja peninsula and the friendly gray whales.What an amazing time!
— Review left March 25, 2025
AMAZING!!!!!!!!
It was worth the long drive down and up Baja Sur California. During all three whale tours, we saw and touched the whales. It was magical. We saw a mother and a baby, two juveniles playing around practicing mating, we touched barnacles on the whales' bodies, took close up pictures and videos, learned about Mexican food and drinks, traditions, flora and fauna. What a wonderful trip!
— Review left March 24, 2025
A great trip! Good coordination, lectures, meals, entertainment, hotels, and fantastic guides. The Gray Whales were plentiful and friendly – everyone in our group had multiple touches during the 3 outings! We also learned about the plants, food, customs, and people of the Baja.
— Review left March 22, 2025
I had a fabulous time! The whole trip was well coordinated. The local company did a wonderful jog]b coordinating all the rest stops, hotels, lectures, meals, entertainment, and shuttle/boats. The guides, Anilu & Miriam, (& Roberto, our motor coach driver), were top notch. They were fun, energetic, knowledgeable, and attentive. They added to the experience.
My experience with the Gray Whales was extraordinary. The whales came right up to the boats. It was a once in a lifetime experience.
The accommodations were comfortable, hot water good pressure, meals were good & plentiful.
We learned a lot about the culture & customs of the Baja California people.
All of the vendors we interacted with were natives so we felt good about giving them our business.
We were safe the whole trip & the border crossing to & from Mexico was smooth & efficient.
The only down side was the long bus to get to see the whales & then the return. That was unavoidable as it is in a very remote area. Roberto did a wonderful job driving the difficult road!
— Review left March 17, 2025
The Great Gray Whale experience was everything and even more to what I expected. Being able to touch the whales and look them in the eye was an experience I will cherish and talk about for years to come.
— Review left March 17, 2025
The Gray Whale Migration Tour was my first experience with Road Scholar, but it won't be my last.
— Review left March 16, 2025
A whale of an adventure!
— Review left March 16, 2025
This was a bucket list trip and did not disappoint. Had amazing encounters with the whales, which was my main motivation in going, but also enjoyed the desert walks and cultural experiences along the way. Trip leader and assistant were well organized and helpful, and appreciated driver's skill on long drives. Although there is a lot of time spent traveling to get to the whales, the stops were frequent and interesting. Program description is on point but there are some lovely surprises along the way that I appreciated. Decent accommodations considering the remoteness of the trip, great food, great company, great value for money. Highly recommend.
— Review left March 13, 2025
Very fun and exciting trip to see the gray whales and desert areas and human culture of Baja California;had close encounters with many whales;nice desert walks;favorable accommodations; pleasant and informative leaders.
— Review left March 7, 2025
Worth every penny! Exceeded expectations and hopes. Road Scholar takes care of most everything to let you just enjoy.
— Review left March 6, 2025
Great experience into Mexican culture and whales. Highly recommend this tour.
— Review left March 4, 2025
Simply put, this was a great trip. I fulfilled my dream of petting a whale and we were lucky to have great weather and three days of whale watching. In addition, there were talks about Mexico past and present, nature walks, folk dancing demo with a youth group, tortilla making and the correct way to drink tequila. Artemio was the best at providing interesting stories, keeping us on schedule, and creating time for spontaneity such as going star watching on a very dark night, which was, literally, awesome. Highly recommend this trip and this leader (also helped by Nicholas and Enrique the bus driver)!
— Review left March 3, 2025
This program exeeded my expectations and I strongly recommend it to others.
— Review left February 27, 2025
The leadership team of Artemio, Nicolas and Enrique were exceptional. The leadership, the trip participants and, of course, the whales made the trip greatly educational and so much fun. This was my 1st road scholar trip and definitely not my last!
— Review left February 27, 2025
Great trip. Wonderful trip leader Luka Rangel significantly kicked this up. We had good weather, whales were wonderful, we saw them every day for 3 days. The whales were incredibly gentle. Baja is an amazing place, landscapes, plants, history. Good hotels, solid driver, great assistant. We loved it.
— Review left February 26, 2025
Ana is an AMAZING tour guide! Each day was well planned with fun surprises . Being on the water, seeing the whales was truly gratifying. Driving down the Baja Peninsula is a beautiful experience of sea, dessert full of cacti, mountains, and lots of agricultural areas. Meeting for margaritas prior to dinner each evening was lots of fun!
— Review left February 25, 2025
I basically tear up thinking about seeing curious grey whales come right up to the boat, look at us and come up to be petted. With eye closed. Changed my life. This is an amazing creature we should protect and love.
— Review left February 24, 2025
The gray whale migration was great. One night I fell asleep before dinner and the program assistant brought dinner to my room. Such excellent and personalized service.
— Review left February 23, 2025
This trip was wonderful! I learned so much about Baja California and of course the boat trips to see so many whales were just amazing!
— Review left February 23, 2025
This was a genuinely life-changing experience for me. I will never forget the emotional impact of our days interacting with the grey whales. Our experience was enhanced by the enthusiasm and passion of our incredible guide, Jazz. I will always remember the way she sang to the whales. As a former teacher, I greatly appreciated the inclusion of some of the local young people on our hikes, and I really enjoyed the singing and dancing that they shared with us one evening. Yes, we spent a lot of time on the bus, but the desert walks and stops like the tiny community museum broke things up nicely. And everyone in our tour group was wonderful. Everyone was friendly, outgoing, and very supportive of each other. This was a truly magical adventure.
— Review left February 22, 2025
We had a magical day with the gray whales that was pure joy. The whales chose to visit our boats and allowed us to touch them and interact. The experience of looking a gray whale in the eye is incredible. Our group leader, Jazz, was warm and enthusiastic. She added so much to our trip. I also was impressed with the way local children were incorporated into the program, assisting on some of the hikes and providing entertainment one evening. They were lovely. A special thanks to the hotel staff at San Ignacio for finding us the Super Bowl!
— Review left February 22, 2025
The overall trip was wonderful. We had a great group of travelers and some good time with the whales. Here are some specific good things:
• Our bus driver, Roberto, was excellent. He got us through the military crossings without any hassles. He was safe and very kind and gracious.
• Our assistant guide, Irene, was very calm and helpful.
• There were plenty of snacks and bathroom breaks.
• The food was very good.
• The whale interactions were wonderful, especially the first day.
• I appreciated that the event began earlier in the day. I came in a day early so I was not so tired during orientation.
• I also liked going to the Birch Aquarium.
What was not good was the lead guide. Here were the problems with Anilu’s performance:
• She was demanding. You almost felt like a kid being yelled at.
• On the first whale expedition, she was in front, leaning out of the boat, blocking everyone’s view of and access to the whale. It felt like she was a guest and not a leader.
• On the boats she would sing loudly.
• When we went by the sea lions she would bark obnoxiously at them.
• When the kids did a dance performance for us, she passed a donations basket. Not until after we had donated did she mention that the event had already been paid for.
• When she took us into a mission, she gave us a lecture about Lady Guadalupe that was very religious. When two people got up to leave she tried to stop them, which I think was embarrassing.
Other guests felt the same as I did about Anilu. I would not use her again as a guide.
— Review left February 22, 2025
This trip was a wonderful journey to a beautiful and remote region of Mexico that would be inaccessible to me without the guidance of our competent and enthusiastic guide Jazz. To experience the culture, desert and gray whales of the Mexican California Baja was truly an extraordinary life experience.
— Review left February 20, 2025
I feel so blessed to have had this amazing experience! This is a trip of a lifetime if you love whales, would like to be in close proximity to them, and are interested in the behavior of these wonderful, gentle giants. Road Scholar guides this trip with experts and organizers, and interesting, fun leadership.
I am still feeling thrilled from this experience after being home a few weeks. This memory will always stay
with me.
— Review left February 20, 2025
This trip was exactly as described and very interesting. Of course, seeing the grey whales up close was amazing, but I also enjoyed learning about the culture of the Baja California peninsula. We had 21 people, and it was a great group that got along well, led by our fabulous guides, Ana and Maria.
— Review left February 17, 2025
This RS program was all that it is advertised to be and more. The whale experience was memorable and the accommodations and meals give you a true feeling of the Mexican culture. Definitely a 5 star program !!!
— Review left February 17, 2025
A magical encounter with the gray whales as well as with the people and culture of Mexico under the direction of an extraordinary Trip Leader.
— Review left February 13, 2025
The trip of a lifetime down the Baja penisula for magical experiences with gray whales. Mexico is our welcoming neighbor and its people such gracious and knowlegable hosts. Thanks again.
— Review left February 12, 2025
Great trip! Touched a whale. Met great fellow travelers. Expert guide. Interesting hikes and stops. Dedicated, concerned staff. Beautiful hotels, had to be flexible with things like: adequate lighting, electricity, and hot water. Good food, frequent potty stops.
Would definitely do it all over again!
— Review left February 1, 2025
We came for the whales but wound up with an enhanced appreciation of the people, culture and land that those migrating whales glide by. It was a wonderful adventure and we're in touch with several of the fellow watchers we met.
— Review left February 1, 2025
This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get up close and personal with an animal that is only normally seen from a distance. While the whales were the highlight, I also gained an important perspective on the terrain, people, and remote aspect of Baja California. Our guide, Artemio, bus driver, Enrique, and assistant, Reyna, were friendly, skilled, and knowledgeable, and worked together as a team, so I felt welcome and safe.
— Review left January 30, 2025
The interaction with the whales went beyond even my highest expectations... it was life changing! And our guides made this incredible experience even more special through their personal warmth and attention to our every need. I learned a lot, I treasured the experience and I will always hold my new friends in my heart... both human and the amazing creatures who frolic in the waters of Baja California!
— Review left January 30, 2025
Interacting with the grey whales in the lagoons of the Baja peninsula was absolutely breathtaking. It was the experience of a lifetime to look into the eye of this huge creature.
— Review left January 29, 2025
This was a really good trip, despite having two of the whale watching events cancelled due to weather. For some reason, I did not receive the last pre-trip mailing which included name tag, ect. And yes, you do have my correct mailing address--it must include PO Box 104. Thanks
— Review left April 8, 2024
This program was even better than expected! My husband and I were excited to share our experience "Mexico; The Great Gray Whale Migration and Baja's Natural Wonders" with our granddaughter, who is pursuing college degrees in Ecology and Marine Biology. The desert was vibrant in a superbloom, and the native flora was amazing. We had two days of incredible interaction with the whales, skipping a third excursion due to inclement weather. Although not as anticipated as whale watching, the substitute trek to a pictograph site was still wonderful. Sampling the local cuisine was a treat, and the included meals were delicious.Our group of 24 people was divided as needed to enhance individual attention, and every attendee was a positive part of the experience. Our group leader, Artemio, was very knowledgeable and engaging; as was his assistant Mirriam. TEN stars!
— Review left March 28, 2024
Sue and I (Chuck) had a truly great time, we have already talked of a second outing with RoadScholar, and have recommended the whale trip to my son and his wife, he has placed a trip on his bucket list. He was very excited with the trip we had and will definitely be signing up for one. We both wish to thank our host, and hostess and our great bus driver, our words about them at our dinner were sincere and heartfelt.
— Review left March 26, 2024
I loved this trip! Our encounters with the whales were experiences that I will never forget. We were fortunate to have three outings where the weather cooperated and the whales were abundant, and I was able to touch whales on all three outings. In addition to the whale outings, we had several short hikes into the beautiful Baja desert, and we had local cultural events some evenings. The food was excellent and the accommodations were adequate considering that we were in such a remote part of the world. The only downside was the long bus rides on roads that are not very good, but our leader, Anilu, kept us entertained and the bus was comfortable.
— Review left March 26, 2024
This is a sit back & relax, enjoy the scenery & activities & get to know others in your group trip. This is not a luxurious getaway to hoity resorts & delicacies, nor is it a trip to spend hours & pesos shopping. The trip is very worth taking for these reasons: the scenery can be surprising & spectacular, the whales interactive or at least nearby, accommodations clean & welcoming & the meals plentiful & tasty. From what we experienced, we were shown the best the area had to offer, by the most engaging team we could have imagined.
— Review left March 25, 2024
Whale watching from a panga boat presents a personally up close and personal interaction with whales that you will never get on a larger boat or from shore. Definitely engaging in a personal and humane way.
— Review left March 24, 2024
A great program and interesting introduction to Baja California and Baja Sur and wonderful introduction to Whales
— Review left March 24, 2024
This was a well organize delightful trip. Anilu is the exceptional energetic wonderful guide. I intend to travel with her again.
— Review left March 24, 2024
Excellent program, a bargain financially, wonderful guide and activities, BUT... some luck involved with the whales getting the memo about showing up in the lagoons (we were incredibly lucky the first day), and of course weather can be a big factor (we were incredibly lucky the entire eight days).
— Review left March 22, 2024
The Great Whale Migration program is fantastic. You not only see the whales in their natural settings, but also highly probable that you will get to touch them as well. The whales are very friendly and the boat captains make a great effort to give you a lifelong memory. The lagoons are in a remote area and travel is long by bus. However, you get to hike and explore the beautiful desert along the way. A great combination.
— Review left March 22, 2024
WHALES, WHALES, WHALES! I went to see the whales and they did not disappoint me or my fellow travelers! Not only did we see them, they come up to our boat for a rub! One mama brought her baby for us to see! Fabulous!!
— Review left March 19, 2024
Reaching out and safely touching the whales was an incredible, thrilling, almost indescribable experience. The desert walks and other program activities were also very enjoyable. Anilu, assisted by Iskra, skillfully led our group with enthusiasm and a deep knowledge of Baja California. Even the long bus rides were rewarding, the food was delicious, and the accommodations were fine.
— Review left March 15, 2024
Great Gay Whale Migration program was amazing! Artemio, our tour group leader was fantastic, he had so much knowledge of Mexico and the Gray Whales. He made sure everything about the program was perfect! Getting to go out and touch gray whales 3 days in a row is something I will always treasure! Very amazing program!!!!
— Review left March 15, 2024
The Great Gray Whale Migration and Baja's Natural Wonders
We really loved it all--the desert's diversity, the cactus "forests", flowers, the whales, the hotels, food, the travelers, the beach at San Quintin (2 days next time!!), the lagoon, the dunes, our fearless leader, Artemi and able Anilu...all of it.
It features access to Baja Peninsula without our driving it! Whales, desert, excellent leader (Artemio) and assistant (Anilu), careful trip planning, great accommodations and food, camaraderie among like-minded travelers, diversions and activities on long bus route (frequent stops, stories and interpretation), efficient loading and unloading of luggage, timely schedule-keeping, expedited border crossing very much appreciated, multiple and successful chances to see the gray whales.
— Review left March 13, 2024
It was the adventure of a lifetime! I learned so much and was able to get up close and personal with the whales as well as desert scenery and historical sites.
— Review left March 11, 2024
5 stars!!
This magical journey through the beautiful landscape of Baja California did not disappoint! All along the way, our expert group leader Cristina educated us about the people of Mexico as well as the flora and fauna. We learned so much! Of course, the focus of the trip was the gray whales who were wintering in the lagoons. We had three excursions to visit these incredible creatures, and it felt like they embraced us and connected with us. Many of us on the boats were able to touch the whales as they came up to our boats. It was a life-changing experience! The authentic Mexican food was wonderful, and seeing the Pacific coast from the Baja Peninsula was another highlight of the trip. An outstanding adventure!
— Review left March 11, 2024
Being with the Gray Whales was a spiritual experience.
Touching and caressing “my” whale and looking into her eyes was a life changing experience.
I will never forget the bond. We are attached with these beautiful, trusting animals, heart to heart, soul to soul.
— Review left March 10, 2024
I have personally driven the Baja from Seattle to the southern tip of Baja many times over several decades. Thus I feel qualified to share with others that have NOT"done the Baja" that RS did an excellent version of that journey with good educational background lecturres and the physical opportunity to walk the desert and pet the whales and kiss one if the whale decides to enjoy your affections! The best of hotels available for authentic Mexican hospitality were always used. Maria and Anilu were great speakers on a myriad of subjects.
— Review left March 8, 2024
This is the best whaling trip we have ever experienced. We spent parts of three days with gray whales in the lagoons where they breed and give birth. Learning about these magnificent creatures and experiencing them up close, even touching them, is not to be forgotten.
Besides the whales, we want to give kudus to our trip leaders, Anilu and Maria. Anilu's enthusiasm for her native Mexico and its culture and history added another dimension to our learning. We also appreciated Maria's knowledge of Baja's plant life. Besides their technical knowledge, we want to compliment them for caring for all of us with timely hydration and "technical" stops.
This was our seventh Road Scholar trip and exceeded our expectations. We already have the catalog out and trying to decide where we are going next.
— Review left March 7, 2024
This trip had been on my Wishlist for several years. It was also recommended by other Road Scholars who had done it. I'm so glad I finally moved it to the top and went. The Gray Whales were impressive to see and how wonderful to be able to touch them. The group leaders were outstanding and provided more information than I will be able to remember. Though the bus rides were long we stopped and took walks in the desert to break up the trip. Our group of participants got along splendidly and we enjoyed our time together. If you have a love of whales I highly recommend this trip.
— Review left March 1, 2024
This trip with Isabel Sanchez was amazing! Isabel is so knowledgeable and kept us entertained and informed for hours. Yes, there is a lot of bus time, but traveling over 2000 miles and seeing the desert and the local stops are worth every hour of bus time. And getting to see gray whales up close is simply indescribable. I don't have enough superlatives to adequately describe Mexico and the Gray Whales. Go! See for yourself what a life changing experience this is.
— Review left February 29, 2024
The Whale watching excursion in Baja Mexico was magical. We had a terrific tour guide and we were lucky enough that we got to touch the whales! They were gentle giants. The trek to the lagoons was long but worth it!
— Review left February 29, 2024
Trip of a lifetime! The whales are amazing, of course, but the journey down Baja and exposure to the culture and people in this remote peninsula was worth the trip.
All the local Mexicans were polite and friendly, and genuinely happy to meet us American tourists. RS gives you many opportunities to meet the locals, but many speak no English so it helps to know a few phrases, or communicate through smiles. I felt completely comfortable and safe during the trip.
The hotels were attractive, neat and clean. The floors are Mexican-style tile, so bring slippers if your toes get cold. Two hotels were on beautiful beaches, others in gorgeous desert settings.
There is lots of bus riding, but the roads are generally well-paved and traffic is light. Bus is clean and comfortable, with plenty of seating to spread out, and a bathroom (though we made frequent stops). There are some security checkpoints which we went through with no problems. The bus did have to slow down for wild burros once though!
The desert is beautiful, with boojum trees and exotic cactus. The only semi-strenuous walk is to the cave paintings in Catavina, but you can opt out if you like. For the possible ‘wet landing’ of the boats in San Ignacio, RS suggests bringing ‘water shoes’, but basically any strap-on walking sandals that you can get wet are fine. Bring a light, waterproof jacket (for whale spray!), a daypack for the boat, and layer your clothes to be ready for hot or cold.
Food was varied and yummy. RS provides purified water everywhere, so bring a reusable water bottle for yourself. But even though a few people accidentally brushed their teeth with hotel water, no one got sick. I found that small US bills ($1 and $5) were handy to have along for tips and incidentals.
Highly recommended!
— Review left February 28, 2024
I booked this trip because I have always wanted to see whales. The grey whales were so friendly, coming right up to our boat for touches and patting. It was an experience of a lifetime. That side of Mexico was very disheartening, trash everywhere, even in the remote desert. It was a bit frightening to have to go through so many military check points with military coming on our bus twice. The remoteness was something that should be considered while traveling with an older group. There was a man in our group that had a heart attack the last night of the trip. He fell on the floor and CPR was administered. No working defibrillator was available. He would have died if a miracle had not happened. A young man, staying at the inn, was passing by and saw the dying man. This man had started a non profit organization raising money for defibrillators for the Baja area because of a friend that died because no defibrillator was available. This man just happened to have a defibrillator with him. It took shocking the dying man twice before his heart started beating again. It took over an hour and a half for an ambulance to arrive. He was take to a hospital in Ensenada and stabilized then transported over the border to San Diego. He passed away three days later. Taking this into consideration, and the older people that take these trips, I am recommending that RS carry defibrillators on buses, especially in remote areas and have their staff trained in using them. That day is something that is burned in my memory and will not be forgotten anytime soon, the happiness of spending time with the whales and the sadness of what happened to our travel companion.
— Review left February 27, 2024
I could not have imagined such a wonderful experience with the whales!
— Review left February 20, 2024
Being able to touch whales three days in a row was an awesome experience!
— Review left February 19, 2024
Want to get up close and personal with a mammal the size of a bus??? This is your chance!
— Review left February 19, 2024
This was an excellent program with amazing learning opportunities. Not only with hands-on activities but also lectures and learning along the way. There's a lot of driving time but even during that time there is information to learn and sights to see. I would take this adventure again!
— Review left February 19, 2024
Mexico: The Great Gray Whale Migration and Baja’s Natural Wonders was an amazing trip that surpassed my expectations. We had amazing whale encounters, connected with Mexican culture, hiked in the beauty of the desert, and were generously cared for by our leaders.
— Review left February 18, 2024
Excellent trip-would recommend.
— Review left February 15, 2024
Visiting the California Gray Whales is AWESOME! Animals the size of a Winnebago come right up to the small boats to take a look at us. They are like the Golden Retrievers of Whales, curious about everything and friendly to everyone.
— Review left February 9, 2024
The whales were and are THE most magnificent creatures on this planet. Our guides Luka and Anna were so friendly, knowledgeable and fun-loving that they made the very long bus trips fun and truly a learning adventure on wheels. There were a few not so wonderful things along the way, but Manuel, our driver, made sure we were safe and always arrived wherever we were going in time to see the sunset. My advice to seasoned travelers and newbies: Leave your preconceived expectations of what you think you will find (hotel accommodations, food, fellow travelers) at home and just have fun. OH, ONE MORE PIECE OF ADVICE---we all want to bring home memories of the trip--- ENJOY THE MOMENT LIVING the adventure in the here and now and NOT BEHIND THE LENS OF THE CAMERA OR Iphone---
Fun travels and have fun learning!!!! I for one plan to book another adventure as soon as I am done writing this review.
— Review left February 4, 2024
The beauty of the Baja Peninsula must be seen & experienced in person. The program provider, Andiamo did an excellent job of providing organized, knowledgeable, & experienced guides who were also very kind and enjoyable to travel with.
— Review left February 4, 2024
A++++ If you love whales, you need to go on this adventure to a place where you see Gray Whales so close to your boat that you can reach out and touch them! They are truly gentle giants who are playful and are as curious about us as we are about them. My group was led by an experienced Oceanologist with lots of information to share about the whales and the area where they are found. We also hiked a little in the Sonoran desert, ate lots of great food, and learned about the Mexican Culture.
— Review left February 4, 2024
We learned so much about whales, Mexico and its history and people. And the experiences with the whales were breathtaking, all we'd hoped for.
— Review left February 2, 2024
This tour has a lot of riding- be prepared for that! But all that you see, learn, and experience makes it so worth it! It is broken up with stops to help you get moving and to allow you to learn about the beautiful desert! And THE WHALES!!! So many! The guides, Sofia, Miriam, and Roberto were excellent- the very best I've EVER had- ad were like family! I learned so much from them! This was an awesome trip!
— Review left February 1, 2024
This trip was unforgettable! The guides and other participants made it a wonderful experience. Can't wait to go on more adventures with Road Scholar!
— Review left February 1, 2024
This was a wonderful experience and I heartily recommend it. Artemio Sicilia was an excellent and well-informed leader. The desert walks were very interesting. The whale experiences were absolutely amazing. On our third whale watch a mother and baby stayed between our two boats for 1 1/2 hours. The mother seemed to encourage us to pet her baby. It was the experience of a lifetime.
— Review left July 6, 2023
Great trip, enjoyed every minute of it!
— Review left May 21, 2023
A remarkable experience! Seeing the whales and interacting with them and watching and learning about them provided and very special opportunity. Our travel in the area as we moved toward the bays where the whales were provided a good overview of the Baja area. With the instruction from our group leaders I felt we were provided a good exposure to the area.
— Review left May 20, 2023
This was a well conducted and delightful trip. In order to reach the whale viewing region there were extended periods on the bus but the guides broke up the ride with regular stops for scenic regions or meals along the route. In addition, meals were well organized and quite tasty. No one on the trip was left hungry. Accommodations were made for dietary restrictions. There were three scheduled whale watching excursions. Unfortunately, the harbor master canceled one of the whale watching excursions due to high winds. When this occurred, the group leaders had a "plan B" available. The only real negative was one of the hotels which had issues with water pressure and black flies. However, it was THE only hotel in the area.
— Review left May 7, 2023
This may be my favorite all time trip . I enjoyed everything about it !! I loved seeing all the whales , and getting to pat one of the babies. We must have seen at least 50 in the two mornings that we were in St. Ignacio Lagoon. It was a fantastic experience .
We were in a different place every night , but all of the beds were extremely comfortable. ( And when have you ever been able to say that ? )
I enjoyed seeing Mexico . One night every room had a view of the Pacific Ocean !
And another night walking on the sand on the ocean we had beautiful views .
The guides were great, and being with the group was pleasant. I was surprised that so few places took credit cards . But I managed to buy enough !!
The food was very healthy and wonderful !! I don't know when I have had such wonderful fish . All my trips will be Road Scholar trips from now on !!!!!
— Review left May 5, 2023
an outstanding program.
— Review left April 15, 2023
This is an extremely interesting, hands-on kind of program. Seeing the whales this close was an experience not to be missed! However, keep in mind that there are many hours spent on a bus. The Baja Peninsula is quite long. Bus rides are nicely broken up with interesting stops along the way but there's still a lot of sitting in buses on this trip. Also, we spent one night only in all but one hotel so that meant unpacking and repacking each day. This can be difficult for some people. Pack LIGHT!!
— Review left April 4, 2023
We really enjoyed seeing the variety of plant life and geography and size of the Baja peninsula as we drove down to the whale calving lagoons. And of course seeing the whales close up was amazing. The hotels were picturesque and comfortable and the food was good. Our leaders and driver were great. The trip does involve long times on the bus so be prepared for that, but had narration and even movies on the bus. Also be prepared to get up early, pack up and move every day and have very full days.
— Review left March 30, 2023
This trip is so well planned out. No detail was overlooked by our leaders. The trip leaders accommodated everyone's needs. The trip down the peninsula to the lagoons is long, but there is plenty to see and discover during the drive. The desert plant life was fascinating. The experience of having the whales swim up to the boats to be touched is so special and unique. It is good that there are three whale watching days. I highly recommend this program.
— Review left March 27, 2023
I signed up for this trip with the goal to see gray whales up-close, but I found out that the journey to see the whales was as memorable as being in the lagoons with the whales. Driving down the peninsula we saw fascinating desert plant life, learned about the history of Mexico, had cultural experiences, and met wonderful people. The encounters with the whales was everything I had imaged it would be. It is hard to describe the feeling when you first touch a wild whale. The trip is so carefully planned that no detail is overlooked. We felt safe during the entire time. This was a unique and memorable trip.
— Review left March 27, 2023
If you love whales, this is a trip of a lifetime for you. The playfulness of the whales and the close interaction is indescribable. There is a great deal of respect for the whales, with very few boats allowed on the lagoon. Petting whales, being gently pushed around in your boat by them, feeling their spray on your face, seeing the baleen when they open their mouths, watching many breaches. It is all wonderful. I found the boats to be comfortable with cushions on the seats and was not cold at all. The rest of the journey is also very enjoyable, with beautiful mountains, desert walks and ocean front hotels in two locations. The bus rides were comfortable and broken up by several stops for walks, lunch or field trips. Food was delicious, with made to order meals with several choices. Hotels were small and charming. Bring warm socks, as the tile floors can be cold. I am SO happy to have had this amazing opportunity. Don’t hesitate to sign up for this unique and magical experience.
— Review left March 24, 2023
What a magical trip the "Great Gray Whale Migration and Baja’s Natural Wonders" 8 day program 3/9/23-3/16/23 was! The guides were incredibly skilled and knowledgeable, the activities were varied, fun and educational, the desert was amazing, and the easy to make new friends! Learning more about Mexico and the Baja California/Sur region broadened my perspective. The whales, of course, were the highlight! To see them play in their safe lagoons and interact with humans was indeed magical! To touch them was "off the charts"! Thanks so much to Road Scholar for a once in a lifetime experience! Debbie Meyers
— Review left March 24, 2023
This trip fulfilled a 30-year dream of seeing friendly gray whales where they spend the winter in Mexico. Not only did we get to spend time with the whales, but the two-day trip to get to the lagoons and the two-day trip home was fun and educational too -- from desert walks to movies and whale origami on the bus. A great week with great people and fantastic wildlife viewing.
— Review left March 23, 2023
Not just seeing these magnificent whales but touching and interacting with them; an unforgettable experience not to be missed!
— Review left March 22, 2023
An awesome trip. The whales were AMAZING, but even without them it would have been a well-organized and fun trip. Luka and Elena (and Manuel) were great, the bus was comfortable, accommodations were nice, and everything was well planned and executed.
Be aware that you will get wet from whale spray, so having a waterproof jacket is a good idea.
Fun, fun, fun!
— Review left March 21, 2023
This was one of best trips ever! Some inconveniences, yes, but well worth them.
And I've never seen hotel keys be given out so quickly and efficiently. We arrived in the lobbies and the keys were waiting.
— Review left March 18, 2023
The whale watching experience was amazing! We went out three days and each day's experience was different than the previous days. We saw breaching, mating and the whales were swimming so close to the boat that we were able to pet/stroke both adult and baby whales. We often had multiple whales around our boat. A trip of a lifetime!
— Review left March 17, 2023
Interacting with the gray whales in the Baja lagoons is a spiritual experience not to be missed!!
— Review left March 13, 2023
This whole trip was a hoot.couldn’t ask for a better group of folks to travel with. Luka was the perfect leader and i almost had a whale crawl In my lap. Who wouldn’t like a trip like this
— Review left March 9, 2023
This program changed my life! I am not exaggerating. Learning about the history & culture of Baja California enriched the program &, certainly being able to be so close to the magnificent Gray Whales was pure magic! This trip is for anyone who wishes to expand their horizons & experience an adventure that very few people in the world will ever know. Amazing!
— Review left February 28, 2023
Excellent and informative trip. The experience of seeing whales up close and being able to touch them is an indescribable and unforgettable experience.
— Review left February 23, 2023
A Fun and Educational trip.
— Review left February 20, 2023
First day - exceptional outing in which the Gray Whales came over to the boat, next day the Whales were there, but didn't come up to the boat, last day was cancelled due to bad weather. Overall - GREAT EXPERIENCE!!!!
— Review left February 19, 2023
This was an amazing program. We saw many whales and they were engaging in all sorts of whale behaviour (breaching, spy-hopping, courting, mating and coming right up to our boats). We also had wonderful desert walks and saw Pacific Ocean sunsets. Our leader and the whole RS team were outstanding.
— Review left February 18, 2023
First Road Scholar’s adventure. Guide and driver were superb. The journey was as, or more, satisfying than the destination. Fellow travelers were kind, thoughtful, and engaged. Not sure if this adventure was a rare or typical Road Scholars experience but I give it an A+.
— Review left February 16, 2023
I'm at a loss for words to describe what it feels like to look into the eye of a whale that is 40 feet long, weighs 35 tons and is within aarm's reach of the boat. Trule spiritual and one I'll never forget.
Bridget, Colorado
— Review left February 15, 2023
This was a terrific trip with an outstanding leader. I want to let leadership know that I contracted COVID during the latter part of the trip, I am guessing that it was from the bus we used to cross the border back to the US. It was hot with almost no ventilation. I know of at least one other member of the trip who is positive for Corvid, symptoms appeared 4 days after crossing the border.
— Review left February 15, 2023
This trip was probably the best I've been on. Artemio, our leader was great, he opened our eyes to the beauty of the desert. We learned about Baja, its people and history. The whale watching was a dream come true. Our lunch in a private home in Ensenada was truly special.
— Review left February 12, 2023
A huge surprise! We were interested in the region and in seeing whales, but the actual experience was far better than we could have imagined. We're so glad we had the opportunity to interact with these creatures.
— Review left February 9, 2023
The long bus rides were more than worthwhile by the thrilling and magical interaction with the friendly grays which included a face to face encounter with a baby whale. The guide, Isabel has a zest for life and a pride of Baja.
— Review left February 6, 2023
Great trip, wonderful guides, everything i expected. and more!
— Review left February 6, 2023
Wow, getting to look into the eye of a whale was an incredible experience. Between the desert and the ocean, Baja has stunning scenery to enjoy along the way.
— Review left February 4, 2023
The dedicated leaders on this tour truly enhanced this experience.
— Review left February 2, 2023
If you are interested in the history and geology of Baja California and the possibility of seeing whales up close this is the trip for you. The Guide, Isabel, has an encyclopedic knowledge of the Baja and the people who live there and is great fun to hang out with. Not to meantion that she is a whale whisperer. If you travel with her, be on her boat. The bus driver, Enrique, was expert at driving those narrow often rough roads and getting us there on time. The last day on the lagoon, we had 4 full grown “friendly” whales taking turns bobbing up along side our boat. We could touch them and look into their eyes. Absolutely breathtaking. Accommodations are somewhat rustic and internet / cellular options may be limited but so much is going on you don’t need social media.
— Review left February 2, 2023
The bar is set very high! It was our first Road Scholar trip and we were extremely satisfied. Our guides, Jazmin & Miriam were a fabulous team who brought the diverse group together with humor, kindness and resourcefulness. Our bus driver, Armando, showed skill in tough driving conditions but was still there after each drive to assist and joke. The experiences with the whales brought tears of joy. Learning about Baja CA, it’s culture, food, history, botany etc was very interesting but the service and friendliness of our hosts wherever we went spoke volumes for the county. Saying goodbye was tough but these fellow travelers will remain in my heart, as will the thrill of being carried by the gray whales.
— Review left February 1, 2023
What an amazing experience. Jasmine and Miriam are each in their own right tremendous guides and did everything they could to make it the awesome experience it was. The itinerary was outstanding. The love and respect shown to the whales by the vendors and our guides topped it off. I would love to have Miriam and Jasmine as guides again. The food was authentic. The desert hikes were fantastic. Ten stars *************
— Review left January 24, 2023
This adventure was by far the very best I have experienced with Road Scholar! Our guide Artemio Sicillia was fantastic! We had a lot of bus travel time and distance down the Baja peninsula which could have been quite boring but it was not! The frequent stops with short hikes along with Artemio's local knowledge interest in the area made it fun. He was enjoying this trip as much as we were.
The whale trips were beyond what I could have ever imagined! I was so glad we got to go out 3 days with 3 different whale watch groups to 3 different areas! I would highly recommend this trip!
— Review left June 27, 2022
What a fantastic trip all around. The whale encounters were nothing short of magical! Our entire group got along so well and enjoyed each others company immensely. We leaned from the trip and each other. The teaching and guidance of our leader Artemio was outstanding and just heightened an all ready wonderful experience.
— Review left April 22, 2022
Wonderful incredible trip to be that close to whales and touch them. I felt the whales were actually talking to us and saying why can't we get along with each other. These gentle giants could have done us harm but instead they got so close to us we could touch them. Seeing the expression on people faces when they got to touch a whale made it all worthwhile for me. I don't know what I looked like but it was an incredible experience.
— Review left April 9, 2022
There is nothing quite like getting up close and personal with Grey Whales -- which is exactly what you do on this trip. An experience of a lifetime.
— Review left April 6, 2022
If you want to be up close and personal with whales, this is the trip to take.
— Review left March 31, 2022
The Gray Whales are magnificent and Baja is so diverse and beautiful. It was very nice to end the trip at the Las Rosa Hotel. Luka is a wonderful guide, very knowledgeable, and eager to share her love of the grey whales and the diverse Baja landscape. Armando was a great bus driver, friendly and helpful. Claudia was fun and great at providing treats and surprises. The various meals in Baja were good.
Suggestions for improving the trip: I little free time would have been nice. Skip the chain restaurant Buca in San Diego, pick a local restaurant. It was confusing to know what to pack without taking too much. Suggesting a watch cap for the boat ride would have been good. My hoodie restricted my view.
Communication with other travelers on the same trip:
Wish I could have seen pictures and been able to easily interact with travelers that had been or were going to go on our particular trip the same season. Lots of pictures with the time of year would help with what to wear and what to take. I wish Road Scholar would have facilitated a central place for people from our trip to share videos and pictures of our trip. Not something limited to iPhones, etc.
However, I greatly enjoyed the trip and would recommend it to others.
— Review left March 30, 2022
Seeing the whales right next to the boat and touching them is absolutely amazing. It's not an easy trip, getting in and out of Pangas and long bus rides but very well worth it!
— Review left March 30, 2022
Take the tour - the gray whale experience is not to be missed!
— Review left March 28, 2022
This was truly a fascinating journey. Our guides, Artemio and Miriam, were both knowledgeable and enthusiastic and were very helpful and most willing to answer questions. The walks through the desert were beautiful and illuminating, and of course, the whale watching was the experience of a lifetime.
— Review left March 25, 2022
This was a terrific trip which lived up to expectations. As promised, we had close encounters with ‘friendly’ gray whales; witnessed spy-hopping, breaching, and mating behavior; and had opportunities for touching. But – one of our three whale excursions was canceled altogether – a HUGE DISAPPOINTMENT. I felt short-changed, as we had come a long way and were promised three whale-watching trips.
Our two trip leaders were top-notch - as my wife and I have come to expect on RS programs. The two of them worked well together, and were attentive to our needs and well organized. Best of all, they made it their priority to get to know each of us. Kudos to Esther, Ishka, and Andiamo Travel!
We are birders and had good birding at La Jolla Cove, the beach at our San Quintin hotel; and the bird sanctuary at Guerrero Negro. Each of the mission hotels had fountains in the courtyard – great places to spot hummingbirds. And the vermilion flycatchers at San Ignacio were eye-catchers. So - bring those bins!
Even though it wasn’t a good year for desert wildflowers, the desert was pleasingly green and I thoroughly enjoyed our desert walks. The scenery near Catavina was spectacular as were the views from the front seat of the bus as we drove through the mountains.
U.S. Dollars were accepted at the few places where we had the opportunity to make purchases. I enjoyed the mission-style hotels with their courtyards and fountains. Las Rosas Hotel, right on the beach in Ensenada (our final night) was elegant.
The soups we had on several days were delicious. Otherwise the food was OK but not memorable. The sundowner margaritas were a nice touch. I’ll miss them. Salud!
We sailed through our border crossing heading south in Mexico, but had to stand in line for 1 ½ hours to cross back into the U.S. That was pretty awful.
— Review left March 25, 2022
I have always been cautious about interactions with wild animals so as not to influence their behaviors negatively.I did some research before signing up for this trip. I have had many experiences with animals globally, but interacting so closely with these "gentle giant" gray whales was uniquely incredible. I also loved all I learned about the flora and fauna of the Mexican desert.
— Review left March 24, 2022
What an experience - being out in the water with the enormous grey whales, some so friendly they came up to the boat to visit. Unforgettable.
— Review left March 23, 2022
This is the experience of a lifetime, with learning in many different areas. A very pleasant place to visit.
— Review left March 22, 2022
This program was outstanding and Artemio was the most effective leader of the nine RS programs I have attended. Our incredible contact with the whales was unique and unforgettable, the desert we traveled through was fascinating and beautiful, and the program logistics were impeccable. WARNING: You will be spoiled for life as far as whale watching is concerned!
— Review left March 20, 2022
Take this trip - it's fantastic!
— Review left March 20, 2022
You will definitely see whales! A LOT of them, and up very close! There is nowhere else on earth that you can get this experience. The Baja California desert regions are fascinating, and even for someone who knows deserts pretty well, there will be surprises and new species to enjoy. Having expert drivers take you along secondary roads for distances that you might not want to navigate for yourself was a clear advantage to this program.
— Review left March 14, 2022
This Baja California Grey Whale experience was everything I had hoped it would be. The interaction one has
with the whales was thrilling. The participants were squealing like children when they touched or scratched a
whale. Travellers were delighted with each encounter and the photos prove it. If you love animal behavior while not imagining what you will see, take this trip. It is unforgettable.
— Review left March 14, 2022
Participating in the Gray Whale Migration adventure was an incredible experience !!!... To actually see (and touch) these magnificent creatures was a once in a lifetime experience !!..Definitely checked off some boxes on my personal "bucket list"..Celebrated my birthday on this trip...WOW...what a birthday present !!
— Review left March 13, 2022
I'll never forget being in a panga, a small fishing boat, so close to the water that when the whales came to visit, and they came in numbers that blew me away, I could pet them. I was amazed at the softness of their skin, and the number of barnacles clinging to that skin. What an experience!
— Review left March 13, 2022
Touching the whales makes the long drives all worth it. Of the eight days scheduled, one is touring San Diego, four on the bus driving there and back, and three with the whales. Of the three days scheduled for the whales, we had one fantastic day where the whales came right up to us, a second day where they were near but more stand-offish, and the third was cancelled due to high winds. This is not an active trip. You'll spend many hours on the bus or sitting in a boat. The guides do what they can to get us out walking, but don't count on much. Also, it will be cool, if not downright cold, especially if you are from SoCal or Florida. I'd limit what I pack to: water resistant/proof pants, warm pants to wear on the bus and to change into after the boat if you get wet (I didn't), a windbreaker, a warm jacket, and layers of shirts, sweatshirts, etc. One pair of comfortable, lite hikers and a pair of water sandals or watershoes. Don't bother with hiking poles. A hat and sunglasses that can be secured to your head. And warm pj's; the heaters in all of the rooms worked, but you never know. The food was good, but almost always not served hot. The group was asked to wear masks for the first three days and then we were free to ditch them if no one got sick. The Mexicans almost universally wore masks in public and most of us did when around them out of respect if not to protect ourselves. WIFI in all hotels somewhat spotty (dependent on how many other guests are staying there), but enough to email and access f/b. Don't count on streaming or downloading anything. Do that in advance to entertain yourself in the evening. TV in English is limited to one news station. Overall, I'd say this wasn't my favorite trip ever, but touching the whales has always intrigued me so I'm glad I did it.
— Review left March 11, 2022
The gray whale trip is awesome. Going to Baja, getting away from busy places, being in the desert, petting the whales and taking walks thru the cactus gardens are moments I won’t easily forget. We had upset stomachs toward the end of the trip but it seemed like it was an individual problem. There was no one meal or food that made everyone sick. I general, I loved the trip and our guide, Sofi.
— Review left March 10, 2022
Great trip. You will see whales. Sophia and Anilu were great.
— Review left March 6, 2022
Baja California, Mexico and the Great Gray Whale Migration is a wonderful program and should not be missed. Sophia and AnniLou were the best group leaders I've ever had on any other trip! The Whales were amazing!
— Review left March 5, 2022
I am so pleased with my first experience with Rhode Scholar.Groups were small.Seeing and touching whales from a small boat was well beyond what I expected.
— Review left March 5, 2022
This was an amazing experience. One whale spent an hour with our boat, spy hopping so close the boat driver hugged her. Beautiful mammals, so gentle. As interested in us as we were with them.
— Review left March 4, 2022
The whale watching trip in Baja California was amazing a once in a lifetime experience. Not to miss. I highly recommend it!
— Review left February 28, 2022
The road "less traveled" provided far more than was expected...as many from the USA opt for the tourist destinations of Cancun or Cabo San Lucas(to name a couple), our educated and inquisitive group sought the thrill of these gentle giants, an unequalled geography lesson, and the never ending excitement of new friends and travel partners.
— Review left February 26, 2022
A fantastic opportunity to experience a true wonder of nature and to meet like minded people sharing our natural world.
— Review left February 23, 2022
The whales greeted us in high fashion and let us "play" with them. Learning about the culture and environment of Baja was wonderful. We ate great food and participated in lots of hands on activities. Making tortillas from scratch!
— Review left February 23, 2022
Fantastic program. Whales, Whales, Whales!!! The bus rides were unavoidably long, but worth it to get to see the whales. Our guide Sofia and her assistant Anilu kept us educated and amused. The bus driver Roberto was terrific. A very well balanced program with great food.
— Review left February 21, 2022
This is a wonderful adventure, with many learning opportunities for Baja Mexican history, geology, sociology, flora, fauna, and more. We were also fortunate to experience cultural immersion in the worlds of Bajacalifornios and gray whales, worlds that have more in common than you might imagine. Our group leader Luka and her team were organized, warm and helpful, our fellow travelers a gracious and interesting group. Everything came together to make this the best adventure yet in my experience. Thank you to all who made that possible.
— Review left February 20, 2022
This trip fulfilled a "bucket list" item for me, and did not disappoint. We had more of an "interactive" whale encounter, than just whale "watching" experience. It was the highlight of the trip! The food was good and plentiful and tour operators professional. Our leader was outstanding and made sure that everyone had a good time. Would highly recommend!
— Review left February 15, 2022
Being able to observe gray whales up close and even pet them is a thrilling experience I will never forget! There are a lot of miles travelled on a bus for this program, but the guide did a great job of breaking things up and making the road trip as interesting as possible. It is totally worth it!
— Review left February 13, 2022
If you are interested in experiencing whales up close in their natural habitat at a unique time in their lifecycle, this is the trip that will satisfy you.
— Review left February 11, 2022
This trip is one every person should take to see the magnificent Grey Whales of Baja California to see what could be lost if we don’t take better care of our planet.
— Review left February 8, 2022
This was a wonderful bucket list trip. I loved everything about it. Go!!
— Review left May 10, 2020
If you enjoy seeing varied, beautiful scenery and being close to sociable 30 ton whales, this trip is for you!
— Review left March 18, 2020
This was one of the best programs I have ever been on. Our group laughed and learned together. We ate well and had great conversation. The educational information was well presented and organized. And the highlight was petting the whales on each occasion we went out. I would 100% do this trip, especially if Sophia and Juan are the leaders.
— Review left March 18, 2020
This was our first Road Scholar trip but it won't be our last. My husband wasn't as interested in going to Mexico as I was but being a good sport he agreed to go. We both found Mexico very beautiful and interesting and the days with the whales were the highlights. Everywhere people were very friendly, our fellow tour mates were nice, fun and great to travel with. Our tour guide, Jasmin was an incredible ambassador to Mexico. She has a deep love for her country and shared its beauty with us. We knew we would love the whales but we were surprised with the beauty of Baja and the desert. Great staff, Armando, our driver was exceptional. Jasmin and Christina took care of everything, no worries ever. Even though we moved hotels frequently they did everything in their power to make it all go smoothly.
We had great weather (Mar 3-10) cool in the mornings and evening and warm in the day. We did not get wet on the boat, I actually wore the same light weight pants that could get wet and dry easily for each trip on the lagoon. You really never need anything dressy. Bring comfortable clothes. We did bring collapsable walking sticks that were really needed on our cave walk as well as on another nature walk in the desert. If in doubt bring them. Bring a sun hat with an under the chin strap (needed to keep the hat from blowing away on the boat), water and wind proof jacket, some short and long tee shirts to layer, a light sweat shirt or sweater, a few pairs of pants and water shoes. I am mentioning this list as I overpacked. No trouble with food or water, it was all very good and no GI issues. San Ignatio is a beautiful little town, we really enjoyed our time there. It is a well planned trip full of interesting things to do, good food, things to learn and beautiful scenery. I highly recommend this trip and Road Scholar. Five stars.
— Review left March 16, 2020
Fabulous. Meeting the whales is an experience of a lifetime. Even though I was hesitant about all of the driving, I found that I enjoyed the desert almost as much as the whales. It was a truly immersive Baja California trip. I especially enjoyed my fellow participants who were seasoned travelers and made for a good time.
— Review left March 15, 2020
I would recommend this trip to those who want to have a fantastic experience with whales. What fun it was to be in small boats in the lagoons with friendly whales only a few feet away. Being with so many whales at once, you felt you were part of their natural world. There is also a lot more to see and learn about in Baja, including the lovely desert plants and scenery, the towns and missions. Be sure to bring warms clothes, even in March.
— Review left March 15, 2020
A well planned trip to Baja introducing you to the diversity of the region with interesting "talks" from an enthusiastic and well informed leader..plus interaction with whales in their protected lagoons. Superb!
— Review left March 11, 2020
The Baja Whale Trip was great. Really amazing, beyond words, to see those whales up close, to engage with them and they with you. Wow! A once in a life time experience! Our leader was Jazzmine, and she was ultra-outstanding!
This is a very, very fun trip.
— Review left March 10, 2020
We did, we really had a wonderful time in our gray whale expedition with other like-minded enthusiasts. However we highly encourage, though, if a participant is ill before the trip that they should seriously consider rescheduling their trip. That was the case in this expedition. A couple arrived with the wife’s having a serious cough. A few days later, her husband cane down with a terrible cough. As a result, more than several of us are now ill. She has since apologized and informed us that her husband has been diagnosed with the flu. Road Scholar really needs to emphasize this in their literature. The hours-long hot drive in the bus on our return, did not help.
— Review left March 8, 2020
If you're interested in seeing and touching grey whales, this is the trip and when you're not on the lagoons you can learn about a charming country and it's people!!
— Review left March 5, 2020
The point of this trip is, of course, having an amazing and unique interaction with the gray whales. The word "wonderful" is the right adjective to use for this experience. All the other stops, visits, walks and field trips add spice to the week. I feel very lucky that our group leader was Jazmin Mariscal, a lady with a generous heart, a joyful spirit, and enthusiasm for sharing her knowledge of all we encountered.
— Review left February 29, 2020
Jazmin, Iskra and Armando all worked together and did a great job.
I can't see enough about how they showed us the sights of Baja and got us from place to place.
The one reservation I had about this trip were all the one night hotel stays, but Jazmin got us in and out of hotels quickly and efficiently so I never thought time was being wasted on this.
I did not think it was possible to get so close to whales and actually interact with them, but we did so and everyone got to touch whale. At both whale locations we saw seals and dolphins along with the whales.
The hotels were ok and I realize that Baja is remote and there is not a lot of choice.
The food was ok, some meals were better than others.
We had one dinner on our own and a bunch of us went to Renee's Restaurant for dinner and had a fun time.
Be prepared for a lot of on the bus time, but that was unavoidable.
Tour leader Jazmin broke up some of the travel time with desert walks and a visit to the community museum in San Vicente.
If you want to see gray whales up close, this is the tour for you.
— Review left February 29, 2020
Up close and personal with gray whales! The bus ride can be tedious but there just is no other way to get there. The bus was comfortable and we stopped often enough to stretch our legs. Our guide was amazing. During the bus rides he shared information about the landscape, Baja California and Baja California Sur and even his own experiences being from Ensenada. Nothing beats being on the water with the whales and the excitement of trying to touch just one!
— Review left February 28, 2020
This was the most thrilling Road Scholar trip I have ever been privileged to attend. Just touching these massive, incredible creatures was beyond any of my expectations. I would definitely encourage & recommend anyone with even the smallest interest in these Gray Whales & their babies to TAKE THE PLUNGE & go on this marvelous enthralling trip. It is the trip of a lifetime & you will not be sorry. Everyone should go on this trip. There is no need to be afraid either. It is truly a tremendously fabulous trip. One of Road Scholar BEST !!!
— Review left February 25, 2020
I want to compliment our tour guides and companions, Hiro Kawashima and Juan Hussong. Hiro's knowledge of the whales and the desert added immensely to the value of this amazing trip. Juan's good humor and careful stewardship of our needs was a perfect compliment. To be in the company of dozens of gray whales was a once-in-a-lifetime event, made even more memorable by the company of Hiro and Juan.
Also, our driver Almando was as pleasant and careful as could be. Thank you to everyone for a magical trip.
— Review left February 18, 2020
Go for the whales, the whales and the whales. BUT you'll also be treated to Baja's food, ever changing geographical vistas and beautiful sunsets. The cons of spending hours on a bus are outweighed by all of the pros of this little stretch of Mexico known as Baja.
— Review left February 16, 2020
This was a very good experience! It was interesting, fun and so well organized. I was glad my husband and I brought plenty of layers to accommodate the unusually cool weather, because we were always comfortable and that enhanced the wonderful experience.
— Review left February 15, 2020
You will see whales, touch whales and be awed by whales.
— Review left February 14, 2020
If you want to see whales up close, this is a great opportunity to do so. We saw whales on all three days on the lagoons, some of whom surfaced close to the boats where we were able to take amazing photographs and videos. The whales seemed to be very interested in us and allowed those who wished to touch them to do so. An unbelievable experience.
— Review left February 12, 2020
This is a MUST trip for those who love whales and birds, interesting flora and great food! Such a special experience with great leaders!
— Review left February 11, 2020
Just returned for this trip to Baja California. Our leader Sophia was excellent and the trip itself was awesome. We saw loads of gray whales with babies and many times, very close to the boat. They were as curious about us and we were about them! Also, the desert in Baja California was the most beautiful I have even seen. Several endemic plants including the Dr. Suess-like Boojum Tree. Definitely a trip worth taking!
— Review left February 10, 2020
Seeing 45 foot gray whales at arms-length is a magical experience. The Baja California gray whale tour was wonderful in every respect. Baja is a fascinating and safe part of Mexico, the tour guides were exceptional, the food excellent, the accommodations very pleasant and the scenery and experiences memorable.
— Review left February 10, 2020
This was our first Road Scholar trip and a wonderful introduction! The group was fun, interesting and easy to get to know -- and laugh with -- Artemio, our leader, could not have been better. He was knowledgeable, kept us on time, made us laugh and opened our eyes to life in Baja California Sur as well as desert plants, birds, Mexican food -- lots to learn! The 3 half days of being with the whales in the lagoons of Guerro Negro and Lagoon San Ignacio were beyond amazing. I was hoping to get close to these magnificent mammals but the actual experience was wonderful. No words to express the total WOW impact! Well worth it!!
— Review left February 8, 2020
Everything about this trip was amazing...the scenery, the guides (Isabella and Miriam were OUTSTANDING), the driver, the food, the culture (fantastic interaction with local people) and especially those beautiful whales! I could go whale watching every day.
Some advice: Wear clothes that dry fast in the boats...you’ll get wet, and it might be cold or hot. A walking stick on the boulder hike to the cave paintings was literally a lifesaver. And be prepared for over 1200 miles on a bus. The guides make it fun with lectures, stops, local food, and much more, but it’s still a looong ride. I’d do it again in a heartbeat, but be prepared.
Lastly, please leave politics at home and just enjoy the trip. The border walls, the many military checkpoints, the elections in Mexico and back home, etc. are all interesting, but on this trip, perhaps because of this, some folks thought it was ok to espouse personal political opinions, and the pro-Palestine, anti-Trump talk offended some of the Jewish and/or conservative members of the group. I have not seen that on a RS trip before and I felt bad for those whose trip was a bit soured. It was still a FANTASTIC trip and the participants were friendly and caring. I know they would not knowingly hurt anyone. I believe they just assumed everyone on the trip thinks like they do. I say this just to let future travelers know to leave it at home and enjoy yourselves and those fantastic, beautiful, soulful creatures, the gray whales.
— Review left February 8, 2020
Everything you ever wanted to know about Baja California, the Sorora Desert and California Gray Whales seen up close and personally narrated by a knowledgeable Native Mexican.
— Review left February 7, 2020
The trip was amazing. I never realized how much beautiful desert there is in Baja. In fact, I didn't think I would be interested in learning about the flora there at all, but it was highlight.
— Review left February 6, 2020
Excellence in program design and execution. 3 experiences in close proximity to the whales; exposure to the varied landscapes of the Baja and a professional staff who effectively manage the complexity of the border crossing, the security check points, 6 hotels and, about 30 hours on a bus.
— Review left February 6, 2020
The Baja Great Whale Migration trip was an incredibly wonderful trip! I would recommend it to anyone who would love to see the whales up close and in their natural environment. The weather was sunny and cool, but overall pleasant during mid-February.
— Review left May 3, 2019
This trip is well-organized and executed. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
— Review left April 7, 2019
I have used several other companies to go on vacation trips but Road Scholar beats them all. My wife and I will only use this great company for future trips. Give them a try. You won’t be disappointed!
— Review left March 31, 2019
This was a wonderful program. I had high expectations and it met and even exceeded those expectations. Our main guide Artemio ("May I see your smiles please?") and assistant guide Nysai heightened our experience in Mexico and with the gray whales. The desert we drove through on our way to the lagoons to see the gray whales was beautiful, the food was plentiful and delicious, and the other participants enjoyable to spend time with. We saw many whales on all three excursions out on the lagoons and interacted with whales on two of the three excursions. I felt safe on this trip (we had a wonderful driver) and would not hesitate to go on another Road Scholar program in Mexico.
— Review left March 30, 2019
My experience with whale spotting up to now had been very disappointing. I really was not expecting much more than that. Wow! Was I ever surprised! This whale experience was beyond by greatest expectation. I have recommended this trio to everyone I talk to without any reservations.
— Review left March 24, 2019
Be sure to bring lots of warm clothing.
— Review left March 23, 2019
This is an incredible trip. Interaction with the whales is unbelievable.
Nancy B., California
— Review left March 22, 2019
Fantastic trip. We actually got to touch the whales which is a life changing experience. Lots of driving but the landscape is spectacular and it is broken up with lots of interesting stops and stories. They never let you go hungry. We got to experience the cuisine of the region. The desert bloom was a special bonus.
— Review left March 22, 2019
This trip fulfilled a lifelong dream, and I cannot say enough good about it. Our guide, assistant guide and driver could not have been better. The itinerary, accommodations, meals, and all experiences met or exceeded every expectation. We did have long stretches of bus riding, which is a natural part of this kind of trip, and they were nicely broken up with educational moments, short desert hikes, small opportunities to do a little browsing in the towns. We were a fortunate group in that we had three very different and memorable experiences with the whales in our three days on the water. I am so grateful that I was able to have this opportunity.
— Review left March 21, 2019
Wonderful experience, would love to travel again with Road Scholar
— Review left March 21, 2019
What a fabulous trip and an experience of a life time. Three days with the remarkable Great Gray Whales and their calves. We were able to interact and pet the whales each day. It was thrilling! An unexpected joy was getting to experience beautiful Baja California and Baja California Sur in the Spring. The walks in the desert were extraordinary. The coach rides allowed for varied scenery of this remarkable country: the desert, mountains and the coast all of which kept my interest. The long coach rides were very tolerable as they were broken up with interesting stops at museums, walks, lunches and stop over sites along the way. San Jacinto is truly an Oasis with a quaint village and mission... Who knew?
You don't need any fancy clothing for this trip and the RS information packet well prepared us. We took this trip the last week of February and had great weather. Our guides, Jaz and Juan, were fun and knowledgeable and seemed like close friends from day one. Solo traveler? No problem. I made new friends.
So... yes I chose this trip to meet the Whales, but as with other RS trips, I came away with much more.
— Review left March 18, 2019
5 stars
This trip was an amazing experience! I cannot say enough good things about Jazz, Miriam and Andreas, they were so enthusiastic it was contagious. They were helpful, kind and patient while leading our group. The whales were of course, the stars of the trip, petting them and just being in their habitat is beyond description. Walks in the desert, having lunch at a local home, seeing ancient cave drawings, making tortillas, school children dancing for and with us, all the great meals and the hospitality of the Mexican hosts were excellent experiences. This was my first Road Scholar experience and I have recommended this trip to all my friends. I will definitely go see the Gray Whales again! 5 stars
— Review left March 18, 2019
This was a once in a lifetime experience for us. We were surrounded by whales and at one point 7 whales visited our small panga boat at the same time. Mother whales brought their babies to meet us. We petted, touched and were sprayed upon by many, many whales. They were so curious and gentle! It truly was a spiritual experience to be in contact with such amazing creatures
— Review left March 17, 2019
This is an experience between human and whale. You will be close enough to touch a living whale in their natural habitat in the protected lagoons of Gerrero Negro and San Ignacio in Mexico. You will walk the desert forests and be impressed with desert plants like the Boojum (Cirio) and the Cardon and may be lucky enough to see the desert in bloom after a heavy rainfall. You will encounter the friendly people of Mexico and learn some of their history and culture. You will enjoy wonderful food and beverages including blue agave tequila.
— Review left March 17, 2019
Wow! What a trip!! This adventure far exceeded my expectations. We had three days with the whales and all three days whales came right up to our boat to be petted!
The Baja desert is very beautiful and this trip gives a wide variety of experiences to understand the natural history and culture. Our guide, Artemis, was fabulous. Everything was so well organized and interesting. Very busy trip, but well worth it!! Thanks!
— Review left March 16, 2019
No words to describe this breathtaking experience!! Artemio, our guide, was articulate, intelligent, entertaining, and a man of integrity. We saw lots and lots of whales up close and personal on each of the three excursions. At one point there were seven whales surrounding the boat, on either side of us, and under the boat. Everyone got a chance to touch or kiss as many whales as they wanted. Yes, WOW!! You just have to go to experience this for yourself. You will not be sorry. This was my third RS trip and my favorite so far. The food was excellent and the hotels surpassed expectations. The long drive down Highway One took us deep into the most remote areas of Baja California, but with the scheduled breaks, snacks, talks by Artemio, and hikes, it never got tedious or boring. I was impressed with the way this tour was organized from start to finish.
— Review left March 16, 2019
To visit the whales was a "bucket list" experience for my husband and I. The late February trip exceeded our expectations in all aspects - the educational opportunities, the professional staff, and we really did get to be "with the whales". This trip is a must for those wanting to be in nature and learn more about the culture and environment of Baja California!
— Review left March 14, 2019
This trip enabled me to view and interact with gray whales in two Baja California Sur locations that are superbly monitored and controlled to protect the environment. I could not believe that I was able to view and interact up close and personal with these huge, intelligent and beautiful creatures. This was an experience that I will never forget.
— Review left March 8, 2019
Brilliant whale-watching trip to Baja California, perfectly timed, wonderful accommodations, fantastic food and EXCEPTIONAL tour staff at Andiamo Tours. What a blast! 3 whale watching tours up close and personal with gentle gray whales!
— Review left March 6, 2019
This trip was absolutely wonderful: from our amazing time with a "friendly" whale, to our warm, enthusiastic and knowledgable guides, to the beautiful desert, lovely local people, ancient cave paintings and a great group of travelers! I would highly recommend this trip!
— Review left March 5, 2019
A dream trip. Exceeded my expectations in every way.
— Review left March 2, 2019
My husband and I travel a lot and this was one of the most memorable experiences we've had. It was our first Road Scholar trip and we are quite impressed. In fact, we've booked three more this year based on the quality of the leaders (Artimio and Juan Hussong), the activities planned, and the other participants. Most notable on this trip-- real interaction with the whales. We actually got to pet several that came up to the boat. I am still glowing over that experience. Imagine a creature that weighs the equivalent of 10 elephants gently coming up to the boat so it can be petted. The hotels are clean and the food was awesome. You will spend quite a bit of time initially on the bus but Artimio and Juan made sure we were entertained and even had a few little surprises for us. 5 star in my book.
— Review left February 25, 2019
Trip was amazing! A long bus ride, bus worth every minute. Lots of breaks and lectures along the way. Our tour guide Artemio was wonderful. We made some new friends too! I would highly recommend this excellent experience.
— Review left February 21, 2019
I had no idea how thrilling this trip would be. It is worth the long ride to experience the thrill of being in the presence of the whales and actually touching them. Their desire to be touched was obvious and I will never forget the connection that existed between them and all of us in the boat. It was truly a once in a lifetime experience!
— Review left February 20, 2019
can't imagine how many no one would not get a GREAT deal out of this program
— Review left February 18, 2019
This is an excellent and enjoyable program that includes interesting information about the ecology of Baja California, the great gray whale migration and Las Ballenas Amistosos, the Friendly Whales ... good food, good leaders (Isabel and Miriam and driver Manuel) and ... The Best Ceviche Ever.
— Review left February 14, 2019
We had a wonderful trip and so will you with Road Scholars!
— Review left February 11, 2019
WOW!!! JUST WOW!!!
The remoteness of the area, the recognition that only 120 people a day do what we were doing, hearing the EXHALE of a whale, seeing the
L O N G bodies roll their way out of the sea!!! But the best was having several up close and personal encounters with these magnificent creatures. I petted one for several minutes. And she opened her eye to see me as well. Truly? a piece of my heart now belongs to the Gray Whales. Much appreciation to Luka, Haro, and Lupe. Would not have been the same without YOU!!!
— Review left February 11, 2019
This was beyond my wildest dreams! I knew I'd see whales, but they were closer than I imagined and and I even got to pet three of them. That's an experience I will never ever forget.
— Review left February 9, 2019
Whale encounters were the highlight of this trip, but the entire experience was filled with so much more about Baja California. We experienced the desert, the lagoons, the culture, the cuisine and a beautiful drive on highway one.
— Review left February 5, 2019
