Grey Whale Photography Expedition

Magdalena Bay, Mexico
February 3 - 8, 2025
(6 day trip / 4 days whale Expedition)
- 4 SPOTS LEFT -
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2026 DATES
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February 9 - 14, 2026
(6 day trip / 4 days whale Expedition)
- 4 SPOTS LEFT -


THE ADVENTURE

Journey with us to Magdalena Bay for the annual grey whale migration.

This is not your typical dive trip… However, the interactions you have with grey whales will be one of the most memorable experiences of your life!

Every winter, Magdalena Bay welcomes hundreds of grey whales, and their new born calves.

During this time of year, the female whales are very social, and will approach boats, seeking attention.

The whales are very trusting and playful and want to interact with people.

We are not allowed to get in the water with them, but you can interact with the whales from the boat. The whales enjoy face rubs and scratches, returning to our boats repeatedly.

This is a rare and remarkable phenomenon… and your chance to capture close-up images, and join the exclusive few who have interacted with whales firsthand.

Magdalena Bay is a special place, teeming with abundant wildlife. From the awe-inspiring grey whales to the exhilarating experience of snorkeling with sea lion colonies, or photographing the skies filled with tens of thousands of sea birds, or the coyotes that stalk the mangroves for prey—every visit is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the diverse and fascinating ecosystems of this unique destination.


Trip Cost is $2,880 per person

With an $800 deposit required to reserve your space.


  • PRICE INCLUDES:

    Hotel Stay: 5 nights, double occupancy at our hotel in San Carlos.

    *Add $350 for single Occupancy

    Grey Whale Encounters: Spend four days with the grey whales.

    Offshore Wildlife Exploration: One afternoon to explore Baja's waters. You may encounter playful sea lions, marlin, sea turtles, dolphins, and with luck, orcas.

    Pelican Feeding at Bird Island: Witness pelicans during a morning feeding session on Bird Island.

    Mangrove Exploration: Afternoon expedition into the mangroves, where you'll have the chance to spot coyotes and other wildlife.

    Meals: Breakfast at the hotel. Lunch and Snacks aboard the boat.

    Transfers: Travel hassle-free with round-trip private van transfers from San Jose Del Cabo Airport (SJD) to San Carlos.

    Private Van: Daily transportation during our stay in San Carlos.

    Photo Coaching: Enhance your wildlife photography skills with expert guidance from our photography coach.

  • Meals on travel days

    Dinners

    Airfare

    Crew gratuities

    Trip Insurance


🔥 YOUR NEXT MOVE…
- You can book your trip now - Or request more information on the trip.



GREY WHALE TRIP REPORTS
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TRIP ITINERARY


Day 1 - Travel Day
We will pick you up from the San Jose del Cabo International airport (SJD) at 10AM in a private van. Once we have collected you and your gear, we will travel to Puerto San Carlos. It is a 5 1/2 hour drive through stunning desert and ocean Landscapes. Upon arrival, we help you check into your hotel room. (dbl occ.) We will meet at 6PM to discuss the morning plans. Afterwards we will have dinner together.

The rest of the evening is yours to prep camera gear, and relax from your travels. 

*If you can’t find flights that arrive in SJD that early, you may need to arrive the evening before.


whale 9 edit web.jpg

Day 2 - Boat Days… Magdalena Bay
6:30AM -
We have a light breakfast, then head out for our day in the Bay. We head out in the early morning to catch the first light. Lunch, drinks and snacks are included. We spend the next 7 - 8 hours at sea, seeking out the best photo opportunities with the grey whales and wildlife off Magdalena Bay. 


Day 3 - Bahia Almejas
We begin the morning by heading out to the Southernmost part of the Bay to visit the grey whales of Bahia Almejas. The interaction here is different… the water is shallow and the whales spend a lot of time spy hopping and breaching. Afterwards we will stop by the frigate bird colony on Isla Santa Margarita to photograph the nesting birds. We will spend about an hour there, then head out. Depending on what time we return to Mag Bay, we may opt to visit the dunes to seek out coyotes in the mangroves.


Day 5 Magdalena Bay, Pelicans and the Sand Dunes
Today we visit the whales for our final time. Afterwards we will visit Bird Island to photograph the pelicans and snap some diving images. When we finish up we may opt to visit the sand dunes to look for coyotes.


Day 4 - Magdalena Bay and the Open Ocean
Today we visit the grey whales in the morning, and then head out into the open ocean to seek out pelagic wildlife to swim with; dolphins, orcas, striped marlin hunting baitballs, sea turtles. Every day is different and you never know what we will see. Afterwards, we will spend our final hours looking for more flirty whales.


Day 6 - Departure Day
We have a good breakfast, check out and we return as a group to SJD for your flight's home. Departure time from Puerto San Carlos is 7AM. Please make your return flights for after 3PM


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS


  • Please be advised that during our whale-watching expedition, we will not be swimming with the grey whales in the bay.

    The focus is on observing and interacting with these magnificent creatures from the safety and respect of the boat.

    However, there may be opportunities to swim with local wildlife in the open ocean, (weather dependent), providing a unique experience.

    We encourage you to bring your snorkel gear for these occasions, as it offers a chance to explore and enjoy the marine life in the open waters.

    It's important to note that swimming with the grey whales in the bay is not allowed, as they are protected.

    We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in preserving the well-being of these incredible animals.

  • Airlines that serve Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) include:

    1. Aeroméxico

    2. American Airlines

    3. Delta Air Lines

    4. United Airlines

    5. Southwest Airlines

    6. Alaska Airlines

    7. Volaris

    8. Sun Country Airlines

    Keep in mind that airline schedules and services can change, so it's advisable to check with the respective airlines for the most up-to-date information on flights and carriers.

    AIRPORT HOTELS:
    Here are some hotels listed in proximity to the airport:

    1. Courtyard by Marriott Los Cabos: Approximately 1.5 miles (2.4 km) from SJD.

    2. Hyatt Place Los Cabos: Approximately 2 miles (3.2 km) from SJD.

    3. Fairfield Inn by Marriott Los Cabos: Approximately 2.2 miles (3.5 km) from SJD.

    4. Holiday Inn Express Los Cabos: Approximately 3 miles (4.8 km) from SJD.

    5. Hotel Aeropuerto Los Cabos: Located very close to the airport.

    *Staying at Hotel Aeropuerto is a convenient choice, especially for ease of pickups on arrival day due to its close proximity to San Jose del Cabo International. This strategic location ensures a smooth and efficient transition for the group, allowing for seamless coordination of arrivals and pickups.

  • ARRIVAL DAY:
    On your arrival day, our team will be there to welcome you at San Jose del Cabo International Airport (SJD) at 10 AM, where a private van awaits.

    Please Note: airport pickups will take place in the Departures Area of the airport. Unfortunately, we are not permitted to pick up passengers in the arrivals area.

    Once we gather you and your gear, we'll embark on a 5 1/2-hour journey to Puerto San Carlos, traversing through breathtaking desert and ocean landscapes.

    Upon arrival, we'll assist you in checking into your hotel room for a comfortable stay.

    *For optimal timing and to avoid any inconvenience, we highly recommend scheduling your flight to arrive the day before pickup.

    It's essential to note that the pickup time is strictly adhered to, as we avoid evening drives in Baja due to safety concerns. The roads can be hazardous at night, with the occasional presence of cows on the highways.

    If, for any reason, you are unable to make the pickup time, arrangements for your own transportation to San Carlos will be necessary.

    Rest assured, we will provide you with detailed directions to guide your driver in ensuring a smooth journey.

    Your safety and comfort are our top priorities throughout your adventure in Baja.

    DEPARTURE DAY:
    On the day of departure, we'll start the morning with breakfast before checking out as a group.

    The return journey to San Jose del Cabo International Airport (SJD) is scheduled for 7 AM.

    To allow ample time for travel and any unforeseen circumstances, we recommend scheduling your return flights for departure times after 3 PM.

    This ensures a smooth and stress-free transition, allowing you to enjoy the last moments of your adventure in Puerto San Carlos before heading back home.

    If you decide to extend your stay in Baja, you have the option to rent a car or arrange transportation to hotels from San Jose del Cabo International Airport (SJD).

    If you have any specific preferences or need further assistance with your travel arrangements, feel free to let us know.

  • Please note that these expeditions involve wild animal encounters, and while there is never any guarantee of sighting wildlife, we strategically plan our visits during the best times of the year for the greatest chances of success.

    Every encounter is unique, and the duration is solely at the discretion of the animals.

    It's essential to remember that grey whales are big and powerful animals, and we must show utmost respect towards wildlife.

    We know there's never a certainty, but during our expeditions, we've had a remarkable record. We've encountered grey whales on all our trips we've run, making this an exceptional opportunity to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

    PLEASE NOTE: if the animal is not interested in interacting with us or shows signs of stress, we will leave the animal alone and go find other wildlife to encounter. 



    YOUR SAFETY AND THE WELL-BEING OF THE ANIMALS ARE OUR TOP PRIORITIES.

    We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in preserving the beauty of the wildlife and their environment.

  • Feel free to bring your underwater camera on our expedition!

    While we don't snorkel with the grey whales, you'll have the opportunity to submerge your cameras into the water to capture stunning images when the whales come near the boats.

    These moments offer some of the best chances to photograph these magnificent creatures up close.

    Interestingly, the clicking sounds of the cameras often attract the whales' attention, encouraging them to approach your dome port closely.

    It's a unique and exciting way to document your experience and create memorable encounters with these incredible whale species.

    *Additionally, if conditions permit, we will head out into the open ocean to seek out wildlife for snorkeling and photography.

    This exciting opportunity allows you to explore and capture images of marine life in their natural habitat.

    Our goal is to provide a dynamic and immersive experience, and venturing into the open ocean enhances the chances of encountering diverse marine species for a truly unforgettable snorkeling and photography adventure.

  • Remember to pack your snorkel gear!

    While swimming in the Bay is not permitted, we have exciting plans for the open ocean.

    If conditions align, we'll set out to explore the vast ocean and discover its wonders.

    This could include encounters with humpbacks, sealions, sea turtles, marlin hunting baitballs, and, who knows, if we are lucky… orcas!

  • Solo Travelers signing up for land-based trips individually will be charged the single occupancy rate.

    To help keep costs down, you have the option to inform us if you would like to share a room with another solo guest of the same sex.

    We'll make every effort to find you a roommate. However, if no one else wishes to share, you will be charged for a single room.

  • A non-refundable deposit of $800 USD is required to reserve a space on SDM adventures.


    50% of the expedition cost (balance) is due 180 days prior to departure.


    100% of the expedition cost (balance) is due 90 days prior to departure.


    A 4% surcharge is applied to payments made via credit card.


    A 3% paypal surcharge is applied to payments made using paypal.


    Payments can also be made via wire transfer. Just let us know and we will send you the bank transfer info. 
Please add $40 to cover bank fees.


    Payments can be made by mailing a U.S. Check, or U.S. Money Order Payable to:


    SDM adventures
    
332 East 15th St.

    San Juan, Texas 78589

  • All cancellations made more than 120 days prior to departure will receive refund (less an administrative fee of $800 USD per person). This fee is non-refundable and non-transferable. However, if we manage to fill the trip after you cancel, we will apply the deposit towards any of our trips that you sign up for, during the following 12 months. If you cancel again during that period, you will lose the deposit.


    Cancellations made (91 to 120), calendar days prior to departure, are assessed a cancellation fee of 50% of the entire trip price, (including extensions).


    Cancellations made within 90 days of departure date will not be refunded, therefore we strongly recommend all guest purchase travel insurance.


    All cancellations must be made in writing by mail or by email to sdm@sharkdivermag.com, - received and acknowledged by SDM Adventures.


    We are not responsible for cancellations due to medical or other reasons.


    No fees will be refunded if you withdraw after an expedition begins.


    We are not responsible for any fees associated with non-refundable air travel, we highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance.