Gifts from the Gray Whales

Gifts from the Gray Whales is a deeply moving, transformational retreat in the pristine San Ignacio Lagoon of Baja, Mexico, home to some of the friendliest whales on Earth. Here, wild gray whales often choose to approach the small boats, sometimes bringing their curious young calves close enough to make extraordinary, heart-to-heart connections with us.

Led by Whale Wisdom Teacher and Marine Behavior Specialist Anne Gordon, this intimate retreat explores the powerful themes of trust, forgiveness, healing and unconditional love. Through multiple encounters with the whales, guided meditations, Whale Energy Healing and spiritual connection, you’ll open your heart to the profound wisdom and gentle presence of these remarkable beings, and discover the gifts they may have waiting just for you.

This retreat is for anyone who feels a deep love for whales and a calling to experience them in a personal and meaningful way. It is especially suited for spiritually minded whale and dolphin lovers who are seeking deeper connection, healing, renewal and greater peace in their lives. If you feel drawn to the wisdom of whales, are navigating a life transition, or simply long to open your heart to something extraordinary, you’ll feel at home here. No previous experience is necessary, just an open heart, a sense of wonder and a love of whales.

San Ignacio Lagoon is one of the world’s most extraordinary gray whale sanctuaries, a remote and pristine wilderness within Mexico’s vast El Vizcaíno Biosphere Reserve. Each winter, gray whales journey thousands of miles from the Arctic to these protected waters to mate, give birth and nurture their calves.

Our home is a secluded, off-the-grid eco-camp perched on the shore of the lagoon, surrounded by desert, sea and spectacular star-filled skies. We sleep in comfortable safari-style tents with real beds, just steps from the water. From camp, you can watch whales breaching, spyhopping and swimming throughout the day, and at night, fall asleep to the remarkable sound of whales breathing in the darkness.

With solar power, no Wi-Fi and wilderness stretching in every direction, this is a rare opportunity to unplug from the outside world and live for a few unforgettable days completely immersed in the rhythm of nature and the whales.

Day 0, Feb. 9 Arrive in San Diego

Afternoon- Arrive at the Courtyard Marriott Hotel in San Diego (Hotel not included)

6: 00 pm Dinner as a group.

7:30 pm Evening gathering to get to know each other and Meditation and Communication with the whales led by Anne.

Day 1, Feb. 10 Travel to San Ignacio Lagoon

9:00 am Shuttle departs from hotel to Tijuana Airport

9:30 am Arrive at Tijuana Airport

10:30-12:00 at Tijuana Airport waiting for returning flight to arrive

12:00-1:00 pm (time not exact) Flight departs to San Ignacio Lagoon

4:00 pm Arrive at San Ignacio Lagoon. Transfer by bus and boat to Punta Piedra

Camp

5:00 pm Arrive at camp, settle in to camp. Start watching whales from camp!

6:00 pm Dinner and Orientation

Anne is so excited to be able to share the friendly Gray whales of San

Ignacio lagoon in Baja Mexico with you.

Day 2, Feb. 11 First Day with the Gray Whales

7:00 am Breakfast at camp

8:00 am First Whale Watch (90 minutes)

10 am –12:00 pm Free time in camp, watch whales from shore, explore the

beach, kayak the mangroves, rest, etc.

12:30 pm Second Whale Watch (90 minutes)

2:00 pm Lunch

3:00-5:00 pm Free time in camp

5:00 pm Happy Hour, Dinner

7:00 pm Evening Presentation

Day 3, Feb. 12 Second day with the Gray whales

7:00 am Breakfast at camp

8:00 am First Whale Watch (90 minutes)

10 am –12:00 pm Free time in camp

12:30 pm Second Whale Watch (90 minutes)

2:00 pm Lunch

3:00-5:00 pm Free time in camp

5:00 pm Happy Hour, Dinner

7:00 pm Evening Presentation

Day 4, Feb. 13 Third day with the Gray whales

7:00 am Breakfast at camp

8:00 am First Whale Watch (90 minutes)

10 am –12:00 pm Free time in camp

12:30 pm Second Whale Watch (90 minutes)

2:00 pm Lunch

3:00-5:00 pm Free time in camp

5:00 pm Happy Hour, Dinner

7:00 pm Evening Presentation

Day 5, Feb. 14 Travel Home filled with Whale Memories

7:00 am Breakfast at camp

8:00 am Depart camp by boat to van to airport

9:00 am Flight to Tijuana

12:00-3:00 pm Arrive at Tijuana Airport and transfer to San Diego hotel. (1 hour time difference between Baja and California.)

All meals are served in our big dining and activity tent. A variety of

traditional Mexican meals, including lots of fresh fish, are prepared and served from a full kitchen by our amazing cooks, Socorro and Pilar. A snack table is always stocked with something for everyone... fresh and dried fruits, nuts, pretzels, chips & guacamole, cookies or

trail mix - you will not go hungry!

We will meet at the San Diego hotel and then the next morning the camp will provide a van to the Tijuana airport to catch our charter flight to the lagoon.

What to Bring to Baja

Important documents

• Passport – must have at least 6 months before it expires to enter Mexico.

Cash and Credit cards

• Mexico uses the Peso. It is best to exchange your cash for Mexican pesos before you leave the airport. Please note that there are also no banks/ATMS in the camp or nearby.

• It is recommended you bring US dollars and pesos with you. You can change your dollars into pesos at the airport. I recommend asking your bank to order Mexican pesos to bring with you. Travelers checks are NOT recommended as they are difficult to cash. Euros are also NOT widely accepted in Baja.

• You will need cash for any souvenirs.

• Please keep in mind the exchange rate does fluctuate. If you are using US dollars for payment (at places with prices listed in pesos), your exchange rate might vary between businesses. You will find that you receive the best exchange rate at a bank.

Gratuities

• Many people ask, "should I tip the guides/captains/staff and how much?" Tipping is voluntary and any amount you leave is greatly appreciated! If you would like to leave your guides a generous tip showing appreciation for an excellent job, 10% of the trip cost is standard in the adventure travel industry. Gratuities are pooled and distributed among your trip guides and staff evenly. If you do choose to leave a tip, please leave cash only. No travelers checks, personal checks or credit cards can be accepted.

What to pack

The following list includes clothing for January through early April, the coolest time in Baja. It can be chilly so don't forget your heavy fleece jacket and hat. Please keep in mind you will be traveling in the desert, so you will want to pack for warm days and cold nights. It is best to come prepared for any kind or weather. The last thing we want is for you to be cold or wet and not enjoy your trip. You can always dress in layers and adjust for any weather.

• Wide-brimmed hat (baseball hats are fine) (with chin strap so it will stay on in the wind!)

• Waterproof windbreaker with hood and waterproof pants

• Warm jacket/fleece or a lightweight, packable down jacket

• 2 to 3 warm long-sleeved shirts

• 2 to 3 light, airy long-sleeved shirt or short sleeve t-shirts

• Top & bottom underclothes and socks

• Warm knit hat

• 2 pairs of jeans and/or lightweight long pants

• Sweatpants, long johns, or leggings for sleepwear (This is essential! Temps can drop down into the low 40°F )

• 2 pairs of shorts (quick-dry materials are great)

• 2 pairs of shoes - tennis shoes for land use & water shoes for boats and wading. (Tevas, Chacos, Keens, etc.) Shoes must be worn in water and while in boats.

• A towel, face towel, and washcloth

• A set of casual, comfortable clothes for hotel and air travel

Non-Clothing Items

• Flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries- very important! You will need it for walking around camp at night

• Sunglasses (polarized are recommended) with a neck strap

• Sunblock (ocean friendly) and lip balm (SPF 50 or higher recommended)

• Biodegradable camping soap (phosphate free)

• Kleenex

• Personal toiletries (face wash, shampoo, toothpaste, lotion, razor etc.)

• Prescription medication (keep prescription drugs in original labeled bottles if possible to get through customs easily)

• Reusable water bottle

• Backpack or dry bag, something to carry gear in the boat if needed

• Small binoculars

• If you sleep with a c-pap and need to bring it on the trip, it must run on a battery, as there is no electricity in the sleeping tents

• Epi-pen if you have any severe allergic reactions

• Camera & charger (The camp operates on solar power, and has a charging station in the main tent (110-120 volt, 60Hz).

• Cell phone charger (if you are using your phone as your camera, there is no cell signal in the camp)

• Book (There is no TV or radio in your tent)

• Extra snacks. Although the camp provides plenty of food and some snacks, if you have a high metabolism, you may want to bring along a few of your own favorite snacks.

Not so necessary to bring

• Cell phone – Unless this is your camera. You most likely will not have reception at the lagoon.

• There is no point in carrying all of your keys.

• Wallet/purse – Clean out before traveling, you can probably leave extra contents behind.

• Copies of your documents. Leave a copy of your passport, drivers license, credit cards, airline tickets, and any reservation information that you've prepaid at home (with a friend, or family member) in case of emergency.

• Leave a copy of your itinerary with someone back home. Include our emergency contact number.

LUGGAGE

For ease of transport, we ask that you please do not bring hard suitcases. Soft duffel bags are the most practical option, and framed, soft-sided duffels with wheels also work well.

Weight limit: 30 LBS (13 KG) PER PERSON (not including a smaller carry-on such as a tote, backpack, or purse.)

Handling: You will need to carry your own bags at certain times, so please pack accordingly, keeping this in mind.

Aircraft weight limits are established and strictly enforced for safety.

Packing & Travel Tips

Please repackage anything that could break or leak into sturdy plastic bottles or jars with secure lids.

For the plane ride, we recommend wearing comfortable clothing and keeping a jacket or sweatshirt handy, as the air temperature cools with altitude.

Pack your water shoes and water-resistant clothing at the top of your bag. You will need to change into them before boarding the boats to our whale camp that first afternoon.

Time Zone

• Mountain Standard Time

• The state of Baja California Sur where San Ignacio Lagoon and our camp are located uses Mountain Standard Time

Anne Gordon is a Dolphin & Whale Wisdom Teacher and Marine Behavior Specialist who has dedicated her life to deepening the connection between humans, animals and the natural world.

With a background in biology and animal behavior, Anne began her career as a zookeeper and spent more than 20 years training animals for film and television. Since 2007, she has led Whale & Dolphin Wisdom Retreats around the world, guiding people into extraordinary encounters and deeper, heart-to-heart connection with wild dolphins and whales.

Known as a “bridge between science and spirit,” Anne combines her understanding of animal behavior with her intuitive connection to dolphins and whales, helping people discover what these remarkable beings can teach us about joy, play, presence, flow, community and unconditional love—and how to bring that wisdom into everyday life.

Our gray whale encounters are always guided by respect, patience and the whales’ freedom of choice. We never chase, pursue or force an interaction. Instead, we allow the whales to decide whether they wish to approach our small boats. Some may simply swim nearby, while others may come close to look us in the eye, or even invite gentle touch. Every encounter unfolds naturally, on the whales’ terms, creating an extraordinary connection based on trust, curiosity and mutual respect.