Grey Whale Photography Expedition: Capturing Majestic Wildlife in Magdalena Bay — SDM Diving

Grey Whale Photography Expedition

Magdalena Bay, Mexico
February 7 - 12, 2026
(6 day trip / 4 days whale Expedition)
- 4 SPOTS AVAILABLE -


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.



🔥 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.


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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