Gray Whale Retreat Baja California
Ethical Gray Whale Watching in Ojo de Liebre (Guerrero Negro) & Blue Whale Excursion in Loreto
March 1–9, 2026
Loreto & Guerrero Negro (Ojo de Liebre),
Baja California
Where: Gray Whale Retreat Baja California takes place in Loreto (Sea of Cortez) & Guerrero Negro (Ojo de Liebre Lagoon)
What: Ethical whale watching with opportunities for voluntary close encounters when whales approach the boat
Whales: Gray whales (4 trips) + Blue whales (1 trip), with possible humpbacks/fin whales/dolphins/orcas
Season: Peak gray whale season (Feb–Mar)
Style: Sacred circle, meditation, toning, integration & nature immersion
This is NOT: Swimming with gray whales — it is regulated, respectful lagoon whale watching guided by whale choice
Gray Whale Retreat Baja California: An Overview
The Gray Whale Retreat Baja California Retreat offers rare and ethical close encounters with gray whales in the protected nursery lagoons of Baja California, Mexico. From small boats guided by licensed local captains, whales often choose to approach voluntarily — allowing moments of gentle touch, eye contact, and profound heart connection.
This is not swimming with whales. It is a respectful, regulated whale-watching experience where the whales initiate contact, creating deeply moving encounters rooted in trust, curiosity, and mutual presence.
Our journey begins in Loreto on the Sea of Cortez, where we attune to the frequency of blue whales, then travels north to the protected lagoons of Ojo de Liebre near Guerrero Negro — one of the world’s most important gray whale sanctuaries.
Open your Heart and let it be Greeted by this divine Gentle Giant... Seeing a Blue Whale, even from afar, is such a strong, heart-opening experience... We can't wait to be back in March.
Credit for this amazing video goes to WMM Travels
Guided by Jan Lemuri and Annika Omkaram — life partners, long-term facilitators of consciousness work, and companions in service to Gaia — this retreat weaves direct whale encounters, meditation, embodiment practices, and sacred communion into a gentle yet powerful journey of remembrance, clarity, and inner alignment. Jan has worked with cetacean intelligence and human coherence for over two decades and is the author of Inner Dolphin Awakening and Dolphin Bodywork™.
This retreat is for those who feel called not only to witness whales — but to listen, soften, remember, and allow something essential to reorganize within.
Why Baja California is One of the World’s Most Powerful Whale Sanctuaries
These protected waters create a unique gray whale lagoon experience found in only a few places on Earth.
Baja California is uniquely positioned between the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez — one of the most biodiverse marine ecosystems on Earth. This narrow peninsula creates a convergence of deep ocean currents, protected lagoons, and nutrient-rich waters that support an extraordinary diversity of marine life.
Each winter, gray whales migrate over 12,000 miles round-trip from their Arctic feeding grounds to the warm nursery lagoons of Baja to give birth and nurture their calves. Ojo de Liebre Lagoon near Guerrero Negro is one of the most important and protected gray whale sanctuaries in the world and one of the few places on Earth where gray whales are known to voluntarily approach small boats with curiosity and gentleness.
At the same time, the eastern side of the peninsula near Loreto becomes a seasonal gathering place for blue whales, the largest animals ever to live on Earth, along with humpback, fin whales, dolphins, sea lions, and rich birdlife. The Sea of Cortez was famously called “the aquarium of the world” by Jacques Cousteau.
This rare convergence allows us to experience both the intimate heart-based encounters of the gray whale lagoons and the vast majesty of blue whales in open sea — within one coherent journey.
Our Ethical Commitment to Whale Encounters
This retreat honors the sovereignty, intelligence, and natural rhythms of the whales. All encounters take place within Mexican marine regulations and are guided by licensed local captains who know these waters intimately.
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Whales always choose whether to approach the boats. There is no chasing, baiting, or interference of any kind.
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Any gentle touch happens only when a whale clearly initiates contact and remains present by choice.
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Boats move slowly and quietly, respecting the nervous systems of both whales and humans.
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Group sizes remain small to preserve safety, intimacy, and minimal impact.
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We prioritize calm presence, coherent nervous system regulation, and reverence over excitement or spectacle.
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The well-being of the whales always comes before any human desire for experience or outcome.
These encounters are not performances — they are living relationships rooted in respect, listening, and mutual trust. Every aspect of the retreat is guided by respectful whale interaction, prioritizing sovereignty, safety, and mutual trust.
Retreat Highlights
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4 whale-watching boat trips with gray whales in Ojo de Liebre Lagoon (Guerrero Negro)
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Possibility of gentle touch and eye contact when whales approach voluntarily
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1 blue whale-watching excursion in Loreto (Sea of Cortez)
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Daily sacred circle, meditation, toning, and integration practices
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Salt lake floating excursion in crystalline mineral waters
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Scenic Baja road journeys and immersive nature experiences
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Possible dolphin and seal encounters when present
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Soul family connection and coherent group field
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Personal guidance with Jan Lemuri & Annika Omkaram
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Small group container for safety, depth, and intimacy
Best Time to See Gray Whales in Baja
Gray whales migrate each year from their Arctic feeding grounds to the warm nursery lagoons of Baja California to give birth and nurture their babies. During this peak season, encounters often include gray whale mothers and calves, offering some of the most tender and heart-opening moments in the lagoons.
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Arrival: Late December to early January
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Peak mother–calf interaction: February to March
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Departure: Late April to early May
March offers some of the most consistent conditions for close gray whale encounters in the lagoons, with high whale presence, calmer weather, and stable ocean conditions.
At the same time, blue whales and other large cetaceans are seasonally present near Loreto in the Sea of Cortez, allowing us to experience both lagoon gray whales and open-ocean blue whales within one journey.
Our retreat dates are intentionally aligned with this optimal seasonal window.
The Miracle of the Whale Heart
When you enter the field of a whale’s heart, you step into a quality of coherence and presence that the human nervous system naturally recognizes as safety, belonging, and deep regulation. Their field is so steady, so spacious, and so ancient that your own heart and nervous system begin to reorganize in response. Your breath slows. Muscles soften. The mind becomes quieter. Many people experience a sense of peace, clarity, emotional release, or profound connectedness — a remembering beyond words.
Some feel it as warmth in the chest. Others as tingles along the spine. Many burst into tears without knowing why. That is what coherence does — it unwinds what has been tight, it harmonizes what has been scattered, it brings your entire being back into a state of natural order.
Whales don’t “heal you” the way humans imagine healing.
Rather, their presence supports the body’s own natural capacity for self-regulation, coherence, and integration.
They simply hold a field so pure, so vast, so deeply aligned with Creation, that anything inside you that is not truth begins to fall away...
Old grief rises and dissolves.
Fear loosens.
The mind quiets.
The heart expands.
What remains is you — the real you.
For some, this feels like peace.
For others, like freedom.
For many… like coming home.
Come for Gentle Transformation: The Whale's Heart and the Dragon's Truth
What Makes This Retreat Different
This is a Baja California whale retreat rooted in reverence, nervous system safety, and ethical relationship with life.
This is not tourism — it is a conscious pilgrimage into relationship with living intelligence.
This is not observation — it is embodied presence, listening, and mutual attunement.
This is not performance — it is nervous system safety, coherence, and integration.
This is not information — it is lived remembrance and direct experience.
This is not extraction — it is reverence, reciprocity, and ethical relationship with nature.
This Gray Whale Retreat Baja California is designed for those who value presence, ethics, and deep relationship over spectacle.
This retreat may not be right for you if:
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You are seeking guaranteed touching, thrill-based wildlife encounters, or spectacle
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You prefer luxury tourism over nature immersion and simplicity
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You are uncomfortable with meditation, silence, or inner inquiry
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You prefer fixed schedules over organic unfolding
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You are seeking entertainment rather than transformation
This retreat is for you if you feel called to:
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Experience ethical, respectful close encounters with gray whales when they approach voluntarily
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Deepen heart coherence, nervous system regulation, and embodied presence
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Listen beyond the mind into subtle intelligence and relational awareness
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Integrate spiritual insight into lived embodiment and daily life
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Travel consciously and honor the natural world
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Participate in sacred circle, meditation, toning, and group coherence fields
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Connect with a small, soul-aligned group in a gentle, supportive environment
We warmly invite you to join us if you feel aligned with conscious travel in Baja California and honoring the natural world through presence and responsibility. We move slowly, listen deeply, and allow the field itself to guide what unfolds — always in service of life, integrity, and truth.
Retreat Itinerary Overview
Day 1 – HIGHEST DREAM – Arrival in Loreto, Baja California
Look for plane connections to Loreto (Mexico) on Feb 28th or Mar 1st. Check-in is at 4pm. You will be picked up from the airport and transported to our accommodations.
After settling in, we begin with our first Meditation Circle, grounding our dreams, intentions, and visions as we arrive into the field of the retreat.
Day 2 – THE HEART OF GAIA – Blue Whale Watching in Loreto – Sea of Cortez
Blue whales are present in Loreto only a few months each year and resonate deeply with the heart field of Gaia. We cruise by boat between Isla del Carmen and Isla Danzante, entering the crystalline waters of the Sea of Cortez.
Possible sightings include blue, humpback, and fin whales, as well as dolphins, seals, and orcas.
Lunch on the beach...
Day 3 – THE BEAUTY OF BAJA – Journey to Guerrero Negro & Ojo de Liebre
Travel day as we journey north from Loreto toward Ojo de Liebre.
Along the way we stop for a swim and meditation in Conception Bay and enjoy the expansive landscapes of Baja.
Lunch in the town of Mulegé, followed by a walk through historic San Ignacio.
Arrival in Guerrero Negro in the early evening.
Day 4 – Gray Whale-Watching – CRYSTALLINE PYRAMID – Ojo de Liebre Lagoon
Our second whale-watching day, this time with gray whales in the protected lagoons of Ojo de Liebre. We prepare gently for these encounters throughout the first days of our retreat, exploring sound, coherence practices, the nature of miracles, and interspecies communication.
We introduce the crystalline pyramid — a meeting place for receiving and integrating energetic information and heart intelligence.
Day 5 – Gray Whale Watching – UNCONDITIONAL LOVE – Ojo de Liebre
Our second day merging our hearts with the gray whales in Ojo de Liebre. Going deeper into the experience and receiving the quantum gifts on every possible level. Opening up the inner worlds, the consciousness, the beingness. Remembering the magnificence and the core of who we are.
In the afternoon, we visit the salt fields for a floating experience in crystalline mineral waters.
Day 6 – Gray Whale Watching – THE MIRACLE OF THE WHALE HEART – Ojo de Liebre
Another whale-watching day with the gray whales, focused on integration and embodiment of what has been received. We allow the nervous system and cellular memory to stabilize into coherence and clarity.
We also begin shaping how these insights can be gently woven into everyday life after the retreat.
Day 7 – EMBRACING LIFE – San Ignacio Return Journey to Loreto
Return travel day toward Loreto with a stop in San Ignacio for lunch and a short meditation.
We anchor the joy of simple presence — sights, sounds, and beauty — saying yes to life, expression, and the unfolding journey.
Day 8 – INTEGRATION – LIVING THE HIGHEST DREAM – Loreto
A relaxed morning for rest, beach time, and integration
In the afternoon we gather for a Sacred Circle, allowing the experiences to settle into clarity, intention, and next steps.
We conclude our retreat with a dinner in a wonderful restaurant in Loreto. Time to share the joy, inspirations, and new-born excitement!
Day 9 – DEPARTURE DAY – BLESSINGS & ALOHA – Loreto, Baja Mexico
After breakfast, transfers to the airport or downtown Loreto.
Shared goodbyes, gratitude, and blessings from the group and the whales.
Until next time!
Accommodations
Loreto: Sea of Cortez Blue Whale Region (days 1-3 & 7-9)
In Loreto we will stay in a luxury villa in a charming beach community in Nopolo under the Giganta mountains. Villa gives our group a private, safe space for our meditations and sharing. Beach, pools and restaurants are just a short walk away.
Ojo de Liebre: Gray Whale Sanctuary Near Guerrero Negro (days 3-7)
Ojo de Libre is a very remote and protected nature area and all accommodations are in a nearby town of Guerrero Negro. The main attraction here are the whales and the town is not a tourist highlight, so please don't expect too much, all the amenities are very basic.
We will be staying in a very simple but clean hotel, with a traditional restaurant right next doors. Single rooms with queen beds and double with a queen and a twin. We will have our own private space to meet and have our sacred circle.
We will have plenty of space for meditations, relaxing living areas and peace and quiet to integrate after whale watching.
Caracoles restaurant right next door for beautiful coffee, breakfasts and dinners.
Pricing & Registration
Price
Early bird (until Feb 1, 2026)
$2995 (2800 €) for double occupancy
$3495 (3300 €) for single occupancy
Normal price (after Feb 1, 2026)
$3295 (3100 €) for double occupancy
$3795 (3600 €) for single occupancy
Optional Add-on
Arrive a day early (Feb 28th) or leave a day later (Mar 10th) for an extra payment of $100/night (double, $150 single).
Loreto is magical and having extra time is soul-nourishing!
What is included in the price
Pick up and drop off at the airport
8 nights accommodations
5 whale-watching tours - blue, humpback and fin whales (1), gray whales (4)
1 salt lake floating excursion
Transportation Loreto-Guerrero Negro, Guerrero Negro-Loreto with all the sight-seeing stops on the way (Bahia Concepcion, Mulege, San Ignacio)
"Whale pod" guided sacred circle every day
Personal instructions and guidance on cetacean contact
Meditations, activations and alignments
Zoom call with Jan & Anníka before the retreat
What is not included
food, plane tickets, health and travel insurance, tips for the crew, personal expenses
*Note: Organizer reserves the right to change the program or accommodations due to unexpected circumstances, weather, higher force, etc.
Registration & Payment
To sign up, please use the "Get in Touch" form at the end of the page or send an email to jan.lemuri (at) gmail.com. Do make sure to include your name, your preferred accommodation (single or doble room), and your preferred means of payment.
Once we confirm that there is still availability in the retreat, the next step is to transfer your $1,000 deposit to reserve your space. The deposit is 50% refundable until December 31, 2025. No refunds after January 1, 2026.
OTHER PAYMENT OPTIONS:
Bank Transfer (in EUR within Europe)
TransferWise (internationally)
Venmo (USA)
Practical Information
Flights
Travelling from the USA
Direct flights to Loreto are available from LAX and SFO (Alaska Airlines), as well as Phoenix and Dallas (American Airlines).
Travelling from Europe
You can connect through one of the U.S. airports mentioned above and then fly directly to Loreto, or fly directly to Mexico City and continue with a local connection.
ESTA for International Travelers Connecting Through the USA
If your journey includes a connection through a U.S. airport, many non-U.S. citizens will need an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) — even if you are only transiting.
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ESTA must be obtained before travel
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Applies to countries in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program
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Cost is approximately €20–€25 (check official site for current fee)
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Apply only via the official website: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/overview
If you are unsure whether you need an ESTA or a visa, please check with your airline or local U.S. embassy.
What to Pack & Weather
Loreto (warm and sunny)
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Short sleeves, light clothing
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Flip-flops or sandals
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Hat or cap for sun protection
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Sunglasses & sunscreen
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Light sweater for mornings and evenings
Guerrero Negro & Ojo de Liebre (much cooler, especially on the water)
• Warm sweater or fleece
• Jacket and layered clothing
• Long pants
• Closed shoes
For boat trips and travel comfort
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Waterproof jacket and waterproof over-pants
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Sea-sickness medication (recommended if you are prone to motion sickness - otherwise, Baja is one of the calmest places to be)
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Lip balm (sun and wind can dry lips quickly)
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Small daypack and reusable water bottle
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Journal (optional, but lovely for integration)
Spending Money
Mexico uses Mexican pesos (MXN). You may bring some cash or use your credit or debit card for most expenses.
Other Questions & Support
If you have any additional questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at jan.lemuri (at) gmail.com or use the "Get in Touch" form at the bottom of the page. We’re always happy to help.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Baja Gray Whales Retreat
Is this swimming with whales?
No. This is a respectful whale-watching experience. Whales choose whether to approach the boats.
What should I wear?
Loreto is warm and sunny. Guerrero Negro is much cooler. Bring layers, a jacket, and waterproof clothing for boat trips.
Should I bring sea-sickness medication?
If you are prone to sea-sickness, then yes. It can be helpful for boat trips and the six-hour drive between Loreto and Guerrero Negro.
Do I need an ESTA if I connect through the USA?
Many international travelers need ESTA, even if just catching a connecting flight in USA. You need to apply at least 3 days before you travel.
The official site to apply for ESTA is https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/overview
Is food included?
No. Meals are not included, giving you flexibility and choice.
Who can I contact if I have questions?
Please don't hesitate to e-mail jan.lemuri (at) gmail.com or use the "Get in Touch" form at the bottom of the page. We will be happy to help.
Meet Your Hosts
We are Jan Lemuri and Annika Omkaram — life partners, collaborators, and companions on a shared path of service to the living intelligence of Gaia and the True Earth. Together, we guide events, retreats, trainings, and field-based initiations internationally, supporting participants in embodied transformation and a conscious relationship with life.
Baja holds a special place in our hearts, and each return brings new transmissions with gray whales, blue whales, dolphins, and seals — deepening our understanding of heart intelligence, the Gaia grids, and our role as humans in conscious service.
Our work arises through deep listening and direct transmission rather than fixed systems or formulas. Each retreat unfolds as a living field of presence, coherence, remembrance, and embodied alignment with life.
We feel honored to serve the highest good and to support the most aligned potentials unfolding within each participant.
To learn more about our journey and our work together, we warmly invite you to visit the Meet the Team tab.
Ready to Join the Gray Whale Retreat?
If this journey resonates with you and you feel a genuine inner yes, we warmly invite you to take the next step.
You’re welcome to reach out with any remaining questions via e-mail jan.lemuri (at) gmail.com or through the "Get in Touch" form at the end of the page. Please do make sure to include your name, your preferred accommodation (single or doble room) and your preferred means of payment.
Once we confirm that there is still availability in the retreat, the next step is to transfer your $1,000 deposit to reserve your space.
We look forward to sharing this sacred journey with you.
With warmth,
Jan & Annika