Between January and March, Loreto settles into one of its finest seasons. This peaceful stretch of Baja California Sur enjoys mild sunny days, calm coastal breezes, and a front-row seat to one of nature's great seasonal gatherings.
Standing on the tee boxes at TPC Danzante Bay, you get a view few golf courses on Earth can match: rugged desert canyons rising behind you, green fairways sweeping down toward the Sea of Cortez, and out in the blue bay, the occasional plume of mist marking a whale coming up for air.
Loreto isn't about hustle or heavy crowds. It's an unhurried corner of Mexico where you can play a thoughtful 18 holes in the morning and spend your afternoon on a local panga boat watching blue whales move quietly through protected marine waters.
Here is everything you need to know to plan a seamless golf and whale-watching getaway.
Quick Guide: Season, Weather & Essentials
Quick Guide: Season, Weather & Essentials
| Information | What you should know |
|---|---|
| Whale Watching Season | From January to March |
| Sightseeing Tour | Approximately four and a half hours from the resort; duration may vary depending on the operator |
| Recommended Golf Season | From November to March, with pleasant daytime temperatures between 72 °F and 80 °F (22 °C to 27 °C) |
| The Golf Course | Tpc Danzante Bay, 18 holes, par 72, and up to 7,237 yards; designed by Rees Jones |
| Recommended Stay | Three to four nights |
| Getting Here | Nonstop and seasonal flights to Loreto International Airport from Los Angeles, San Diego, Phoenix, Dallas, Tijuana, and Calgary |
Why Winter Is a Special Time to Visit Loreto
Loreto remains calm throughout much of the year, but winter brings together two of the destination’s most rewarding experiences.
Conditions are generally comfortable for golf, particularly during the morning. At the same time, blue whales and other marine species may be seen in the waters surrounding the islands of Loreto.
This does not mean every round comes with a whale sighting or every boat tour finds a blue whale. Wildlife follows its own schedule, and the wind can change plans on both land and water. That uncertainty is part of the experience.
The main whale-watching season runs from January through March. The exact timing varies each year, but these are the months to consider if seeing whales is an important part of the trip.
It also helps that the logistics are simple. TPC Danzante Bay is located at Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto, approximately 30 minutes from Loreto International Airport. Golf, accommodations, restaurants, Sábila Spa and seasonal excursions can all be arranged from the same resort.
Why Combine Golf and Whale Watching in Loreto?
Golf and whale watching require very different kinds of attention. One asks you to study the wind, choose a target and commit to a swing. The other asks you to watch the horizon and wait.
Loreto gives you room for both.
Unlike a trip that requires long drives between the hotel, golf course and marina, the experiences here can be planned from the same resort. TPC Danzante Bay is located at Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto, and whale-watching excursions can be arranged through the resort during the season.
A three- or four-night stay allows enough time for a complete round, a dedicated morning on the water and some unplanned time between the two. That last part matters. Wind can affect both the course and boat departures, and wildlife does not follow a fixed itinerary.
What Makes TPC Danzante Bay Worth the Trip?
The view from Hole 17 may be what first catches a golfer’s attention, but TPC Danzante Bay gives you several reasons to make the trip to Loreto.
- Mexico’s only TPC golf course: Designed by Rees Jones, TPC Danzante Bay is an 18-hole, par-72 course that plays from 4,916 to 7,237 yards. Five sets of tees allow golfers to choose a distance that suits their game.
- A course that changes as you play: The round begins among desert terrain, arroyos and the Sierra de la Giganta before climbing toward elevated views of the Sea of Cortez and the nearby islands. Wind and elevation can influence club selection, even when the yardage looks straightforward.
- The signature 17th hole: This elevated par 3 plays toward a green set on a rocky peninsula above the water. The sea, islands and mountains create the view many golfers know before arriving, but the holes leading to the 17th are an important part of the experience.
- Recognized among the region’s best: TPC Danzante Bay has been named Mexico’s Best Golf Course and Latin America’s Best Golf Course multiple times by the World Golf Awards.
- A possible winter bonus: On a clear day, golfers may occasionally notice a whale spout in the distance from the more elevated parts of the course. It is never guaranteed, but it can add an unexpected moment to a winter round.
Before traveling, explore theTPC Danzante Bay course tour and review the scorecard to choose the tees that best fit your game.
Out on the Water: Seeing Loreto's Winter Visitors
Loreto Bay National Marine Park covers over 800 square miles of protected water. Unlike busier coastal spots, the marine park is quiet, shallow, and rich in nutrient-dense krill during the winter months, making it a crucial sanctuary for several species.
Blue whales—the largest creatures on Earth—seek out these calm, protected waters each winter to feed and raise their young calves in a peaceful environment.
What Marine Life You Can Expect to See
- Blue Whales: Reaching up to 100 feet in length, these gentle giants move slowly near Danzante and Carmen Islands. Observing a mother and calf in the quiet bay is a moment you won't forget.
- Fin Whales: Known as the "greyhounds of the sea" for their sleek shapes and quick movement, fin whales are common in the deeper open waters between the islands.
- Humpback Whales: Frequently spotted breaching, slapping their fins, and diving in open water.
- Dolphins & Sea Lions: Year-round pods of bottlenose dolphins swim throughout the bay, while Loreto’s famous resident sea lion colony can be visited at nearby Coronado Island.
Tours depart directly from the resort beach at Villa del Palmar. Guided by licensed local captains, boats keep a respectful, safe distance so the animals can rest and feed undisturbed.
A Relaxed Three-Day Golf and Whale-Watching Itinerary
This itinerary leaves enough time for golf, whale watching and a few quiet hours at the resort without making the trip feel rushed.
Day 1: Arrive and Settle Into the Resort
- Fly into Loreto International Airport and take the approximately 30-minute drive to Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto.
- Check in and take some time to explore the resort.
- Stop by the Pro Shop to confirm your tee time and rental equipment.
- If daylight allows, visit the practice facility or play the 18-hole putting course.
- Finish the day with dinner at the resort and a relaxed evening before your round.
Day 2: Play TPC Danzante Bay
- Take the golf trolley from the hotel to the Pro Shop.
- Arrive at least 20 to 30 minutes before your tee time. Give yourself additional time if you need rental clubs or want a complete warm-up.
- Hit a few shots at the driving range and spend some time in the dedicated short-game practice area.
- Play 18 holes at TPC Danzante Bay, watching the landscape change from desert terrain and mountain surroundings to elevated views of the Sea of Cortez.
- After the round, have lunch at the resort and leave the afternoon open for the pool, beach or Sábila Spa.
Day 3: Head Out in Search of Whales
- Set aside the morning for the whale-watching tour.
- Dress in layers, bring sun protection and keep your phone or camera secure while the boat is moving.
- Follow the captain’s route through Bahía de Loreto National Park. The destination may change according to recent sightings and conditions on the water.
- Watch for blue whales, fin whales, humpbacks, dolphins, and other marine life, keeping in mind that sightings vary each day.
- Return to the resort for lunch and a quiet afternoon.
- If you are staying another night, consider adding a second round of golf, an island excursion or more time at Sábila Spa.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is whale season in Loreto?
Loreto’s main whale-watching season runs from January through March, with February and March often popular for blue whale sightings. Because wildlife and sea conditions vary, sightings cannot be guaranteed, and staying several nights provides more flexibility.
Where does whale watching take place?
Tours explore Bahía de Loreto National Park, part of the UNESCO World Heritage site known as the Islands and Protected Areas of the Gulf of California. Excursions arranged through the resort generally last approximately four and a half hours, with routes determined by conditions and recent sightings.
What whales and marine life can you see in Loreto?
Blue whales are the main seasonal attraction, but visitors may also encounter fin whales, humpbacks, dolphins, sea lions, sea turtles, rays and seabirds. The species and number of sightings vary from day to day.
Are whale sightings guaranteed?
No. Whales are wild animals, and their location depends on migration patterns, food availability and sea conditions. Local captains use recent reports and their knowledge of the national park to search for wildlife, but no specific sighting can be guaranteed.
Can you play golf and go whale watching on the same day?
It may be possible, but scheduling the activities on separate days is more comfortable. A round at TPC Danzante Bay and a whale-watching tour each take approximately four to four and a half hours, leaving little room for changing weather or delays.
How many nights do you need for the trip?
Three nights are enough for one round of golf and one whale-watching tour. Four nights provide greater flexibility if sea conditions affect the excursion and leave time for a second round, an island tour or Sábila Spa.
Is TPC Danzante Bay suitable for high-handicap golfers?
Yes. With five sets of tees on every hole, the course is welcoming for golfers of all skill levels. Wide fairways give higher handicappers plenty of room, while subtle green complexes keep lower handicappers challenged.
Can non-golfing travel companions enjoy the trip?
Absolutely. Non-golfers can spend the morning on guided island excursions, hike scenic trails in the Sierra de la Giganta, go paddleboarding in the calm bay waters, or unwind at Sábila Spa."
Do I need to pack my own golf clubs?
Not unless you want to. The golf shop at TPC Danzante Bay rents Callaway clubs for men and women in both right-handed and left-handed setups.
How far in advance should you book?
Reserve winter tee times, rental clubs and whale-watching tours as early as possible when your travel dates are fixed. Booking ahead makes it easier to schedule golf and whale watching on separate days.
Plan Your Winter Visit
Whether you're coming to play 18 holes surrounded by mountains and sea, or hoping to see a blue whale rise out of the water, Loreto offers a rare blend of great golf and authentic nature.
- Reserve Your Golf Round:Book Tee Times Online at TPC Danzante Bay
- Explore Stay & Play Offers:View Unlimited Golf & Spa Package