LoretoMagdalena Bay La PazIsla Espiritu Santo Todos Santos
Whale sharks, Gray Whales, Blue Whales, sea-lions, rays, turtles… the list goes on! This is the ultimate marine safari as you explore some of the richest seas on earth staying at unique tented camps right on the beaches. The Sea of Cortez is home to 39% of all marine mammal species and alone accounts for a third of the world’s whale species – no wonder it has been called the “aquarium of the world” by Jacques Cousteau himself. Together with expert guides, you will venture along Baja’s remarkable southern coastline and enjoy unique wildlife encounters.
Itinerary Highlights
Enjoy incredible Gray Whale Encounters in Magdalena Bay
Swim with Whale Sharks in the Sea of Cortez
Camp on the pristine beaches of Isla Espiritu Santo
Visit the famous Blue Whale Triangle just off Loreto
Track Baja’s famous open-water sharks
What’s included
Shared small group tours for included activities
Meet & greet airport service
Unique tented camps and boutique accommodation
Expert guides in each destination
Dedicated whale- and shark-watching tours
flexibility
This is an example itinerary. It is fully flexible; you can add or detract days and include hotels at your chosen budget. It departs daily.
11
Nights
Price Guide
from $6730
Our quotes are bespoke for your customised trip. The prices displayed are indicative only, read more
Day 1
Fly to Loreto
Day 2
Loreto – Blue Whale Triangle
The Blue Whale is the largest animal ever to have lived on earth, its tongue alone is the size of an elephant! However, despite its size there is still so little know about this magnificent mammal. Yet, in this itinerary, we start with the biggest first as we head off by boat into the famous “Blue Whale Triangle” off the coast of Loreto for our very first whale encounter. In the afternoon we can enjoy a walking tour of Loreto’s historic district. Loreto is the home of the first mission established by Jesuit missionaries in 1697 when they finally received permission from Spain to establish a theocracy on the Baja peninsula., and this afternoon we’ll visit that mission, Nuestra Señora de Loreto. We’ll learn the history of Jesuit rule in Baja until they were forcibly expelled by Spain in 1768.
Day 3-5
Whale-watching in Magdalena Bay
Today we’ll cross to the Pacific side of the peninsula to Magdalena Bay, the largest wetlands ecosystem on the west coast of Baja and one of the most important in North America. The World Wildlife Fund ranks it as one of the most important coastal habitats in Mexico. The Bay is the prime calving ground for the gray whale, and January to March it is possible to see – and often interact with – a large number of the whales who have migrated 5,000 to 6,000 miles to get here for their winter respite. Our home for the next three night is the luxury tent camp, Camp Cecil de la Bahia. The camp is located on a sliver of land with the Bay and the gray whales on one side, and a protected estuary with mangroves, abundant birdlife, dolphins and more on the other. The tents of Camp Cecil de la Bahia are beautifully appointed walk-in safari-style tents with gorgeous beds, seating areas, rugs, chandeliers, and ensuite bathrooms. The camp chef prepares three beautiful meals a day and daily happy hour. It is a dreamy, wild and remote spot, completely ensconced in nature, enhanced by delights of great food and comfortable lodging. Our adventures at Camp Cecil de la Bahia include whale watching – seeking out gray whale mothers, babies, young couples and sporting males – as well as kayaking and birding in the nearby mangroves, sandboarding, star gazing and taking nature walks in the dunes.
Day 6-7
La Paz – Whale & Whale Shark Encounters
Experience some truly intimate encounters with the resident Gray Whales! Long accustomed to tourism, mothers and calves often approach the whale-watching boat, raising their heads out of the water to take in the whole spectacle. The connections possible with our fellow mammals in the lagoons of Magdalena Bay are absolutely joyous and should be at the top of any bucket list you. After a final morning at the camp, you will continue to La Paz for another true highight – swimming with whale-sharks. These gentle giants feed on plankton in the Bay of La Paz and we have the remarkable opportunity to observe and even swim with them if conditions allow. Back on dry land, you have the chance to explore the town or even enjoy some sunset sand boarding.
Day 8-9
The Sea of Cortez & Isla Espiritu Santo
Next is Camp Cecil on Isla Espiritu Santo within the Sea of Cortez. Isla Espiritu Santo is in a National Marine Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and among the finest marine life viewing destinations in the world. Whales, dolphins, whale sharks, sea turtles, manta rays and beautiful tropical fish aplenty ply its waters, while the incredible birdlife includes Blue-footed Boobies, Reddish Egrets, Great Blue Herons and Yellow-footed Gulls. Marine life aside, the island itself is stunning, with magnificent towering cliffs, spectacular sandy bays, amazing lava rock formations, and rock art left by the now-extinct Guaycura and Pericu Indians. There’s even an endemic ring-tailed cat, the babisuri. It’s a remarkable place to explore and we’ll spend our days kayaking, snorkeling, hiking, swimming with sea lions, stand up paddle boarding, bird watching, and seeking out hidden lagoons and desert beaches.
Day 10-11
Todos Santos
Returning to the mainland, we will make our way to Todos Santos for the finakl leg of the journey. Nestled between the ocean and the desert, Todos Santos offers over 150 species of birds from the 430 species that inhabit Baja Calfornia as a whole. It is incredible to think that you go from turtles to humming birds in just one afternoon! Birdlife aside, Baja’s southern coast is famous for its pelagic shark encounters and you will head back into the nutrient-rich waters of the Sea of Cortez to try and encounter (and even swim with) Mako-, Blue-, Silky- and Smooth Hammerhead sharks. Despite their fearsome reputation, sharks are very sensitive animals and experts will be on hand to help you safely interact with these most fascinating creatures. As the itinerary, draws to a close, you will celebrate with a Mexican Cooking Class and farewell meal, a fitting way to round of the experience. .
Day 12
Transfer to the airport for onward connections
A note on price
The prices outlined above are a rough guide to give you an idea of costs and enable you to budget for your trip.
Guide prices are generally for private arrangements based on twin share, in well located, good quality accommodation (excluding international flights).
Please note costs are indicative and may vary due to a number of factors such as; travel date, hotel choice, room category, number of people travelling and prevailing exchange rates.
Price Guide From $6730
When to travel
janfebmaraprmayjunjulaugsepoctnovdec
Mexico is a wonderful year-round destination although each region has its own separate micro-climate. In the south, temperatures range between 25 – 35° in the lowlands and on the Pacific and Yucatan Peninsula. Here, days are warmer and more humid between May and October, the rainy season where afternoons often end with a short tempestuous downpour. However, Mexico’s Caribbean coast does lie on the hurricane belt which is at its height between the months of September and October. Travelling north through Mexico’s colonial highlands up into the Sierra Madre Mountains, temperatures drop down into the 10’s and beyond owing to the altitude especially over Christmas although days tend to be bright and generally sunny. Baja California is dry, arid and hottest between January and February, a time that coincides with excellent walking in the Copper Canyon and whale-watching in the lagoons of Magdalena Bay.
If you're planning a trip to Mexico in January, it's important to pack accordingly for the weather. The average temperature in Mexico during this month is around 21°C during the day and about 12°C at night, so you'll want to bring light layers to accommodate for the fluctuating temperatures. While the weather can vary depending on your location in Mexico, it's generally a good idea to bring a light jacket or sweater for the cooler evenings. Don't forget to check the forecast before you go, and be prepared for the possibility of rain in certain regions.
Mexico in February, you should expect slightly cooler temperatures than in January. On average, the daytime temperature is around 19°C and drops to about 10°C at night. It's still important to pack light layers to accommodate for the fluctuating temperatures, and a light jacket or sweater is advisable for the cooler evenings.
Mexico in March, you can expect warmer temperatures compared to February. The average daytime temperature is around 23°C and drops to about 14°C at night. However, it's still a good idea to pack layers as temperatures can fluctuate throughout the day.
Mexico in April, you can expect warmer temperatures compared to March. The average daytime temperature is around 27°C and drops to about 17°C at night.
May, it's important to be prepared for the weather. The average temperature in Mexico during this time of year is around 26°C, so you'll want to pack light and breathable clothing. However, it's important to note that temperatures can vary depending on where you are in Mexico. In coastal areas, temperatures can be slightly cooler thanks to the ocean breeze, while inland areas can be much hotter.
Mexico during the month of June are expected to range from 22 to 32 degrees Celsius. The weather should be relatively warm and sunny, with a small chance of rain in some areas. It's always a good idea to check the forecast before traveling, but overall, June is a great time to visit Mexico and enjoy all that this beautiful country has to offer.
Mexico is typically warm and sunny, with temperatures ranging from 22 to 33 degrees Celsius. While there may be a chance of rain in some areas, overall it is a great time to visit Mexico and enjoy all the amazing sights and experiences this country has to offer.
August, you can expect warm temperatures ranging from 23 to 34 degrees Celsius. Like in July, there might be a chance of rain, but overall it's a great time to explore all that Mexico has to offer.
Mexico in September, you can expect warm temperatures ranging from 22 to 32 degrees Celsius. While there may be some occasional rain, overall it's still a great time to travel and explore the country.
Mexico in October, you can expect similar temperatures to September, ranging from 21 to 31 degrees Celsius. However, there may be a slightly higher chance of rain, so it's important to keep an eye on the weather forecast and pack accordingly.
Mexico in November, you can expect temperatures to range from 19 to 28 degrees Celsius. It's generally a dry month, but there may be occasional rain showers, so it's still a good idea to check the weather forecast before packing. Overall, November is a great time to visit Mexico and take advantage of the warm weather and beautiful scenery.
Mexico in December, temperatures will generally range from 17 to 26 degrees Celsius. It is also a dry month, but as always, it's good to keep an eye on the weather forecast before packing. December is a wonderful time to visit Mexico and enjoy the pleasant weather and stunning landscapes.
Add on’s
Just across the Gulf of Calfifornia lie the dramatic landscapes of the Copper Canyon, accessed by the wonderful Chihuahua al Pacifico railroad – a wonderful destination for huge landscapes and stunning walks. Or for more breathtaking marine life, head to the powder soft and coral reef of the Riviera Maya which also opens up the spectacular ruins of the Yucatan Peninsula such as Chichen Itza, Tulum, Coba and Uxmal.
Or for the ultimate wildlife experience, why not combine Baja California with the Galapagos which in turn leads you on nicely into Ecuador’s Amazon Rainforest and breathtaking Mindo Cloudforest.
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