DAY 1: Arrival in Cabo San Lucas

Bienvenidos! Arrive at Los Cabos Intl Airport (SJD) at any time. Upon arrival, there will be a driver to take you to your hotel. There are no planned activities for this day, so you are free to spend the day however you would like. At a specified time, we will have a group welcoming meeting at a designated location to meet your fellow travelers and discuss the itinerary over the next few days.

Cabo San Lucas’s white beaches, crystal blue water, and spectacular arching stone cliffs have become the backdrop for Baja’s southern-most city on the peninsula. The activities here are endless: jet-skiing, banana-boating, parasailing, snorkeling, kitesurfing, scuba diving, and horseback riding can all be found just by walking along the beach. This resort city is also well known for its nightlife scene in the downtown tourist district, particularly the two-block stretch surrounding Plaza Bonita. This hip, dance club-filled quarter showcases Cabo San Lucas at its late-night best.

INCLUDED:

–Airport transfer from Los Cabos Intl Airport (SJD)

Overnight in Cabo San Lucas

Day 2: La Paz

This morning, we’ll have an early start for our two-hour drive north to La Paz. Once arriving in the seaside city, we won’t waste any time as we board a boat in search of whale sharks. Whale sharks are rare, elusive, and magnificent creatures. There are only four places on the planet where whale sharks make predictable appearances at certain times of year to feed, and the La Paz Bay at the Sea of Cortez in Baja California is one of them. Accompanied by a marine biologist guide, we’ll have the opportunity to interact with whale sharks in their natural habitat, learn about the scientific research that is being undertaken, contribute to the conservation of these majestic sharks and have a great time doing it.

This evening, we’ll spend some time enjoying the laid-back city of La Paz, known for its seafront Malecón promenade with beaches, parks, and art by Mexican and international artists. Many bars and restaurants overlook the water. In the city center, the 19th-century Nuestra Señora de La Paz Cathedral dominates the shady Velasco Garden.

INCLUDED:

–Meals: Breakfast
–Snorkeling with Whale Sharks w/ Marine Biologist Guide
–Snorkel Equipment
–Drinks & Snacks
–All Marine Park Fees

Overnight in La Paz

Day 3: La Paz/ Espiritu Santo Island

After breakfast, we’ll take a boat ride to Espiritu Santo Island, one of the most beautiful islands in the Sea of Cortez, and added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1995 as a biosphere reserve. Here, the contrast between desert and sea and its rock formations of volcanic origin will captivate you, as well as the great amount of flora and fauna that inhabits the island. The island has also been voted to be home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. This natural paradise will amaze you with breathtaking island scenery and rich marine life. It is known as “the Galapagos of the Sea of Cortez.”

Accompanied by a marine biologist guide, learn detailed information about the island, its history, as well as about all the wildlife encountered during the tour. Jump in the water to snorkel with friendly sea lions and observe tropical fish surrounding the reefs including parrotfish, angelfish, trumpetfish, Moorish idols, rays, turtles, dolphins, orcas, and even whales. Birds include brown pelicans, great blue herons, snowy egrets, turkey vultures, and hummingbirds.

INCLUDED:

–Visit Espiritu Santo Island w/ Marine Biologist Guide 
–Snorkel Equipment 
–Drinks & Snacks 
–All Marine Park Fees

Overnight in La Paz

Day 4: Adolfo Lopez Mateos/ Magdalena Bay

Today, we will depart the area of La Paz and embark on a three-hour drive to Lopez Mateos at Magdalena Bay. This stretch of land is populated by a small community of fishermen. In December, when the first whales arrive, this place becomes increasingly popular with tourists who are eager to experience a remarkably close encounter with the Gray Whales.

Whale watching at Magdalena Bay is an incredible experience! The Laguna is quiet but full of life. For thousands of years, the gray whales have migrated here to give birth to their calves and nourish them until they are strong enough to make their journey back to the cold waters of Alaska. Lopez Mateos is one of the few places in the world where you can meet a 40-ton gray whale and her newborn calf up close! The whales over the years have become very used to humans and are curious in nature. Gray whale mothers often seek out human interaction as they approach our boats. To keep this safe for the whales, only a few boats are allowed in the Laguna at a time.

Upon arrival, we’ll enjoy lunch and check into our family-run bed and breakfast before heading out for our first whale watching tour with our Marine Biologist guide. This afternoon, we’ll have the chance to walk on the sand dunes and enjoy the view of hundreds of migrating birds and also dolphins, as they are inhabitants of these warm waters. If we’re lucky, we might even see a pack of coyotes. Familiarize yourself with the Mexican culture as you get to know the incredibly friendly people of Lopez Mateos while enjoying a nice lobster dinner.

INCLUDED: 
–Meals: Lunch & Dinner 
–Whale Watching Tour w/ Marine Biologist Guide

Overnight in Lopez Mateos  

Day 5: Magdalena Bay/ Todos Santos/ Cabo San Lucas

This morning, we’ll have another opportunity to experience a close encounter with the gray whales on our second whale watching tour. After lunch, we’ll make our way back to Cabo San Lucas with a pit stop in Todos Santos, a natural paradise where desert meets the Sierra Laguna mountain range that is located on the Pacific coast about 45 miles north of Cabo San Lucas.

Wander the cobblestone streets line with tiny artisan shops and refurbished haciendas in the old part of town. Visit the iconic Hotel California and have a drink at the long wooden bar, which, contrary to local lore, is not the same lovely place named in the Eagles song. The area is so enchanting that in 2006, the Mexican government designated Todos Santos a Pueblo Magico – one of just 100 or so small towns honored for its natural beauty, cultural riches, or historical relevance.

INCLUDED: 
–Meals: Breakfast & Lunch 
–Whale Watching Tour w/ Marine Biologist Guide

Overnight in Cabo San Lucas

Day 6: Cabo San Lucas

This morning,you’ll have some free time in Cabo San Lucas to check off any last-minute activities or shopping. Then,we’ll embark on another day on the ocean with the migrating humpback whales. At 11am our 2.5 hour tour will begin at the famous Land’s End Arch. While out at sea, your marine biologist guide will be busy spotting whales and educating guests on the whale behavior going on around you. Your guide will also enlist the help of professional-grade hydrophones to see if the whales are communicating or “singing” below the surface and you could be lucky enough to be able to hear the whale songs live! While always maintaining a responsible distance from the whales, our captain will be busy at the wheel anticipating the next prime location for whale activity.This evening, we’ll have a final group dinner at a local restaurant to reminisce about the amazing adventure we’ve had!

INCLUDED:
–Meals: Breakfast
–Transportation
–Whale Watching Tour w/ Marine Biologist Guide

Overnight in Cabo San Lucas

Day 7: Cabo San Lucas/ Departure

Today is departure day and there are no scheduled activities. At the appropriate time, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight.

INCLUDED:
— Meals: Breakfast 
— Airport Transfer

Depart from Los Cabos Intl Airport (SJD)

Easy to Moderate

This itinerary is rated Easy to Moderate. Your whale expedition in Baja will be primarily focused on whale watching and is suitable for anyone being active 2-4 hours a day. While it isn’t an overly active trip, you will get incredibly close to wildlife, which is a thrilling experience. We take all prudent measures in relation to your safety, but please use your own good judgment. Participating in adventurous activities is always at your own risk.

We require a minimum of 5 Adventure People for this trip. Please confirm your trip is guaranteed before booking your airfare.

Arrival and Departure Airport: Los Cabos International Airport (SJD)

Your arrival and departure airport transfers in Cabo San Lucas are included with your package.

Adventure People who wish to arrive early or stay beyond their departure day in Cabo San Lucas have the option to add Pre and Post Hotel stays conveniently located at our Rendezvous Hotels (based on availability). Please let us know at the time of booking if you would like this option. The advantage of booking a Pre or Post-Tour Hotel stay is to allow for extra time to explore on your own.

You will receive a travel guide attached to your booking confirmation with all the information you’ll need to prepare for your epic trip!

Do I need a passport?

All visitors to Mexico need a valid passport with six-month validity, upon presentation of which entering the country you’ll be granted a tourist visa valid 180 days. To find your regional passport office, check the U.S. State Department website (travel.state.gov/passport) or call the National Passport Information Center (tel 877-487-2778) for automated information.

Is it safe?

The US government recommends “increased caution” when traveling to Baja California Sur, but it should be noted that most forms of “criminal activity and violence” are related to the drug war, so there is a very low crime rate involving tourists. Like anywhere, being safe means heading warnings and being aware of potential dangers.

What is the currency and exchange rate?

The currency in Mexico is the peso. Paper currency comes in denominations of 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500 pesos, color-coded to make it easy to tell one from the other. Coins come in denominations of 1, 2, 5, and 10 pesos, two-tone coins of different sizes, and 20 and 50 centavos, which are either gold-colored and ridged or silver-colored, tiny, and very light.

As currency exchange rates do fluctuate, we ask that you refer to the following website for the most up to date daily exchange rates, http://www.xe.com/.

What should I bring?

Our advice is to pack as light as possible as you are expected to carry your own luggage and many hotels do not have elevators. Most travelers carry their luggage in a backpack, although a small to medium suitcase with wheels is ok too. We recommend keeping the weight of your bags between 22-30lb. A full packing list will be sent upon booking.

Do I need to bring a power adapter or voltage converter?

Mexico uses the same Type A and Type B plug types that we use in the US and they operate on the same 110-volt current, so electrical adapters are not needed. Sometimes you may need 3 prong adapters, as many plugs only have space for the two-prong plugs.