Join this special Baja Getaway to experience two of Earth's most charismatic marine species, gray whales and endangered sea turtles. You'll spend a few nights in the majestic setting of RED’s sea turtle research camp in Magdalena Bay, head out to watch Gray Whales and visit the famous Espritu Island.
Just a few hours between Loreto and La Paz, the area is home to a staggering number of marine and aviary species, lush mangrove canals and towering sand dunes. Your local hosts will treat you to the finest in regional cuisine with gourmet flair, and your naturalist guide will ensure you leave expertly informed on all themes of flora, fauna and local conservation efforts.
Right for You?
Highlights
- Spend a few nights at RED's sea turtle research camp, learning about different aquatic species along your boat excursions!
- Take a boat tour through the winding mangroves of the Baja region, seeing rare wildlife & enjoying your serene setting.
- Eat some of the best cuisine in Baja, a new innovative approach putting gourmet flair to regional favorites!
Details
Itinerary
After arrival to either La Paz or Los Cabos airport you will head to your hotel. You will have the afternoon to explore downtown La Paz or relax. We will meet for dinner.
Depart from La Paz early in the morning en route to Magdalena Bay, jewel of the Pacific and home to a staggering number of migratory and marine birds, sea turtles, and marine mammals including the migratory gray whales. Breakfast will be provided en route at one of our favorite local ranchos. Settle into our secluded island camp and after happy hour, learn about the important sea turtle restoration project which will be the focus of tomorrow’s activities. Get a good night’s rest, tomorrow we search for turtles.
Wake up early and grab a cup of coffee and watch the fisher-conservationists prepare the nets used in the sea turtle monitoring, or stay in bed and catch a few extra z’s. During breakfast we will learn about the monitoring protocol and how we can participate in the data collection. Every two hours you will have the chance to accompany the monitoring team in pangas to check the nets for turtles. Captured sea turtles will be transported to camp where we will help take measurements and other important data before releasing them back into the wild. Throughout the day you’ll have the chance to get all your questions about sea turtles. After dinner, take in the stars in a night sky that never disappoints.
Head down to the beach to finish measuring and weighing sea turtles before releasing them back into the wild, concluding the sea turtle monitoring portion of the trip. Today we will learn about the gray whales, their incredible migration, and the importance of Magdalena Bay for breeding and calving to these magnificent creatures. After a brief orientation, we will board the pangas and head out in search of gray whales. Friendly whales often approach the boats, and the mothers are known to push the young calves closer, which can make for an incredible interaction between two species. In the afternoon we explore the magic of the greater Magdalena Bay complex, it’s vast, rolling sand dunes and winding mangrove canals teeming with birdlife. Budding chefs can pop into the kitchen for a class on regional cuisine before dinner. Sit by the fire tonight and swap stories with your fisher guides and learn about the crucial role they play in conserving the natural resources of Magdalena Bay by combining tourism with conservation.
In the morning, walk down to the beach to learn artisanal fishing techniques from local fishermen. We will bid farewell to our hosts and head out in the search for whales. Make sure your camera is handy to capture images of these magnificent giants. After a picnic lunch on a secluded barrier island, we start back for La Paz where the journey concludes.
Whale sharks are the true “gentle giants” of the oceans. The largest fish on the planet, these gentle beasts return yearly to the coast just off La Paz. We meet early in the morning at the pier and after a short ride we will arrive to the area where whale sharks come to feed. If you are lucky and feeling adventurous, grab your snorkel and mask and get in the water to see the whale sharks up close. The trip continues to Balandra Bay, a natural protected area and home to pristine beaches, mangroves, and stunning scenery. Here we’ll have a tasty lunch (dietary restrictions taken into account), explore the nature trails, snorkel in the crystal water and relax and unwind before heading back to La Paz.
We will meet at the RED office (other pickup options available) for the boat ride to this natural paradise that will amaze you with breathtaking island scenery and rich marine life. Jump in the water to snorkel with the sea lions and observe tropical fish. Afterwards, our world-class nature guides will seek out a secluded beach for a tasty lunch and time to relax or explore, this unique place before heading back to La Paz in time for dinner.
What's Included
Your Local Host
RED Travel Mexico
Local/Foreign Owned Social Enterprise
Embark on a journey with RED Travel Mexico, where each adventure takes you deep into the heart of the Baja California peninsula, unveiling its wildest and most breathtaking reaches. RED Adventures offers a range of experiences from exhilarating day trips to im
Getting There
