Spend 8 days on an unforgettable Baja adventure in the Sea of Cortez, exploring Isla San Jose and La Paz. Witness the breathtaking Mobula ray migration, a natural phenomenon that brings the ocean to life. Stay at Camp Cuevas on Isla San Jose and dive in marine activities like snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding in stunning turquoise waters. Explore vibrant marine ecosystems, rugged desert landscapes, and the pristine beaches of Baja California Sur. This journey blends thrilling encounters with tranquility, offering a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation in one of Mexico's most captivating coastal regions.
Highlights
Witness Mobula ray migration in Baja California Sur
Enjoy water activities like snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding
Discover Baja California Sur's pristine beaches and rocky desert landscapes
Explore blue waters and rich marine ecosystems in Isla San Jose
Moderately active but not overly strenuous. This level includes activities like casual cycling, yoga, or excursions/activities that typically last 3-5 hours total each day.
Arrive at San Jose del Cabo airport, where your guides will greet you for a scenic 2.5-hour transfer to La Paz and Hotel Catedral. Settle into your accommodations, then join your guides for a welcome dinner and trip briefing. Get ready to kick off your Baja adventure with an evening of great food and excitement!
Today, engage in hands-on conservation efforts with Efecto Arena and Las Guardianas, two local groups leading a shift in how conservation is done in Baja. These organizations are reclaiming their natural heritage and shaping the future of conservation in Baja, by taking matters into their own hands.
Start the day with Efecto Arena’s coral restoration project. Help retrieve coral fragments from busy dive sites and replant them to maintain healthy reefs. You’ll learn about coral ecosystems, then dive in to help plant fragments and snorkel to see the progress firsthand.
In the afternoon, meet Las Guardianas, a group of local women who’ve transformed their local mangrove forests. They’ve fought off poachers, cleaned the area of pollution, and restored the local scallop and oyster populations. You’ll walk through the mangrove, hear their stories, and enjoy a meal together, learning how they’ve revitalized their community and local economy through their dedicated work.
Camp Cuevas, TOSEA’s program with the Cuevas Family of El Pardito, offers an unforgettable 4-day retreat on Isla San Jose. Join 4th-generation fishermen turned conservationists Juan and Felipe Cuevas to explore the Sea of Cortez, track hammerheads, swim with sea lions, and discover Hawksbill turtles. Enjoy chef-prepared meals, cozy tents, and marine adventures.
Depart La Paz for a scenic boat ride to El Pardito, where the Cuevas family welcomes you with lunch and an introduction to the program. Then, transfer to a secluded beach camp on Isla San Jose. Spend the afternoon snorkeling, hiking, and exploring the island’s beauty. Enjoy happy hour with stunning views, followed by a chef-prepared dinner. Unwind and immerse yourself in the island’s peaceful atmosphere as you embrace the natural surroundings and tranquility of this remote paradise.
Start your day with breakfast at camp, then head to Las Animas, a local seamount teeming with hammerhead sharks, fur seals, and unique marine life found nowhere else in the Sea of Cortez. Dive into an unforgettable morning of wildlife encounters guided by the expert Cuevas brothers. Afterward, return to camp for lunch and a relaxing siesta.
In the afternoon, grab a kayak and explore the island’s striking coastal geology and vibrant birdlife. Wrap up the day with a happy hour, a delicious dinner, and spectacular stargazing under the night sky.
You can start your adventure from camp this morning with options for hiking, paddleboarding, or kayaking. After lunch, join Juan and Felipe as they guide you to their home on El Pardito. From there, grab a kayak and explore the lush mangroves near their home, where they have discovered a population of Eastern Hawksbill turtles that they are dedicated to protecting from poachers. These mangroves have been designated as a no-catch zone to help restore fish stocks and species in the Sea of Cortez. Along the way, Juan and Felipe will share their inspiring journey from hunters to passionate conservationists.
In the evening, Juan and Felipe’s mother will lead a class on how to make tortillas, and the family will host you for a traditional dinner. To end the day, join the Cuevas family for a night snorkeling adventure to see the magical bioluminescence glowing beneath the surface. It promises a day filled with action, adventure, and unforgettable experiences.
Begin your day with a final breakfast at Camp Cuevas before departing for La Paz by boat, where you can enjoy wildlife sightings along the way. You will arrive around 12:30 PM and can look forward to a leisurely lunch before checking into Hotel Catedral.
In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the local culture by taking a walking tour of La Paz’s murals, which tell a unique story of the region. Afterward, have some free time to explore, shop, and experience the town at your own pace.
Conclude your day with a delicious dinner at one of the best local restaurants, perfect for wrapping up your adventure.
Day 7: Mobulas and Ocean Safari in the Sea of Cortez
Get ready for a thrilling Mobulas and Ocean Safari Day! May and June bring the migration of massive mobs of mobula rays, known as "fevers." Today, head out to sea in search of these incredible creatures. Along the way, expect to spot turtles, dolphins, humpback whales, and potentially Marlin, bait balls, and even orcas. The trip combines snorkeling and whale watching, as swimming with certain whales is prohibited in Mexico. Depart from La Ventana and explore the waters around Isla Cerralvo, possibly reaching Bahia de los Muertos. This day is filled with wildlife encounters and thrilling adventures.
Wrap up the day with a farewell dinner at a top La Paz restaurant.
Day 8: Back to San José del Cabo | Return Home
1 Breakfast
Say adios, not goodbye. After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your departure.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Initial deposit is 25% Non-refundable, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 days (10 weeks) prior to departure by bank transfer, check, or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and a maximum of $20,000 charge
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Wonderful personal attention to detail and very helpful suggestions by experienced travel experts
John K
1 week ago
Franny has been such an amazing help with all my trip planning. This is our 3rd trip to plan with her and she is always so willing to assist and find the best deals for my family and friends.
Suzanne Turbyfill
1 week ago
Our advisor at Adventure Life, Mary Curry, was knowledgable and quick to respond with answers to any questions we had. She made our booking efficiently and set up a time for us to make a secure payment through her directly. We’ve used Adventure Life repeatedly and would definitely recommend it.
Sarika FREY
1 week ago
Very efficient and responsive.
Patricia
1 week ago
I selected Adventure Travel as I was not satisfied with the responsiveness of the agent for the cruise I was trying to book and it had good recommendations. So far, I am quite happy with my agent, Betty, very responsive and accommodating.