Baja: Sea of Cortez, Marine Life, Birding and Conservation

Location: North America
Duration: 9 Days
Price: From $3,995
Activity Level: Level 2 – Moderate

Baja: Sea of Cortez, Marine Life, Birding and Conservation

Location: North America
Duration: 9 Days
Price: From $3,995
Activity Level: Level 2 – Moderate

Overview

Join AdventureWomen for an immersive Baja journey that blends desert landscapes, vibrant culture, and extraordinary marine encounters in the Sea of Cortez. Begin at a traditional ranch in the Sierra, hiking mountain trails, birding with locals, and learning local crafts. Continue to La Paz for art, history, and coastal charm before venturing by boat to remote islands and a secluded beachfront camp hosted by a local family, passionate stewards of this ecosystem. Kayak mangroves, snorkel rich waters, spot wildlife, and witness bioluminescence. The adventure concludes with hands-on conservation work and inspiring community leaders, leaving you deeply connected to Baja’s land, sea, and people.

Main Attractions

Sea of Cortez Immersion

Kayak, snorkel, and boat through one of the world’s richest marine ecosystems, encountering diverse wildlife, dramatic coastlines, and remote islands guided by local conservationists.

Conservation in Action

Participate in coral restoration, meet marine protectors, and learn firsthand how local communities are safeguarding turtles, mangroves, and fish populations

Culture & Connection

From ranch life and mural walks to shared meals with island families and inspiring women leaders, experience Baja through authentic human connections.

Map of southern Baja California showing flight and driving routes between San Jose del Cabo, La Paz, Isla Espiritu Santo, and Isla San Jose, with a location inset of Baja on the Mexico map.
Four women holding canned drinks stand together in front of tents at a beach campsite.
Two kayaks with people paddling on a calm lake, surrounded by green hills under a clear blue sky.
Two people wearing sunglasses and red life jackets sit on a boat with a coastline in the background.
Two people kayaking on clear turquoise water near rocky shores. The foreground person wears a cap and sunglasses; both are in purple life jackets. The sky is clear.
Person kayaking in a yellow kayak on a calm body of water with distant hills under a clear blue sky.
Four women holding canned drinks stand together in front of tents at a beach campsite.
Two kayaks with people paddling on a calm lake, surrounded by green hills under a clear blue sky.
Two people wearing sunglasses and red life jackets sit on a boat with a coastline in the background.
Two people kayaking on clear turquoise water near rocky shores. The foreground person wears a cap and sunglasses; both are in purple life jackets. The sky is clear.
Person kayaking in a yellow kayak on a calm body of water with distant hills under a clear blue sky.

Itinerary

Two people wearing life jackets paddle a tandem kayak on a body of water with rocky mountains in the background at sunset.

Welcome to Baja!

Today you’ll arrive at the Los Cabos international (SJD) airport where your guides will meet you and take you to Camp Cecil de la Sierra, a 90 minute drive away. Please arrive no later than 2pm. A group transfer from the airport will be provided at that time. Private transfers at other times are available for purchase. Settle in and then enjoy a welcome dinner as you get ready for your exciting adventures ahead!

Meals dinner
A man in a colorful cap and blue shirt works outdoors behind a worn leather saddle, with trees in the background.

Hike Beautiful Baja

Start the day with some birding around camp early in the morning and enjoy an amazing ranch breakfast. Then, head out for a hike through the mountains, taking in spectacular views. Upon your return, enjoy lunch and a dip in a mountain pool to cool off. You have an option of taking a leather-working workshop and/or tortilla-making class with Don Cata and Doña Luz. Afterwards indulge in happy hour, followed by a great ranch dinner prepared by the chef under the stars.
Hike: 2-3 hours, slightly rocky terrain

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day Three: Birding and La Paz

Go birding with locals today before making your way to La Paz, where youll settle into your hotel before lunch. Head to explore the town with renowned muralist Uli Martinez. He will share some of the history, lore and conservation efforts of La Paz through both his murals and those of other artists.
Then, enjoy a delicious dinner at a restaurant in town tonight.

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
Aerial view of a narrow sandbar extending into the ocean, separating two bodies of water, with mountains and greenery in the background under a clear sky.

Island Welcome & Sea of Cortez Escape

Depart La Paz this morning for a scenic 2.5-hour boat ride across the Sea of Cortez to El Pardito, a tiny island home to the Cuevas family since 1910. Enjoy a warm family welcome, a home-cooked lunch, and trip orientation before continuing by boat to Isla San José. Settle into Camp Cuevas, a secluded beachfront retreat with dome tents, real beds, and chef-prepared meals. Spend the afternoon kayaking, snorkeling, hiking,or savoring happy hour before dinner in pure island bliss.

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
A woman wearing sunglasses and a life jacket paddles a kayak on calm water, with a blurred shoreline in the background.

Marine Encounters & Coastal Kayaking

Begin the day with a delicious breakfast at camp before heading to Las Ánimas, a local seamount where hammerhead sharks, fur seals, and diverse marine life gather. Spend the morning exploring these rich waters alongside the Cuevas brothers, who share their deep knowledge of the Sea of Cortez. Return to camp for lunch and a relaxing siesta, then enjoy an afternoon kayak paddle along the island’s dramatic coastline, spotting seabirds and striking geological formations. Cap the day with happy hour, dinner, and unforgettable stargazing.

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner

Mangroves, Turtles & Bioluminescence

Enjoy a flexible morning with the option of hiking or relaxing before lunch. In the afternoon, Juan and Felipe escort you to their home on El Pardito, where you’ll kayak through lush, protected mangroves. Meet the Eastern Hawksbill turtles the Cuevas brothers have safeguarded for years and learn how they helped establish this vital no-catch zone, sharing their journey from hunters to conservationists. This evening, delight in a beachside dinner under the stars, with the option to night snorkel and witness shimmering bioluminescence.

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
A woman wearing glasses and a white shirt holds a drink with a fruit garnish outdoors near water, in the sunlight.

Return to La Paz

Today, return to La Paz from Isla San Jose and El Pardito, checking out wildlife and islands along the way. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the way before returning to the hotel around mid-afternoon and have a few hours to relax before dinner. Enjoy dinner at a delicious local restaurant tonight.

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
Eight women stand in a row outdoors on sandy ground near bushes, smiling at the camera in casual summer clothing with sunlight in the background.

Coral Restoration & Local Changemakers

Spend the morning in La Paz with Efecto Arena, a nonprofit dedicated to marine conservation and environmental education. Learn about coral ecosystems and take part in hands-on coral gardening, planting rescued fragments into nursery beds before snorkeling to see them growing beneath the surface. After lunch at a local favorite, meet Las Guardianas, an inspiring group of women transforming their community through environmental restoration and advocacy. Hear their powerful stories and see their impact firsthand. This evening, enjoy dinner at one of La Paz’s standout restaurants.

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
Four people dressed in outdoor clothing stand together in a rocky canyon with sunlight illuminating the background.

Until Next Time, Baja!

After an unforgettable adventure in the Sea of Cortez, it’s time to say farewell. Depart today from San José del Cabo Airport (SJD) after 2:00 pm, carrying memories of wild coastlines, meaningful connections, and extraordinary marine encounters. A group transfer to the airport is provided to align with most departures, with timing confirmed locally. Private transfers are also available for those departing at other times. Leave inspired, sun-kissed, and already dreaming about where your next AdventureWomen journey will take you.

Meals breakfast
A person stands on rocky terrain overlooking the sea at sunset, with a partly cloudy sky and an island visible in the distance.

Accommodations

Please note that all amenities were current when written and are subject to change at any time.

A bed with blue bedding and decorative pillows sits on a patterned rug in a tent with wooden side tables, lamps, a fan, and open flaps letting in natural light.

Camp Cecil de la Sierra

Camp Cecil de la Sierra is a luxury tent camp in the beautiful canyonlands of a local ranching family in the Sierra La Laguna Biosphere Reserve of Baja California Sur. The accommodations are beautifully decorated walk-in tents with real beds, linens, rugs, bedside tables, lamps, mirrors, chairs, towels, and rocking chairs on the patio. Each tent has a compost toilet cabaña attached. There is a shared shower cabaña.

Amenities: Real beds, lovely linens, solar powered lamps, ensuite compost toilet, towels. No wifi. Separate shower cabanas

Modern building with illuminated balconies and a rooftop swimming pool at dusk, reflecting the structure and evening sky.

Hotel Catedral La Paz

Offering an outdoor pool and views of the city, Hotel Catedral La Paz is located in the historic section of La Paz. The hotel has a year-round outdoor pool and sun terrace, and guests can enjoy a drink at the bar.

Amenities: complimentray toiletries, hairdryer, wifi, safe, flat screen TV

A person sits in a chair on the beach at sunset, viewed from inside a tent with the sun low over calm water and a sailboat in the distance.

Camp Cuevas

Camp Cuevas at El Pardito in the Sea of Cortez is ran by the Cuevas brothers. Juan and Felipe are 4th generation shark hunters who have turned their unique marine life knowledge and tracking skills into a wildlife protection program. The camp is on a secluded beach on the breathtakingly beautiful Isla San Jose where we enjoy chef-prepared meals, large dome tents with real beds, and plenty of kayaking and paddle boarding.

Amenties: solar powered battery charging station, lovely linens, towels for beach and bath, outside chairs.

What People Are Saying

Imagine camping on a private island and being able to wake up with the soothing sound of the waves gently lapping a few feet from your tent. After a delicious breakfast, you get to pick your favorite water activity for the day. Jump in a kayak or on a paddleboard, or swim and snorkel to your heart’s content.

What People Are Saying

Our guides were beyond my expectations! Not only are they helpful and accommodating but they are incredibly knowledgeable. It was obvious how much they enjoy their job and teaching others.

Dates & Pricing

Start Date End Date Availability Starting At Booking Link
Apr 29, 2027 May 7, 2027
Space Available
$3,995
Standard Double
$3,995 total, $800 deposit
Standard Single | Only 2 left
$5,495 total, $800 deposit

Arrival: Arrive in San José del Cabo, Mexico (SJD) on Day 1 by 2:00 PM.

Departure: Depart from San José del Cabo, Mexico (SJD) on Day 9 after 2:00 PM.

What's Included

  • Accommodation as listed, based on double occupancy
  • All meals, as listed in the itinerary
  • Guided sightseeing and activities as indicated in the itinerary
  • Bi-lingual, naturalist guides throughout the trip
  • All ground transportation
  • One airport group transfer on scheduled arrival and departure days
  • Drinking water available in large jugs to refill personal bottles

What's Not Included

  • Meals not specified in the itinerary
  • Alcoholic beverages (unless otherwise specified)
  • Fees for passports, visas, immunizations
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Gratuities for the main guide
  • Travel Insurance: cost of medical expenses, hospitalization, evacuation

FAQs

Absolutely! You belong here. AdventureWomen welcomes all women and individuals who identify as part of the women’s community. We celebrate all races, backgrounds, orientations, abilities, and ages. Our adventures reflect the vibrant diversity of our travelers.

You can process your registration on our online booking system or over the phone. Most deposits are $800. In many cases, and unless otherwise indicated, your deposit is transferable if you notify us in writing 120 before your trip departs.

Be sure to check the ‘What’s Included’ section of the trip you are interested in. Once you get to the departure city and meet the group, we often include most meals, all accommodations, all activities (although there might be an optional activity at an additional cost), transportation while on the adventure, qualified local guide(s) and some trips also include an AdventureWomen Ambassador. Our trips do not include airfare to/from the arrival and departure cities. Internal flights are included.

Absolutely! In fact, we encourage it! Many of the women who travel with AdventureWomen come solo. For those that do not choose a single supplement, we pair you with a roommate. Usually, when we change accommodations on a trip, we will change roommates if we can, so you get a chance to know others in our group. A limited number of single supplements may be available for an additional charge.

That depends entirely on the trip! AdventureWomen adventure travel trips are rated according to the physical fitness level demanded by the included activities.

  • Level One: Easy Pace Our Easy Pace trips are thoughtfully designed for women who enjoy gentle activity, cultural immersion, and plenty of time to savor the scenery. They feature light walking, easy terrain like cobblestone streets or flat nature trails, and optional activities such as city tours, wildlife safaris, and scenic boat rides. This level offers a relaxed pace with flexible itineraries and minimal physical exertion.
  • Level Two: Moderate For women who enjoy staying active, balanced with some downtime, our Moderate trips offer a blend of movement and relaxation. Activities may include walking on gently rolling trails, with occasional uneven terrain like forest paths or shallow creek crossings. With activities like beginner kayaking or short e-bike excursions, this level is perfect for those eager to explore while trying something new.
  • Level Three: Dynamic Designed for adventurous women ready for a challenge, our Dynamic trips feature regular activity on varied terrain with moderate elevation gains. Expect natural obstacles such as rocky paths and shallow creek crossings. From glacier walks and whitewater rafting to ziplining and kayaking in calm to lightly-choppy waters, this level is perfect for those with hiking and outdoor experience and a sense of adventure.
  • Level Four: High Energy Our High Energy adventures are designed for women who crave being on the go! You should be prepared for full days of hiking across rugged, moderate-altitude terrain. With some steeper inclines and rocky paths, these trips often feature back-to-back adrenaline-fueled activities like canyoneering, multi-day treks, and Class IV whitewater rafting—perfect for experienced adventurers and hikers with good stamina and a passion for pushing their limits.
  • Level Five: Challenging Our Challenging trips are crafted for seasoned adventurers ready to take on remote, high-altitude terrain, and full-day treks. These trips are demanding yet deeply rewarding and designed for seasoned outdoor enthusiasts. You should be in excellent physical condition and be able to hike up to 14 miles per day with steep ascents, rugged trails, and elevations reaching 19,500 feet. These are strenuous trips that require endurance and a commitment to training before departure.

A trip extension is an optional add-on to your main AdventureWomen itinerary. Extensions allow you to explore a destination more deeply, visit nearby regions, or enjoy additional activities before or after your scheduled trip. You can request an extension by contacting your Trip Manager. We’ll confirm availability with our local partners and send you the details, pricing, and next steps. For more information about AdventureWomen extensions, please visit our FAQs.