Baja: Whale Watching and Ocean Adventures

Location: North America
Duration: 8 Days
Price: From $5,695
Activity Level:

Baja: Whale Watching and Ocean Adventures

Location: North America
Duration: 8 Days
Price: From $5,695
Activity Level:

Level 2 – Moderate

For women who enjoy staying active, balanced with some downtime, our Moderate trips offer a blend of movement and relaxation, perfect for those eager to explore while trying something new.

On a Moderate trip, you might:

  • Enjoy walks or hikes along flat or gently rolling trails that are well-maintained for up to 3-5 hours some days
  • Experience a variety of uneven surfaces, with terrain that may include forest paths, flat meadows, or short muddy sections
  • Participate in moderate daily activity while still having time to relax each day

Overview

Float eye-to-eye with gray whales, swim with sea lions, and explore the sun-kissed beaches of Baja, Mexico! Touch down in Mexico and head to Los Colibris Casitas in the seaside town of Todos Santos. Set high on a hill, this beautiful property offers airy rooms with breathtaking ocean views. Then you’re off to Isla Espiritu Santo, reserved exclusively for AdventureWomen for beachside camping where you’ll stroll the island, kayak the protected blue waters, swim with playful sea lions, and master the stand-up paddleboard. Depart camp for Magdalena Bay and the warm calving waters preferred by gray whales. Enjoy a day of whale watching from boats that sit low in the water to provide an up-close look at these very gentle giants. Return to Todos Santos for a final sunset and exquisite group dinner where you and your new friends can reflect on this amazing trip. 

Main Attractions

Whale Watching in Magdalena Bay

Witness gray whales up close in Magdalena Bay, where they migrate 6,000 miles to mate and give birth. An awe-inspiring, unforgettable encounter with these majestic creatures.

 Get Up Close with Sea Lions

Swim and snorkel with playful sea lions in Baja’s warm waters. Experience their acrobatics and friendly nature up close in this vibrant underwater world.

Active Adventures and Culinary Delights

Enjoy hiking, kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkeling in Baja. Learn to cook delicious Mexican cuisine using fresh local produce and seafood.

Baja Whales Map
A chef demonstrates how to prepare a green pepper to three women wearing aprons during a cooking class.
People in a small boat lean over the side to touch and photograph a gray whale’s head as it surfaces near them in the water.
A group of women stand on a beach holding an "Adventure Women" banner, with ocean and rocky hills in the background on a sunny day.
A person paddles a yellow kayak on clear turquoise water, partially submerged, under a bright blue sky.
A group of seven people stand on rocky terrain by the ocean with hills and blue sky in the background.
A chef demonstrates how to prepare a green pepper to three women wearing aprons during a cooking class.
People in a small boat lean over the side to touch and photograph a gray whale’s head as it surfaces near them in the water.
A group of women stand on a beach holding an "Adventure Women" banner, with ocean and rocky hills in the background on a sunny day.
A person paddles a yellow kayak on clear turquoise water, partially submerged, under a bright blue sky.
A group of seven people stand on rocky terrain by the ocean with hills and blue sky in the background.

Itinerary

Baja Whales Friends Day one

Welcome to Baja!

Your guide will meet you at the San Jose del Cabo airport. Bordered by both the wild Pacific Ocean and the protected Sea of Cortez, Baja is a haven for exotic plants, birds, and animals (both terrestrial and marine) and is home to friendly and welcoming people. Over the next eight days, you’ll learn about the area’s traditions, foods, and wildlife. Please note: The Cabo airport is very busy, but AdventureWomen will make sure you know where you’re going! You’ll receive instructions on the exact meeting location about a month prior to your trip. Once you are settled in, you’ll enjoy a delicious welcome dinner with your fellow travelers to kick off your trip.

Meals dinner
A person in a kayak wearing a blue life jacket and hat paddles near a group of dolphins leaping out of the ocean.

A Baja Adventure: From Breakfast to Beach Camp

Kick off your journey with a delicious Mexican breakfast crafted by a local chef, then head to La Paz to gear up for your ocean adventure. After suiting up, board a boat for a scenic ride to your remote beach camp on Isla Espíritu Santo. Wear your swimsuit—you might get a chance to dive in early! Spend the afternoon kayaking or paddleboarding through hidden lagoons, then unwind with sunset drinks and a beachside dinner shared with your group under the stars.

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
A seal swimming underwater near a snorkeler with blue flippers in clear, vibrant water.

Swim with Sea Lions

Explore Espiritu Santo National Park, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park is one of the best marine life viewing destinations in the world, home to whales, dolphins, sea turtles, manta rays, and tropical fish. Bird species like Blue-footed Boobies and Great Blue Herons frequent the island. The island itself features towering cliffs, sandy bays, lava rock formations, and ancient rock art. Swimming with sea lions is magical, with unforgettable nose-to-nose encounters. Grab some snorkeling gear and jump in with them. Enjoy a dinner from the camp kitchen and a relaxing night on the beach.

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
Two women sit on a large rock at a sandy beach, smiling at the camera, with the ocean and rocks in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

Journey to Magdalena Bay

Depart your beautiful camp by boat for La Paz. Drive 3 hours north to Magdalena Bay and your comfortable 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. Spend the rest of the day out on the water interacting with the amazing graywhale mothers, babies and sporting males. Savor a tasty dinner prepared at the camp kitchen.

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
A whale's tail emerges from the ocean, with rocky hills in the background.

Whale Encounters

Head out onto the water for a morning of interacting with whales. Highly experienced staff will ferry you through the waters of Magdalena Bay to whale watch from motorized skiffs, perfect conveyances from which to have a “whale’s eye view” of the great grays. Enjoy lunch and a nature walk after your morning on the water, then head out for another afternoon of whale watching. It is impossible to predict anything with wildlife, but in the past, AdventureWomen guests have seen mother whales bringing their babies up to the boat to say hello and males sidling up and spouting water.

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
Three people wearing red life jackets and sunglasses sitting together on a boat, smiling, with the ocean and sky in the background.

More Whale Watching and Nature Walks

Head out on unforgettable whale watching excursions, spotting gentle giants of the sea in their natural habitat. Closer to shore, this area is a paradise for birding, teeming with an abundance of coastal and desert species to observe. Enjoy guided nature walks that reveal the rich ecosystems of the bay, from mangroves to desert flora and fauna.

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
Two women stand side by side outdoors, smiling at the camera with a sunset, ocean, and greenery in the background.

Farewell to Whales

Enjoy another couple of hours of whale watching, spending a little bit more time with these majestic, gentle creatures. Drive about five hours back from Magdalena Bay to Todos Santos. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant along the way. Start your farewell dinner with a Mexican cooking class and top the evening off with a lively dance party. Reminisce over all of the memories you have made and celebrate the end of an incredible trip with your new AdventureWomen friends!

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
A group of women standing on a beach, holding a banner that reads "Adventure Women." A yellow camper van is parked behind them.

Depart Todos Santo

Say goodbye to your new AdventureWomen friends as you transfer to the airport for your flights home. Reflect on the amazing experiences and memories you’ve made during your time in Baja. This trip is filled with adventure, fun, and learning, all while being surrounded by the stunning beauty of Baja’s landscapes and wildlife.

Meals breakfast
Three people paddleboard on clear turquoise water near a rocky shore, with a sandy beach and hills in the background under a clear blue sky.

Accommodations

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

Aerial view of a stone patio with a pool, hot tub, lounge chairs, umbrellas, and lush greenery, overlooking the ocean and palm trees.

Los Colibris Casitas

Los Colibris – The Hummingbirds – is in Todos Santos, just a ten-minute walk from the area’s beautiful beaches. The property features two big casas (houses), two casitas (little houses), and 5 suites. Each building and room is configured and decorated in a unique way. The accommodations all include a balcony, porch, or patio, lovely views of the Pacific Ocean and lagoon, a small refrigerator, and a ceiling fan. The property has a water filtration system, so you can safely drink from the water from the tap.

Amenities: En suite bathrooms with soap, shampoo, hair dryer, electricity, a coffee maker, and Wi-Fi.

Two women sit and relax inside a tent set up outdoors, with bedding, pillows, and backpacks visible, surrounded by a rocky, desert landscape.

Baja-Style Beach Camping

You will love your base camp on one of the Isla Espiritu Santo’s most beautiful beaches! It features tents with real mattresses, lovely linens, and pillows. There is a kitchen tent where your onsite chef makes wonderful meals for you every day, and there are sun showers and portable toilets in separate cabanas.

AMENITIES: Composting toilet cabanas (not en suite), sun shower cabanas with complimentary toiletries, solar charging station for small devices, campsite is off grid

Tosea

Camp Cecil de la Bahia

Camp Cecil de la Bahia is a magical escape where gray whales swim just offshore and mangroves teem with dolphins and birds. Nestled in wild, remote Magdalena Bay, one of Baja’s premier whale-watching spots, the camp pairs unforgettable nature encounters with chef-prepared meals, sunset happy hours, and cozy comforts under the stars.

Amenities: walk-in safari-style tents with gorgeous comfortable beds, seating areas, rugs, chandeliers, and ensuite bathrooms

What People Are Saying

Swimming with the sea lions and whale watching were absolutely my favorite experiences. The sea lions were so playful and curious, making the swim unforgettable. Watching the majestic whales glide through the water was awe-inspiring and left me in complete wonder!

What People Are Saying

Glamping on a private island was a dream. Each day, I enjoyed delicious breakfasts and chose from activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, and snorkeling. Paddleboarding at sunset was unforgettable, especially watching the moon rise over the Gulf of Mexico. It was breathtaking and peaceful.

What People Are Saying

Interacting with the gray whales in Magdalena Bay was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Witnessing these majestic creatures up close, knowing they traveled 6,000 miles to mate and give birth, was something I will remember forever.

Dates & Pricing

Start Date End Date Availability Starting At Booking Link
Feb 20, 2027 Feb 27, 2027
Space Available
$5,695
Standard Double
$5,695 total, $800 deposit
Standard Single | Waitlist
$7,095 total, $800 deposit

Arrival: Arrive in San José del Cabo, Mexico (SJD) on Day 1 by 3:00 PM.

Departure: Depart from San José del Cabo, Mexico (SJD) on Day 8 after 12:00 PM.

What's Included

  • Accommodations as per itinerary 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 group transfer on arrival and departure
  • Drinking water available in large jugs to refill personal bottles
  • Happy hour on Isla Espiritu Santo
  • Gratuities for drivers, hotel staff, wait staff, and luggage porters

What's Not Included

  • International airfare to and from Baja
  • Optional activities
  • Meals not specified in the itinerary
  • Alcoholic beverages (unless otherwise specified)
  • Fees for passport, visas, immunizations, or travel insurance
  • Cost of hospitalization or evacuation
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Gratuities for main guides, island staff, and boat captain

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.