Note: All excursions operate with minimum 2 persons
Espíritu Santo Island National Park and Sea Lion Colony
This island complex is the Pearl of the Sea of Cortez; a beautiful desert island of volcanic origin - like an open geology book. You will be amazed by the variety of sea birds, including at times the Blue Footed Booby, as well as the colony of playful sea lions; the water is crystal clear and the beaches are just perfect. The waters surrounding the island often surprise the visitor with schools of dolphins, jumping sting rays or even whales. The highlight though is snorkeling or diving with the fun loving sea lions; the young ones especially enjoy interacting with humans.
Observation and Swimming with Whale Sharks (in Season)
The Whale Shark is completely harmless to humans since it is a slow swimming filter feeder. Being mostly pelagic, seasonal coastal aggregations occur at only very few places worldwide where it is possible to get a close look at the world’s largest fish in its natural habitat. Mexico has the fortune to have three of those spots, two of which are located in Baja California and now you have the privilege of marveling at these gentle giants right here in La Paz.
Gray Whale Watching at Magdalena Bay (in Season)
Magdalena Bay is one of the three lagoons to which the entire East Pacific Gray Whale population migrates each winter to mate and especially to give birth to their calves. In the protected waters of the bay quite close encounters with this impressive mammal may occur and you might even be lucky enough to find out why these animals are sometimes referred to as “friendly giants”.
Todos Santos & Los Cabos with Boat Cruise to Land’s End and the Stone Arch
The small town of Todos Santos (recently declared a Magical Village) was founded as a Jesuit mission center in 1730. The place is a fertile oasis close to the Pacific coast that receives fresh water from the nearby Sierra de la Laguna. Today Todos Santos is still a quiet subtropical oasis close to the ocean and maybe because of this it attracted a substantial number of both Mexican and foreign artists offering their work to the visiting tourists. The extraordinary peninsula finishes off to the south with the same wild beauty that characterizes its entire length. Dramatic rock formations, caves with pirate history, varied marine life, a tunnel and two-sided beaches mark the land’s end and the encounter of two oceans, all of this being crowned by the famous stone arch defying the surge of both oceans.
Los Cabos with Boat Cruise to Land’s End & Humpback Whale Observation (in Season)
The extraordinary peninsula finishes off to the south with the same wild beauty that characterizes its entire length. Dramatic rock formations, caves with pirate history, varied marine life, a tunnel and two-sided beaches mark the land’s end and the encounter of two oceans, all of this being crowned by the famous stone arch defying the surge of both oceans. Each winter the tip of the peninsula is frequented by groups of Humpback Whales and many of them are females with their newborn offspring. They present spectacular behavior such as pounding the ocean’s surface with their powerful flukes and their breathtaking jumps and twists out of the water that are quite often imitated by the calf. It is an unforgettable experience that you can’t miss!
City Tour of the Port of Illusion
The charming city of La Paz is known for its fabulous sunsets and for its picturesque boardwalk. Either in the morning or in the afternoon when the boardwalk comes to life with many families, your guide takes you on stroll alongside the bay of La Paz where many of the main attractions are located, such as the boardwalk’s emblematic statues, the old lighthouse, the artisans’ gallery, the main square and the cathedral.
The Reptile and Wildlife Shelter and Educational Center of La Paz
Ever wanted to see some of the 16 species of rattlesnakes found in Baja California, for example maybe the unique rattle-less rattlesnake? How about seeing close up a Harris Hawk, alligators, owls or sweet water turtles and other animals that you probably won’t or don’t want to encounter in the wild? Maybe you’ll be lucky enough to be there at feeding time and witness pythons’ and rattlesnakes’ feeding habits!
Mangroves and Beaches
Balandra is a shallow ocean inlet between two mountain ridges featuring a series of stunning secluded beaches and bays surrounded by mangroves. The area is considered La Paz’ landmark, due particularly to a rock formation known as the “Mushroom”. We take you on a little known path right along the edge between mountain, desert and mangroves to an otherwise inaccessible beach; on this nature interpretation hike you are likely to observe some of the many bird species native to the area. We will also visit Tecolote beach, which is beautiful in a different way. Tecolote beach is an endless, wide strand ideal for swimming and relaxing as well as the perfect spot to enjoy a platter of fish tacos, a typical local dish, in a beach restaurant.
Todos Santos
The small town of Todos Santos (recently declared a Magical Village) was founded as a Jesuit mission center in 1730. The place is a fertile oasis close to the Pacific coast that receives fresh water from the nearby Sierra de la Laguna. In colonial times, due to the availability of fresh water and thanks to a cooler and moister climate brought by the Pacific, many subtropical crops such as sugarcane, mangos and cotton were already thriving and thus creating considerable wealth that is still reflected by the mansion around the main square. Today Todos Santos is still a quiet subtropical oasis close to the ocean and maybe because of this it attracted a substantial number of both Mexican and foreign artists offering their work to the visiting tourists. Last but not least it’s home to the well-known Hotel California that is sometimes associated with the Eagles’ song of the same name - but that’s another story!
Historic Mining Villages
The villages of San Antonio and El Triunfo (declared recently a Magical Village) are located in the outskirts of the Sierra de la Laguna and have been important gold and silver mining centers since the 18th century. One-time capital of the entire province meant that an important amount of wealth was produced allowing the upper class to cultivate a somewhat fancy lifestyle. The several concert pianos and other musical instruments brought to the area at that time are now gathered and preserved at the Museum of Music under the direction of a well known local artist. Restored historical mansions and of course the remains of the old mining compound featuring an intact 46 m (151 ft.) high brick chimney designed by Gustav Eiffel are other attractions that invite you to stroll around this picturesque village with a fascinating history.
Humpback Whale Observation (in Season)
Each winter the tip of the peninsula is frequented by groups of Humpback Whales and many of them are females with their newborn offspring. They present spectacular behavior such as pounding the ocean’s surface with their powerful flukes and their breathtaking jumps and twists out of the water that are quite often imitated by the calf. It is an unforgettable experience that you can’t miss!
In Search of Blue Whales & other Marine Mammals in the Sea of Cortez
Embark on a search for the biggest animal on earth and keep an eye out for the rich fauna the Loreto Bay has to offer. They are very few places in the world where Blue Whales give birth near the coast and the Loreto Bay National Park is one of this privileged places. Visit the Whale Triangle populated by Blue whales, Fin whales, Humpback whales, dolphins and sea lions; with some luck it is also possible to spot Orcas and Pilot Whales!
Coronado Island
This island located close to the northern limits of the Loreto Bay National Park is actually the upper part of a volcano reaching out of the sea. Among its inhabitants are Ospreys and many other sea bird species, sea lions, and several kinds of dolphins; and, as if this were not enough, five species of whales are occasional visitors to these waters. If the weather conditions allow it is possible to snorkel with playful sea lions. Another highlight of the island is a gorgeous protected bay and its beach, which is ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
Oasis and Mission of San Javier
Amidst the rugged desert mountain range called Sierra de la Giganta lies the lush oasis of San Javier. Its Jesuit mission church was founded in 1699 and it is the only mission that never had to be restored or reconstructed since it remains intact in its original state. Its beautiful location in the valley against the backdrop of a lava strewn slope is considered one of Baja California’s emblematic images. You also explore the still functioning oasis economy, its irrigation system and you’ll admire an over 300 year old olive tree planted by the Jesuit priests.
Gray Whale Watching at San Ignacio Lagoon
San Ignacio Lagoon is located within the Vizcaíno Biosphere Reserve at a distance of 70 km (44 mi) from the town of San Ignacio and is one of the three lagoons to which the entire East Pacific Gray Whale population migrates each winter to mate and especially to give birth to their calves. In the protected waters of the bay quite close encounters with this impressive mammal may occur and you might even be lucky enough to find out why these animals are sometimes referred to as “friendly giants”. During the peak season up to 700 Gray Whales gather here in a relatively confined area offering you an unforgettable experience.
Rock Paintings of the Sierra San Francisco
There are a considerable number of painted rock ledges in the Sierra San Francisco. Altogether they make up the most important prehistoric rock art compound in the entire Americas and as such they were declared a Cultural World Heritage site in 1993. Surprisingly well preserved, they offer fascinating insights into the lifestyle and beliefs of an ancient society thousands of years ago. Only two sites are accessible on day trips and on this trip to the so called Cueva Ratón you’ll go high up into the Sierra with fantastic views of a magnificent canyon landscape and the coastal plains. This region is also the only place in Southern Baja California where you can find several plant species that are emblematic and endemic to Baja.
Gray Whale Watching at Ojo de Liebre Lagoon
Ojo de Liebre Lagoon or Scammon’s Lagoon, as it was formerly known, is located within the Vizcaíno Biosphere Reserve close to Guerrero Negro and is the largest of the three lagoons to which the entire East Pacific Gray Whale population migrates each winter to mate and especially to give birth to their calves. Close encounters with this impressive mammal may occur and you even might lucky enough to find out why these animals are sometimes referred to as “friendly giants”. During the peak season up to 2,000 Gray Whales gather here in a relatively confined area offering you an unforgettable experience.
Wildlife of the Salt Flats
This excursion takes you right through the area of the evaporation and concentration ponds of the largest salt production by seawater evaporation plant in the world. The southern part of the lagoon, strangely resembling an arctic landscape, is no longer in industrial use and has turned into an undisturbed reserve for both migratory and resident birds. You can sometimes see flocks of hundreds or even thousands of birds of the same species. In the same remote area a breeding station for a very threatened subspecies of the Pronghorn Antelope (Antilocapra americana peninsularis) needed to be established to guarantee survival of the local subspecies. Today this elegant animal and its 40,000 ha habitat is strictly protected and the species is slowly recovering. Being close to this animal and learning about its biology and behavior is an overwhelming experience and it’s very much what Aventuras Mexico Profundo is all about: Fascination for Nature!
The Jewel of the Sea of Cortez
Bahía de los Ángeles is one of Baja California’s best kept secrets. A small village of fishermen on the shore of a beautiful deep blue bay, against the backdrop of the steep Sierra San Borja, and with 12 volcanic islands across the bay, is not only a terrific sight to marvel at, but also a paradise for marine wildlife. Sea birds like Ospreys, Boobies (also Blue Footed), pelicans and terns among many others species live and reproduce here and sea lion colonies call the islands and the surroundings their home. Within the bay sometimes huge schools of dolphins roam the food rich waters and further out lies a strait which is frequented by Finback Whales on their migration paths. A boat trip around the bay is the best way to discover this hardly known paradise!
Observation and Swimming with Whale Sharks (in Season)
The Whale Shark is completely harmless to humans since it is a slow swimming filter feeder. Being mostly pelagic, seasonal coastal aggregations occur at only very few places worldwide where it is possible to get a close look at the world’s largest fish in its natural habitat. Mexico has the fortune to have three of those spots, two of which are located in Baja California and now you have the privilege of interacting with these gentle giants in the shallow waters of the Angels’ Bay. Unlike at the Bay of La Paz the season here is in the summer where rough winds are rare and the water temperature reaches around 27°C (81 F) so you can swim with this majestic animal in calm and comfortably warm water.
The Giants’ Playground
This excursion consists of a half day morning hike through a truly sensational landscape. Enormous granite boulders shaped by wind erosion blend with 15 m (49 ft.) high cacti, endemic Boojum Trees of the same height, ocotillos and other species of the succulent Sonora Vegetation, to create a colossal scenery in the true sense of the word. If this wasn’t enough we also include a visit to a cave with ancient rock paintings in excellent state of preservation.
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