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Incredible adventures, comfortable camping, a local chef, rich wildlife, and the list goes on! Spirit of the West Adventures is excited to now offer a tour in beautiful Baja, Mexico! We have put this tour together with expert locals who have been sharing the wonders of Baja with visitors for over 25 years, and have been designed to provide the perfect way to experience Baja.
The Baja Glamping and Wildlife Adventure involves daily motorized whale watching adventures paired with a comfortable Glamping camp set up on a sandbar overlooking Magdalena Bay on the Pacific Side of the Baja Peninsula. This grey whale hot spot allows us to slow down and truly immerse ourselves in the richness. Time can be spent swimming, walking the dunes, exploring the mangroves, birding and relaxing with a book in hand.
The Area
The Baja peninsula is a piece of continental crust that was torn from mainland Mexico by violent, sustained, tectonic forces six million years ago. As naturalist Exequiel Ezcurra explains “The folds and crests that have formed as a result of this intense tectonic activity are the principal cases for the uneven topography of Baja California, causes which in turn drive the local climate.” The result is one of the most biologically diverse places on the planet, with rates of endemism for both flora and fauna exceeding 30% in some locations. It is a nature lover’s dream come true.
EASY TRAVELING TO BAJA MEXICO
Travel to Baja Mexico is fairly simple, quick and straightforward. To get you started, here is some basic information to help you plan your journey and get the most out of your time in Mexico.
Tour Start and End Location: Baja Mexico Sur, San Jose Del Cabo (SJD airport)
Arrival Airport: San Jose Del Cabo (SJD) Accessed by direct flights from several locations in Canada and the US, and connecting flights from many other countries.
Getting from the Airport: Group transfers are provided
Arrival Day (day one of your tour): arrive between 12-2 pm on day one of your tour, or earlier. The transfers are shared, so please be patient while we wait for everyone to arrive.
Departure Day (day siz of your tour): Please choose a flight that departs after 1 pm. A group shuttle is provided that returns you to SJD airport in time for flights departing after 1 pm.
Where to Stay: Included in the tour is a hotel on nights one and five. See the itinerary for details on which hotels you will be staying at.
Travel Insurance: To protect your investment, we require tour guests to purchase trip cancellation and interruption insurance in case of unforeseen circumstances.
What’s Included?
All transportation, including round-trip group airport transfer from SJD San Jose Del Cabo Airport return
Hotels on night one and night 5 of your tour
Glamping accommodations
Snorkelling gear and wetsuit
All meals from dinner on Day 1 through breakfast on the final day.
Daily happy hour
All adventures and related equipment, including swimming/snorkelling, birding, hiking, stargazing, hanging around doing absolutely nothing
Bilingual professional naturalist
Natural, historical & cultural interpretation
What’s Not Included?
International airfare
Personal items
Travel insurance (which is mandatory)
Any meal or activity not specifically mentioned in the itinerary
Gratuities for guides and camp staff
Transfers outside of scheduled times
Hotels outside of what is listed in itinerary
Alcoholic beverages at hotels and aside from drinks with dinner, and happy hour while glamping
Dry bags
Fabulous Guides
Our local bilingual guides are professionals and masters of their craft. They will help you show you the best of what the Baja have to offer. The guides will share their favourite beaches, campsites and snorkelling spots with you. Join us to explore the natural wonders while being cared for by our awesome team who take care of all the details, cooking, planning and safety so you can relax and enjoy this stunning area. Our team is excited to welcome you to Baja Mexico!
Today you’ll arrive at the airport in San Jose del Cabo (SJD), where you’ll be met by your guides between 12-2 pm for the 2.5-hour drive to La Paz and Hotel HBlue. We’ll get you settled in your rooms, then head out on the town for a terrific welcome dinner and trip briefing typically around 6:30pm. Let the fun begin!
La Paz is the capital of Baja California Sur and a great jumping-off point for all the adventures that the Sea of Cortez holds. It is a waterfront town with a charming malecon (boardwalk) along the sea, marinas full of sailboats and yachts, and terrific local eateries.
Hotel HBlue La Paz is located in La Paz, Mexico, close to La Paz Malecon Beach. The hotel features comfortably furnished guest rooms equipped with modern amenities, including a TV, safety deposit box, work area, coffeemaker, hairdryer, and a private bathroom. Additional facilities and services include a bar, restaurant, Wi-Fi access, an outdoor swimming pool, and parking facilities.
Days 2-4: Camp Cecil de la Bahia / Magdalena Bay Whale Watching Adventure
Today we’ll drive 3 hours north to Magdalena Bay and our luxury 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. Each year, the gray whales migrate 6,000 miles from Arctic waters to the Pacific lagoons of the Baja Peninsula to mate, give birth, and enjoy a warm winter respite. Magdalena Bay is one of the most important of these lagoons, and Camp Cecil de la Bahia is one of the best whale watching spots in all of Baja. Whales are simply everywhere!
The tents of Camp Cecil de la Bahia are beautifully appointed walk-in safari-style tents with gorgeous beds, seating areas, rugs, chandeliers, and ensuite bathrooms. The camp chef prepares three beautiful meals a day and a daily happy hour.
While this tour is focused on glamping and motorized whale watching, there will be opportunities to kayak amongst the mangroves during the day.
We’ll spend the days out on the water viewing the amazing gray whale mothers, babies and sporting males, and when not with the whales, we can explore the incredible birdlife of the mangrove estuary. It is a dreamy, wild and remote spot, completely ensconced in nature, enhanced by the delights of great food and comfortable lodging.
Day 5: Transfer to Todos Santos / Mexican Cooking Class / Farewell Dance Party
Today we’ll depart Magdalena Bay and head to Todos Santos around midday. We’ll have the afternoon to explore the shops and art galleries of Todos Santos, then this evening, local lawyer turned chef Iker Algorri, author of Cooking Adventures in Baja and chef-in-residence at Los Colibris Casitas, will lead a wonderful Mexican Cooking Class. The emphasis is on having as much fun as possible, learning to make the perfect margarita, and gaining the skill to make some truly delicious Mexican dishes following Chef Iker’s cooking philosophy, the Magnificence of Simplicity. You’ll also probably learn about some great Latin music you’ve never heard before. Dancing is often known to follow this class!
Accommodation this evening is at Los Colibris Casitas. Each of the casas and casitas has magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean, a freshwater estuary and a palm grove oasis to the front, and the Sierra de la Laguna mountains to the side and back. Los Colibris is just a 10-minute walk to 70 miles of pristine, virtually empty beach, and a 5-minute drive to the delightful restaurants, artists’ galleries and shops of Todos Santos
Day 6: Departure Day
After the included breakfast, transfer to SJD airport for flights departing after 1 pm.
FAQ
+ Will my guide speak English?
Yes, all guides are bilingual and fluent in English and Spanish. They are residents of Baja and will help you every step of the way.
+ What kind of training do my guides have?
All guides hold a Wilderness First Responder certification, are trained in open water rescues, aquatic safety, Leave No Trace Principles, are NOM 9 naturalists certified by the local environmental protection agency and have all necessary licenses for operating in the area they will be working.
+ How much kayaking will we do?
This tour is primarily a glamping and motorized whale watching trip with some opportunities to kayak among the mangroves. The amount of paddling and distance covered would be weather and group dependant but expect the majority of the tour to take place in the motorized vessel.
+ Will I need a sleeping bag?
No, everything you will need for sleeping is provided, including pillows.
+ What does boat-supported really mean?
On this trip, the Pangas transport us to and from the Glamping camp and are the way we get out twice a day on the water for exploring. These are the platforms from which we whale watch and the boats get us to great snorkelling areas.
If the weather is not cooperating, we usually stay on the beach we are on, but this will be at the discretion of your guides.
+ What are the tents like?
On this adventure, the tents are more spacious cotton canvas style tents with beds up off the ground.
+ What are the toilets like?
A discreet and comfortable portable toilet system is used on all tours. All waste is packed out of the trips.
+ Is there a single supplement?
Yes, there is a $950 USD per person single supplement if you would like your own accommodations (subject to availability).
+ Can you accommodate my dietary needs?
Basic dietary restrictions or allergies can likely be accommodated by the removal of items. I.e. if you are a vegetarian, your taco would have beans versus meat, but there may not be an additional meat substitute like you may find in Canada. The chef will do their best to work with dietary needs that are disclosed in advance of the tour, but please note that it may be more basic accommodations than we were able to provide on our tours in Canada, if you have travelled with us before. You may be asked to bring some items with you if your dietary needs are complex or severe.
+ Can I drink the water?
Yes, all the water and ice provided comes from a safe, filtered source.
+ Do I need a wetsuit for snorkelling?
Wetsuits are provided along with snorkelling gear. While they aren’t totally necessary, they do help you enjoy the water for longer. If you have your own suit, you are also welcome to bring it if you prefer.
+ What are whale-watching regulations like in Baja?
The Mexican government issues permits and sets the rules for the captains for operating in the lagoons. The Captains are also part of local fishing cooperatives that do their own training on best practices. The Captains are very experienced and very respectful of wildlife. That said, in Mexico, the regulations do allow for close encounters with whales and cetaceans. The population of grey whales in this region is known for being very friendly and approaching boats. The captains ensure their engines are off and that they give space, and the whales choose to approach or not.
+ Are there showers?
Yes, there are solar-warmed bag-type showers available on all trips. These are meant for a quick rinse to remove salt at the end of the day. There are proper showers at the hotels that are provided before and after the camping portion of the tours.
+ Is there air conditioning?
There is no air conditioning when camping, but the ocean breezes are beautiful, and temperatures tend to cool down to be much cooler in the evening, making for comfortable sleeping.
+ Is there wifi or cell coverage?
No, there is no wifi when camping- we encourage you to embrace this as an opportunity to unplug and truly soak in your experience. There is wifi at the hotels we stay in before and after the tours. There may be pockets of cell coverage, but not reliably, and not to be counted on.
+ What are the hotels like before and after the tour?
We use a variety of locally owned and operated smaller hotels as part of our tours. These hotels provided a clean and comfortable room for the night, along with a refreshing shower and are in great locations for exploring locally. See your Guest Handbook for more details on the hotels that will be provided with your specific date. If you would like to reserve additional nights outside the tour, let us know, and we can connect you with our local partners who will help get that organized.
+ What is the minimum age to participate?
Minimum age is 8 for our Baja Glamping and Wildlife Adventure. Occasionally, we can make exceptions for families with significant experience or for private tours when a family reserves all the spaces on a particular date.
+ Where do my kids sleep?
The hotel rooms come either with one large bed or with 2 twin beds. Once we move to the tents, they are typically set up for double occupancy. We can place one additional cot in a tent if you would like a younger child in with you.
+ How do I get there?
Book a flight from your home airport toSan Jose Del Cabo (SJD) International Airport in Baja Sur, Mexico (NOT Cabo San Lucas. Please ensure you have the correct airport).
+ What time should I arrive/depart?
Please choose a flight that arrives between 12- 2 pm on day one of your tour. These are group shuttles, and we will wait for our various participants to arrive before departing together. There is a bar and restaurant close to where you wait, if you need something while you wait.
You will meet your driver outside the glass sliding doors at transportation umbrella #10. The driver will be waiting outside holding a Spirit of the West sign (guides and drivers are not permitted inside, so you will have to exit the glass doors to meet them). At the end of your tour, we will transport you back to SJD airport for flights which depart after 1 pm.
If you arrive outside of our meeting times, you will be responsible for arranging your own transport. Please note that for a private transfer, you can expect to pay apx $200 USD to get to Todos Santos and $280 USD to La Paz one way. Please note that private transfers should be arranged in advance.
+ What do I need to bring?
Please check out the complete list in our comprehensive Guest Handbook or on your tour page. Something different from our usual tours in Canada is that you will need to bring your own dry bags with you. We recommend bringing one or two 10-20L dry bags.
+ What is the maximum group size?
These tours book to 16 guests or 8 tents maximum, as there is lots of space to spread out on the beaches, and the boat-supported adventures give us options if someone needs extra support.
+ Can I fish?
Yes, you can fish on the Glamping and Wildlife Adventure that takes place in Magdelena Bay.
+ Do you provide snorkelling gear?
Yes, masks, snorkels, fins and wetsuits are provided.
+ Is there a place to charge my phone or camera?
Yes, there will be a place to charge on your trip, but we do also recommend bringing a backup battery just in case. There is no power in the tents.
+ What type of suitcase should I use?
Duffle-style bags work best. There are some great rolling duffles out there that have wheels for the airport, but also make for easy transport and storage while on a trip.
+ Do you provide the dry bags for kayaking and excursions?
No, our partners we work with in Baja do not provide dry bags, so please come with one (we recommend a 10 litre size) bag for your items you want to keep handy.
+ How much should I tip?
Gratuities are never expected, but always welcomed if you think your team has provided excellent service. Tipping must be in cash. Tipping is completely at your discretion, and these numbers are suggestions only.
Here are a few suggested amounts:
Hotel housekeeping staff: US$2 per day per room
Guides: US$20/day from each guest
Camp Staff (this is shared amongst all camp staff): $45/day from each guest
Boat Captains in Magdalena Bay: US$35/boat (this is per boat, so everyone pools funds)
Restaurant Meals outside of the tour plan, on 10-20% of your bill total
Packing
The following is a list of suggested items recommended for your safety and comfort while on your Baja adventure. If you have any concerns or questions about this list, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Temperatures
The average day in the Baja sees highs during the day in the 21-26°C range (mid to upper 70s°F) and lows at night between 14-18°C (upper 50°s to mid-60°s F). There is the occasional rainy day, and we do often see afternoon winds, known as the Nortes. Most storms happen from August to mid-October, with hurricane season officially running from June to November, so outside of our window for our trips. To learn more about the weather during your tour, check weather forecasts for Todos Santos here. Ocean temperatures are between 17-22°C (64-69° F). However, we always find it best to come prepared for any type of weather. Remember, there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad gear!
Please note what WE PROVIDE:
Snorkelling gear (masks, fins, snorkel and wetsuit)
Tents with cots
Bedding, chairs and towels for beach and bath.
Shared fishing gear (a light selection, but you are also welcome to bring your own if you are big into fishing)
Selection of Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Alcohol will be available during happy hour and served during dinner. You are welcome to bring your own drinks if you have a particular favourite or wish for more. Please remember we only consume alcohol when we are done snorkelling/swimming for the day, for safety reasons.
If you have some of your own gear and would prefer to use it on your tour, please call our office in advance of the tour to let us know, to ensure it is appropriate and to avoid us bringing duplicates.
General items
Passport & money belt – Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your return flight. A money belt helps to keep your important documents and money close to your body and takes away the worry of travel.
Copies of all your important documents – A simple photocopy of your passport and travel insurance details can save you a lot of hassle if you ever lose the originals.
Shoes that can get wet – We highly recommend Crocs or similar, as you can rinse the sand out easily, the strap protects your heels from chafing against the sand on the bottom of your kayak, and they dry quickly, so you can wear socks in them at night / around camp or if you get blisters. Neoprene booties are not recommended because of the sand.
Shoes suitable for light hiking – these do not need to be hiking boots, but something you feel comfortable walking in.
Hat – A wide-brimmed sun hat or baseball cap, or visor is essential in the sun of Baja. Ideally, with a strap for securing in the wind.
High SPF sunscreen & lip balm with sunscreen – A must for protection from the sun and glare off the water.
Sunglasses – A safety cord on your glasses is a good idea.
Bathing suit – For snorkelling and enjoying the underwater life!
Medication – If you are bringing medication, please pack it in a waterproof container/bags and bring extra in case of unexpected travel delays. PLEASE CARRY MEDICATIONS IN YOUR CARRY-ON LUGGAGE IN CASE OF LOST OR DELAYED BAGGAGE.
Personal items – Toothbrush, toothpaste, biodegradable and saltwater-friendly soap, washcloth, feminine hygiene products, hairbrush, etc.
Spare eye glasses & contact lenses
Wet wipes and hand sanitizer – Good for sanitizing or a quick wash.
Bug repellent – For mosquitoes and no-see-ums, along with long pants and long sleeves as needed
Ziploc bags – These and a large garbage bag are always handy when travelling- especially for taking home dirty laundry at the end of the trip.
Small flashlight or headlamp – Don’t forget spare batteries. Headlamps are preferable as they allow for hands-free use.
Camera – Waterproof is best (great for snorkelling) or packed in a waterproof bag or case.
Book and/or journal, cards or small games – For enjoying on the beach
Cash for souvenirs, drinks, gratuities (tips) – US dollars are accepted on par with local currency.
Water bottle with a clip, such as a carabiner – This will help with securing your water bottle to the deck of your kayak. We recommend a bottle of at least 1 litre in size, as we tend to drink lots in the heat.
Clothing
Lightweight pants – Quick-drying, non-cotton- light colours are nice in the sun.
T-shirts and or tank tops (2) – Can be a combination of cotton and non-cotton.
Camp clothes – One set of clothes to keep dry for wearing around camp. Lightweight cotton is nice to put on at the end of the day and sleep in.
Long underwear or base layer– while you are unlikely to need this warmer layer, it is always nice to have for cooler evenings, etc
Undergarments – As you see fit. A couple of pairs of synthetic underwear for paddling can be comfortable even when wet. Cotton underwear is good for evenings.
Shorts – One quick-dry nylon pair.
Fleece or similar socks – One pair you don’t mind getting wet and one pair to keep dry
Raincoat – something lightweight and breathable will make you a happy camper on cooler days or if we see some rain or wind.
Toque/beanie – as evenings can sometimes feel cool after being in the sun all day
Optional Items
Earplugs – Just in case your friends snore!
Binoculars – so much to see and great birdlife!
Personal snacks – Snacks will be provided, but if you have a favourite that you just can’t live without, please feel free to bring it (remember entry restrictions into Mexico).
Bandana/Buff – To cover your neck from the sun.
Gloves – For kayaking. Biking gloves or light neoprene gloves work well to protect your hands from blisters and sunburn.
Kula Cloth– some of our guests love these for mid-day bathroom breaks, but toilet paper is also provided.
Battery bank – while charging is available, we also recommend bringing a backup battery for charging just in case.
CLOTHING FOR BEFORE / AFTER TOUR
Any clothing you want for before or after the tour can be stored with your hotel or us while you are paddling. For your time off the water, long pants or a skirt and a button-up shirt are about as fancy as most of Baja gets!
Book Now
Our online booking system allows you easy access for booking your tour with Spirit of the West Adventures, any time of day.
Before finalizing your reservation, please carefully read over the International section of our Terms & Conditions, as these terms will apply to your booking. We also highly recommend that you look into Travel Insurance options to protect your travels before booking your tour as some types of insurance (such as Cancel for Any Reason insurance) can only be accessed within a limited period of time after paying for any portion of your tour. Travel Insurance is required for all international tours.
Important note: In order to proceed with this tour, we require a minimum of 4 participants. We kindly request that you refrain from booking your international flights until we have officially confirmed the tour. We will notify you by email once we have confirmed your tour.
As a reminder, all international tours are charged in USD.
If you think that you would like to book a trip, but need time to look into other travel arrangements, please contact our office and we will place a temporary hold on your spaces. We also offer real humans to speak with if that’s your preference, so feel free to call our office at 1-800-307-3982 (from within Canada and the U.S) or 1-250-285-2121 (from overseas). We can be reached by email at [email protected]. If, for any reason, you are having trouble booking your trip, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are always happy to help!
