Mexico whale adventure
from the Sea of Cortés to the Pacific, whale-watching and exploring Mexico's Baja peninsula
A 9 day tour of Mexico which gets you up close with enormous whales and whale sharks in the Sea of Cortés, visiting beautiful beaches and colonial cities along the way.
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Itinerary summary
Mexico City
Days 1-2: Arrive in Mexico and spend two nights in the capital, home to over 20 million people, with many excellent museums, galleries and markets. On the second day do a half day walking tour, which takes in the historical centre, including the zócalo (main square), Palacio Nacional and cathedral.
La Paz and Isla Espíritu Santo
Days 3-5: The following day fly to La Paz, the state capital of Baja California Sur, for a three night stay. Known for its pristine beaches, the waters around La Paz are perfect for swimming, snorkelling and diving. The rich marine ecosystem in the Gulf of California, also known as the Sea of Cortéz, is teeming with life, and these protected waters are home to thousands of species of fish and mammals. Board a boat and head to the uninhabited volcanic island of Espíritu Santo to take in the stunning views and beautiful beaches, then visit Los Islotes to snorkel with a sea lion colony. On the third day, observe whale sharks in the Bahía de La Paz, and it is usually possible to snorkel alongside them if you are feeling brave. Luckily these sharks feed exclusively on plankton, and they are the largest fish in the world, growing to be up to 15 metres in length.
Whale watching from Loreto and Magdalena Bay
Days 6-8: Driven to Loreto, about 4 hours further up the coast, to stay for 2 nights. The settlement was founded by Jesuit missionaries in the 17th Century, and today this historical city is a popular destination for whale-watchers and divers. Take a boat trip to the southern tip of Isla Carmen in the Bahía de Loreto national park. Here you can see various species of whales and dolphins, and from February to March it’s possible to see the blue whale, the largest mammal in the world and a real highlight for many who visit. The next day, head out on a small boat in Magdalena Bay, on the Pacific coast, to spend some time up close with gray whales. Known for their friendly and playful nature, these migratory whales come to the lagoons of Baja California between January and March seeking warm, shallow waters as protection from orcas.
Day 9: Return to La Paz for flights to the UK or onward connections.
Notes:
Whale-watching is best between early February and mid-March.
Accommodation options
In the following section you will see our suggested options for possible accommodation.
The estimated flight cost included in this itinerary (assuming international flights from the UK plus any internal flights that are necessary) is £1,400 per person.
Standard - £5,340
- Posada de las Flores - in a handy position on the sea-front in La Paz. There are nice views from the rooftop and there is a small lap pool.
Price and validity notes
We have tried to give you as accurate an idea of prices as possible, including meals where appropriate (but not when there are good local options so you don't pay for a meal that you might not want), accommodation, transfers, and any tours we have included.
All prices are per person based on two people sharing a room and are intended as a guide (local high or low seasons can cause some variation). All prices were correct when published but may vary with exchange rate fluctuations, fuel surcharges, or changes in the general economic situation.