BAJA SUR

Sea Turtle & Gray Whale EXPEDITION

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Intrepid travelers who seek independence will fall in love with Baja Sur.  Well-maintained highways connect sun-bleached desert with turquoise waters and every eccentric village in between.  The warm waters of the Sea of Cortez welcome whale sharks every winter and spring, and a short drive across the peninsula will bring you to the Pacific, where green sea turtles dig nests and lay their eggs.  Grey whales migrate up the continent to raise their calves in the calm, nutrient-rich waters of San Ignacio Lagoon; a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The southern coasts of Baja are a wildlife enthusiast’s dream.  Passiflora is delighted to partner with local researchers who provide travelers the opportunity to assist with conservation efforts for these incredible animals.

This itinerary was created for a couple that truly loves sea turtles and whales and wanted to see these creatures up-close:

Day 1 : Arrive San Jose del Cabo, Mexico. Pick up rental car and drive to La Paz.
Day 2 : Free day in La Paz.  Overnight AirBnB.
Day 3 : Transfer to Magdalena Island Gray Whale & Sea Turtle Research Camp. Camping on the beach.
Day 4 - 5 : Hands-on lessons in sea turtle conservation. Help scientists weigh, measure and tag green sea turtles.
Day 6 : Spend the morning learning artisanal fishing techniques from local fisherman.  
Day 7 : In the afternoon, set out on a zodiac for whale watching in the bay.
Day 8 : In the late afternoon, transfer to Loreto and overnight.
Day 9 : Drive north to San Ignacio, the jumping off point for the national preserve.
Day 10 : Meet your guide from the Kumiya Whale Camp. Transfer to San Ignacio Lagoon.
Day 11 : Morning whale watching excursion, and an afternoon hike. Overnight at Kumiya Whale Camp.
Day 12 : Morning whale watching, afternoon kayaking, and biking throughout San Ignacio Bay.
Day 13 : Return to San Ignacio, transfer to Loreto.
Day 14 : Drive to La Paz.
Day 15 : Drive to San Jose del Cabo.
Day 16 : Depart San Jose del Cabo. Fly home.

Photos:

Banner: Gray whale encounter in the San Ignacio Lagoon - Baja Sur, Mexico (Alexis Volkerts)

Bottom Left: Green sea turtle (Chelonia midas) on the beach at Magdalena Bay - Baja Sur, Mexico (Alexis Volkerts)

Bottom Right: Saying hello to a friendly gray whale in San Ignacio Lagoon - Baja Sur, Mexico (Alexis Volkerts)