The Guardians of Baja: A Special Departure

The Sea of Cortez is widely known as one of the best sea kayaking / paddleboarding destinations in the world, and Camp Cuevas is a great place from which to explore the bays, inlets, lava cliffs and wildlife of Isla San Jose. Kayaking and stand up paddle boarding is included in the Camp Cuevas experience.

Juan and Felipe will take us to meet the large population of Eastern Pacific Hawksbill Turtles in the mangroves near their home that first inspired their journey into conservation. They actively protect these turtles from poachers and other threats.

We'll go snorkeling with the Cuevas brothers in a few locations, including Las Animas, a local seamount that attracts hammerhead sharks, fur seals and a vast array of other wildlife that we don't always see elsewhere in the Sea of Cortez. We will also do a night time snorkel right from their home at El Pardito, hopefully in the bioluminescence!

The Sierra La Laguna Biosphere Reserve is one of Baja's most beautiful but least explored areas. Part of an island 10 million years ago, the reserve still retains that sense of island isolation. There are many wonderful hikes from Camp Cecil de la Sierra, some that provide dramatic views out to the Pacific Ocean, some to delightful springs and waterfalls, some that provide a vigorous workout and some that allow for a slower pace to enjoy the plants and birds. The Biosphere Reserve has an extremely high rate of endemism among both flora and fauna - that is, many of the plants and animals that you see in the reserve cannot be found any other place on the planet!

In September 2015 a group of 29 scientists from 19 institutions in the US and Mexico conducted a study on 500 hectares (1,235 acres) of the Sierra La Laguna Biosphere Reserve. This team of Next Generation Sonoran Scientists found 877 species of flora and fauna, including 107 species endemic to the Cape Region alone, and 29 species listed as endangered by the Mexican government. Not only that, entirely new species were documented, including 2 insect species (and possibly more), and a completely new plant species record for the entire Peninsula, Brickellia diffusa, part of the sunflower family. The results are all the more astounding when you consider that they only had 8 days to conduct their research in December, a relatively unproductive time of year. In fact, the scientists reckon that their study represents only 25% (invertebrates) to about 50% (reptiles and amphibians) of the total species present in the region. It's an amazingly rich and biodiverse place to explore!

Over 430 bird species have been spotted in Baja California Sur, and it is home to six endemic species as well. At Camp Cecil de la Sierra early morning is generally the best time to get out and connect with our feathered friends. We often see a wonderful array of birdlife in the reserve, including the endemic cape pygmy owl, Xantus's hummingbird and Belding´s yellowthroat.

Camp Cecil de la Sierra is in a completely remote, secluded area of the mountains with zero light pollution so the star gazing is simply sensational!