Welcome to Baja California Sur!
Today you'll arrive at the airport in San Jose del Cabo where you will be met by your guide for the 2.5 hour transfer to La Paz and Hotel Blue Malecon. You'll get settled into your hotel then head out for a welcome dinner and trip briefing with your guide. Let the fun begin!
Magdalena Bay (Bahia Magdalena) Whale Watching Adventure
Today we'll head three hours north to Magdalena Bay, the largest wetlands ecosystem on the west coast of Baja and one of the most important in North America. The World Wildlife Fund ranks it as one of the most important coastal habitats in Mexico. The Bay is the prime calving ground for the gray whale, and January to March it is possible to see – and often interact with - a large number of the whales who have migrated almost 6,000 miles to get here for their winter respite.
Our home for the next three night is the 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. 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 daily happy hour. It is a dreamy, wild and remote spot, completely ensconced in nature, enhanced by delights of great food and comfortable lodging.
Our adventures at Camp Cecil de la Bahia include whale watching - seeking out gray whale mothers, babies, young couples and sporting males - as well as kayaking and birding in the nearby mangroves, sandboarding, star gazing and taking nature walks in the dunes.
Gray Whale Encounters
Things that often happen to us during our stay in Magdalena Bay:
- Gray whale mothers bring their babies right up to the boat to say hello
- Gray whale babies present themselves for a good rub or a pat
- Gray whale males sidle along the boat and spout water on us – they clearly think it´s very funny
- Gray whales of all types bring their huge heads out of the water and look us straight in the eye
And that´s just to give you an idea! The connections possible with our fellow mammals in the lagoons of Magdalena Bay are absolutely joyous and should be at the top of any bucket list you may be creating. Today we'll have our final morning in camp then we'll head to La Paz with a celebratory lunch stop along the way. We'll check into our hotel this afternoon and enjoy dinner at a terrific local restaurant tonight.
Camp Cecil and Sea of Cortez Adventure!
We're off to Isla Espiritu Santo and Camp Cecil today! After breakfast we'll go to our bodega to get snorkeling gear and wet suits, then it's on to the boats and out into the Sea of Cortez!
Camp Cecil is on Isla Espiritu Santo which is in a National Marine Park, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is one of the best marine life viewing destinations in the world. Whales, dolphins, whale sharks, sea turtles, manta rays and plenty of beautiful tropical fish call the surrounding waters home, while a terrific range of bird species including Blue-footed Boobies, Reddish Egrets, Great Blue Herons and Yellow-footed Gulls frequent the island’s skies and shores. The island itself is stunning, with magnificent towering cliffs, spectacular sandy bays, amazing lava rock formations, and rock art left by the now-extinct Guaycura and Pericu Indians. There’s even an endemic ring-tailed cat, the babisuri. It’s a remarkable place to explore. We’ll spend the days doing exactly what pleases us - kayaking, snorkeling, hiking, swimming with sea lions, stand up paddle boarding, bird watching, and exploring hidden lagoons and desert beaches.
Another day of island riches. Perhaps paddle board with sea turtles, or snorkel with sea lions, maybe spot some whales, or dance with some Blue-footed Boobies. Whatever surprises the day may hold, you can be sure that it will also include magnificent food and drink!
Whale Sharks!
Today we'll return from Camp Cecil for one of our most exciting adventures yet - swimming with the whale sharks, so named because at up to 59 feet and 15 tons they are definitely a whale of a shark. In fact, they are the largest fish in the world. And while your mother probably told you to stay away from sharks, these gentle giants are only interested in plankton – all human flesh is safe!
Farewell dinner tonight at a great local restaurant.
Say adios but not good-bye. Transfer to the airport, SJD.
