Whale Shark, La Paz, Baja California, Mexico

Baja California

Touch down in Baja California to discover lunar landscapes abundant with otherworldly nature. Out in the surrounding waters, we can connect you with a stellar collection of whales, including humpbacks, orcas and pilots.

Humpback Whale, Baja California, Mexico
Humpback Whale, Baja California, Mexico

Why we like Baja California

Baja California is a 775 mile long peninsular that divides the Sea of Cortez (otherwise known as the Gulf of California) and the Pacific Ocean. Baja California is a land of true contrasts. Stark deserts meet azure seas, rich in marine mammals. It’s for this reason that Baja California is a whale watching paradise. No other destination offers such a variety of whales – fin, blue, humpback, orcas, sperm, pilot and grey. Every year thousands of grey whales come to calve in the calm bays of Magdalena and San Ignacio.

But it’s not all about the whales. On your trip to Baja California you can also explore lunar landscapes, home to weird and wonderful plants and reptiles.

Where to stay

Some of the wonderful places to stay that we frequently recommended.

National Geographic Sea Bird £££££

  • Baja California

Built-in 2001, the National Geographic Sea Bird was purpose-built with a relatively shallow draft and lean lines to allow it to cruise into areas that would be inaccessible to larger vessels. Made up of 31 air-conditioned and outward-facing cabins, the 164-foot-long vessel feels more akin to a private yacht while maintaining the air of expeditionary cruising. Additional items such as a forward-facing underwater bow camera, hydrophones, wet suits, underwater video camera and video microscopes all add to its scientific sophistication.

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Safari Endeavour £££££

  • Baja California

At 233-foot-long, Safari Endeavour is a small ship designed for exploring the small lagoons of Baja California and bringing its 88 passengers as close as possible to the wildlife. Perfectly combining adventure and comfort, the vessel has 42 cabins in a choice of five categories, each with big windows for watching the striking Baja scenery. With four decks, there is ample outdoor space for photography and wildlife viewing, and there are two hot tubs, a sauna, massage rooms and fitness equipment on board. Kayaks, paddle boards, hiking poles, yoga mats, snorkelling gear and skiffs are available to use, and there is a hydrophone for listening to below-surface sounds and a bow-mounted underwater camera which transmits the action to the lounge and your cabin television.

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Meet our experts

A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.

Rachael Tallents

Adventure, discovery and my curiosity for people and the natural world is what drives my love of travelling.  I am grateful for my parents’ desire to explore, and from an early age my eyes were open to diverse landscapes, cultures, and underwater worlds.

For the last 16 years, I have worked for a leading luxury tour operator designing incredible journeys for discerning clients and travelled to some magical places. I am excited to have joined Steppes Travel, and to be working for a company with such strong ethical and sustainable values.

Talk with our experts
  • 01285 880 980

Sue Grimwood

I was inspired to travel south from an early age. My form teacher when I was nine made us listen to tapes from Shackleton’s expeditions, I didn’t know it at the time, but it obviously left a deep impression on my psyche.

Talk with our experts
  • 01285 880 980

John Faithfull

Over multiple trips, John has immersed himself in the natural and cultural highlights of this huge country. He has had close encounters with grey whales off Baja’s Pacific coast, swam with whale sharks in the Caribbean, attended shaman rituals in Chiapas and sought out some of Mexico City’s finest Mezcalerias.

Talk with our experts
  • 01285 880 980

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