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THE DETAILS

Grey WhaleS - AVAILABLE JANUARY THrough april

This special experience takes you to one of the only four areas (lagunas) where the entire population of Eastern North Pacific Grey Whales (Eschrichtius robustus) congregate to calve and mate; either Puerto Chale or Magadalena Bay.  With the longest known migration of any mammal,  these whales take their respite in our protected warm coastal waters. Early in the season you'll find adults and juveniles at the height of their activity, while later on you'll have the distinct privilege of witnessing female whales and they newborn calves together. 

Departure/Return:

PUERTO CHALE 

  • Departs La Paz at 7:00am
  • Arrives back to La Paz at approximately 4:00pm
  • Roundtrip transportation included, but you are welcome to convoy with us in your own car if you prefer (Approx. 2.5 hours each way)

MAGDALENA BAY 

  • Departs La Paz 6:00am
  • Arrives back to La Paz at approximately 5:00pm
  • Roundtrip transportation included, but you are welcome to convoy with us in your own car if you prefer  (Approx. 3.5 hours each way)

Inclusions + Agenda:

  • Roundtrip transportation to/from La Paz 
  • Breakfast burritos/coffee on the way
  • 3 hours on the water with the Grey Whales with experienced biologist guide
  • Life jackets (adults and kid sizes) 
  • Photographs and videos of you and your experience
  • Fresh ceviche lunch (additional options available)
  • Coffee and pan dulces for the drive home

What to Bring:

We'll check the weather forecast for you and advise you on your attire, but please bring the following:

  • Layers for warmth, including windbreaker for outer layer
  • Hat, sunglasses, and reef safe sunblock 
  • Water bottle (help us reduce waste)
  • Camera (but don't worry we'll take plenty of photos!)

Other considerations:

We also offer the Magdalena Bay Grey Whale experience as an overnight package which offsets having to do the long drive in both directions in a single day. In addition to aforementioned inclusions, this also includes:

  • Hotel Accommodation at beach front hotel
  • Seafood dinner and drinks. 
  • 3 hours of whale watching on each day

2- Day Grey WhaleS - AVAILABLE JANUARY THrough april

The feeling of watching the Grey Whales swim, breach, and interact up close is indescribable. We can almost guarantee you'll want more time with them! You can get two uniquely special opportunities with our 2-day Grey Whale experience. Day 1 can be spent at either Puerto Chale or the better known Bahia de Magdalena, where you'l spend 3 hours on the water. You'll spend the night in a waterfront hotel in the fishing community of San Carlos, where you can relax and enjoy a delicious dinner with your group. In the morning you'll head out to see the whales in Bahia de Magdalena for another 3 horus of spectacular up close viewing. 

Departure/Return:

DAY 1

  • Departs La Paz at 7:00am
  • Time to Puerto Chale - Approx. 2.5 hours
  • Time to San Carlos (Bahia Magdalena) - Approx. 3.5 hours

DAY  2

  • Departs San Carlos at approx. 1:00pm
  • Arrives back to La Paz at approx. 5:00pm 

Note: Roundtrip transportation included, but you are welcome to convoy with us in your own car if you prefer 

Inclusions + Agenda:

  • Roundtrip transportation to/from La Paz  
  • Breakfast burritos/coffee on the way
  • 3 hours on the water with the Grey Whales Day 1
  • Life jackets (adults and kid sizes) 
  • Photographs and videos of you and your experience
  • Fresh ceviche lunch (additional options available for purchase) Day 1
  • Drive to San Carlos (if Day 1 spent in Puerto Chale)
  • Hotel Accommodation
  • Local seafood dinner and drinks at hotel restaurant Day 1
  • Breakfast at hotel restaurant Day 2
  • 3 hours of whale watching in Bahia de Magdalena Day 2
  • Fresh ceviche lunch Day 2 

What to Bring:

We'll check the weather forecast for you and advise you on your attire, but please bring the following:

  • Layers for warmth, including windbreaker for outer layer
  • Hat, sunglasses, and reef safe sunblock 
  • Water bottle (help us reduce waste)
  • Camera (but don't worry we'll take plenty of photos!)
  • Overnight bag with clothes, toiletries, and medications

Other considerations:

  • Laguna San Ignacio and Ojo de Liebre (Guerrero Negro) are also incredible and world famous places to see Grey Whales. If your travels are going to take you through these areas we are happy to recommend great tour companies you can go out with.
  • Please be sure and tell us of any dietary restrictions so we can inform the restaurant in advance.

SAFARI MARINO @ ISLA CERRALVO - Available year round

On this excursion we casually explore the waters surrounding Cerralvo Island and cruise the Cerralvo channel at our pace, stoping to enjoy whatever nature offers up that day. With our personalized private trips, there's no tight agenda to stick to which means we go were the wind, (or the wildife!) takes us. You'll get several opportunities to snorkel and swim in the open water, or near the shore, and as much or as little time as you like to lounge and relax while we take our lunch on the island and learn about the natural and maritime history of the area. The beauty of this island, officially named Isla Jacques Cousteau, is the abundant marine life that can be seen throughout various times of the year. Come back time and time again for a distinctly different, yet equally alluring experience. 

Departure/Return:

  • Departs La Paz at 6:30am
  • Arrives back to La Paz at approximately 5:00pm
  • Roundtrip transportation included, but you are welcome to convoy with us in your own car, or meet us in La Ventana (Approx. 50 min in each direction)

Inclusions + Agenda:

  • Roundtrip transportation to/from La Paz
  • Pan dulces and coffee on the way
  • Safari Marino begins at 7:30-8:00am
  • Up to 8 hours on the water with Baja Beluga guide
  • Fresh ceviche lunch on the beach
  • Drinks, water, snacks, and fruit onboard
  • Boat returns to La Ventana at 3:30-4:00pm
  • Snorkel mask and fins
  • Wetsuits
  • Life jackets (adults and kid sizes) 
  • Photographs and videos of you and your experience

What to Bring:

We'll check the weather forecast for you and advise you on your attire, but please bring the following:

  • Layers for warmth, including windbreaker for outer layer
  • Swimsuit and Towel
  • Hat, sunglasses, and reef safe sunblock 
  • Water bottle (help us reduce waste)
  • Camera (but don't worry we'll take plenty of photos!)

Other considerations:

Wildlife is awesomely unpredictable! We always go out with no expectation and are always grateful for any and every sighting and interaction we have. Generally speaking, we are more likely to encounter:


  • Whales - Year round, with more whales seen in winter months (Humpbacks, Greys, Blue, Fin, Sei, Beaked whales, pygmy & dwarf sperm whales, and more)
  • Dolphins - year round  (Common, Pacific bottlenose,  pantropical spotted, rough-toothed, Risso's, striped, Orca, and more)
  • Mobula rays (Mobula munkiana) migrate in the ten's of thousands - April-May
  • Mobula rays (Mobula munkiana) - end of march through early July
  • Orcas (Orcinus orca) - show up year round, more frequently in January, July & August
  • Giant mantas (Mobula birostris) -  July through  October 
  • CA Sea lions (Zalophus californianus) - year round
  • Sea Turtles - year round (Green, Olive Ridley, Hawksbill, less frequent sightings of  loggerheads, and rare sightings of leatherbacks)
  • Spectacular Seabirds, including migratory species like the blue-footed booby and bald eagle


OVERNIGHT CAMP @ ISLA CERRALVO + SAFARI MARINO - YEAR ROUND

Have you ever slept under a Baja night sky? Woken up to the sunrise glowing on the Sea of Cortez? Baja Beluga offers a magical camping experience on Cerralvo Island the night before you embark on your Sea Safari. This adds an element of harmony to the experience and allows you to fully immerse yourself in the beauty and serenity of this mecca for marine wildlife.

The first afternoon and evening are spent swimming, relaxing, and swapping tales over dinner. After a quiet night listening to the sounds of nature, you'll start the day early for calmer seas, and better chances of viewing wildlife.

Departure/Return:

  • Departs La Paz at 2:30pm on Day 1
  • Arrives back to La Paz at approximately 4:00pm on Day 2
  • Roundtrip transportation included, but you are welcome to convoy with us in your own car if you prefer, or meet us in La Ventana (Approx. 50 minute drive)

Inclusions + agenda:

  • Roundtrip transportation to/from La Paz on Day 1
  • Boat ride @4:00pm to Isla Cerralvo where we will set up camp
  • Dinner and Stories. Our guide will make this an experience to remember.
  • Camp on the beach
  • Breakfast at camp, with coffee and pan dulces
  • Begin Safari Marino @ 7:00am on Day 2
  • Up to 8 hours on the water for our Safari Marin
  • Snacks, fruit, and drinks onboard 
  • Fresh Ceviche lunch on beach
  • Boat returns to La Ventana by 3:00pm
  • Life jackets (adults and kid sizes) 
  • Snorkel masks and fins. 
  • Wetsuits (if needed)
  • Photographs and videos of you and your experience

What to Bring:

We'll check the weather forecast for you and advise you on your attire, but please bring the following:

  • Layers for warmth, including windbreaker for outer layer
  • Hat, Sunglasses, and reef safe sunblock
  • Swimsuit and towel
  • Water bottle 
  • Camera 
  • Small overnight bag with comfortable clothing, basic toiletries, and medications

Other considerations:

  • The summer months here are extremely hot with daytime temperatures exceeding 100F/38C and nighttime temps rarely dropping below 78F/25C. We want you to be comfortable so please consider your tolerance for constant and extreme heat.
  • Though we specialize in private excursions, we've found that this one in particular can be more fun with a mix of people!  We've seen our guests make great new friends and have incredible experiences with like-minded travelers. 
  • This is a bare bones camping experience where we will leave no trace -NOT 'GLAMPING'. Please come with the right expectations and intentions. 

Parque Nacional Bahía de LoretO Safari Marino - YEAR ROUND

Bahia de Loreto National Park boasts the most tranquil protected bay surrounded by 5 main islands that are a naturalists' paradise. Whale and bird watching is incredible in these waters, where you can watch Blue Whales as they pass through the Gulfo de California. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this national park has also earned a place on the IUCN Green List of protected areas for excellent management. Explore here with us and experience something truly magical off the shores of one of our "Pueblos Mágicos", the beautiful town of Loreto.

Departure/Return:

Single Day Option:

  • Departs La Paz at 4:30am
  • Returns to La  Paz at approx.10:00pm

Overnight option:

  • Departs La Paz midday to early afternoon for 'night before ' stay
  • Departs Loreto after breakfast for 'night after' stay
  • 2-Day LAND + SEA experience also available



Inclusions + agenda:

  • Roundtrip transportation to/from La Paz 
  • Pan dulces and coffee on the way
  • Quick stop for traditional breakfast
  • Begin Safari Marino at 9:00-9:30am
  • 6-8 hours on the water with Baja Beluga guide
  • Snacks, fruit, and drinks onboard 
  • Fresh Ceviche or Burritos for lunch
  • Life jackets (adults and kid sizes) 
  • Snorkel masks and fins
  • Photographs and videos of you and your experience
  • Stop for dinner on the way home

What to Bring:

We'll check the weather forecast for you and advise you on your attire, but please bring the following:

  • Layers for warmth, including windbreaker for outer layer
  • Hat, sunglasses, and reef safe sunblock 
  • Towel and swimsuit
  • Water bottle (help us reduce waste)
  • Camera
  • Overnight bag with clothes, toiletries, and medications (if you choose to stay overnight)

Other Considerations:

  • This is a big day with a long drive in both directions. We recommend staying overnight either the night before or after the sea safari. We can organize and include this along with your transportation , or you are welcome to drive yourself and choose a place to stay. 
  • 2-Day Option with activities on day 1 and day 2 also available. Combine your sea safari with a guided exploration of our Pueblo Mágico, Loreto

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SWIM WITH WHALE SHARKS - Available NOVEMBER Through march

Baja is well known for the whales that spend so much time here, but each winter we are also blessed with the presence of whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) in several areas in the Sea of Cortez. One of these places happens to be La Paz,  thanks to the warm water, currents, and surface winds that make plankton abundant in our bay during these months. These giant filter feeding fish, actively graze on plankton using mesh like gill rakers behind their gills while steadily swimming in the shallow waters of our whale shark refuge just minutes from the malecon. If you're extra lucky you might also catch a glimpse of giant mantas also feeding in the refuge. This experience is profound in the water with the sharks, but can also be enjoyed topside for those that aren't confident swimmers or have any disability.

Unlike our other experiences, we can't offer any flexibility with this one because it's strictly regulated, and we are very happy about that! La Paz's whale shark tourism has steadily evolved into a well governed operation that monitors the tour operators, captains, and paying customers. It's a an excellent example of responsible eco-tourim because the welfare of the whale sharks is prioritized.  (see graphic below for guidelines)

Departure/Return:

These tours are roughly 3 hours and can start early in the morning depending which of 3 times slots our boat is assigned in the daily lottery. The earliest slot gets the extra hour because those boats have to find the sharks. This information is shared with the captains in the later time slots. 

Each boat gets to spend roughly 50 minutes with one whale shark at a time and swimmers onboard are divided into groups of 5 that go in the water with our certified guide and the shark in turns for 5 minutes at a time. Cruising at roughly 3mph (5km) you'll manage to keep up with them with a  bit of effort, but you might be grateful for your turn to watch from the boat while the other group is in the water.  Less people on your boat means a lot more time in the water with the whale sharks. 


  • Departs Muelle Fiscal  (pier on malecón) between 7:00am and 12:00pm
  • Returns to malecon between 10:00am and 3:00pm


Inclusions + agenda:

  • 2-3 hours on the water
  • Certified 'Whale Shark' guide onboard licensed Whale Shark boat
  • Our guides also actively work in field of marine science
  • Life jackets (adults and kid sizes) 
  • Snorkel mask and fins 
  • Wetsuits
  • Photographs and videos of you and your experience
  • Water, soft drinks, granola bars, cookies, fruit

What to Bring:

We'll check the weather forecast for you and advise you on your attire, but please bring the following:

  • Layers for warmth, including windbreaker for outer layer
  • Towel and swimsuit (should be worn under clothes)
  • Hat, sunglasses, and reef safe sunblock 
  • Personal water bottle (help us reduce waste)
  • Camera (but don't worry we'll take plenty of photos!)

Other Considerations:

  • It’s best you give us a couple of preferred date options to choose the most ideal weather. If the wind picks up the port is closed and this is quite a common occurrence during whale shark season. Cancelled trips are fully refunded.
  • Season start/end is entirely dependent on the number of whale sharks present in the protective area. If that number dips too low, the season will close temporarily, or permanently. 
  • Less people on your boat means more time in the water with the whale sharks for you personally. It also means you won't have a bunch of strangers kicking their bubbles (and sometimes their fins) in your face which can certainly have a negative impact on your experience. Overall, it's much more fun to stick with your amigos.

THE PERFECT BEACH DAY - AVAILABLE YEAR ROUND

Let us take to you to the beach the way we do it.  We'll handle everything, from getting you there, to setting up our spot, and food, drinks, and activities. So many of our guests are looking for a genuine way to enjoy more of what the locals appreciate and love about living in La Paz. With so many lesser known beaches to visit, what better way to get there and do it right than have us take you and bring everything you'll need. Spend either a half day or full day at one of our favorite beaches, completely catered to you. 

Departure/Return:

  • Departs on your schedule but we recommend a morning start for better weather and less wind
  • Returns either early or late afternoon.
  • Afternoon beach visit with sunset and evening campfire and dinner is also an option at some locations

Inclusions + agenda:

  • Perfect for those traveling without car who want to get off the beaten path
  • Half day or full day at one of our favorite beaches
  • Lunch, snacks, and drinks included
  • Use of cooler/esky with ice if you want to keep anything else cold
  • Umbrella and/or pop up shade provided 
  • Beach chairs and blankets provided
  • Portable bluetooth speaker provided
  • Portable charcoal grill provided (optional/depending on meal choice)
  • One or two Baja Beluga guides will accompany you and take care of everything.

               They can spend as little or as much time with you as you like, and are happy to give 

                you your space or be in full marine biologist guide mode all day !

  • Candid photographs and videos of you and your experience 

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES:

  • Snorkeling 
  • Kayaking
  • Paddleboarding
  • Spearfishing (from shore)
  • Spearfishing (from shore)
  • Yoga
  • Just chilling out and drinking some beers

What to Bring:

We'll check the weather forecast for you and advise you on your attire, but please bring the following:

  • Layers for warmth, depending on weather
  • Hat, sunglasses, and reef safe sunblock 
  • Towel and swimsuit
  • Personal water bottle (help us reduce waste)
  • Camera (but don't worry we'll take plenty of photos!)

Other Considerations:

  • Available year round
  • You will be given a few options for location based on weather, preferred activities and time of year
  • Some locations require a short distance of hiking to reach the beach. These day camp setups will also be more minimalistic due to the challenge of carrying excess gear and equipment.  
  • There will be no facilities at most beaches

SAN JUAN de la coSTA - AVAILABLE YEAR ROUND

San Juan de la Costa lies roughly 84km to the north of La Paz. Here you will come across stunning landscape with impressive rock formations and caves, meandering streams, beautiful beaches, and native flora and fauna. Explore the magnificent beauty of San Juan de la Costa by land and sea on a full day excursion that is entirely yours.  We typically spend the morning searching for marine wildlife and taking in the scenic landscape from the sea to take advantage of the best conditions. After that we can enjoy our lunch on a beautiful beach, swim/snorkel, and relax as you wish, and then take in the unique landscape through nature walks and guided geology talks, or bird watching, or whatever your preference.  A superb experience for naturalists and nature photographers.

Departure/Return:

  • Departs La Paz approx. 7:00am-8:00am
  • Returns 4:00-5:00pm

Inclusions + agenda:

Roundtrip transportation to/from La Paz

  • Pan dulces and coffee on the way
  • Up to 4 hours on the water with Baja Beluga guide
  • Fresh ceviche lunch on the beach
  • Drinks, water, snacks, and fruit
  • Boat returns to La Ventana at 3:30-4:00pm
  • Snorkel mask and fins
  • Life jackets (adults and kid sizes) 
  • Photographs and videos of you and your experience

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES:

  • Hiking/ nature wak
  • Bird watching 
  • Geology guide
  • Swimming  and snorkeling 
  • Downtime 
  • Guided Meditation 

What to Bring:

We'll check the weather forecast for you and advise you on your attire, but please bring the following:

  • Layers for warmth, depending on weather
  • Hat, sunglasses, and reef safe sunblock 
  • Towel and swimsuit
  • Personal water bottle (help us reduce waste)
  • Camera (but don't worry we'll take plenty of photos!)

Other Considerations:

  • Available year round
  • No facilities

Con Baja Beluga recuerda que somos parte de la naturaleza

Our Guides

Our Captains

Our Captains

All of our experiences are led by one or more of our qualified marine biologist guides who actively work in the field of marine science or conservation. We are all fluent in spanish and english, and competent and certified in CPR, first aid and rescue. We live for marine education and conservation and with a contagious energy you'll see us get as excited for each and every experience as you will. 

Our Captains

Our Captains

Our Captains

Our captains are people we trust and people that share our values and act as stewards for the marine environment. The safety of our guests and wildlife is always a priority. All vessels and captains are permitted and licensed. Furthermore, our relationships with our captains builds on our network for responsible tourism. Learn more about how many of our captains assist MMWRC.org and work in eco-tourism as a seasonal or permanent shift from their fishing careers. 

Our Ethics

Our Captains

Our Ethics

Baja Beluga proudly respects international guidelines and laws for interacting with marine wildlife and encourage others to do the same through sharing our understanding of the negative consequences invasive interactions and direct contact  can have on wildlife behaviours, feeding strategies, social interactions, breeding, and health. It's our duty as stewards to do this respectfully as observers and educators and be grateful just to be in the vicinity of all of these magnificent animals. 

Copyright © 2020 BAJA BELUGA- All Rights Reserved.


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