La Paz Marine Wildlife Safari
Trip Highlights
- 4 days of sea kayaking along Isla Espíritu Santo’s protected coastline
- Snorkeling with playful sea lions in clear, wildlife-rich waters
- Swimming alongside whale sharks in the waters off La Paz
- Close-up encounters with the world’s largest fish in their natural feeding grounds
- 4 days of gray whale watching in Puerto Chale
- Rare, up-close moments with curious whales, sometimes within arm’s reach
- Seamless, fully supported travel focused on time in the water and with wildlife
This journey is designed around one thing: unforgettable encounters with marine wildlife in the rich waters of Baja California Sur.
Begin with four days of sea kayaking along the wild, protected shores of Isla Espíritu Santo. Paddle through clear, life-filled waters, snorkel with playful sea lions, and land on remote beaches, all while keeping an eye out for dolphins, rays, and passing whales. Each day flows easily, with camp set up for you and meals prepared so you can stay present and fully immersed in your surroundings.
Back in La Paz, take a brief break from camp life and step into the open water for a rare chance to swim alongside whale sharks. These immense, slow-moving fish can stretch over 30 feet long, yet move with a calm, almost effortless rhythm. Being in the water beside them gives you a true sense of their scale, even close enough to see their markings, their movement, and the quiet power of the ocean’s largest fish as they feed just beneath the surface.
The journey continues to Puerto Chale for four days of gray whale encounters in the wide open expanse of the Pacific Ocean. After traveling thousands of miles from the Arctic, these whales arrive here to rest, give birth, and nurture their young. In these calm waters, they often approach the boats on their own terms. At times, they come within arm’s reach, curious, gentle, and fully aware of your presence. It’s a rare kind of wildlife interaction that feels both humbling and deeply personal.
With knowledgeable local guides leading the way throughout, this is a seamless, wildlife-rich experience from start to finish, designed to keep you close to the water, the animals, and the moments that make Baja so extraordinary.
Images & Videos
Itinerary
Day 0
Arrive in La Paz & Evening Orientation
Arrive in La Paz and check into your hotel (not included). The rest of the day is yours to relax, explore, or wander the waterfront at your own pace. As the sun sets, gather with your guides and fellow travelers for a pre-trip orientation in the hotel lobby, where we’ll review the adventure ahead, answer questions, and confirm timing for the next day.
La Paz offers plenty of great restaurants and a lively seaside promenade, perfect for an easy first evening in Baja.
Day 1
Journey to Isla Espíritu Santo & Begin Sea Kayaking
This morning, board a panga for a scenic ride across the Gulf of California to Isla Espíritu Santo. Upon arrival, your guides will introduce paddling techniques and review safety on the water, making sure everyone feels confident before setting out.
Once everyone is ready, you launch your kayaks and begin following the island’s rugged coastline toward your first beach camp. A support boat carries all gear, food, and supplies, keeping your kayak light and the experience focused on the water and surroundings.
Day Days 2-3
Sea Kayaking, Snorkeling, Island Exploration
Each day begins with coffee or tea as the island comes alive with morning light, followed by a freshly prepared breakfast. From there, you’ll paddle along ever-changing stretches of coastline, typically spending around four hours on the water with breaks built in to rest, swim, snorkel, and take in the scenery.
Between paddling segments, there’s time to snorkel in clear coves, explore desert trails, or simply relax on the beach. Your guides bring the island to life with stories, natural history, and insight into the surrounding marine environment.
Evenings are spent at camp under wide-open skies, with unforgettable stargazing thanks to minimal light pollution. On clear nights, you may even catch the glow of bioluminescence along the shoreline.
Day 4
Sea Lions at Los Islotes & Return to La Paz
After breakfast, take a short boat ride to Los Islotes, home to a lively sea lion colony. Slip into the water to snorkel alongside playful sea lion pups and curious adults in one of Baja’s most memorable wildlife encounters.
After your time in the water, return by boat to La Paz where a well-earned shower and a comfortable hotel await. Take the evening to yourself to explore town and get a good nights rest before swimming with whale sharks!
Day 5
Swimming with Whale Sharks
Today brings one of Baja’s most extraordinary wildlife experiences: the chance to swim alongside whale sharks in the waters off La Paz. Because these encounters take place in a protected marine area, timing and access are carefully managed based on weather, ocean conditions, and wildlife activity.
When conditions allow, you’ll head out by boat with licensed local guides in search of these enormous yet gentle fish as they cruise near the surface feeding on plankton. Once a whale shark is spotted, small groups quietly enter the water to snorkel nearby, experiencing their immense size and calm movement up close. Watching a 30-foot whale shark glide effortlessly through the water beside you is something few people ever forget.
After your time on the water, return to La Paz for lunch and a short orientation for the next stage of the journey before enjoying a relaxed afternoon on your own in town.
If whale shark encounters are not possible due to conditions or wildlife regulations, an alternative excursion exploring Baja’s historic mining towns and desert landscapes, or snorkeling adventure will be offered instead.
*Please note that this activity is very well managed by the Park and marine authorities of Mexico. There has to be a minimum number of whale sharks in the area before it is opened for swimming with them. If there are not enough whale sharks to do this activity, we will plan an alternative snorkeling or land based adventure for day 6 of your Marine Safari.
Day 6
Journey to Puerto Chale & First Gray Whale Encounters
This morning, depart La Paz and travel across Baja’s desert landscapes toward Puerto Chale, a small coastal village on the edge of the Pacific. Upon arrival at camp, settle into your waterfront accommodations before heading out for your first afternoon on the water.
Board a small skiff and venture into the bay in search of gray whales as they gather here each winter to rest, nurture their calves, and socialize in the calm protected lagoons. Your guides help interpret the wildlife and environment throughout the excursion, with time along the way to pause for a scenic picnic lunch by the water.
Back at camp there's time to unwind and watch for shorebirds and dolphins offshore, or simply take in the quiet coastal setting. As evening settles in, gather for drinks, stories, and a naturalist presentation before sitting down to a freshly prepared local dinner under the Baja sky.
Day 7-8
Whale Watching in Puerto Chale
Wake to coffee, tea, and soft morning light over the bay before another day exploring the waters of Puerto Chale. After breakfast, head back out by panga for more opportunities to observe gray whales in their natural habitat.
Throughout the day, you may witness mothers traveling with calves, curious whales approaching the boats, and countless moments that reveal just how interactive and remarkable these animals can be. Between whale encounters, enjoy time to take in the surrounding birdlife, coastal scenery, and peaceful rhythm of the bay. Each day we will stop for lunch on a secluded beach in the midst of whale territory.
Back at camp, the afternoon is yours to enjoy however you’d like. Walk the shoreline, relax by the water, or join another naturalist talk to learn more about the region’s marine ecosystems and migration patterns.
As night falls, share another delicious meal together before settling in beneath a sky full of stars.
Day 9
Final Whale Watching & Return to La Paz
Enjoy one last morning at camp before heading out for a final whale-watching excursion in the bay. After time on the water, return to shore for lunch and begin the drive back to La Paz, arriving later in the afternoon.
The evening is yours to relax, explore the waterfront, or enjoy a final night in town at your own pace.
*Please note: Daily schedules may shift based on weather, ocean conditions, and wildlife activity. If conditions prevent whale watching, alternative activities such as bird watching, walking excursions, or paddling in protected waters may be offered instead.
Tour Extensions
Dates & Rates
| Dates | Adult (USD) | Child (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 2027 | ||
| Jan 22, 2027 to Jan 30, 2027 | $3,990£0€0$0$0 | $3,990£0€0$0$0 |
| Jan 29, 2027 to Feb 06, 2027 | $3,990£0€0$0$0 | $3,990£0€0$0$0 |
| Feb 05, 2027 to Feb 13, 2027 | $3,990£0€0$0$0 | $3,990£0€0$0$0 |
| Feb 12, 2027 to Feb 20, 2027 | $3,990£0€0$0$0 | $3,990£0€0$0$0 |
| Feb 19, 2027 to Feb 27, 2027 | $3,990£0€0$0$0 | $3,990£0€0$0$0 |
| Feb 26, 2027 to Mar 06, 2027 | $3,990£0€0$0$0 | $3,990£0€0$0$0 |
| Mar 05, 2027 to Mar 13, 2027 | $3,990£0€0$0$0 | $3,990£0€0$0$0 |
| Mar 12, 2027 to Mar 20, 2027 | $3,990£0€0$0$0 | $3,990£0€0$0$0 |
Supplementary Information
**ALL PRICES ARE IN USD
TOUR RATES
- $3990 per person
Single Kayak: If you are interested in reserving a Solo kayak for yourself, it will cost an additional $100 for the trip and we require that you fill out an eligibility questionnaire. Your adventure consultant will determine if you qualify after receiving the filled out questionnaire. In any case, the Trip Leader of your adventure always has the right to decide that a solo kayak is not appropriate based on weather and ability.
Single Supplement: If you are a solo traveler, you will be charged a $85 USD single supplement charge while staying at the 7 Crowns Centro halfway through the tour. If you wish to have your own private accommodations at whale camp (or we are unable to pair you up with another solo traveler), you will also be charged a $300 USD single supplement charge for 2 nights ($150 per night). Solo travelers may be asked to share a tent with another guest at our whale camp. If you are asked to share a tent, rest assured that tents are 8x12', full-height canvas wall tents, with two cots and plenty of room to maneuver around your tent-mate without difficulty. During the kayaking portion of the trip, solo travelers will be provided with their own 2 person tent, at no additional cost.
Please note, we have a limited supply and availability per departure, so please inquire at the time of booking if you have any questions.
INCLUDED
- Full services of our Adventure Consultants
- Professional naturalist and bi-lingual guides
- All meals and beverages as indicated on the itinerary
- Hotel between activities dictated by the itinerary
- All transportation while on tour
- Including from La Paz to Puerto Chale whale camp and from whale camp to La Paz
- All kayaking, camping, and snorkeling equipment
- Whale watching sessions by panga
- Gratuities for the panga captains during the whale watching
- Panga supported kayaking tour
- Taxes
NOT INCLUDED
- Airfare
- Transportation to and from airports
- Hotel before and after activities on tour
- National Parks & Biosphere Reserves access fees required by itinerary
- Gratuities for Sea Kayak Adventure guides
- Items of a personal nature
PLEASE NOTE
Strong winds and/or rough water conditions sometimes prevent our trips from going as scheduled. We are at the mercy of nature, as well as decisions made by Port Captains on our Baja trips. In these cases we may alter the itinerary to mitigate these issues. This could look like staying in a campsite for multiple nights, delaying water crossings by a day or two, or transferring the trip to an entirely different location. If we cannot kayak, we will provide a substitute activity. We cannot guarantee the presence of whales, nor mother whales with calves, during our trips. We have set the dates for our whale watching season to conform to the date range that the whales are usually in Puerto Chale. However, we cannot control their movements, or when they might arrive at the bay, or leave to swim north towards the end of the season. We have chosen conservative dates to improve the odds of seeing whales. Tides are also a factor as during low tide, any whales that leave the bay cannot enter again until the tides are higher. We recognize this isn't ideal, however we have no control over nature and we've found that most prefer to still have a trip going, versus no trip at all. Since we are basing our decisions on constantly shifting wind and weather forecasts, decisions to alter trips are made last minute (no sooner than noon the day prior). The safety and security of our trips is our top priority. Our guides monitor forecasts very closely and will inform you as soon as any changes are made. Sea Kayak Adventures reserves the right to modify and alter trip itineraries and will not provide any refund in these circumstances
Reviews
FAQ & More
How do I get to La Paz
Getting to La Paz is easy with Alaska Airlines, Delta, Volaris, and Aeromexico. There are flights available from Los Angeles and Mexico City. Please see our Baja Travel Guide for full details on travel to and from Baja. For more information on flying to La Paz see here.
*As of November 2024, there is easy access to La Paz with new direct flights from Los Angeles to La Paz via Alaska Airlines!
At the end of my trip is it better to fly out of La Paz or Cabo?
The best place to fly out of Mexico after your trip depends on where you're flying to. For people that live on the west coast it's probably best to fly home from Cabo. If you you live east of Baja, flying from La Paz to México City may save time.
Do you provide transportation to and from the airport?
Airport transfers are not included in your tour package price.
What are the physical requirements for this trip?
When stopping at shore, you should be able to climb in and out of the kayaks on your own. They will be floating in calf-deep water. Your guides are happy to assist, but balance and limberness are required. When you get to your evening campsite, all group members must to be able to help carry the kayaks above the high tide line, in teams of 6-8, before the group disperses.
Additionally, you should be a confident swimmer as swimming with whale sharks will be beside a boat rather than the shore. You will need to be able to tred water comfortably while snorkeling. Personal flotation devices will be provided and are required on the boat ride to the swimming location and optional for the swim with whale sharks.
What is swimming with whale sharks like?
Many people describe snorkeling with whale sharks as exhilirating and humbling, but most of all memorable. There are few places in the world where you can observe whale sharks in the wild, even less where you can actually get in the water and experience them up close and personal.
For a closer look at swimming with whale sharks, watch a video of past guests here.
What kind of food will I eat? Do you accommodate dietary restrictions?
Our renowned wilderness meals are prepared daily by our guides using local, fresh, healthy ingredients. In Baja you can expect an authentic dining experience, with savory dishes like chiles rellenos, tostadas, ceviche, and chicken mole. We even serve delicious desserts like brownies and pineapple upside-down cake! Each morning, we serve up freshly brewed coffee or tea. Throughout the day we provide an abundance of local fruits, vegetables, and other snacks. Wine and mixed drinks are served with hors d’oeuvres each evening for happy hour.
We do our best to accommodate special dietary requests, working within the parameters of the destinations in which we operate. If you have a very strict diet, we recommend packing extra snacks that you know you can eat.
What’s camp like? Are there toilets and showers at camp?
During the kayaking portion of the tour, you will paddle to a new campsite almost every day but may have a layover day. We endeavor to secure the very best campsites for the natural beauty and amenities of the area. Your guides will give a demonstration of how to set up and take down your provided tent. We also will provide you with a sleeping bag, liner sheet, pillow and an inflatable thermarest sleeping pad. There will be a kitchen/dining area and shade tarps where you can sit back and relax. While kayaking, we can only carry enough fresh water for drinking and cooking. There are no fresh water sources on most of the coastline and islands we visit. You can clean up with saltwater and soap off above the high tide line, or bring disposable shower wipes. A porta potty will fit into a hatch of the kayak or on the panga support boat, and will be transported to each campsite and set into a sheltered area for solid waste. Liquid waste can be expelled below the high tide line, or in a separate porta-potty bucket.
While on the whale watching portion of the tour, you will have a roomy full-height wall tent with two cots, night stand, rectangular sleeping bag with clean sheet, small pillow, and comfortable self-inflating pad are provided for your convenience at camp. There is also a washroom tent with a portable toilet. We recommend packing biodegradable shower wipes to freshen up with as there is no fresh water at whale camp.
How do you swim with sea lions?
Swimming with sea lions is a wonderful experience. You enter the water with your mask, snorkel and fins and if the water is cool, you may likely want a wetsuit also. Once in the water, you simply swim and snorkel as you normally would. Since the sea lions are wild animals, it's up to them to engage or not. We keep a safe distance from the main colony, and it is the younger sea lions that come to play. It's best not to use sudden motions and it's also important to remain calm if they do swim directly at you, which they sometimes do. If they swim right up to your mask, face-to-face, it can be a little intimidating as they have teeth like dogs. Remain calm. They may nibble on your fins, or swim in circles around you. If you spin and turn, they may also. The experience is often very interactive. Interactions may be a few seconds, or a few minutes, but eventually they swim off to play with someone else, or perhaps go and rest.
Could bad weather impact my trip?
Strong winds and/or rough water conditions sometimes prevent our trips from going as scheduled. We are at the mercy of nature, as well as the local Port Captains who determine if ports are open or closed. Approximate paddling distances listed may vary depending on group size and weather. We will do our best to adhere to the schedule listed above. However, the itinerary may change due to reasons beyond our control such as wind, waves or inclement weather.
If it’s too windy to paddle your guides will have alternative activities for guests to enjoy. There are opportunities to snorkel, hike or just relax on the beach with a margarita. We plan our itineraries to minimize risks posed by weather, but there is always an element of unpredictability in nature. The risk capsizing is reduced by our stable boats, but exists. All of our kayak guides are also certified in kayak rescue.
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