About This Trip
Trip Highlights
- Spend 2 days snorkeling with whale sharks in La Paz on the Sea of Cortez. Whale shark snorkeling in La Paz is a truly unique experience!
- Explore two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park, which is home to coral reefs that host more than 25% of the fish species in the Sea of Cortez.
- Enjoy a morning looking for humpback whales out of Los Cabos.
Starting and ending in easy-to-reach Cabo San Lucas, this wildlife-focused expedition features stops at the best snorkeling locations in the Sea of Cortez. Our itinerary begins off the picturesque coast of Los Cabos, followed by snorkeling at the rocky reefs of Cabo Pulmo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From here we will travel further up the Sea of Cortez coast to spend two days snorkeling with whale sharks in La Paz and exploring the mangroves and nature trails of Balandra Bay. Our final day in La Paz will be at another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Espiritu Santo Island, where we will encounter breathtaking scenery and rich marine life, and will have the chance to swim alongside the resident sea lions. We’ll also take time to explore the small town of La Paz, which is the state capital of Baja California Sur, and to appreciate the wonderful culture and food that this region has to offer.
Beyond whale sharks, sea lions, whales, and other large creatures, our goal on this expedition is to observe and experience the diverse and productive marine environment of the Sea of Cortez, the Earth's youngest and richest sea. The waters here teem with countless invertebrate species, abundant and diverse fish species, and one-third of the world's whale and dolphin species. On land, an exceptional 695 vascular plant species are scattered among colorful and rugged desert landscapes.
Wildlife Highlights
The primary focus of this expedition is to observe whale sharks—slow-moving, filter-feeding sharks that are the largest known fish. Whale sharks are threatened with extinction worldwide, classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Whale shark snorkeling in La Paz is a wonderful experience because the whale sharks are found close to shore in shallow waters where tourism is well-regulated. On our expedition we will also look for humpback whales and sea lions, and with luck may also see blue and fin whales, dolphins, "flying" mobula rays, and other marine megafauna. You'll also have the opportunity to snorkel in the waters of Cabo Pulmo Marine National Park where an array of wondrous tropical fish thrive. More than 650 species of tropical and temperate fish inhabit the Sea of Cortez, 90 of them endemic. The bird life in the Sea of Cortez is also spectacular and many tropical seabirds are common. Magnificent Frigatebirds, Brown and Blue-footed Boobies, Brown Pelicans, Heermann's Gulls, Yellow-footed and Western Gulls, Royal and Elegant Terns, and Red-billed Tropicbirds can all be found here and add to the excellent diversity of this expedition.
Wildlife is wild and nature experiences are never guaranteed. Although we try to recommend certain periods as “best time to go” we cannot guarantee that you will experience what you have come for.
Testimonials
"Our first day at sea in La Paz was the best wildlife watching day I have had in my life. We had the chance to snorkel with a whale shark four times, then a magnificent close encounter (their choice - one mouthed my fin!) with sea lions at Espiritu Santo, and on the way home our boat was surrounded by about 100 leaping common dolphins. We also saw baby pelicans and a blue footed booby, some lovely soft coral/sea plumes, and a few interesting fish. Simply wonderful." - Elaine G., past Baja traveler
"Jaime was more than outstanding ... we really wanted to see the whale sharks but neither one of us was confident in our swimming skills, and we were stressing out about it for several days beforehand. But Jaime made it so easy and comfortable for us. He took us each by the hand and led us to the sharks. He made sure we had an amazing experience. And he turned Marleen from someone who never enjoyed snorkeling into someone who is now eager to snorkel again!" - Michael R., past Baja traveler
Note on Trip Costs
Trip costs do not include airfare to/from Los Cabos, where our trip begins. There is a single supplement fee of $795 for this expedition. Please see our Expeditions Terms and Conditions for details about our booking policies. Optional back to back trip available with Baja San Ignacio Lagoon and Sea of Cortez .
Conservation Impact
Established in 1969, Oceanic Society stands as the oldest nonprofit organization in America committed to ocean conservation. We are trailblazers in the realm of "eco travel," crafting expeditions that not only align with our charitable mission but also actively support marine research and conservation efforts globally. Moreover, with every booking made, we take pride in sponsoring the removal of 200 lbs. of plastic waste from the ocean. Dive deeper into our innovative travel approach here.
Dates & Prices
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Los Cabos- Cabo Pulmo
You will be met upon arrival at Los Cabos International airport and transferred to our comfortable hotel on Cabo Pulmo (1.5 hrs). You’ll have time to relax before dinner, where you will meet your bilingual naturalist guide who will give an orientation of the week’s activities and answer any questions. Overnight at Cabo Pulmo Beach Resort or similar. (D)
Day 2 and 3: Cabo Pulmo National Park
No visit to Baja California Sur is complete without experiencing the magic of Cabo Pulmo National Park. Home to the northernmost coral reef in the eastern Pacific Ocean, Cabo Pulmo is recognized as a model for successful marine resource management and is home to multitudes of marine species. Visitors to Cabo Pulmo are continually amazed by the quantity and diversity of marine life. Put on a snorkel and see it for yourself! Overnight at Cabo Pulmo Beach Resort. (B,L,D)
Day 4: Cabo Pulmo - La Paz
After breakfast, we will head to La Paz. The scenic drive (2-3 hours) takes us along the foot of the Sierra de la Laguna Biosphere Reserve where we will explore the on foot and enjoy lunch from the local farm. We’ll have time along the way to stop and look at local fauna and visit one of the quaint small towns. Overnight at Hotel Catedral in La Paz. (B,L,D)
Day 5: Whale Shark Snorkeling in La Paz and Visits to Hidden Beaches of Balandra Bay
Whale sharks are the true “gentle giants” of the oceans. The largest fish on the planet, these gentle animals return yearly to the waters off of La Paz. We meet early in the morning for the short boat ride to the observation zone where the whale sharks come to feed. Along the way, your naturalist will brief you on whale shark ecology as well as regulations for snorkeling in the observation zone. If you are lucky and feeling adventurous, grab your snorkel and mask and, accompanied by your guide, get in the water to see the whale sharks up close. Our excursion then continues to Balandra Bay, a natural protected area that is home to pristine beaches, mangroves, and stunning scenery. Here we’ll have a tasty lunch (dietary restrictions taken into account), explore the nature trails, snorkel in the crystal water, and relax and unwind before heading back to La Paz. Overnight at Hotel Catedral. (B,L) Note: Whale shark snorkeling in La Paz is unique both because it is a very short distance from the shores of La Paz to the whale shark observation zone, and also because of the combined efforts that are undertaken by tour operators, regulatory agencies, and civil society to responsibly manage this extraordinary experience. During times when boat activity increases, we may flip the itinerary and explore Balandra Bay and the surrounding area before entering into the whale shark observation zone.
Day 6: Whale Sharks and Walking Tour of La Paz
Today we will head back out on the water in search of whale sharks. Afterward, we will be joined by a local guide to explore La Paz, the state capital of Baja California Sur. We will visit the local market and take in some of the architecture, history, and culture that make La Paz unique, including the Mi Ciudad mural project. Along the way, we’ll enjoy a snack or two from one of the spots popular with locals. Overnight at Hotel Catedral. (B)
Day 7: Espíritu Santo Island
Today we will explore Espíritu Santo Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to turquoise water, multitudes of fish species, and resident sea lions. We will depart early in the morning for a boat ride to this natural paradise that will amaze you with breathtaking island scenery and rich marine life. As we navigate alongside Espiritu Santo, your guide will brief you on its natural history. Once we’ve arrived at the sea lion colony (roughly 1.5 hours), you’ll have the chance to get in the water, accompanied by your guide, to snorkel with the sea lions and observe tropical fish. Afterward, your captain will seek out a secluded beach for a tasty lunch. You’ll have time to relax, take another snorkel or explore one of the island’s nature trails before heading back to La Paz before sunset. Overnight at Hotel Catedral. (B,L,D)
Day 8: La Paz - Los Cabos - Fly home
You will be met outside of your hotel in La Paz and transferred to Los Cabos International Airport (2.5 hours) in time for your flight home. (B) Note: This itinerary is provided for informational purposes and is subject to change. Accommodations may be substituted with comparable hotels based on the final group needs or changes to the itinerary, and other details may be adjusted to match group needs and interests, site conditions, weather, and other factors. (B, L, D) denotes the meals provided each day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
Note: Because we work with wild animals in their natural habitat our success rate depends on nature. We therefore ask you to make allowances for any changes from the tour itinerary. If we are unable to offer a certain service due to an unforeseen wildlife situation or weather condition, an alternative activity suitable for the current conditions will be provided. Please note that changes may occur at a short notice, even on the same day.
Accommodations
Travelers on this trip will stay in double-occupancy hotel rooms at the following highly-rated hotels (or similar) that provide comfortable accommodations and convenient proximity to our activities:
- Cabo Pulmo Beach Resort, Cabo Pulmo
- Hotel Catedral, La Paz
Naturalist(s)
Your expedition will be led by one or more of the following expert naturalist guides:
