Baja Wildlife Diaries

8 Day Wildlife Expedition, November 2018, BCS, Mexico

Balandra Bay, La Paz, BCS, Mexico

Price: $1,685 USD per person

Dates: Contact for date options [8 days including arrival and departures days]
Enquiries: Leeanne Vanderkooi – email: Leelee0108@gmail.com / cel: +52 1 612 154 8802
San Rafaelito, La Paz, BCS, Mexico

Raw beauty awaits you in Baja California!

It’s been said that the Gulf of California, also known as the Sea of Cortez, is one of the most
biologically rich bodies of water on our planet. Indeed, Jacques Eves Cousteau himself dubbed this
sea “The world’s aquarium”. There are close to one thousand species of fish, several thousand
species of invertebrates and a bounty of majestic animals such as various species of balleen whales,
pods of dolphins, aggregating whale sharks, colonies of sea lions, mobula rays, manta rays, seabirds
and more.

There’s also much to on dry land, let’s hike and check out the areas of outstanding natural beauty as
well as the local food and culture.

Our dedicated team are committed to providing serious fun and memories that will last a lifetime for
any outdoor adventurist. All components of our wildlife expeditions contribute in some way to the
conservation of the species and habitats that we visit be it through collaborative research, awareness
and education or by direct donations to vital local conservation efforts on the frontline of ocean
conservation in our area of operation.
Day 1 – Arrive at San Jose Del Cabo International Airport
We will head directly to Hotel Hampton Inn located in San Jose del Cabo and get checked in before
meeting in the lobby at an agreed time.

We will then head out together for a welcome dinner at the Las Guacamayas Restaurant in San Jose
Del Cabo, famous for its delicious, authentic Mexican cuisine and tasty margaritas.
Day 2 – Scuba and Snorkel at Cabo Pulmo National Park
We will enjoy an early breakfast in our hotel before setting off to Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park
for scuba diving or snorkelling. Non-divers will be given the option of taking a PADI Discover Scuba
Course (extra cost) which involves some basic instruction and skills mastery in shallow water before
doing two scuba dives. Experience the amazing sea life here including schools of jacks or “fish
tornados”, eels, turtles and an abundance of tropical fish. Reef sharks, whale sharks and rays have
also been known to make their appearance! Once our boat returns to the beach you will have time
to head back to the hotel to get cleaned up before meeting for a seafood lunch in a local restaurant.
The remainder of the day will be for beach exploration and more snorkeling if you choose.
*Overnight in San Jose del Cabo at the Hampton Inn.
Day 3 – Kayaking in Cabo San Lucas and Releasing baby sea turtles
After breakfast, we will head to Cabo San Lucas and check into hotel Fairfield Inn before going on a
half-day kayak trip in Cabo San Lucas. Enjoy the pristine waters and the beautiful scenery.

We will then head to Los Cabos and grab a lunch before heading to Asupmatoma Turtle Camp. Our
afternoon at the turtle camp will include a guided lesson on Olive Ridley turtle nesting site
conservation efforts. Here you will be able to participate in nest site excavation and be able to
release your own turtle into the ocean while enjoying the beautiful sunset. We will then head to La
Paz where you will be able to go off on your own for dinner after checking into Casa Kootenay.
Day 4 – Swim with whale sharks – Balandra Bay hiking
After breakfast we’ll meet at the dock at 09:00 am to board the boat for our whale shark excursion.
You’ll have multiple opportunities to snorkel at a safe distance from whale sharks and be involved in
conservation work. The whale shark excursion is around three hours.

After swimming with the mighty fish, back to the port and have lunch on the malecon before
heading to Balandra Bay for some hiking. Bring your hiking shoes and you will certainly want your
camera to snap memories of the beautiful views. Afterwards, back to La Paz for the evening to do as
you please. *Overnight in Casa Kootenay.
Day 5 – Visit the Espiritu Santo Archipelago
After breakfast we’ll meet at the dock at 09:00 am to head to the Espiritu Santo Archipelago
National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2005 and widely considered to be the Jewel in
the Crown of La Paz. We will explore the local beauty and wildlife heading to Los Islotes, the
northern-most point of the island group that is home to around 450 California sea lions. Swimming
with the playful juveniles is so much fun. An action camera is the best choice here. They are fast!

After swimming with the playful juveniles we will head to one of the many pristine beaches for more
snorkeling, relaxing, exploring the coastline and to have lunch. From here we will visit another
snorkel spot where we can find an abundance of fish and invertebrates. On the way back to the dock
we will stop by in Bahia San Gabriel , a beautiful sheltered bay that is home to around 1000 breeding
pairs of magnificent frigate birds. Return to La Paz doc at around 5pm where you’ll be left to enjoy
the rest of the afternoon and evening g at your leisure. *Overnight in Casa Kootenay.
Day 6 – Swim with whale sharks and sea lions and visit Balandra Bay
After breakfast, we’ll meet at the dock at 9am to board the boat for our whale shark, sea lion and
Balandra Bay excursion. We will provide a ceviche lunch on a quiet, if not empty beach within or
close to Balandra. You’ll have multiple opportunities to snorkel at a safe distance from whale sharks
and be involved in conservation work . You will also have opportunity to snorkel with sea lions! We
will then head on to the beautiful Balandra Bay! Upon our return to the dock in La Paz, the rest of
the evening is yours for dinner and whatever else your heart desires. *overnight in Casa Kootenay.
Day 7 – Todos Santos
We will travel to Todos Santos where you will be able to go on your own or as a group to check out
this unique town. Shop for local arts and crafts, check out the cool restaurants, hike, etc. This artsy
town is sure to have something for everyone. We will lunch together at an agreed spot then late
afternoon we will head back to the start hotel, Hampton Inn in San Jose del.
Day 8 – Departure from San Jose International Airport.
Breakfast on your own and then depending on departure flight times you’ll head back to San Jose
International Airport with your host for your return flight.

It’s time to say goodbye to new friends and to your hosts and we are certain you’ll take many special
memories away with you.
What’s included;
 Airport transfers
 Transportation for tours and activities in the itinerary
 7 nights in a hotel / BNB
 Breakfast for days 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8
 Lunch for days 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7
 Welcome evening meal on arrival day
 TOURS: Day 2 - Diving or snorkelling in Cabo Pulmo (Discover Scuba Diving Course is extra
$50 usd per person); Day 3 - half-day kayaking trip in Cabo San Lucas and releasing baby sea
turtles; Day 4 – whale sharks excursion and Balandra Bay hiking; Day 5 – Trip to the Espiritu
Santo Archipelago; Day 6 – whale shark, sea lion and Balandra Bay by boat; Day 7 – Trip to
Todos Santos.
 National Park fees

What’s not included;

 Flights
 Travel insurance
 Gratuities
 Personal expenses
 Additional transportation not in the itinerary
 Alcoholic beverages
 Evening meals (except the welcome dinner on arrival day)
 Snacks
 Breakfast and lunch on arrival day (whilst in transit to Mexico)
 Refreshments outside of included breakfasts and lunches
 Lunch on departure day