Deep Baja
Whale Watching, Espiritu Santo Island, Baja Tours & Freediving in Mexico
Isla Espiritu Santo Day Tour
Espiritu Santo Island is a magical place located 29km from La Paz, reachable by boat. This protected area is a special island because of its marine wild life diversity and its lack of civilization. It has an impressive California Sea Lion colony, of around 400 individuals, called “Espiritu Santo’s Jewel”. You con snorkel with these big and playful mammals, observing their social and curious attitude towards humans and among them. Also you can enjoy a fantastic and relaxing lunch on its deserted and beautiful white sand beaches.
On the way we will look for something to have fun like other animals to watch such as:
- Different species of whales ( 60% chance to watch from Dec- Feb)
- Marine turtles (90 % chance to watch and swim from Dec-Feb)
- Jumping manta rays ( 50 % chance to watch whole year)
- Marine birds ( Blue footed boobies December)
- Many reef and pelagic fish
Since we want this experience to be unforgettable, our tours include:
- 7 to 8 hours tour
- Snorkeling gear and wetsuit
- Tarp for shade during our stop at the beach
- Beach crazy creek chairs
- Towels
- Snacks and beverage (nonalcoholic drinks)
- Bracelet to access the national park
- Staff: Guide and captain
To make your tour day even better, we suggest you bring the next items:
- Sunscreen (We can provide you with biodegradable sunscreen)
- Camera
- Alcoholic drinks (bring the drinks, we’ll bring the ice)
$400 USD from 1 to 4 people
$75 USD more for every extra person (Max. 10 people)
Balandra Beach
Balandra beach is an iconic and beautiful beach to visit when you come to La Paz. A protected natural area you can’t miss. From taking a picture in the famous mushroom shaped rock to enjoying the crystalline waters and the white thin sand. A boat tour is definitely the best way to do it!
On our way to this dreamy beach, we will make a stop at San Rafaelito. A sealion colony where you can interact with playful juveniles and observe a diverse variety of colorful fish that paint the healthy coral reef. After this unique experience, you can enjoy a quiet lunch on one of the less crowded beaches, difficult to reach by land.
This incredible tour is worth a full day, but if you are short on time and want to squeeze another tour (for example: whalesharks) please ask for the price.
Also you might be able to watch some whales or other species of cetaceans on the way to Balandra (from December to May)
We want you to enjoy the tour, some fun activities we’ve planned for you:
- Snorkeling at San Rafaelito. A small but beautiful sealion colony, where juvenile California sealions gather to sunbathe, rest and play.
- Lunch at the beach. Enjoy a peaceful and quite beach. The access on land is difficult, these gives us the opportunity for you to have an almost private beach for you, where you can walk, take some sun in and enjoy a delicious local meal.
- Whale and dolphin watching. It is a matter of luck, but more often than not during the right season humpback whales and other species of cetaceans are spotted in the bay (From December to May).
In order for you to enjoy these activities we included:
- Snorkeling gear and wetsuit
- Tarp for shade in the beach
- Beach crazy creek chairs
- Towels
- Snacks and beverage (nonalcoholic drinks)
- Bracelet to access the national park
- Staff (Guide and captain)
Also, you can bring the following items to make your experience even better:
- Sunscreen (we can provide you with biodegradable sunscreen)
- Camera
- Alcoholic drinks (bring the drinks, we’ll bring the ice)
Price:
$ 320 USD 1 to 4 people (If you want to add swimming with whale sharks please…read more)
$ 30 USD for every extra person (max. 10 people)
Suggested Schedule
8:30. Downtown Espresso & bar for a formal presentation about Balandra national park and history (20-30 minutes). Too early for popcorn but coffee and/or breakfast are always an option during the presentation!
9:00. Leave from muelle fiscal (dock)
9:30. San Rafaelito sealion colony
10:00-10:30. Arrival at Balandra
15:00- 16:00. Return to La Paz
115-A Agustin Arriola, Mutualismo, Zona Central, 23000 La Paz, B.C.S.
Drive through Paseo Alvaro Obregón, better known as “el malecón” right next to the sea, north direction. Once you pass the burger king make a right on Agustín Arriola and you will find the Cafe on your right
Table price for Balandra tour plus whalesharks
Number of people | Price for Balandra | $40 USD extra for whale shark | Balandra plus Whale Shark |
1 person | 320 | 40 | 360 |
2 persons | 320 | 80 | 400 |
3 persons | 320 | 120 | 440 |
4 persons | 320 | 160 | 480 |
5 persons | 350 | 200 | 550 |
6 persons | 380 | 240 | 620 |
7 persons | 410 | 280 | 690 |
8 persons | 440 | 320 | 760 |
9 persons | 470 | 360 | 830 |
10 persons | 500 | 400 | 900 |
Tiburón Ballena
Swim with the biggest fish in the world!
(October to March)
Whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) are the biggest fish in the ocean. These harmless giants come to La Paz to feed on plankton from October to March.
El Mogote presents the perfect conditions to experience a unique interaction snorkeling with these gentle giants, don’t miss out on one of the most incredible activities in La Paz.
Marine ecosystems are very complex, like a puzzle. Whale sharks are a very important piece of this big puzzle. We are proud to say our tours and Whale Shark Research Project help protect these beautiful creatures. On our tour the main focus is on protecting the animals, respecting the speed limits and keeping a minimum distance from the shark. About a 60% of the whalesharks show injuries from boats, we want to make sure that number goes down by doing things right!!!! Our staff of marine biologist, with great knowledge about this specie, will explain to you about its biology and the respectful interaction you can have with them, making it a lifetime unforgettable experience.
Our formal briefing at the beginning of the activity will teach you everything there is to know about whaleharks. Understanding the animals and the ecosystem that you will be surrounded by, making you fall in love with these gentle giants.
Whale Shark Research Project and deepBaja work together…. Read more (link a www.whalesharkrp.com
Deepbaja Company supports none profit organizations to protect the marine ecosystem, by coming out with us you will be supporting the marine conservation as well!!!! We want you to have a great experience, giving you everything that is needed for you to have an ecological and magical experience. The tours include:
- 2- 3 hours tour
- Whale shark briefing
- Beverage
- Biodegradable sunscreen
- Snorkeling equipment
- Donation for whale shark conservation none profit.
Price: Adults: $ 100.00 USD each
Kids that swim: $ 100.00 USD each (5 year old plus)
None swimming kids: $ 50.00 USD each
4 years old or less: Free
Bird Watching
If you enjoy hiking and watching birds, we have the perfect expeditions for you! Baja California has a wide variety of colorful birds to observe in the dessert. We offer you different sites for this activity, according to your schedule and willingness to walk and hike.
Is important you consider the high temperatures (over 100 °F depending on the season) so you bring protection.
Bilingual ornithologists from UABCS (Marine institute) will guide you through this search for diverse and even endemic species you will be able to contemplate, acknowledging and sharing with you important information about the different birds.
Besides having an incredible experience, by taking our tours you will be helping Marine Biology students to achieve their academic goals. 5% of the total cost will go to this noble cause. By taking part in this academic project you will have a great opportunity to learn from the experts.
Lagunas de Oxidación
$50 USD per person (minimum 2 people). The price includes transportation and ornithologist guide
A 15 minutes drive from “el malecón”, La Paz you can find a 5 hectares land that was once used for residual waters. Now it is an oasis with rich nutrient waters that provides food and rest for migratory birds. The list of birds that inhabit or temporarily visit the area, goes up to 201 species.
The tour includes:
- 2 to 3 hours expedition
- Binoculars
- Water and granola bars
Suggested Schedule:
- 7:00 Pick up at your hotel
- 7:30 Bird watching
- 11:00 Arrival at La Paz
Presa de la Buena Mujer
$65 Us per Person. (Minimum 2 people) The price includes transportation, drinks/snacks and an ornithologist guide
A 30 minutes drive from “el malecon”, La Paz you can find a beautiful water spring in the middle of the desert. This tour takes you to the highest mountains in La Paz where 83 different species of birds have been registered so far….read more.
The tour includes:
- 3 to 4 hours expedition
- Binoculars
- Water and granola bars
Suggested Schedule:
- 7:00 Pick up at your hotel
- 7:30 Bird watching
- 13:00 Arrival at your hotel
Todos Santos
$90 US per person: (minimum 4 people)
The “Pueblo Mágico” of Todos Santos, 50 miles away from La Paz and 55 miles away from Cabo San Lucas, has an oasis that has allowed humans to cultivate fruits and vegetables (papaya, mango, avocado and others), and is inhabited by many species of astonishing birds. This wetland gets water from the mountains, which allows palm trees to grow in big numbers. The list of birds registered so far in this place goes up to 149 species, including the endemic species:
- Xantus hummingbird (Hylocharis Xantusii)
- Gray Thrasher (Toxostoma cincereum)
- Belding´s Yellowthroat (Geothypis beldingi)
…..read more.
The tour includes:
- 3 to 4 hours expedition
- Binoculars
- Water and granola bars
Suggested Schedule:
- 8:00 Pick up at your hotel
- 9:30 Bird watching
- 11:30 lunch break (lunch not included, but you can walk around town and find a nice coffee shop or restaurant)
- 15:00 Arrival at La Paz
Buceo & SCUBA Diving
Baja California Sur is home of a coral reef that inhabits reef fish, cetaceans, sea lions, sharks and many other marine creatures. It is a natural aquarium where you can submerge into one of the best dive sites in Mexico.
Full SCUBA dive gear includes: wetsuit, fins, snorkel, mask, BCD, regulator, octopus and weights.
Cabo Pulmo
$220 USD per person
A marine national park (71km2) protected since 1995, is home to a coral reef that inhabits reef fish, cetaceans, sea lions, sharks and many other marine creatures. A natural aquarium where you can submerge into one of the best dive sites in Mexico.
This tour includes:
- Full SCUBA dive gear: Wetsuit, fins, snorkel, mask, BCD, regulator and octopus
- Weights
- 2 tanks (2 dives)
- Staff: guide and captain
- Ground transportation from La Paz to Cabo Pulmo and back
Suggested Schedule
- 6:00 pick up at your hotel
- 8:30 Arrival to Cabo Pulmo
- 9:00 Start scuba diving
- 12:30 – 13:00 Lunch
- 17:00 Arrival at La Paz
*Lunch not included, ask for the recommended restaurants at Cabo Pulmo town.
*This tour needs a minimum of 3 people
Discovery SCUBA
$180 USD p/ person
Learn how to dive in one day! (Please check for availability).
Espiritu Santo Island
$150 USD p/ person
Espiritu Santo Island is a magical place located 29km from La Paz, reachable by boat. This protected area is known for its diverse marine wild life and its virgin landscapes and beaches. It has an impressive Californian Sea Lion’s colony, of around 400 individuals, considered the “Espiritu Santo’s Jewel”. The colorful ecosystem and the sea lions will make your dives very special and fun!
The Island also holds 2 wrecks that offer a fun and adventurous dive, covered in sea fans and marine life the wrecks offers shelter to big school of fish, marine turtles and invertebrates (nudibranchs, crabs, sea stars).
This tour includes:
- Full SCUBA dive gear: Wetsuit, fins, snorkel, mask, BCD, regulator and octopus
- Weights
- 2 tanks (2 dives)
- Staff: guide and captain
- Snacks and beverage (It does not include alcoholic drinks)
Suggested Schedule
- 8:30. Meet at Downtown Espresso & bar
- 9:00. Leave from muelle fiscal (dock)
- 10:00. Arrival to Isla Espiritu Santo (We will choose the dive sites according to the weather)
- 16:00. Return to La Paz
*This tour needs a minimum of 4 people
Whale Watching
Thanks to the geographic characteristics of the Peninsula of Baja California we can find a big variety of cetaceans, commonly known as “whales and dolphins”.
There is no doubt we are in one of the best places in the world to watch this giant creatures. Although they are migratory species, they tend to gather in some of the bays of the peninsula during specific seasons, either to feed or reproduce, allowing us to witness an spectacular show that will blow you mind away!
To get to these gathering areas we make a road trip and then navigate to find these beautiful mammals. As marine biologists, our guides have learned how to spot whales according to the actual forecast and seasonal conditions, so you can enjoy one of the most amazing experiences with wild peaceful animals. Also with this expedition you will be contributing to programs focused on the preservation of these beautiful and smart creatures.
Gray Whale tour
Price: varies from 90 USD to $130 US per person
Private groups have a minimum of 5 people
Gray whale (Eschrichtius robustus) is the mammal that migrates the longest distance in our planet. Their migration starts in Alaska and finishes in three of the main lagoons in Baja California with the objective to give birth to a baby calf. This experience is unique, the whales feel no threat from humans and therefore you can have a close encounter, watching the big moms with their babies swimming friendly and curiously towards the boats.
Puerto Chale Tour: 90 USD (approx. 2 hours driving from La Paz) … read more
Lopez Mateos Tour: 130 USD (approx. 4 hours driving from La Paz) … read more
Puerto Chale
Puerto Chale is the closest port to La Paz where you can watch gray whales from January to March. You can observe whales act naturally on their environment, so they won’t come too close to the boats. It is near a small fisherman’s community, so in this port we will have a nice picnic lunch in a beautiful spot in the dessert. This bay offers a beautiful landscape surrounded by mangroves.
Suggested Schedule
- 7:00. Pick up at your hotel
- 10:00 Arrival to Puerto Chale
- 13:00 Lunch
- 16:00 Arrival to La Paz
Lopez Mateos
4 hours from La Paz we can find the best site in the area to watch gray whales. The long drive is totally worth it, once you get a friendly encounter, with the curious and active whales that come close to the boat and even interact with you. This small bay provides the natural conditions, which allows these giants to feel comfortable among humans. Making it our number one suggestion for you to do whale watching.
Suggested Schedule
- 7:00. Pick up at your hotel
- 11:00 Arrival to Lopez Mateos
- 14:00 Lunch (check the menu for specific diet)
- 19:00 Arrival to La Paz
Humpback whale watching. ¨Scientific expedition¨
Price: $ 170 US adults.
$140 USD kids (till 11 years)
Private groups have a minimum of 4 people
Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) are one of the most acrobatic whales. They can be found in Los Cabos area, from December to March. When these whales start breaching they give a great show. It is amazing to watch these giant mammals splash water with their flaps for up to 15 minutes. Scientist believe that this behaviour is just fun playing for the whales, jumping as close as 60 feet away from the boats. These cetaceans are characterized by the high frequency sounds they emit; these high pitch songs are listened by scientist with underwater microphones called hydrophones.
Suggested Schedule
- 8:00 Pick up at your hotel
- 10:00 Arrival to Los Cabos
- 15:00 Todos Santos lunch break
- 19:00 Arrival to La Paz
