The bay of La Paz is a biodiversity hotspot, home to an incredible array of marine megafauna, including many species of whales, dolphins, sharks, rays and sea turtles. The geology of the region results in tidal mixing and upwelling during Spring and early Summer, making it a highly productive area and a hub for many migratory and non-migratory species. Come celebrate all this life around Espíritu Santo Island, camp on a beach with turquoise-clear water, and enjoy delicious freshly made meals, Baja California wine, happy hour, snacks and more.
Our rendezvous is in La Paz, the capital of Baja California Sur, from where we’ll get to Espiritu Santo Island. Once there, you’ll find yourself in “the world’s greatest aquarium”to quote Jacques Cousteau. Our days are structured around a Bottlenose dolphin research project, which is the perfect excuse to get out in the bay and look for all the life teeming at this time of year. Mobulas leap out of the water in huge aggregations and we may encounter pods of dolphins and other huge whales. The waters are cool, the days are sunny and the wildlife in this area never disappoints. As the days go by you’ll realize the bay has become a part of you forever.
For 4 nights and 5 days, immerse yourself in island life with a thrilling schedule to suit your needs and desires. Every day, after a hearty breakfast, we will set off to search for wildlife, with new horizons to explore each day and new views for every lunch break. In the afternoon, you will be welcomed back to camp to put your feet up and reflect on the day with a sunset happy hour, followed by a delicious dinner. Your trip is bookended with nights at one of the nicest hotels in La Paz, Hotel Catedral.
Eco Migrations will be thrilled to live this amazing experience with you. Thank you!
Espíritu Santo Island Marine Mega-fauna Safari – 7 days, 6 nights. (End of April and May)
*This sample itinerary is based on a real past trip. Your experience could vary significantly due to weather conditions, guest ages, moon phase, etc. Please, consider this an informative example, not a rigid plan to be followed.
Highlights
Absolutely all wildlife sightings are up to chance and cannot be guaranteed, but in Spring the bay is full of life:
Day 1
Travel to La Paz. Arrive at the lovely Cathedral Hotel, located in the very heart of La Paz, near all the best restaurants and shops in the city.
Day 2
Enjoy the complimentary breakfast at the Cathedral Hotel, and then we are off to our adventure. We meet at the Eco Migrations office to gear up, and then we board the skiff and set off for Espíritu Santo Island. We arrive at camp in time for a brief intro and lunch.
In the afternoon, we snorkel around the rocky reef right in front of camp. There’s a chance to see Stone Scorpionfish, lobsters, moray eels, and lots of fish. Later, we do a short nature walk to start learning about the Sonoran Desert ecosystem.
Then it’s quick showers and a change of clothes for happy hour (margaritas and guacamole with chips), and dinner (BBQ chicken, scalloped potatoes and Cole slaw). Sometimes, if it’s dark enough, we do some star gazing. Jupiter’s moons are usually visible through binoculars and the stars can be amazing.
Days 3, 4 & 5
Get up early for the sunrise and coffee, then it’s free time until breakfast at 8 (egg, pancakes and sausage). At 9 we set off to start exploring the bay and searching for marine mega fauna. After several hours of searching, we stop for lunch (chicken salad, tostadas and fruit for desert) and a refreshing swim in the ocean. Then we start heading back to camp, still searching and scanning the horizon.
We get back to camp in the late afternoon in time for happy hour (ceviche and beer), and then a nice early dinner while we watch the sunset. We sit around for a while chatting, then head off to bed nice.
Day 6
We gather for coffee, and then finish packing up our gear until breakfast (chilaquiles, a fried egg and some beans). We spend a free morning at camp, so everyone can do what their heart desires. Some read, paint, walk, meditate, play games… We hang out until lunch, and then make our way back to La Paz. It’s been great traveling together.
Night at Cathedral Hotel.
Day 7
Travel home or onward to further adventures. Safe travels!
We will meet at 8pm on Day 1 at Hotel Catedral to welcome you to La Paz. We will also give you some large red dry-bags. Please pack whatever you will need at camp in these red bags. They are much more convenient to transport than your luggage, and your luggage remains sand-free.
On Day 2, we will meet at 9am at Eco Migrations HQ
Paseo Alvaro Obregón 774
La Paz, B.C.S.
23000, México
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