Trip Overview

Christmas Baja Style -  Gray whales of Masgdalena Bay, swimming with the whale sharks, exploring Isla Espiritu, snorkeling with the sea lions, Christmas Market in La Paz,  street churros and gorditas and best of all experiencing some of the most beautiful culture and people in the world. La Paz, BCS, Mexico. A definite for the bucket list.  

Our carefully curated naturalist itinerary promises an unforgettable journey that takes you from stunning coastlines to towering peaks. You will explore ancient cave paintings and encounter magnificent gray whales, all while enjoying unique experiences such as mountain glamping and stays in four-star hotels. We are confident that this package caters to every traveler’s desires, ensuring a memorable trip for our guests.

❖ The Pacific Gray whales gather in their wintering grounds at Magdalena Bay on the Pacific side of the peninsula, one of three areas in Baja. From December to March, they come to mate and give birth, departing from their feeding grounds in the Arctic waters of the Bering Sea. Expect an up-close and personal experience with these magnificent creatures (water-based).

❖ Juvenile whale sharks gather in the Bay of La Paz to feed. This is one of the few places in the world to snorkel with these harmless, gentle giants of the sea, making it an experience of a lifetime. Additionally, we will continue our day's adventure to the Espiritu Island Archipelago, one of the most protected areas in the Sea of Cortez, where you can explore the area and snorkel with California sea lions at Los Isolotes (water-based).

❖ The Baja Peninsula is renowned for its world-class birdwatching opportunities. From the sea to the sky, you can observe a spectacular array of birds, including seabirds, shorebirds, land birds, desert songbirds, birds of prey, and both endemic and migratory species. Every activity we engage in offers incredible birdwatching experiences (land and water-based).

❖ Camp San Dionisio is an adventure in the traditional lifestyles of ountain ranchers. It provides glamping-style accommodations and guided activities led by our experts in the field. Activities include nature hikes exploring local flora, fauna, geology, and cave paintings, leather processing and crafting classes, a true Mexican cuisine experience, and amazing stargazing opportunities. Everything here is organic!

❖ La Paz has so much to offer the visitor.  The Malecon of La Paz is one of the city’s icons. For locals and visitors alike, this waterfront boardwalk is the ideal place to meet, walk, dine, shop exercise or simply enjoy the dazzling colors that the sunsets offer.  There are 3 museums offering insights into Mexican; modern art, anthropology and marine mammals. Don't forget to take in the Christmas market and street food vendors. A true cultural experience.  

❖ Our adventures are led by marine naturalists and certified guides. With decades of combined experience, a Panterra expert will accompany each trip to share insights into natural history and provide behind-the-scenes context.

Activity Level

This trip is suitable for individuals with a novice to moderate activity level. Participants should be comfortable with sitting in pangas for several hours, snorkeling in shallow waters, walking or standing for short periods, engaging in moderate hiking for 1 – 2 hours, and be prepared for multiple hours of activity on some days. The hikes will range from 1 to 1.5 hours (1 to 1.5 miles) on uneven terrain in warm and humid conditions. The trip will involve a combination of educational, cultural, and wildlife-viewing experiences.  Participants have the option to skip any excursion at any time.

Accommodations

1) 4-star rating -  The Seven Crown La Paz Malecón, is ideally located in front of the waterfront boardwalk. It is close to banking machines, entertainment clubs and a plethora of amazing restaurants. Everything you need is within walking distance. Each room is equipped with top-notch amenities for your comfort. Savor delicious meals at the renowned rooftop restaurant, "Aura," where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Bay of La Paz enhanced by beautiful sunrises and sunsets. 

2) Camp San Dionisio by Panterra, is set in the Sierra de la Laguna mountain region south of La Paz. The offer glamping-style accommodations with walk-in, stand-up tents (4/5/6 m), memory foam beds with frames, full bedding, and towels. While this is glamp camping, guests will have shared bathrooms, showers and all the creature comforts of home, rustic style. No crawling into tents and sleeping on the ground!