Sea to Sky - Sea Turtles and Mountain Ranch Experience

La Paz, BCS, Mexico

PE
4 reviews
Duration: 1 day
Group size: 6 - 12
Sea to Sky - Sea Turtles and Mountain Ranch Experience
La Paz, BCS, Mexico

4 reviews

$150
Duration: 1 day
Group size: 6 - 12

About this trip

Experience one of the greatest conservation stories in the Sea of Cortez. A story where thousands of sea turtles begin their extraordinary journey! From April to December, female turtles return to their birthplace to lay their eggs, and dedicated conservationists work tirelessly to protect them. They collect the nests and relocate them to safe, controlled environments, ensuring the hatchlings have the best chance of survival. Once hatched, these tiny turtles are released back into the ocean—a moment you'll never forget, especially knowing that only 1 in 1,000 will survive. Before arriving at the sea turtle conservation area, we will quickly stop to enjoy a delicious ranch-style breakfast.


After the release,  we venture into the Sierra de la Laguna mountains to explore the San Dionisio Canyon, an ecologically significant and breathtaking area featuring sparkling waterfalls and natural waterholes. Located within the canyon is one of the oldest family-run ranches in the region, with a history spanning 300 years. This ranch has upheld a sustainable and traditional lifestyle throughout its history. During your visit, you can enjoy a day filled with activities, including touring the organic gardens and visiting the livestock pens. Take a nature walk to learn about local medicinal plants, indulge in a traditional Mexican cooking experience, and discover the art of leather processing—where you can even try your hand at making a small keepsake. 

To conclude your day, take a short 5-minute hike to one of the river's waterholes, where you can enjoy a refreshing dip in the natural pool.


It's a full day immersed in Mexican culture, food and wildlife conservation at its best!  

What to Bring

 Sun protection: A hat, sunglasses, and biodegradable sunscreen 

Water Bottle: Always a good idea to bring your own water bottle. Water is available during transport and at the ranch.

Extra Layer of Clothing: Hoodie, jacket, sturdy pair of walking shoes

Swimwear: Bathing suit, towel and water socks for exploring.

Camera: A waterproof camera to capture the special moments 

Personal Items: Bring any medications or personal items you might need for the day 

What’s included

  • Transporation
    Roundtrip transportation from La Paz.
  • Naturalist
    Spanish/English speaking
  • Breakfast
    Stop along the way to enjoy an authentic mexican ranch-style breakfast.
  • Ranch Activities
    Nature hike, milking farm animals, tor of organic farm, cooking class (lunch), leather workshop, and cool off with a swim in the river waterhole
  • Snacks and Beverages
    Mountain water, fresh snacks and natural flavored water.
  • Lunch
    Ranch-style
  • Donation
    A portion of the cost is donated to the turtle conservation program

What’s not included

  • Gratuity
  • Personal Items

Available Packages

Adult
$150

Itinerary

A Day of Adventure
Baby Sea Turtle Release and Sierra de Laguna Mountain Ranch Experience

The day starts in La Paz with a 6:00 am departure. Enroute we will stop for a quick, typical Mexican breakfast arriving in Los Barilles for 7:45 am. Participate in the release of sea turtle hatchlings and learn about conservation efforts and the sea turtles life journey. 


After the release, we head up into the Sierra de la Laguna mountains to visit one of the oldest family ranches and, experience their sustainable, traditional lifestyle. Enjoy a full day of activities; nature hike, milking farm animals, tour of the organic farm, cooking class (lunch), leather workshop, and cool off with a swim in the river waterhole. 


Approx. 10 hours

Your Organizer


PE
Panterra Educational and Cultural Training Society
4 reviews
Panterra Eco Expeditions/Panterra Geo Expediciones are part of the Panterra Educational and Cultural Training Society (PECTS). The expeditions are an initiative designed to generate financial funding for our research, wildlife conservation and community programs. A portion of the proceeds from each expedition is allocated to support these programs. Thank you for your kind support. For more information on PECTS, please visit our website at pects.org. For more information on our expeditions please visit our website at www.panterra.com.

Reviews

This was a well planned and executed cruise by a competent staff. The Naturalist, Lela Sankeralli, was 100% concerned with the guests comfort and experience. She is a knowledgeable lover of the Sea of Cortez and was complimented by Cultural Geologist, Myra, who brought her knowledge and helped with all activities. We liked the small group size (8 guests), the delicious food and the attentive staff. We loved our cabin (although our friends had a problem with Diesel fuel smell in theirs which Lela remedied by moving them to a smaller, odor free cabin). While this was a pricey cruise, for us, we would definitely recommend it as worth the experience and the lasting memories!
By Sandra S for Blood Moon Lunar Eclipse Cruise on Mar 29, 2025
Eco Glamping in the Sierra La Laguna Mountains of Baja Baja's mountains are calling, and you should go! Too often visitors to the Cabo area stay only at the resorts and miss the more authentic part of Baja Sur in the Sierra La Laguna Mountains. At Panterra's trip to an eco ranch in these beautiful mountains, you can get a much better idea of the culture and lifestyle of the people who have lived here for generations. How? By living at the family ranch and assisting, if you wish, with some of the cooking and chores. Help harvest the vegetables and fruits you will eat there and that Dona Maria Luz will prepare for you. Help her make the tacos. Her meals were delicious and as spicy (or not) as you would want. Go with Rogelio in the morning to feed and milk the cows. There are numerous birds to watch--some of them endemic and found nowhere else. There are short (or longer) hikes down to the river for a swim or to the Pericule pinturas of indigenous art. Don Catarino will be happy to share his knowledge about tanning the hides from their cows and teach you how to turn the leather into a bracelet or bolsa. The tents were large and beds comfortable. This is a wonderful retreat into nature and into the heart of a ranch family happy to share their life with you. We hope to bring our grandchildren back in the future!
By Helen W for Panterra Information and Waiver Form on Mar 22, 2025
We enjoyed an authentic rancho/farm experience in the beautiful mountain preserve of Sierra La Laguna. Doña Maria Luz’s home cooked meals were delicious. We learned leather making with Papa and helped Rogelio (as best we could) to milk the cows and gather the fresh vegetables we ate from the garden and every sort of fruit tree you can imagine. Short hikes to old pictographs and bird watching also kept us busy. It’s a perfect trip for a family or anyone wishing to learn a little better about the real Mexico away from resorts
By Helen W for Camp San Dionisio by Panterra - Wenner Group on Feb 10, 2025
THIS ADVENTURE WAS THE EXPERIENCE OF A LIFETIME. EVEN THOUGH WE HAIL FROM THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST WHERE ORCAS AND MIGRATING WHALES ARE A FACT OF LIFE (BUT NOT EVER TAKEN FOR GRANTED) , BEING ABLE TO SEE THESE MAGNIFCENT CREATURES UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WAS BEYOND OUR EXPECTATIONS. WE WERE A GROUP OF 4 BEING FRIENDS FOR DECADES SO TO SHARE THE EXCITMENT TOGETHER WAS A MEMORY CREATING EVENT FOR CERTAIN. LELA WAS THE ABSOLUTE BEST IN SHARING HER KNOWLEDGE AND CHEERFULLY AND PATIENTLY ANSWERING A CONSTANT BARRAGE OF QUESTIONS. WE LIVE IN ELIAS CALLES (NEAR TODOS SANTOS) ENABLING US TO DRIVE TO LAPAZ FOR THE PICKUP POINT THE MORNING OF THE EXCURSION. ANOTHER POINT THAT IMPRESSED US WAS THE CAREFUL AND CONSIDERATE DEAMEANOR OF OUR PANGA TO NOT 'HOUND' THE WHALES, AS WE HAVE SEEN OTHER PANGA OPERATORS DO WITH A DIFFERENT OUTFIT. BREAKFAST ON THE RUN, WIITH OUR FIRST INTRODUCTION TO AVENA, A WARM OATMEAL BEVERAGE, AND WATCHING THE SUNRISE WAS A VALUE ADD. LUNCH POST WHALE WATCH ON THE BEACH WITH FRESH SHRIMP TACOS WAS THE ULTIMATE END TO A WONDERFUL DAY. CANT HEAP ENOUGH ACCOLADES ON THIS OUTFIT....EVERY PART OF OUR EXPERIENCE WAS TOP DRAWER. LELA EXUDES THE QUALITIES OF A PASSIONATE EDUCATOR.
By Strphenie W for Gray Whales of Magdalena Bay on Jan 27, 2025
Hi Stephanie, Thank you. For the lovely review. I am so happy your experience has left you with memories you will soon not forget. Having the flexibility to wait a day or two for the ideal weather conditions makes the trip as magical as the whales. I will have the pictures of your experience to you this week to share with the friends that joined you on the excursion. It was wonderful to meet the four of you and we are here if you would like to continue your adventures with Panterra. Kindest Regards, Lela
PE