Gray Whales, Whale Sharks, Sea Turtles and Abandoned Mines

DATE: Feb 17 - Feb 23, 2023 | 7 day hotel pkg. - Hotel based with day trips on land and sea

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

7 days/6 night stay at the Hotel Catedral in La Paz
Welcome to the Baja Dinner
Gray whale and bird watching in Magdalena Bay
Snorkel with whale sharks
East Cape – explore the amazing history of mining in Baja Sur
West Cape – sea turtle conservation and hatchling release
Enjoy a free day to leisurely explore La Paz. There are several museums, a beautiful Malecon sea walk to stroll, shop, experience the many restaurants and take in the beautiful bronze sculptures that complement the sea walk. La Paz offers several museums and a Serpetarium, a small non-profit rescue and sanctuary for a wide variety of reptiles, birds, and desert wildlife.
Ground and airport transfers, Cabo International (SJD) or La Paz International (LAP), pick up along the Cabo corridor to La Paz

Recommended Add-Ons

Panterra Private Group Bookings

DATE: Jan 01 - Dec 31, 2025 | Day, overnight, and multi-day trips to the islands

CHARTER HIGHLIGHTS:

Ship 1 – cruise, dive and sportsfishing

Ship Layout
Esquisitely detailed 120′ luxury yacht with professionally trained staff
Day Trips in the Bay of La Paz for groups of up to 30 guests
Overnight trips to the islands starting from 1 – 10 nights.
charters starts at 10 am day 1 (after breakfast) and ends at 3 pm on the last day of charter (before evening dinner)
Ships sports equipment includes kayaks, snorkel, mask and fins
Chef prepared meals – fresh hand selected fruits, vegetables, and seafood
group size 8 guests in 4 suites, ideal for intimate cruising or 12 guests – ideal for families/friends placing an extra guest in each suites
All-inclusive – no hidden or additional costs unless requested outside of terms and conditions
Private dive and sportsfishing packages available
Special wedding packages available (day trips and overnight trips)

Read more: Panterra Private Group Bookings

Hotel Catedral

Information: HOTEL CATEDRAL is a new concept of lodging that adapts to the needs of today's traveller. It is framed in the historic center of the city, surrounded by the main points of interest and next to the oldest church in La Paz, Cathedral of Our Lady of La Paz. With its sophisticated architecture in a contemporary modernist style, Hotel Catedral concentrates on each of the details to offer its guests a service of excellence and quality, both in the rooms and in its haute cuisine restaurant. The hotel, more than a lodging, is an invitation to a way of life based on elegance, comfort and relaxation.

Cost: $150 per night sgl/dbl occ

Transportation

Information: Our transportation service offers friendly and professionally trained staff fully licensed and experienced. The vans are up-to-date models including 14 passenger Toyota Hiace, 11 passenger Hyundai Starex and 10 passenger Econoline. Our vans are clean, full-size coaches with federal tourist plates, commercial insurance and all necessary permits for pick up/drop off at hotels and airports. Transfers are tracked through driver communications. Safety and comfort are our highest priority. We do not transfer guests during non daylight hours. COST: Cabo / La Paz - $350 one way / $700 roundtrip

Copper Canyon by Train – multiday

Information: Travellers visit Copper Canyon for Mexico’s only passenger train that took 100 years to build. It traverses 87 tunnels and 37 bridges. It is an incredible feat of engineering. Arrive at one of the most breathtaking scenery's that is much grander than the Grand Canyon. It has a magic unto itself. You can feel it in the mountain air! Lots of options for hiking, exploring local culture, or just relaxing with a drink from your room with a view beyond words. Experience the mysterious life of the Raramuri indigenous people of the barefooted “Born to Run” fame. The Raramuri artisans offer their handcrafted weaved baskets, carved wooden figures and more. In Chihuahua enjoy the hospitality and local/regional culinary cuisine. From the Sea of Cortez to the skies of Copper Canyon this is truly an adventure of a lifetime!

Cost: $1695 per person / single supplement $200
Duration: 5 days
Season: year round
Contact: For more information please contact: davehensleigh@gmail.com or phone: 1 217 369 9897
Website page: Authentic Mexico Travel – Copper Canyon

Balandra Beach and San Rafaelito

Information: Who doesn't love sun, sand and crystal-clear waters. Playa Balandra is one of the most beautiful and highly protected beaches in Mexico. It ranks world-class. This coastal wetland is surrounded by a system of mangroves, dunes, cacti and areas with archaeological remains from prehistoric times. The water colors are indescribable and hypnotizing. Enjoy swimming, snorkeling and beach walking before heading out to swim with the sea lions at San Rafaelito Rock. The areas has a small coral reef playing host to a plethora of marine life and supports an impressive number of coastal birds. The sea lions here have established their own colony and have recently started pupping. Includes: A short walk along the Malecon to the company office where you will be fitted for lifejacket, snorkel, mask and wetsuit. Lunch, beverages and snacks. NOT included is the crew gratuity. It is highly recommended guests have good swimming skills. Guests will be required to sign a standard industry waiver prior to departure.

Cost: $120
Duration: approx. 4 hours
Season: year round – weather permitting

$1795 USD

Available Spots : 10

Air and Travel Insurance NOT included.

We highly recommend guests purchase travel
insurance to protect their vacation investment.
We cannot be held responsible for situations
beyond our control.

Prices are per person based on double occupancy.
Limited space.
Single travellers are welcome at no additional cost for assigned
shared accommodations or USD 325 for private room accommodations.
Book by Nov. 15: Receive USD 250 off per person dbl occ
After Nov. 15:
Groups of 4 or more receive 10% pp dbl occ
Groups of 6 or more receive 15% pp dbl occ
Please contact our office for special-priced private group or travel agency bookings.

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TRIP REVIEWS:

Review posted by Deborah C – March

Amazing trip, 5 Stars

I have been to many amazing destinations but this trip really was fantastic. The variety of marine life and the way we were able to interact with the marine mammals was so rewarding. Our two naturists were extremely knowledgeable about the sea, wind and animals, this enabled us to see not only the wildlife expected at this time of year but also two blue whales. Highlights of this trip was seeing grey whales, blue whales, fin whales, minke whales, humpback whales, sea lions, whale sharks, mobula rays, too many birds to mention and lots and lots of cactuses. We snorkelled with whale sharks and sea lions, went rock pooling, beach combing, kayaking and drank lots of cocktails.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

So difficult to say, both snorkelling with the whales sharks and with the sea lions was amazing but seeing the blue whales was too (and the humpback whales). Lela explained that we would have a better experience with the grey whales at Porto Chale instead of Magdelena bay as there were quite a lot of boats in the bay. This was the right decision as were were the only boats and were surrounded by 40-50 whales.

What did you think of your group leader?

Lela is just a lovely, knowledgeable, caring, compassionate person who did everything possible to educate the group and make sure each and everyone of us had a great trip.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

My only advice would be to make sure you don’t take the flight (which in this case was the group flight) which has a 6 hour 40 minute layover in Mexico City. Two flights to San Jose Cabo departed before ours and we would have had more than enough time to catch either of them.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

If you love marine life, birds, beautiful scenery and great cocktails then you will love this trip.