Baja California is a peninsula that is part of Mexico and sits just below the border to California. It is often called ‘the largest natural aquarium in the world’ and is certainly one of the last remaining paradises in the world. Its undeniably Mexican but has its own unique character, and a beautiful landscape of striking contrasts: cacti strewn deserts, beautiful canyons with ancient rock paintings, high mountain ranges, and salt flats.
If you’re planning a holiday to Baja California, here are our top five things to do:
- See gray whales in San Ignacio Lagoon
- Swim with whale sharks in the Sea of Cortez
- Go snorkelling and kayaking from Espiritu Santo Island
- Trek through the Sierra San Francisco Canyon
- Visit the artisan markets at Todos Santos
Thrilling marine life experiences, Mexican towns and cities, and walks through a cacti-strewn interior.
1. See Gray Whales in San Ignacio Lagoon
The Baja California Peninsula, which is part of Mexico, is often referred to as the Natural Aquarium of the World. This is because of the incredible variety of marina animals that live around the peninsula, which is flanked on one side by the pacific, and on the other by the Sea of Cortez. The real stars of the show are the California gray whales, who migrate here in their thousands of feed and birth their young in the warm waters of the lagoon. San Ignacio Lagoon is a popular spot to head to in a boat, and the gray whales frequently approach the boats to be stroked or splashed. February and March are the peak months to enjoy gray whale watching in Baja California.
2. Swim with whale sharks in the Sea of Cortez
The Baja California Peninsula is separated from the mainland of Mexico by the Sea of Cortez. From La Paz, you can join a boat excursion to swim with whale sharks. You will be provide with a snorkel and mask and can opt to hire a wetsuit if you feel you might need one. Once you spot a whale shark, you exit the boat via a ladder and slip quietly into the water. Whale sharks are docile creatures and are filter feeders, so don’t pose a threat to swimmers. However, due to their large size it’s advisable to keep at a reasonable distance, so the shark can flick their tail, or turn around, without coming into contact with you.
3. Go snorkelling and kayaking from Espiritu Santo Island
There are lots of places to go snorkelling in Baja California, and the water is particularly clear along the eastern coastline. One of the best experiences is to take a boat excursion out to Isla Espíritu Santo, not far off the coast from La Paz. The shallow shores around the island means that you have crystal clear waters, and there is a colony of sea lions who will play underneath you as you swim on the surface. Whether you’re snorkelling or kayaking, the turquoise waters of the Sea of Cortez will enthral you.
4. Trek through the Sierra San Francisco Canyon
The Sierra San Francisco canyons are rugged and mountainous, and found in the central belt of the Baja California Peninsula. You can visit the UNESCO rock art, where you will see some of the best preferred rock pictures in the world. The colourful images of humans and animals, painted in red, black, and yellow, are a fascinating reminder of the ancestors who once lived and hunted in this landscape. If you like hiking, you can enjoy a three day guided trek, staying at an established campsite in the mountains.
5. Visit the artisan markets at Todos Santos
There are many charming and authentically Mexican towns that are worth a visit, but a favourite of ours is Todos Santos. This quiet little town has remains largely off the tourist’s radar and has only been accessibly by road from Cabo San Lucas since 1984. Its a colourful beachside town that is known for having a large number of resident artists, who were drawn to scenery and quiet pace of life. The artisan markets have all sorts of beautifully crafted souvenirs on sale, from woven rugs and macrame wall hangings, to jewellery and straw trilby hats . There are lots of restaurants serving delicious Mexican cuisine and the nearby beach is perfect for a swim or spot of surfing.
