Baja California Sur: Exploring the World's Aquarium

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Trip Highlights

Snorkel alongside gentle whale sharks in the calm, protected waters of La Paz, an awe-inspiring experience that brings you face-to-face with the world’s largest fish in their natural habitat.
Discover hidden coastal gems like Caleritas, where crystal-clear waters meet colorful coral reefs and quiet coves offer the perfect setting for swimming, snorkeling, and unwinding in solitude.
Ride down the golden Mogote dunes with sweeping ocean views all around, feeling the rush of desert air and the thrill of this high-energy sandboarding adventure.
Cool off in a remote desert oasis near Santiago, where spring-fed pools shimmer beneath palm trees—an unexpected paradise in the middle of Baja’s rugged cactus country.
Hike the hills above Balandra Bay for panoramic views of turquoise inlets and white sand beaches, then swim, kayak, or simply float in the calm, crystal-clear waters below.
Explore the UNESCO-protected Isla Espíritu Santo, cruising through turquoise waters to snorkel in secluded bays, watch playful sea lions, and savor fresh ceviche prepared on board—while supporting the local conservation efforts that safeguard this marine paradise.

Our Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1: Welcome to La Paz

Arrive in Baja California Sur where a friendly airport pick-up and warm welcome from our local team set the tone for the adventure ahead. As we make our way into La Paz, watch the desert landscape meet the sea, with cactus-dotted hills rolling down toward the sparkling waters of the bay.
Kick off the journey with a sunset welcome dinner at Jardín Escondido, a tucked-away terrace framed by palms and bougainvillea. Here, panoramic views of the bay glow in shades of gold and pink as the sun dips below the horizon. Over fresh local seafood, vibrant produce, and Baja flavors, we’ll toast to the days ahead and start getting to know one another.
After dinner, unwind with a gentle evening stroll along the malecón, the lively waterfront promenade where locals and visitors mingle under the soft glow of streetlights. For those feeling more active, rent a bike or skateboard and cruise along the shoreline, letting the ocean breeze and sound of the waves be your welcome soundtrack to Baja.

Day 2: Whale Sharks & Sand Dunes

Start the morning with breakfast at a beloved local café, where the scent of freshly brewed coffee mingles with the salty air drifting in from the bay. The pace is easy here—colorful plates, warm smiles, and a laid-back Baja vibe set the tone for the day ahead.
Head out into the shimmering waters of La Paz Bay for a once-in-a-lifetime encounter: snorkeling alongside whale sharks, the gentle giants of the sea. As you slip into the water, you’ll find yourself face-to-face with these massive yet graceful creatures, gliding effortlessly through the turquoise depths. It’s an experience that inspires awe with every slow sweep of their tails.
Refuel over a casual seafood lunch, where the star of the menu is the famous chocolate clam—found only in this region of Mexico. Prepared simply to highlight its flavor, this Baja delicacy is best enjoyed with a squeeze of lime, a touch of chili, and good company.
In the afternoon, trade the sea for the golden Mogote dunes, where soft sand meets sweeping ocean views. With the sun on your back and the wind in your hair, ride a sandboard down rolling slopes, laughter echoing against the vast desert sky.
Close the day with a laid-back dinner on a seaside terrace, the kind of place where the sound of gentle waves, flickering candlelight, and a glass of something cold make for the perfect Baja evening—relaxed, star-filled, and unforgettable.

Day 3: Balandra Hike, Beach Picnic & Hands-On Art Workshop

Enjoy a slow morning breakfast with ocean views, taking in the calm beauty of the Baja coastline.
Set out on a scenic hike through the striking beaches and rolling hills of Balandra, with time to swim or kayak in the turquoise waters.
Pause for a picnic lunch on a secluded stretch of beach, with optional snorkeling and plenty of space to simply relax.
In the afternoon, connect with local creativity in an engraving workshop led by a local female artist—and craft your own piece of art to take home.
Close the day with a flavorful dinner at a Baja-style mezcal bar, known for its inventive small plates and cozy ambiance.

Paulina, Mexico’s Regional Director

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Where We Stay

At Heart of Travel, we believe your home away from home should feel as authentic as the places you explore. That’s why we seek out premium boutique lodging owned and run by local entrepreneurs whenever possible. Rather than focusing on star ratings, we seek out properties that blend sustainable practices with one-of-a-kind character, heartfelt service, and genuine warmth. From thoughtfully restored heritage houses to eco-minded retreats, each stay is chosen for its ability to tell a story, support small-business communities, and create memorable moments.

The Heart Experience

What makes this journey special isn’t just where we go—it’s how we go. From trusted trip leaders to remote desert oases, hidden coves, and encounters with local artisans and conservation guides, every detail is crafted to connect you with the wild beauty of Baja California Sur and reflect our commitment to community and low-impact travel.

Meet Paulina

Mexico’s Regional Director

Paulina co-designed this journey through Baja California Sur to share the region’s raw beauty, rich ecosystems, and hidden corners that hold deep personal meaning for her.

Some of her favorite highlights include:

Tasting chocolate clams—an iconic local delicacy—fresh from the sea and full of story
Connecting with a local artist during an intimate engraving workshop, and creating a piece of art to take home
Exploring the wild beauty of Espíritu Santo Island by boat, where sea lions bask in the sun and colorful marine life surrounds you while you snorkel or dive
Sharing fresh ceviche on a pristine island beach, then relaxing in the sun with nothing on the agenda but being present
Soaking in the charm of Cabo San José with time to wander, connect, and unwind
Cruising out to the iconic rock formations of Cabo San Lucas and spending the afternoon on the sands of Love Beach

This is travel with heart—where impact and experience go hand in hand.

Sofi Mendez

Local Guide & Marine Biologist

A lifelong advocate for ocean conservation, she’s a marine biologist with deep roots in Baja California Sur—both personally and professionally. After earning her master’s degree in La Paz and working across the region’s coastal ecosystems, she recently returned from the Maldives, where she focused on coral restoration and reef protection. With her heart always tied to the sea, she brings a rare mix of scientific insight, local knowledge, and deep reverence for marine life to this journey—making every encounter with the ocean feel more alive, connected, and full of meaning.

Karla Antuna

Artist

An accomplished visual artist based in La Paz, she brings science and art together in ways that celebrate the natural world. With a background in plastic arts and a deep love for disciplines like botany and marine biology, her work often centers on local and marine fauna through the lens of scientific illustration. In 2017, she founded her own printmaking studio—now the only woman-led space of its kind in La Paz—where she teaches, creates, and builds community through art. Her thoughtful presence and creative energy add depth to our experience in Baja, reminding us how nature, culture, and expression are deeply intertwined.

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What is included:

What is not included:

Our prices reflect the true cost of creating regenerative, respectful, and thoughtfully curated travel experiences. That means fair wages for our local guides and partners, carbon-conscious operations, and deep-rooted collaborations with community-based projects.

Expertly Curated Itineraries

Fair Wages & Local Partnerships

Regenerative Travel Practices

Community-Based Experiences

Interest-Free Payment Plans

We know that meaningful travel is an investment—and we’re here to make it doable. That’s why we offer interest-free payment options designed to work for you—no hidden fees, no credit checks, and no third-party financing.

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Pay a larger deposit + two installments, due 210 and 150 days before departure.

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Pay a smaller deposit and start making interest-free monthly payments—trip is due in full 91 days before departure.

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Travel plans can change - and that’s okay. With Heart of Travel Trip Protection, you get the freedom to protect your investment while staying flexible.

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What to expect when booking!

Reserve Your Spot

Lock in your adventure with a deposit and a few quick details about who’s traveling. Choose the payment plan that fits your life—pay in full, split it in three installments, or spread it out monthly—and start counting down the days for your next adventure!

Get Trip-Ready

As we get closer to departure, we’ll drop a Welcome Packet in your inbox loaded with need-to-knows: packing lists, weather tips, local customs, currency info, and any visa or entry forms you might need. You’ll also get steady pre-departure emails and the option to attend a pre-trip Zoom call with your Tour Leader to answer questions big or small—so you can show up confident and stress-free. Call recordings will be made available to all trip participants.

Travel & Connect

A few weeks before our departure, you’ll be invited to a private WhatsApp group and PhotoCircle where fellow travelers, Heart of Travel Tour Leaders, and local guides start swapping intros, answering last-minute questions, and sharing playlists. Once on the ground, the Whatsapp group becomes your real-time hub for insider tips, updates, and reminders, and sharing the moments that make each trip unforgettable.

Keep the Journey Going

We keep every trip’s WhatsApp thread open long after the farewell hugs—because the stories, photos, and friendships shouldn’t end when the plane lands. Drop your best shots into our PhotoCircle, stay in the loop for alumni perks, and (coming later this year) join our online community designed to keep travelers and local partners connected between adventures.

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Your Questions, Our Answers

What's your cancellation policy?

Refund Policy: We'd hate to see you cancel but we know things can come up so we've created a policy that's fair to all 🙏🏽

Cancellation up to 24 hours after booking a trip: Fully refundable.
Cancellation 181 days or more before the trip start date: Loss of deposit; the rest of the trip payment is fully refundable. 100% of the trip deposit can be transferred over to a different trip.
Cancellation 121 - 180 days before the trip start date: 50% refund, minus the deposit. Deposit can be transferred over to a different trip.
Cancellation 120 days before the trip’s start date: No refunds are guaranteed. Credit for a future Heart of Travel trip will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

If you can’t make it on a trip but you find someone else who can go in your place we are happy to transfer over your dues paid to this person’s account. However, in some instances, there may be a domestic flight or another type of reservation with a third-party supplier that can only be transferred to a new person with a transfer fee. In this case, you would be responsible for the transfer or cancellation fee.

*For a more flexible and generous cancellation policy be sure to add Heart of Travel Trip Protection, available at the time of registration only.

Guaranteed Departures: We know how precious your travel days and dollars are. If you register for a trip and we don't hit the required minimum of participants - you have the option to transfer 100% of the funds paid over to another HOT trip of your choosing at any time. Or, you can opt to continue with the trip on the original dates, however, the itinerary is subject to small changes, and there will be an additional 15-20% surcharge based on the original trip price for a private tour, which can be customized further if desired.

Single Supplements: If you know you want your own space please upgrade to a single supplement at the time of booking. If you are traveling solo but open to a roommate we will do our best to match you with another travel. However, if HOT is unable to find a roommate for you, you will be responsible for paying the Single Supplement charge according to each trip

How should I book my flights for this trip?

The trip begins in La Paz, so you'll want to book your arrival flight into La Paz International Airport (LAP). Our final night is in Todos Santos, and the closest airport for your departure flight is Los Cabos International Airport (SJD). We recommend booking an open-jaw ticket (flying into LAP and out of SJD) for the most convenient travel experience

What kind of physical activity is involved on this trip?

There’s a mix of light activity and more adventurous options. Think: short scenic hikes, optional kayaking or swimming, snorkeling, sandboarding down dunes, and relaxed walking in towns. Everything is optional and can be adapted to your comfort level.

What’s the best time to see whale sharks?

Whale shark season in La Paz generally runs from October to April. This itinerary is scheduled accordingly to maximize the chances of encounters.

Is travel insurance required?

Yes, travel insurance is required for this trip. In some of our more adventurous destinations—like this one, which includes activities such as snorkeling and hiking in remote areas—we require all travelers to carry travel insurance for their safety and peace of mind. Our Client Services team will request a copy of your travel insurance policy before the trip begins.

Is it safe to swim with whale sharks?

Yes—whale sharks are filter feeders and completely harmless to humans. Our local guides follow strict safety and conservation guidelines to ensure the experience is respectful and low-impact for both travelers and marine life.

Have more questions?

We’re here to help. Whether you’re unsure about flights, packing, affordability or picking the right trip—just reach out.

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How We Define Activity Levels