For the ultimate Baja Islands experience, combine the two Baja's premier experiences into one! Whale watching in Magdalena Bay and hiking and kayaking on Espiritu Santo, one of the most beautiful islands in the Sea of Cortez, have long been two of the most precious pearls of adventure travel. Combine the pleasure of optional kayaking, the magnificence of encounters with the California Gray Whales, the tranquility of Magdalena Bay and the splendor of the Baja desert island wilderness with an enriching personal growth experience.

Magdalena Bay offers some of Baja's most inspiring landscapes. From the deserted Pacific coast with its energetic crashing surf, to the surreal terrain of crescent shaped sand dunes, to the tranquility of the whale-filled bay, the transformative opportunities are awesome.

You will witness Pacific Gray Whales as they arrive from icy Arctic waters to breed and give birth in the warmer waters of the Baja Pacific. Recently, the gray whale has begun to show remarkable behavior: a unique friendliness toward humans, in spite of the slaughter that not long ago decimated their numbers. Perhaps the very thing that made them such easy prey to the 19th century whalers has now made them a popular, even loved creature. In Magdalena Bay, sandy barrier islands protect its waters from rough waves, creating a fascinating environment of twisting mangrove-lined estuaries, rolling sand dunes and blooming desert plants. Within the narrow, shallow inlet, whale watching is easy and rewarding. If you opt to take one of the many whale-watching tours, you can experience the whales and their newly born calves surfacing just a few feet away from a motorized skiff, and if you're lucky, reach out and caress this extraordinary mammal. Wow! There will be opportunities to observe other whales in their natural environment, such as the blue whale and the fin whale. In addition to whales, the lagoon is home to dolphins, sea lions, pelicans, and thousands of shorebirds.

Espiritu Santo Island embodies the true essence of Baja. Surrounded by turquoise waters, its sheltered coves and white sand beaches stand in stark contrast to sheer volcanic cliffs of red, orange, yellow, white and black. During your time of Espiritu, you will find plenty of opportunities for hiking, kayaking, snorkeling, relaxing and soaking up plenty of the Baja sunshine. Snorkeling with the comical and curious sea lions of Los Islotes is a highlight of the trip. Kayaking across waters rich with sea life while witnessing the mesmerizing desert coastline is a meditative experience not to be missed. Exploring the rich environment of the inland canyons and tranquil grottos will leave you astounded at Baja's diversity. At the end of the day, the sky comes alive with the rich colors of Baja's famous sunsets and pelicans dive into the bay for their final meal of the day.