Customize Your Itinerary

Stay in Island Accommodation

Wide Variety of Activities

Customize Your Private Isla Magdalena Tour

Don’t put up with activities that don’t interest you, we give you the opportunity to customize your trip while we do all the organizing. Choose from Magdalena Bay whale watching, surfing, hiking, kayaking, fishing, and more as you explore this magical and little-known treasure of Baja California. Stay in the comfort of our very own accommodation, Casa Tavo(opens in a new tab), and enjoy delicious meals, friendly local guides, and activities that support the local community.

Highlights

See spectacular wildlife such as whales, sharks, dolphins, sea lions, and marlins as you swim with them or from the boat.

Explore perfectly preserved ecosystems like mangroves, sand dunes, and volcanic beaches.

Get to know this natural paradise by bike, SUP, kayak, boat, surfing, swimming, or freediving.

Prepare to be amazed by unique experiences with nature.

Stay in Casa Tavo, your private island accommodation.

Our eco-tours support and work with the local community - helping to preserve this unique island.

3-Day Trip Details

3-Day Excursion Details

Price

  • High season (1st October – 14th April): 6500 USD — includes up to 4 people
  • Low season (5th April – 30th September): 6300 USD — includes up to 4 people

Add-ons

  • Extra-person on standard package (max 8 people):
    • High season: 1500 USD per person
    • Low season: 1400 USD per person
  • Single supplement (max 4 bedrooms): 150 USD per night
  • Extra half-day activity: 150 USD per person (min. 4 people max. 8 people)
  • An additional night with a half-day activity: 450 USD per person (min. 4 people max. 8 people)
  • An additional night with 1 x full day or 2 x half-day activities: 500 USD per person (min 4 people max 8 people)

See our specialties to upgrade your trip — add a drone, a personal professional photographer, a free diving expedition, or your personal chef!


Departure time

Arranged upon booking


Meeting point

Pick up from your accommodation in Los Cabos, Todos Santos, or La Paz.


Availability

Every day, year-round.

Activities are seasonal, please see the half-day activities and full-day activities for availability.


Duration

3 days and 2 nights


Group size

Min. 4 people, max. 8 people


Participation requirements

  • Not wheelchair accessible.
  • Not suitable for people with back problems.
  • Not suitable for expectant mothers.
  • Not suitable for people with serious medical conditions.
  • Certain activities have age limits but we always have an activity available for younger children.

Included

  • 1 full-day activity OR 2 half-day activities
  • 2 welcome activities
  • Return transport to La Paz, Los Cabos, and Todos Santos in an air-conditioned van
  • Transport to and from the island
  • 2 nights in Casa Tavo in a double room (single supplement required for the room to yourself)
  • 2 breakfasts
  • 3 lunches
  • 2 dinners (includes beer, wine, and a campfire)

For an extra gourmet experience, upgrade your tour with a personal chef, photographer, drone, or free dive coaching.

 

 

DAY 1:

Lunchbox

  • Criolla Salad (lettuce, jitomate, red onion, balsamic vinaigrette)
  • Argentinian empanadas (beef or mushrooms with cheese, spinach)

Dinner

  • Caprese salad
  • Lasagna (vegetarian and vegan options available)
  • Flan

DAY 2

Breakfast

  • Coffee, fruit, and juice
  • Yogurt with granola and bread
  • Chilaquiles with chicken

Lunchbox

  • Spanish tortilla with cheese
  • Burritos (ranch cheese/chorizo)
  • Fruit

Dinner

  • Mixed salad
  • Fish of the day with yellow rice
  • Rice pudding

DAY 3

Breakfast

  • Coffee, fruit, and juice
  • Yogurt with granola and  bread
  • French toast

Lunchbox:

  • Charcuterie and cheese snacks
  • Italian panini with chipotle dressing
  • Fruit

Not included

  • Gratuities
  • Personal expenses
  • Alcoholic beverages (beer and wine is available with dinner at no extra cost)

What to bring

  • Passport or INE
  • Proof of dive and travel insurance ( we recommend World Nomads for travel insurance and DAN for dive insurance)
  • Sunblock SPF 30+ (reef-friendly is mandatory)
  • Dive gear: mask, fins, snorkel (we provide you with basic gear)
  • Scuba dive gear (if you don’t want to rent it in advance)
  • Spending money for personal expenses
  • Insect repellent
  • Hat, buff, and polarized sunglasses
  • Layers of clothes (for the Pacific breeze)
  • Rain jacket
  • Bathing suit and wetsuit (3-5mm highly recommended, available for rent upon request)
  • Dry bag
  • Beach towel
  • T-shirts and shorts
  • Sweatshirt and long pants
  • Warm, waterproof jacket
  • Sandals or shoes that can get wet
  • A canteen or water bottle
  • Any special foods or medications (seasickness tablets, waterproof bandaids for fin sores, electrolytes)
  • Camera topside and/or underwater protection
  • Spare batteries for headlamps, cameras, etc.
  • SD cards
  • USB stick

About your guide

  • 1 water & land guide/expedition leader
  • 1 local guide
  • 1 certified captain

Good to know

  • Please inform us of any dietary requirements or allergies upon booking. We can cater to vegetarians, gluten-free, and more.
  • Please read and sign the waiver before arriving and give it to us upon arrival.
  • Let us know if you have any special medical conditions or requirements.
  • There are no shops or grocery stores on the island, just a small local restaurant.
  • The 3G/4G signal comes and goes on the island.
  • As we know the weather is a factor that can lead us to modify our day, sometimes we will have to change location, reschedule, modify, or substitute any activity. You will be informed of the options and can make a decision. Factors that could influence this are rain, high swell, strong winds (over 15 mph). See our terms and conditions for more details on the cancellation policy.
  • Batteries and film accessories are difficult to obtain in the area.
  • Expeditions can be done any day of the week, please contact us to check availability. Places are very limited since there is just one house on the island so we only take one expedition at a time.

4-Day Excursion Details

Price

  • High season (1st October – 14th April): 8500 USD — includes up to 4 people
  • Low season (5 April – 30 September): 8300 USD — includes up to 4 people

Add-ons

  • Extra-person on standard package (max 8 people):
    • High season: 2000 USD per person
    • Low season: 1900 USD per person
  • Single supplement (max 4 bedrooms): 150 USD per night
  • Extra half-day activity: 150 USD per person (min 4 people max 8 people)
  • An additional night with a half-day activity: 450 USD per person (min 4 people max 8 people)
  • An additional night with 1 x full day or 2 x half-day activities: 500 USD per person (min 4 people max 8 people)

See our specialties to upgrade your trip — add a drone, a personal professional photographer, a free diving expedition, or your own personal chef!


Departure time

Arranged upon booking


Meeting point

Pick up from your accommodation in Los Cabos, Todos Santos, or La Paz.


Availability

Every day, year-round.

Activities are seasonal, please see the half-day activities and full-day activities for availability, we will confirm the activities before you pay the deposit.


Duration

4 days and 3 nights


Group size

Min. 4 people, max. 8 people


Participation requirements

  • Not wheelchair accessible.
  • Not suitable for people with back problems.
  • Not suitable for expectant mothers.
  • Not suitable for people with serious medical conditions.
  • Certain activities have age limits but we always have an activity available for younger children.

Included

  • 2 full-day activities OR 1 full-day activity and 2 half-day activities
  • Return transport to and from La Paz, Los Cabos, or Todos Santos in an air-conditioned van
  • Transport to and from the island
  • 3 nights in Casa Tavo in a double room (single supplement required for the room to yourself)
  • 2 welcome activities
  • 3 breakfasts
  • 4 lunches
  • 3 dinners (includes beer, wine, and a campfire)

For an extra gourmet experience, upgrade your tour with a personal chef, photographer, drone, or free dive coaching.

 

 

DAY 1

Lunchbox

  • Criolla salad (lettuce, jitomate, red onion, balsamic vinaigrette)
  • Argentinian empanadas (beef or mushrooms, spinach, and cheese)

Dinner

  • Caprese salad
  • Lasagna (vegetarian and vegan options available)
  • Desert

DAY 2

Breakfast

  • Coffee, fruit, and juice
  • Chilaquiles with chicken

Lunchbox

  • Spanish tortilla with cheese
  • Burritos (ranch cheese/chorizo)
  • Fruit

Dinner

  • Mixed salad
  • Fish of the day with yellow rice
  • Desert

DAY 3

Breakfast

  • Coffee, fruit, and juice
  • Eggs of your choice

Picnic

  • Green salad
  • Cheese and charcuterie platter
  • Tapas, quiches, and sandwiches
  • Desert

Dinner

  • Minestrone soup
  • Salad of lettuce, mustard and honey dressing, goat’s cheese, and walnuts
  • Grilled skirt steak with grilled vegetables
  • Desert

DAY 4 

Breakfast

  • Coffee, fruit, and juice
  • French toast

Lunchbox:

  • Charcuterie and cheese snacks
  • Italian panini with chipotle dressing
  • Fruit

Not included

  • Gratuities
  • Personal expenses
  • Alcoholic beverages (beer and wine is available with dinner at no extra cost)

What to bring

  • Passport or INE
  • Proof of dive and travel insurance (we recommend World Nomads for travel insurance and DAN for dive insurance)
  • Sunblock SPF 30+ (reef-friendly is mandatory)
  • Dive gear: mask, fins, snorkel (we provide you with basic gear)
  • Scuba diving gear (if you don’t want to rent it in advance)
  • Spending money for personal expenses
  • Insect repellent
  • Hat, buff, and polarized sunglasses
  • Layers of clothes (for the Pacific breeze)
  • Bathing suit and wetsuit (3-5mm highly recommended, available for rent upon request)
  • Dry bag
  • Beach towel
  • T-shirts and shorts
  • Sweatshirt and long pants
  • Warm, waterproof jacket
  • Sandals or shoes that can get wet
  • A canteen or water bottle
  • Any special foods or medications (seasickness tablets, waterproof bandaids for fin sores, electrolytes)
  • Camera topside and/or underwater protection
  • Spare batteries for headlamps, cameras, etc.
  • SD cards
  • USB

About your guide

  • 1 water & land guide/ expedition leader
  • 1 local guide
  • 1 certified captain

Good to know

  • Please inform us of any dietary requirements or allergies upon booking. We can cater to vegetarians, gluten-free, and more.
  • Please read and sign the waiver before arriving and give it to us upon arrival.
  • Let us know if you have any special medical conditions or requirements.
  • There are no shops or grocery stores on the island, just a small local restaurant.
  • The 3G/4G signal comes and goes on the island.
  • As we know the weather is a factor that can lead us to modify our day, sometimes we will have to change location, reschedule, modify, or substitute any activity. You will be informed of the options and can make a decision. Factors that could influence this are rain, high swell, strong winds (over 15 mph). See our terms and conditions for more details on the cancellation policy.
  • Batteries and film accessories are difficult to obtain in the area.
  • Expeditions can be done any day of the week, please contact us to check availability . Places are very limited since there is just one house on the island so we only take one expedition at a time.

How it Works

This is the ultimate Isla Magdalena tour where you build your own itinerary by selecting from our range of unique and exciting activities. Fill out your details (dates, group size, upgrades, and your desired activities) on our booking platform and it will generate a quote according to your choices. You can then either pay the deposit or the full sum. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions before booking or want to know more about this magical island. We want you to fall in love with this unspoiled spot as much as we have!

Choose your dates, group size (minimum 4 and maximum 8), choose your activities (for 3-day tours you can choose 1 full-day activity or 2 half-day activities -- for the 4-day tour you can choose 2 full-day activities or 1 full-day activity and 2 half-day activities), and decide if you want an upgrade. Please note: some activities are seasonal depending on wildlife.

The price is calculated according to your preferences.

Pay the deposit or the full sum.

Get excited for your custom adventure!

Activities to Choose From

Half-Day Activities

Gray whales come to the bays of Baja during the winter season to reproduce and give birth to their calves. From mid-January to mid-March most of the action takes place in the waters of Magdalena Bay. Thousands of gray whales make their way south from Alaska to Baja California Sur on what is the longest known mammal migration. On this Magdalena Bay whale watching encounter, we will make our way to the entrance of the bay by boat where we will watch gray whales, Eschrichtius robustus, during their mating rituals. In the late season, it’s also common to find baby whales with their mothers as they will breastfeed them for nine months. Mag Bay is a very important place for the reproduction of these beautiful animals and also one of their feeding grounds.

A whale approaches two boats.

This secluded fishing town is visited by gray whales every year and is the perfect spot to spend some time with these gentle giants and admire their social complexity. Located in Bahia Almejas, this area is famous for seeing a particularly peculiar whale behavior; spy-hopping. Whales stick their heads out of the water to get a look at what lies above the surface. In contrast to other areas, the whales congregate in a specific area of the bay during low tides, providing a spectacular view of tens of whales at once. This is one of the feeding grounds for a great number of gray whales during their stay in Mexico and definitely one of the best places to encounter these beautiful animals.

A whale pops its head out of the water.

California sea lions are common along the Pacific Coastline from Baja California all the way to Vancouver Island. These fascinating creatures allow us to swim with them in the southern waters of the peninsula, they live in rocky habitats surrounded by algae such as sargassum which creates fields full of colorful fish. Expect interaction with these curious creatures who love to play. This snorkeling takes place close to shore on the outside of the bay, we will ride through the waters by boat to the side of the island where the sandy beaches and long stretches of mangrove are substituted by rocky shorelines and tall cliffs, creating dramatic scenery.

A sea lion looks at the camera

Get a feeling for this enchanting island as we stroll along the black sandy beaches and white sand dunes of Santa Maria Beach. On this 2.5-hour walk, we’ll be treated to spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean (in winter this side of the bay is full of whales, hanging out just a few meters off the coast) and we’ll find treasures such as shells and wildlife. This is a perfect activity to explore the island before heading out for dinner at the local restaurant or the casita kitchen.

Shells on Santa Maria beach

We’ll ride our bikes around the enchanting island, whether it is on one of its long sandy beaches or along one of the multiple trails. If we decide to explore the hills, we’ll get amazing panoramic views or if we opt for the roads along the coastline, we may watch whales congregate in the bay and eagles fly in the sky. Get to know the island through its roads that are steeped in history, from native indigenous people to Spanish sailors, from whalers to pirates. Nowadays you will discover a sleepy fishing town full of wonders, unique nature, and a great community.

A couple cycle along the sand and point.

Magdalena Island is composed of a chain of ancient volcanoes connected by stretches of sand dunes creating dramatic contrasts in scenery, the deep blue from the Pacific Ocean against the ochre and beige colors from the hills and sand. This ecosystem is home to birds, lizards, and coyotes which are common in the area throughout the year. We do this walk to cross the island from the bay to the Pacific — it’s an easy activity as you decide how far you want to walk.

A woman looks out over sand dunes.

Mag Bay has one of the most pristine and extensive mangrove systems in the world and the largest wetland in Baja California. Enjoy its beauty and peace while sailing along the mangrove channels. This is the perfect place for birdwatching as lots of species nest and feed in the surrounding waters and shrubs. From the 17,000 ha of mangrove forest in the area, one of our favorites is called “El Palozo” which has about 4 miles of navigable channels and is a tranquil space to relax.

A boat glides through the mangroves.

This activity is what defines the area and its inhabitants. You will get to see a variety of fish and with some luck, catch a few of them in world-class fishing grounds and just outside of your accommodation. The islands are surrounded by the best game you can imagine. There are different species available to catch in Magdalena Bay, flounders in the winter months, white sea bass in the summer months, as well as groupers and snappers. Come and try your luck and skills in one of the best fishing grounds in the world.

A woman fishes off the side of a boat.

This walk will give us amazing views of the bay and the Pacific Ocean while we trek along an old path used by generations of fishermen. Once at the top, we will be able to catch our breath and descend into a secluded beach full of shells on the Pacific side of the island. The hike is perfect to see the sun set over the Pacific waters, and watch reds and pinks take over the blue sky as the sun sets behind the ocean.

People walk down the hills at sunset.


Full-Day Activities

Enjoy a unique, intimate, and out-of-this-world experience. This bay is one of the few places on earth where the whales feel safe to approach boats, and where they often interact with humans. We will boat our way to the entrance of the bay where we will watch gray whales, Eschrichtius robustus, during their mating rituals. Mag Bay is an important place for the reproduction of this beautiful animal and an important feeding ground. This will be a full day of action, sightseeing whales, and whatever the ocean surprises us with!

Whales and a calf swim in the ocean.

Think of this activity as a safari, we are always surprised by the unexpected! It could be two bottlenose dolphins that want to play with the boat or a thousand spinner dolphins moving along with their whole family, orcas swimming the waters in the look for food or fun, or gigantic whale sharks heading to the offshore reefs.Dolphins jump out of the water.

Over the years, shark fishing in Magdalena has been a common practice of local fishermen. But slowly, fishing has been swapped for swimming. The goal is to create sustainable tourism by providing incredible interactions between sharks and humans. At the same time, we want to develop awareness in people with the hopes that these species and their ecosystem will be protected. Come and discover blues, silkys, hammerheads, and makos.

Sharks and fish swim along seabed.

Surf the Baja waves at a secret and isolated spot at Magdalena Island. To get to the point, we have to reach the Pacific side of the island by car and then take a boat to access the spot by sea. There is no road access to this spot so don’t expect big crowds. In between sessions, you can jump in the shaded boat to have a break, hydrate, and grab a bite to eat. After a long day in the water, you will come back to the house where you can enjoy a hot shower and the view of the bay from the deck of the house while drinking a cold beer or a warm cup of tea.

A surfer rides a wave.

Magdalena Bay is full of magic, part of this is because of its location, and part of it is because of its inhabitants, call them fish, whales, dolphins, or fishermen. This secluded part of the ocean has been a destination to go spearfishing or sport fishing for many generations, but geographically it is not easily accessible which has kept the area pristine and full of fish. The coastal and offshore waters of Magdalena are full of famous fishing spots like Tetis Bank, Petrel Bank, Pistol Bank, Taner Bank you name them, they are all world-class. Join us on a full day of fishing and get to know the waters of Isla Magdalena.

People look out boat with rods.

Swimming among marlins is not a secret anymore, but it’s still a one-of-a-kind experience. Watching the animals hunting hundreds of thousands of sardines along with sea lions, seagulls, pelicans, and frigate birds is like witnessing a perfect symphony of life just under the surface of the sea. Marlins and sea lions coordinate to push the giant bait balls of sardines to the surface and hunt them one by one while seabirds participate in the feast from above. We will have the opportunity to enjoy this spectacular marine show up close as we swim alongside the shoals (while sticking to strict protection protocols).

Marlins circle sardines.

The dunes and mangroves of Bahia Magdalena are some of the true hidden treasures of the natural world. As we pass through the roots and trunks, the mangroves, which have a direct entrance onto the bay, will open up right in front of our eyes to create a wonder of life. Minutes after we set sail into its channels, the boat will take us to where the forest meets the dunes that stretch over the horizon, leaving us to find ourselves with nothing but the sounds of nature and water. We will enjoy a full day in this marvelous place where we can stand up paddle or kayak in the mangroves and also, with some luck, get to see some coyotes lurking around the area.

A couple paddle board by mangroves.

 

Scuba diving at Magdalena Island is one of the most gratifying experiences in the world. Whether it’s diving around a sunken Spanish ship or an old submarine from the First World War or at Tetis, a volcanic zone with great pelagic life around, you will have a blast. Octopuses, lobsters, turtles, sea lions, big pelagics such as mola mola, sharks, marlins, and more will be joining your dive and you will get to know every inch of the island, even underwater. Discover what’s underneath this magical place and do it with a certified and experienced guide that will show you everything you need to know.

A diver inspects a sunken ship.

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