Snorkeling, Swimming, Hiking, Wildlife, & More
Whales
Sea Lions
Beach Walk
Sand Dunes
Mangroves
Hike
Whale Encounter — January 15th to March 15th
- Duration: 4.5 hours
- Age restriction: Suitable for all ages
- Good to know:
- If it is a windy day (over 15 mph) the activity has to be rescheduled or substituted for another activity.
- There is no fitness or skill requirement for this activity.
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 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 where these beautiful animals choose to reproduce and feed.
Snorkel With Sea Lions — September to May
- Duration: 4.5 hours
- Age restriction: 10+ years
- What to bring: Wetsuit (available to rent)
- Good to know:
- A basic fitness and experience level is required.
- If it is a windy day (over 15 mph) or the waves are big the activity has to be rescheduled or substituted for another activity.
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 our southern waters, expect interaction with these curious creatures who love to play. We will see beautiful sights such as sargassum fields surrounded by sea lions and fish. Snorkeling takes place close to shore on the outside of the bay, we will take a boat ride that will lead us to the side of the island where the sandy beaches and long stretches of mangroves are substituted for rocky shorelines and tall cliffs, creating dramatic scenery.
Santa María Beach Walk — Year-round
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Age restriction: 4+ years
- What to bring: Comfortable shoes
- Good to know:
- Walking distance will be decided upon according to your fitness and experience.
- It is a great activity for both experienced hikers and beginners.
- This activity can be done in any wind condition and at any tide.
Get a feeling for this enchanting island as we stroll along the black sandy beaches and white sand dunes of Santa María 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.
Sand Dunes Walk — Year-round
- Duration: 3.5 hours
- Age restriction: 4+ years
- What to bring: Comfortable walking shoes
- Good to know:
- If the tides are too low, the activity will have to be rescheduled or substituted for another activity.
- It is a great activity for both experienced hikers and beginners.
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 with the goal of crossing the island from the bay to the Pacific — it’s an easy activity as you decide how far you want to walk.
Mangroves — Year-round
- Duration: 4.5 hours
- Age restriction: Suitable for all ages
- Good to know:
- No fitness or skill level required.
- The entrance to the mangroves is tide dependent, in case the access is too dry the activity will have to be rescheduled or substituted for another activity.
Mag Bay has one of the most pristine and extensive mangrove systems in the world and is the largest wetland in Baja California. Enjoy its beauty and peace while sailing along its channels. It’s 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 which create a peaceful atmosphere.
Magdalena Hills Hike — Year-round
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Age restriction: 12+ years
- What to bring: Comfortable walking shoes
- Good to know:
- Trail and length will be decided upon according to your fitness and experience.
- It is a great activity for both experienced hikers and beginners.
- It can be a demanding walk so basic fitness is required.
This walk will give us amazing views over 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.
