Are you ready to embark on a once in a lifetime adventure to Baja, Mexico? This beautiful destination is highlighted by the Las Animas Ecolodge, a self-sustaining, solar-powered retreat consisting of eight well-appointed beachside yurts, but it has another attraction—Baja is one of four places in the world where Whale Sharks annually congregate to feed on algae, plankton, and krill. Experience the thrill of swimming alongside these gentle giants in the warm waters of the Sea of Cortez! Explore isolated islands and coves as you snorkel in search for Baja’s native species, including fin and blue whales, dolphins, sea turtles, and manta rays. Take advantage of some world-class sea kayaking or simply relax in a hammock on the beach.
While it may be true that few mainstream adventurous travelers have heard about Las Animas Ecolodge, an hour’s boat ride south of Bahia de Los Angeles along the Sea of Cortez, all who do come for a visit just can’t seem to stop talking about it. Comfortably accommodating on average only a dozen visitors per week, guests sleep in well-appointed beachside yurts with the sound of the gentle surf lapping a private beach just yards from the door. From August into November, the main attraction is snorkeling with the Whale Sharks that congregate annually to feed on algae, plankton, and krill. Swimming alongside these 40-foot docile creatures as they slowly feed can be a life-changing experience.
Snorkel alongside enormous whale sharks, staring in awe at these gentle giants of the sea from up close
Cruise isolated islands and coves looking for fin and blue whales, dolphins, sea turtles, manta rays, and of course, whale sharks
Relax in an oceanfront hammock, falling asleep to the sound of gentle waves in the late afternoon
Embark on an adventure to the secluded, private side of Baja most visitors never get to see
Kayak crystal clear waters and never-ending coves as you search for playful dolphins and sea lions
Glamp in style in one of eight romantic, beach-side yurts equipped with comforts that will make you feel right at home
A few more reasons why you've gotta go:
01
Whale sharks are the world’s largest fish! These harmless plankton eaters tend to feed close to the sea water’s surface and are known to reach lengths of up to 60 feet!
02
Sea Variety: The Sea of Cortez is home to 900 varieties of fish and 2,000 species of marine invertebrates, making it the richest body of water on the planet.
03
Dubbed the “Galapagos of Mexico” by writer John Steinbeck, this section of the Sea of Cortez offers the highest concentration of whales and rare seabirds in Baja.
Early morning meet up at Brown Field Municipal Airport in San Diego. We fly from San Diego by private air carriage to San Felipe to clear Mexico customs. Then we continue our flight taking in jaw-dropping aerial views of the Sea of Cortez and the magical Midriff Island Region. Eventually we land at Bahia de Los Angeles (LA Bay) where we transfer to our boats. Scenic boat ride past desert islands and magical bays to Las Animas Wilderness Ecolodge, arriving in the early afternoon. We have time to explore our home and its surroundings by boat, snorkel and swimming, of course keeping an eye out for the gentle Baja Whale Sharks we’ve come to see! Enjoy dinner at the lodge and settle into your comfortable, private beachside yurt.
About Las Animas Wilderness Ecolodge
The Las Animas Ecolodge is a self-sustaining, solar-powered retreat consisting of eight well-appointed beachside yurts. It’s is a year-round, mosquito-free (and Zika-free) destination ideally suited for anyone seeking total immersion in nature and a desert-to-sea environment.
Comfortably accommodating on the average only a dozen visitors per week, guests sleep in well-appointed beachside yurts with the sound of the gentle surf lapping a private beach just yards from the door. Here nature takes full stage and it isn’t uncommon to see rays, sea lions and dolphins cavorting just off-shore, or a sea turtle scurrying back to the water after depositing a nest full of eggs.
Today, our morning will be spent in search of the rare, elusive whale shark. With the help of radio reports from local fishermen, we’ll likely come across anywhere between 3 to 8 whale sharks! Although Mother Nature can’t guarantee sightings every outing, her track record has been very high! When we find these gentle giants, we’ll swim and snorkel alongside them, marveling at their overwhelming size and beauty! Head back to the lodge for a fresh, delicious lunch. This afternoon gives us plenty of opportunities for more fun in the sun. You may choose to snorkel with the nearby sea lions or take advantage of world-class sea kayaking, incredible hiking, fishing, birding, offshore island exploration by boat, or sailing. You might also opt to just relax in a hammock, beer in hand, while taking in the peace and serenity of this truly untouched wilderness area. Fill your evening with fantastic food, a campfire at the beach, star-filled skies, tranquility and solitude.
The beauty of staying in one place is the depth of exploration it offers. This morning, we will head out again in search of whale sharks. If we are granted a sighting, we’ll slide into the water and join them for their gentle swim. A freshly prepared lunch awaits at our lodge. Try something new this afternoon, be it sea kayaking, hiking, birding, fishing, sailing, or exploring offshore by boat. The option is always available to simply relax, too. Hammocks provided. After a busy day, enjoy a delicious meal and conversation by the oceanside campfire.
Whether we saw a plethora or just a few whale sharks yesterday, we believe it wasn’t enough! As such, we’ll head out again this morning with keen eyes for our gentle friends. Should our luck allow, we’ll snorkel and swim, enjoying the thrill of proximity to such magnificent creatures. Fuel up with a hearty lunch and choose your afternoon adventure: snorkeling with nearby sea lions, kayaking, a vigorous stroll, or the pursuit of the most peaceful nap you’ve ever had. Enjoy another fantastic dinner and fill your evening as you wish.
Once again, we rely on the generous help of our fishermen friends to find more whale sharks. We just can’t get enough of these gentle giants! Use your honed snorkeling skills to make the most of this, our last day to swim with whale sharks. By now, our mouths should be watering for the scrumptious meal to come, so head back to the lodge and enjoy. What sun-filled activity have you not done yet? This is your afternoon to get it in, be it hiking, offshore exploration, fishing, sailing, birding, world-class sea kayaking, or more snorkeling with our sea lion friends. Enjoy one last dinner at the lodge and reminisce about your unforgettable adventure with your new friends by the campfire. Don’t forget to soak in those star-filled skies and the tranquility of waves lapping the shore as you drift to sleep one last time in your beach-side yurt.
After a scrumptious breakfast and some free time this morning, we reluctantly say our goodbyes to Las Animas Ecolodge and board our boat to head back to LA Bay. Along the way, we’ll enjoy a packed lunch and hopefully view more whale sharks, dolphins, sea lions, and other whales on our return trip. The afternoon brings an incredible, scenic flight along the shores of the Sea of Cortez on our way to San Felipe for a brief landing and then onward to San Diego. Upon landing in San Diego, clear customs and give your hugs goodbye to your fellow travelers.
Meals Included
B, L
Overnight
No overnight
Departure Dates
Departing weekly mid-August through mid-November; Please inquire with an Adventure Consultant for availability.
Depart on Your Own Schedule / Custom Trip
Contact us for custom itineraries and departure dates
Please plan to arrive to San Diego, California at least one day prior to your departure. Day 1 begins with a 7:00 AM meet-up at San Diego’s Brown Field Municipal Airport where you’ll meet your pilot as well as the rest of the group, and then take off for paradise. Your trip ends with your flight back to San Diego on Day 6, arriving around 4:00 PM. Please book flights out of San Diego for no earlier than 7:00 PM, or choose to stay one more night in this oceanside host city.
Activities
* Daily itinerary is kept purposefully flexible to maximize wildlife sightings and natural encounters.
Hiking: Difficulty varies depending on group, no experience necessary.
Kayaking: Protected coves and inlets, no experience necessary.
Boating: Offshore island exploration by boat and sailing; small skiffs provide easy access to tucked-away inlets and shorelines.
Paddle boarding: Stand up paddling, no experience necessary.
Snorkeling: No experience necessary.
Wildlife Viewing: No experience necessary but come prepared to look and listen.
Austin Adventures guides are experienced facilitators and regional experts. They will take the time to explain the details of each activity, answer any questions, and demonstrate the use of all equipment. Each activity has been carefully planned to include options for all levels. Most importantly, your guides will help you select the distance that’s right for you.
Cultural Discoveries
Whale sharks are the world’s largest fish! These harmless plankton eaters tend to feed close to the sea water’s surface and are known to reach lengths of up to 60 feet! There are only four places on the planet Whale Sharks make predictable appearances at certain times of year. The Midriff Island region of the Sea of Cortez in Baja California, Mexico is one of these four spots and closest to the United States. Your days on this adventure will be filled with snorkeling with Whale Sharks, cruising isolated islands and coves looking for the up to ten species of whales that frequent these waters – including fin and blue whales, dolphins, sea turtles, and manta rays. The daily whale shark tour schedules are known to vary depending on what it is the whale sharks are doing and when they wish to swim with us. Average summertime water clarity ranges from 35′ – 60′ or deeper while water temperatures hover between 78°F – 80°F. The region enjoys a cooler micro-climate with daytime temps up to 90 – 98°F and evenings a pleasant 76° – 78°F.
Meals
The hallmark of an Austin Adventures vacation is our exceptional dining. All meals: breakfasts, lunches, snacks, dinners, refreshments and receptions are included as indicated by itinerary. (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner). Alcoholic beverages are also included in the trip price.
Pre-departure Information
After receiving your reservation and deposit, we’ll send you a pre-trip planner with general information about the area you’ll be visiting, a packing list, exercise guidelines, a guest information questionnaire and a liability release agreement for you to sign and return within 10 days.
What's Included
Included in the Trip Price
Private beachside “glamping” yurts
All breakfasts, lunches, and dinners while on the trip
All beverages, including alcohol
Daily guided excursions with professional guides
Roundtrip charter flight from San Diego
All land and boat transfers in Baja
Free use of all sporting gear
Austin Adventures T-shirt, luggage tags and luggage service
Pre-departure and packing information
Not Included in the Trip Price
Gratuities to pilot, boat captains and lodge staff
13% tax and 3% marine fees.
Pre-and post-trip accommodations and associated expenses
Air and land transportation to/from host cities
All types of personal insurance
Personal expenses
View the "Wow Factor" Included in Each Austin Adventure
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
1Easy (1)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
2Moderately Easy (2)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
3Moderate (3)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
4Moderate to Challenging (4)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
5Challenging (5)
Baja Expert
Carol Austin
Want to know how to fully experience the depth of beauty and culture in a place? Ask Carol Austin. A Montana native who treasures the land and people in her own backyard—be it Yellowstone, the Beartooths, or the family around her dinner table—Carol knows how to embrace any destination she explores, a feat at 40+ countries and counting. And with more than 20 years in the travel industry, she’s really good at helping guests plan—and fully enjoy—their adventure vacation, too. She co-founded Austin Adventures with her husband, Dan Austin.
