Baja California

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By Jos Dewing

MAY 16, 2024

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Baja destination overview

For me, the coupled words warm-water and expedition cruise were mutually exclusive, that was until I visited Baja. 'Polar', stand-aside, there’s a new destination in town.

Baja (pronounced baa-haa) California is a state in Mexico, and not the United States as many would naturally assume. Its long and angular peninsula extends from southern California near San Diego, down to northern Mexico and the border near Tijuana.

The Baja California peninsula is separated from the Mexican mainland by the Gulf of California, which is also known as the Sea of Cortez. This is a name that has always resonated with me, and has a sense of the onomatopoeic, in that it sounds as exotic, romantic, and beautiful as the place is. As if it was dreamt up for a swash-buckling adventure or other such indulgent fiction.

The Sea of Cortez is narrow, roughly twice the size of the English Channel, and it is home to an extraordinary array of wildlife and marine species, many of which are endemic to the area and contribute to its mega-rich ecosystem.

I had first become interested (fascinated really) in this place through watching nature documentaries on Netflix and the BBC. Gorgeous ocean-based dramas focusing on a beautiful and bountiful water world that was thriving. The home and playground of Humboldt squid, mobula rays, numerous shark species (including the graceful and photogenic whale shark), leatherback sea turtles and the world's largest animal, the blue whale. This was a place that was calling me to visit and that had etched itself into my travel wish list, but at the same time, it challenged me with the dilemma of just what the best way to visit would be, being largely an ocean-based destination.

The fact that many expedition companies need to relocate between Antarctica and the Arctic or Alaska for their respective winter and summer seasons has opened up such beautiful, warm water locations for exploration by authentic expedition ships. These ships must sail from south to north (and back of course) for their signature polar seasons, and both Baja California and the Sea of Cortez are en route.

Perfectly positioned on the southwest Pacific coast, the Baja California Sur is dazzling. You can explore bird-rich mangroves and masterfully sculpted sand dunes, all framed against a gorgeous mountainous backdrop. Visitors will often hike among coastal desert ecosystems and cactus forests, ticking numerous bird species off their lists. Others will snorkel and kayak among vibrant coral reefs, enjoying some of the best snorkeling and diving experiences offered anywhere on Earth.

And, of course, there are the iconic Zodiac cruises along colourful coastlines, bringing birders close to enormous bird colonies and taking expeditions on a true Baja safari. Forget the 'Big Five', you can focus on the 'Big Twenty' in Baja. Will you get to witness the unforgettable spectacle of migrating mobula rays, for example?

The new generation of High Definition (often glorious 4K) marine documentaries showcase how special this place is; the islands and protected areas of the Sea of Cortez are one of Dr. Sylvia Earle's designated 'Hope Spots'. And if you don't know her, she takes a lead in many of these marine documentaries and is a very important and influential person to the region. World-renowned conservationist, marine biologist, and explorer, Dr. Sylvia Earle is the first female chief scientist of the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and Time magazine's first 'Hero of the Planet'. This is a very special place to her and she has even joined expeditions here as a guest. Talking about the significance of climate change and its effect on our oceans.

And did I mention the sunsets? The sunsets over the Sea of Cortez are among the most spectacular you will find anywhere in the world. We hope that you'll join us to see them, and our photography guides will be on hand to assist if you want to capture the moment in a way that does it justice. See you in Baja!