Baja California

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!

Other wildlife
This incredible sea, referred to as the 'world's aquarium' by legendary explorer and conservationist Jacques-Yves Cousteau, is home to an amazing 900 species of fish and sharks, of which 90 are endemic. The Sea of Cortez's rich biodiversity is also evident in the variety of fish species it hosts, including parrotfish, angelfish, damselfish, and many more, which make for excellent snorkeling and diving experiences from your expedition ship.

Birdlife
There are also many species of resident and migratory birds, with some of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed islands hosting much of the global population of the Heermann's gull, blue-footed booby and blackstorm petrels.

Whale watching
The sea is home to an incredible 39% of the world's total species of marine mammals, and 30% of the world's marine cetaceans (whales, dolphins, and porpoises) can be found here.

The Gulf is in fact a breeding ground for multiple whale species, including humpback whales, blue whales (the largest animals on Earth), and gray whales. The area provides unique opportunities for whale watching, especially during the winter months when they migrate to these warmer waters to breed and give birth.

Whale sharks, the gentle giants of the ocean, can often be found in the Sea of Cortez, especially around La Paz Bay. Swimming alongside these massive, yet harmless, filter feeders is a must-do activity for many expedition visitors.

Large pods of dolphins, including the common dolphin and the bottlenose dolphin, can be seen in the cobalt-blue waters of the Sea of Cortez. These intelligent creatures are often a highlight for expedition visitors too.

Footwear:

The operator will provide you with muck boots when required, but these will not always be the best choice of footwear if you are going on a hike or trek or if you are in non-polar regions like Baha, so consider footwear wisely. 

• Trainers/casual shoes to wear onboard. Remember, most ships will have a teak deck, so general flat-sole yacht-style shoes are recommended. Slip-on loafers, canvass deck shoes, wallabees, etc.
• We would also recommend some light hiking boots or hiking trainers if you prefer not to wear muck boots on a landing or hike.
• If your ship is a ‘luxury’ focused product, consider a smart shoe too, although yacht-casual as above is usually acceptable.