Guest Account by Julia & Adriel

Hi there! We’re Julia and Adriel. This summer, we had the opportunity to experience a mind-blowing scuba diving adventure with our family in Baja California, Mexico. We got to explore the warm waters of the Sea of Cortez, saw amazing wildlife, had perfect diving conditions, and even earned our Open Water diving license!

Sails Up: Charting a Course for Adventure

Our journey started with boarding Mango Wind, a super cool catamaran that would be our home for the week. Straight away the crew made us feel welcome, comfortable, and excited for the adventure ahead. It felt like the perfect base for sailing the Sea of Cortez and learning to dive along the way.

The team was awesome, let’s start with the chef, Johana, who prepared the most delicious meals and kept us well-fuelled for the dives. Some of the most memorable dishes were her famous chocolate clams and an incredible surf and turf BBQ. What a treat!

Then there was our skipper, Juan, a skilled captain who navigated us through the waves and told us all about the wonderful sites we were visiting. Our dive instructor, also named Juan, helped us get ready to dive with patience and support. Plus, he shared loads of fascinating facts about the fish we’d encounter.

Last but not least, there was Willy, who drove the panga (a small, open boat they use to get to and from the dive sites). He shuttled us to the best sites and showed us some breathtaking beaches. Every ride felt like an adventure of its own!

Diving into the Sea of Cortez

When we were diving, the conditions were dream-like—clear skies, warm water (around 30°C / 86°F), and visibility for days. During our trip we explored dive sites around the islands of Espíritu Santo and Las Ánimas. Known for their rich biodiversity and mesmerising blue water.

On our first dive, we came face to face with playful sea lions, one got a little too curious and tried to nibble our fins! Next, we encountered massive schools of fish, a pod of dolphins, and even spotted a giant sea turtle near a shipwreck. That was definitely a highlight!

We also saw a couple of sting rays, colorful jellyfish, and garden eels poking up from the sand at El Corralito. Every dive had something new to offer and left us feeling more confident and in love with the ocean!

From Newbies to Certified Divers

The coolest part? We got our diving licenses! With the guidance of our instructor, we built up our skills day by day. This meant learning how to dive safely, be a good buddy, and how to protect the ocean environment. Earning our Open Water certifications felt like a huge accomplishment, and we had a lot of fun doing it.

Making Memories Sailing the Sea of Cortez

When we weren’t diving, the adventure kept going. We got to see so much of Baja, California’s wildlife and unique landscapes whilst sailing, snorkelling and paddleboarding. The combination of fun activities and family time made this one of the best vacations we’ve ever had.

At the end of the week, we sailed back to shore and realized just how special this experience had been. We explored a new world, learned something meaningful together, and made memories we’ll never forget.

If you’re dreaming of a sailing and diving adventure that mixes fun, connection, and unforgettable wildlife, put Mango Wind and Baja California on your radar. Sailing the Sea of Cortez will make you fall in love with the ocean, just like we did.

Julia and Adriel’s story is just one example of the memorable experiences waiting for you aboard Mango Wind. Whether it’s your first sailing trip or you’re a seasoned explorer, sailing the Sea of Cortez is a wonderful way to discover the stunning islands and waters of Baja California Sur.

Ready to say ‘yes’ to adventure? Click here to find out more and secure a place on our next trip.

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What an incredible experience. We were able to go out whale watching three times per day, and each time we had encounters with whales!  On our first time out, we had a momma whale pop up right in front of us as we were floating in our panga. It was amazing! Later, we saw multiple whales including calves. I couldn’t believe how friendly and curious these calves were.

The momma’s stayed close, as the calves came right up to the pangas for attention. They swam right up to our pangas and would often reach out of the water toward us, similarly to how a dog reaches its head out for scratches! It was unlike anything I had ever seen. Sometimes both momma and baby were right next to us reaching out of the water, as if they were asking to be pet. 

The local guides said that this is typical behaviour, and as the calves get older the mothers encourage them to be friendly! This was clear by their behaviour, as the mommas would nudge their calf toward us and then sit back and watch. We were lucky to also have very friendly mommas who wanted to interact with us too! One poked her head up, level with our panga, and my brother kissed her on the “nose.” She hung around for a while, bouncing between us and another panga.

We also saw whales breaching in the distance, and one time it looked like a momma teaching her calf how to do it! They alternated, each breaching about 3 times. It was incredible to watch.

The camp itself is also excellent. The camps are set up as little villages, and we didn’t have to walk too far to get to the common spaces. There is a dining tent and a bar/entertainment tent, which were fun places to interact and hangout with the other guests. I stayed in the Luxury camp, the tent was great and nothing beats waking up to that view! The food was amazing. Everyone from the chef, the hosts, the guides, to the cleaning staff, and everyone in between, truly made this trip so special. All of the staff and crew were so lovely and welcoming. 

I cannot wait to go back and see the whales!!! Truly the best experience my life. 

– Emily 

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One morning, we spotted a mother lifting her calf gently, helping it reach the surface. The calf’s breathing was still unsteady, its small body learning the rhythm of life above water. It will need to gain strength quickly—soon, it will embark on one of the longest migrations of any mammal on Earth.

In that quiet moment, watching the calf rest against its mother, we are reminded of the fragility of new life. And of why this place, this sanctuary, must remain protected for generations to come.

– Scarlett M, Naturalist/Guide

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– Kathleen K

“We had an awesome experience… we got to see a lot of whales and very close interactions – first time to ever touch a whale! All of the staff were great! Everyone was very friendly and knowledgeable. Would recommend this trip to anyone! It was a once in a lifetime experience.”

– Vasant R

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The whales are comfortable and friendly with the pangas. The weather has been superb, nice and warm during the day! 
Hands down a perfect time to do this trip!! Don’t hesitate, the end of March is the perfect time!”

– Julia M

“Our tour guides were very informational and seemed very educated and passionate about the whales, and helped add to the excitement while on the water. The dinner and bar really helped our group of 11 feel like a community. You do need to be patient when on the water, seeing whales is almost guaranteed, but touching and close interactions are special moments not always guaranteed.

We stayed in the luxury tents which are much more comfortable than we were expecting. If you enjoy time on the water and the opportunity to touch and interact with whales in close proximity, then I would strongly recommend the trip.”

– Nick B

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We interacted with many whales, we saw many spy hops. We also saw one whale that breached 5 times! The guests enjoyed the day – the lagoon gave us a sunny day with a calmer sea.

During one sighting of the day, we saw several spy hops and we also saw a whale that we have been seeing for about 3 weeks in the lagoon, its name is Tigresa. She is very easy to identify because it has a very white head and some scratch-like marks on its body. Whenever we see it, it exhibits a behavior of scratching itself on the bottom because the moment it comes out into the water a yellow spot of sand is seen.

– Yilmar, Naturalist/Guide

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Beyond Mexico’s federal regulations, the local community has set its own standards to ensure that whale watching remains sustainable and respectful. No more than 16 local pangas are allowed on the water at any time. Each tour lasts 90 minutes, with mandatory breaks between double sessions to give both whales and guides time to rest. The lagoon follows a strict schedule—boats leave at 8 a.m. and return by 5 p.m., ensuring that whales have the evening and night undisturbed. A local sheriff watches over these rules, a quiet but firm reminder that in San Ignacio, conservation isn’t just a policy—it’s a commitment.

What makes this place even more special is the willingness to pass down this knowledge. New captains and guides are learning the way things are done here, understanding that true whale watching isn’t about chasing encounters but about patience and respect. The lagoon is not just a sanctuary for whales—it’s a school for those who wish to protect them. San Ignacio stands as a shining example that when a community works together to safeguard its natural treasures, there is hope—not just for the whales, but for the future of responsible ecotourism.

– Scarlett, Naturalist/Guide

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– Weixiao Fu

“Today is the first day of the new group and we have already found a momma and calf. She was so calm and let us interact with her. It was a really unique moment, because it was the first time for everyone in this group watching and interacting with gray whales. They were so happy. Can’t wait for more!”

– Minerva, Guide

The post Friendly Gray Whale Mom and Calf Approached Us appeared first on Baja Expeditions.

He remembers a time before regulations when boats would rush toward whales without thinking about the impact. Over the years, he’s learned to recognize the whales’ rhythms—the moments when they are resting, socializing, or simply passing through. With patience and respect, he positions the boat carefully, always giving them space, never forcing an interaction. His approach isn’t about getting close; it’s about understanding when to observe and when to move on.

Chavalo’s wisdom is proof that conservation isn’t just about rules—it’s about respecting the natural flow of the lagoon. The more we listen to those who have spent a lifetime here, the better we can protect this place and the whales that call it home.

– Scarlett, Naturalist/Guide

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