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.

The post Sailing the Sea of Cortez: A Family’s Adventure appeared first on Baja Expeditions.

On April 22nd, more than 193 countries around the world celebrated Earth Day. First introduced in 1970, this day allows us to appreciate Mother Earth while raising awareness of its fragility. Just like a New Year’s resolution, we resolve to improve our lifestyles and plan for a better future planet. But, just like a New Year’s resolution, our goals are often forgotten after a few months. We no longer have that luxury. Whether you’re an avid eco-warrior or starting your journey to a more sustainable lifestyle, read on to discover our two cents on the importance of sustainability, ecotourism in Mexico, and how to make everyday Earth Day.

Our Carbon Footprint and Climate Change

“No Water, No Life, No Blue, No Green” – Dr Sylvia Earle

A carbon footprint is the amount of greenhouses gases generated by our actions. This includes everything from the food we eat, to the clothes we buy and the way we travel. The more greenhouse gases produced, the more heat becomes trapped in the atmosphere and the warmer our planet becomes. It’s a vicious cycle. It’s been estimated that a quarter of all the carbon emissions produced is absorbed by the ocean (although this could be much higher).

Sustainability: It’s All About Small Actions, Big Impact

Our adventures above and below water have shown us just how fragile the environment is. Sustainability is no longer a buzzword, but a real and immediate necessity. There are so many actions that can be taken to adopt a more sustainable lifestyle. In fact, so much so that it can feel somewhat… overwhelming.

The best way to make a real difference is to commit to a lifestyle change, so rather than trying to bite off more than you can chew, we recommend starting small. Be mindful of your household energy use, buy local produce and, if you can, walk or cycle to work.

The Importance of Ecotourism

In an increasingly connected world, travelling has never been easier. Rather than ditching travel altogether, travel less and make your vacation count by travelling responsibly. You’ve probably heard of ecotourism, which combines conservation, communities, and sustainable travel; and is essential for the preservation of natural areas and local communities.

Inspired by environmentally conscious tourism on the Galápagos Islands, conservationist Tim Means set up Baja Expeditions in 1974. It was one of the first major low-impact nature tourism companies in Mexico. We are worried, passionate, and very committed to minimizing climate change through promoting ecotourism in Mexico. Our team includes local and international naturalists, local family members, former fisherman, accomplished guides, field scientists and local students.

Ecotourism: Knowledge is Power

To quote Baba Dioum: “In the end, we will conserve only what we love; we will love only what we understand, and we will understand only what we are taught.”

We support our local environmental education, research and community projects whilst also educating and providing life changing experiences to our guests. Whether it’s a relaxing weekend break or a family vacation, a switch to ecotourism in Mexico, and any vacation you take for that matter, will not only bring you closer to nature but you will be contributing directly to conservation efforts.

Go Off-Grid on a Glamping Expedition

Like peanut butter and jelly, Batman and Robin, thunder and lightning… ecotourism and glamping go hand in hand. Glamping allows travelers to become delightfully off-grid in the most remote, wild landscapes, while having minimal impact on the local environment. We offer a plethora of wilderness glamping expeditions across Baja California, from meeting the world’s friendliest gray whales at San Ignacio Lagoon to becoming gloriously marooned on the white sand dunes of Magdalena Bay. Discover five other reasons you should go glamping in Mexico.

Low Impact Adventures Aboard the Mango Wind

Feel the salty sea breeze on your skin as you set sail aboard our 45-foot catamaran, the Mango Wind. The perfect option for those looking to minimize their carbon footprint, the Mango Wind caters for a plethora of adventures, from freediving to scuba diving, kayaking and paddling… basically, whatever your heart desires.

Espiritu Santo Island Eco Camp

Surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Gulf of California, Isla Espiritu Santo feels delightfully off-grid, despite being only 18 miles north of La Paz. Espiritu Santo is a natural protected area, and as such, there are no permanent residents on the island, and we hold one of the very limited minimum-impact base camp permits.

Using our eco camp as a base, spend days exploring the turquoise waters surrounding the island, be it diving and snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding, hiking, guided swims… the list goes on. Our trips are completely tailored to your tastes and can be as active or relaxed as you like.

Interested in learning more about our eco-adventures? Get in touch to discover more.

Image credit: Daniel Taylor, David Serradell.

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