Baja Whale Expedition Pre-Departure Guide
- 6 Days, 5 Nights
- Start Point: Loreto, Baja
- End Point: Loreto, Baja
Ahoy, friend!
We are SO excited that you’ve decided to join me on our Baja Whale & Wildlife Expedition.
This is an adventure unlike any other. You’ll be joining a group of like-minded ocean lovers on a trip where you will have the chance to interact with so many magical creatures…
Every winter, the gray whales of the Eastern Pacific undertake one of the most extraordinary migrations on Earth- traveling over 10,000 miles from Arctic waters to the calm and protected lagoons of Baja California. Here, in one of the few places on Earth where these ancient beings come to give birth, a rare opportunity for connection unfolds.
At Elsewheria, we seek out the wild, the raw, and the unforgettable. That is exactly why we’ve chosen Baja California over more touristed spots like Cancun or Puerto Escondido.
We will be spending magical days on and in the water with these incredible animals, in both Guerrero Negro and Bahia de los Angeles.
Each journey into this remote landscape is designed to maximise your chances of witnessing incredible wildlife in its natural habitat. We can’t guarantee sightings, but our carefully crafted itinerary puts you in the right places, at the right time, with the best possible guides.
When not on the water, we’ll see some of Baja’s other hidden gems, share bonfires on the beach, and play endless rounds of cards beneath the star-studded skies. There will be marine talks and some other optional surprises along the way.
This journey is more than a wildlife expedition. It’s an immersion into the rhythms of the sea, the wisdom of migratory cycles, and the quiet stillness that comes from observing life on nature’s terms. This experience invites wonder, reflection, and a deeper connection to the wild.
In this information pack, I’ll be providing ALL of the information that you need before you depart for our epic journey to the oceans of Baja.
Your guide, Audy 🙂
Getting ready to experience Baja
Over the next few months, we will be sending you a few forms and documents to return in order to collect necessary information from you. Please do your best to fill in and return these as soon as you can.
Visa Arrangements - General Info
Many countries do not need a visa to enter Mexico as a tourist for up to 180 days. To see if you require a visa, you can visit the Mexico Immigration website.
Mexico has also recently replaced its old paper Tourist Card (FMM) with a fully digital system called the FMMd for air arrivals. This means travelers no longer fill out any form on the plane or at the airport; instead, an immigration officer simply stamps your passport and records your authorized stay digitally.
Important: The FMM/ Visa regulations are different if you arrive by land; you will need to fill out the FMM before arriving and pay a fee. Please let us know if you are arriving by land border
How to get there
Yep, we’re going remote… that’s the point!
We’re not taking you to Cancun or Puerto Escondido. This isn’t about overpriced beach clubs or pre-packaged tourism. This is a raw, far-flung adventure crafted for travellers who want to go beyond the norm.
Baja California’s Sea of Cortez is known as “the world’s aquarium”, and for good reason! It’s one of the most biodiverse marine environments on the planet. Yet, it remains one of the most underrated, under-touristed, and unspoiled regions in Mexico.
Because of its untouched, wild side, it’s a place where you can swim with thousands of mobula rays, share the ocean with sea lions, and if we’re very lucky, cross paths with orcas.
Sounds pretty amazing, right? Now, we’ve just got to get ourselves there!
Land borders
You can make your way to Baja via the San Ysidro/ Tijuana land border or the Otay Mesa/ Reynosa border. If you are driving a car, you’ll need a temporary vehicle permit.
However, we recommend flying to Loreto, Baja. See below.
Flights to Baja
Arrival Airport: Loreto International Airport (LTO)
Departure Airport: Loreto International Airport (LTO)
There are direct flights here from the USA:
- Los Angeles (LAX) – Alaska Airlines
- Phoenix (PHX) – American Airlines
- Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) – American Airlines
- San Francisco (SFO) – Alaska Airlines
You can expect to pay between $200 and 300 USD for these.
Please start looking into flights now; this will allow you to get an overview of prices, routes, and possible connections. Keep an eye out for promo fares, particularly with low-cost carriers.
We recommend using sites like Skyscanner to help with your search. You can also look directly at the airlines’ websites.
Arriving in baja - When do you need to be there?
We ask all guests to stay in Loreto the night before the trip begins so we can start smoothly the next morning. You’ll need to arrange your own transport and accommodation in Loreto for the day before the trip, be sure to check out our Loreto guide on where to stay.
On Day 1, we’ll pick you up from your hotel in Loreto between 9am and 10am. At the end of the trip, we return to Loreto at around 4pm and can drop you off either at the airport or back at your accommodation in town, depending on your onward plans.
Here are a few of our recommended hotels:
- Budget: Depa del Carmen
- Mid-range: Sukasa Bungalows
- Luxury: Hotel 1697 Loreto
accommodation in Baja
Finding good accommodation in Baja is a challenge, but we are very proud of the accomodation partners we work with in Baja and we think you’ll love where we stay! We will be staying the first three nights in a remote, boutique beachfront eco-casitas with wonderful communal spaces and nights 4 and 5 are spent in a comfortable hotel.
Each room has a private bathroom and for couples travelling together we offer large double bed rooms. If traveling on your own, we’ll pair you with another solo traveller of the same sex, with each of you having your own bed.
If you’d prefer your own room on the trip, you can select this option when you book your trip. If you’ve already booked and would like to upgrade your package, please get in touch but bear in mind that there is a maximum of two single supplement spots available on each trip.
Food in Baja
A huge part of what makes this expedition so special is the food and the family dynamic that surrounds it. We are a family business, Audy and Will, Co-founders and life partners, lead the expedition assisted by Andy, our tireless driver and skilful mechanic, Aud’s father and Norma, our Mexican momma and professional, artisanal chef. Norma’s cooking alone is worth the trip. She does not just cook meals. She creates experiences. Every dish is handmade, soulful, and rooted in authentic Mexican tradition.
Think rich, slow simmered mole. Fresh handmade enchiladas. Bright ceviche made with the catch of the day. Warm tortillas. Seasonal salsas. Local ingredients. Every day is different, and we strive to make every meal feel like being welcomed into a Mexican family home.
Food connects us. It slows us down. It opens conversation. It is one of the most powerful ways to experience culture and we share most of our meals together on this trip in a communal atmosphere.
There is also an optional cooking class with Norma, where guests can step into the kitchen, learn her techniques, and understand the stories behind the recipes. It is often one of the most loved moments of the trip.
Dietary requirements
We take food seriously and inclusively. With the exception of lunch on day one and day six, all meals on the trip are included and prepared by our private Mexican chef (aka the founder’s stepmom!), and we can accommodate a wide range of dietary requirements and preferences. Whether you’re vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, or have allergies, we’ve got you covered. Just let us know in advance and we’ll make sure every meal is both safe and satisfying.
We do however recommend you bring snacks – protein bars / nuts / jerky – if you have specific dietary requirements as our snacks on travel-days are usually store-bought and we can’t always get good vegetarian or vegan snacks in Baja.
This adventure tour requires a lot of energy output each day, and a big part of our job is keeping everybody nourished, happy, and energised.
Staying safe on this trip
You may have guessed, but this adventure tour carries a certain amount of risk since we are heading out on the sea. This is not your average holiday!
Guest Safety is Elsewheria’s #1 priority, and our experienced ground team does everything within their power to set our group up for a safe adventure. The name of the game is security and safety first, and injury prevention. We take it very seriously.
Travel insurance for Baja
You cannot come on this trip unless you buy travel insurance. You will need to prove you have insurance by providing a photocopy of your policy. You also need to sign a waiver (mentioned previously), releasing the guides, Elsewheria, and our partners in Baja of any liability.
Medical Considerations Before Travelling to Mexico
Before heading to any overseas country, you should always check out your government’s health advice. Below, you can find links to various government websites that outline this for travel to Mexico:
Most importantly, consult with a quality health care professional or travel doctors before departure to be sure you’ve got all the correct vaccinations, etc.
Money in Baja
The currency in Baja is the Mexican Peso (MXN). While you can use USD in most places, it’s best to use MXN to get the best bang for your buck.
It’s a predominantly cash country. Although some vendors will accept a card, it is not widely used. Make sure you exchange enough MXN pesos, as although there are some ATMs available, due to the remoteness of our destinations, they are scarce.
We highly recommend using Wise to minimise costs in ATM fees and currency conversion while travelling.
How much should you bring?
To cover tipping, alcohol souvenirs and other extras, we recommend bringing an additional $500.
Please see the note on tipping in the next section of this document. You can always change the MXN back to your preferred currency at the end of the trip, if need be.
Tipping Staff and Guides
The Elsewheria team goes above and beyond for guests before, during, and after the trip to make sure that everyone has the best possible experience imaginable.
We tip our boat captains and accomodation partners on your behalf so you don’t need to worry about that although if any of the local staff goes above and beyond and you really want to tip them, feel free to do so!
For guests who are happy with our service and wish to show some love, we recommend guests tip between $25 and $50 per day. All tips go to directly to Norma and Andy.
SIM Cards and Internet Access in Baja
There are a couple of options for staying connected in Baja. The cheapest option is often to get a local SIM once you’re on the ground. The most popular companies in Baja are Telnor, IZZI, Satellite, Microwave, and G3.
We would highly recommend an eSIM card for Baja (and travel in general!) They might set you back a little more, but they are so convenient. You can be connected as soon as you set foot in the country, without having to scout out the nearest phone shop.
For Baja, I’d recommend Jetpac if you’re down for the ease of an eSIM.
The hotels that we stay at will also offer free Wi-Fi and it’s normally a pretty good connection.
Weather Conditions in Baja in February/March
February and March is one of Baja’s best weather months, AKA low rainfall and pleasant daily temperatures. And most importantly, clear, settled seas!
The average temperature is usually between 60°F (15°C) and 75°F (24°C). It’s not piping hot, and you’ll want to pack a jacket for the evenings.
The ocean sits at a mid-60°F (15-20°C). If you wish to get in the water and swim with sealions, we recommend bringing a wetsuit if you have one!
What to pack
Don’t worry, team, we’ve got you covered with a FULL packing list for Baja. From underwear to suncream, we’ve covered it all.
Note on Laundry: Although you might get the opportunity to do laundry, it is not guaranteed. Please pack assuming you will not have laundry available (unless you call washing your underwear in the sink, laundry – then yes, you can do this!)
About the Guides
This Baja Adventure will be guided by Audy and Will – Elsewheria’s Co-founders <3 Here is a bit more about each of them:
Meet Audy: Co-Founder, Ocean addict and Whale enthusiast
Audy Scala is the Co-founder of Elsewheria, a certified scuba instructor, freediver, and fearless traveler who’s been writing her own map since the age of 17. Her journey has taken her hitchhiking through Latin America, diving with manta rays in Indonesia, working in ocean conservation in Bali, and singing with whales in French Polynesia.
“The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.” – Jacques Cousteau.
For Audy, the sea is home; a sacred mirror, a healer, and a teacher. She feels most alive underwater, and nothing brings her more joy than witnessing others fall in love with the ocean too.
Audy is the lead guide for our Baja adventures and co-leads the Pakistan tour. Deeply connected to Mexico, where her family lives and her heart belongs, she speaks Spanish and is passionate about sharing the richness of its culture and community. Mexico, she says, is where the warmth of the people can melt any fear, bias or misconceptions – Mexico is a truly magical place.
When she’s not guiding trips, you’ll find her journaling from a hammock deep in the jungle, strumming her guitar around a campfire, dancing barefoot at music festivals, or curled up in a coffee shop, lost in a fantasy novel.
Meet Will: Co-founder & Chief Adventure Planner
Co-founder of Elsewheria and globe-trotting adventurer, Will Hatton, has been on the road since the age of nineteen and has travelled to over a hundred countries. A passionate outdoorsman, Will is also a self-professed nerd and enjoys poring over maps and data points to plan the perfect adventure itineraries into truly remote corners of the world. Will strongly believes that travel is the ultimate tool for personal growth and enjoys nothing more than cheering on guests and friends as they hike, bike and explore with him.
The OG Broke Backpacker, Will, has been recording his adventures for nearly twenty years and leading small groups to far-flung lands since 2011. Will first found himself in Pakistan in 2016, and started leading group expeditions in this magical country (one of his all-time favourites!) in 2017.
Will is the lead guide for our Pakistan adventures and the supporting guide for our Baja adventures. Permanently married to the mountains, Will’s other passions include entrepreneurship, playing cards, handstands, swords and writing short stories. When he isn’t on the road, Will is based in beautiful Bali where he is the Co-founder of Tribal Hostel, founder of Ahoy Wellness Villa and dog-dad to three fluffpups.
Paying the Balance, Deposit and Cancellation Terms
Alright, it’s time to talk money and T&Cs, folks. Here are the nitty gritty details about payments and our terms:
Deposit Terms
All deposits are non-refundable. However, if the client cancels more than 90 days before the start of the trip, the full deposit may be applied as credit toward a future Elsewheria trip (one-time transfer only and must be used within 12 months).
If cancellation is made less than 30 days before the start of the trip, the deposit will be forfeited.
In cases where extraordinary, non-recoverable costs (such as flights, permits, or visas) are involved, these costs are never refundable by us, regardless of notice.
Final Payment Policy
Final payment is due at least 90 days before the trip start date, unless otherwise stated.
Bookings made within 90 days of departure require full payment at the time of booking.
Cancellation After Full Payment
- 90+ days before the trip: Full refund minus the non-refundable deposit.
- 51-90 days before the trip: 50 percent refund of total payment (excluding the deposit).
- 31-50 days before the trip: 75 percent refund of total payment (excluding the deposit).
- Less than 30 days or fewer before the trip: No refund. We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance that covers cancellations, delays, and medical emergencies.
All refunds will be processed back to the original card or payment method used at the time of booking. Once a refund has been accepted by the bank or payment provider, Elsewheria has no further control over the release of funds.
If you are unable to attend this adventure, please inform us as soon as possible.
Organiser-Initiated Cancellation
Elsewheria reserves the right to cancel a trip if the minimum required number of participants stated in the provided itinerary is not met. In this case, all payments will be fully refunded, including the deposit. Notification will be provided at least 90 days before the start of the trip.
Early Trip Departure Protocol
In the event that a trip participant needs to leave the planned trip itinerary early due to illness, injury, family emergency, personal reasons, or simply because they want to, etc, then there are a few things to note:
Should a trip participant choose to leave the planned itinerary early for any reason, from the moment they leave the tour, all expenses from that point onwards are the responsibility of the trip participant.
This includes, but is not limited to, hotels/accommodation, transportation, emergency helicopter evacuation, internal flights (even if we have purchased you a flight for the trip you are attending), meals, airport transfer, guide services – everything that is normally covered by Elsewheria during your tour is no longer covered once a trip participant decides to leave.
Once the decision has been made to leave the tour, the trip participant must sign an “Early Departure Waiver Form” – formerly releasing Elsewheria of any further obligations to fulfil our tour/guide/transport/logistics services.
That said, in an emergency situation or in case of severe illness, Elsewheria staff will do everything within our means to aid the trip participant until they are in a safe/stable condition. When possible, Elsewheria staff can also help you book new accommodation, flights, transport, etc, but all of these expenses are for the trip participant to pay.
Point being, our staff will always be available to the best of our ability to facilitate the logistics of your departure, should you choose to leave the trip early.
Liability Waiver
All tour participants will be required to sign an industry-standard waiver releasing Elsewheria from liability related to any aspect of this trip.
Waivers are either emailed directly after booking is placed to eSign. Or, they will be issued on day 1 of the tour at our first team briefing.
If you would like to request a copy of the waiver in advance, please email.
Any questions?
Please check out our FAQs on the tour itinerary page, or email us at hello@elsewheria.com. Again, we are very excited to get to meet you in person in Baja soon!