Baja Whale Expedition Packing List

Getting your Baja California packing list right for our Whale Expedition is the key to a comfortable ocean adventure. While there are many things you can buy in Baja, let’s just say that the places we will visit are not the most geared up with travel supplies. This means that coming prepared is extra important, even more so than your usual holiday

5 Essential Items to Bring to Baja

Before we dive into the full list of everything you’ll need for our trip to Baja, here are my top 5 packing essentials:

Power Bank: You’ll want fully-charged devices!
UV-protected sunglasses and head strap: Polarized lenses are highly recommended, as they reduce surface glare and allow you to see more clearly into the water. Most standard sunglasses aren’t polarized, so investing in a good pair can really enhance your wildlife viewing experience.
Lightweight rain jacket or windbreaker: These items are essential should we experience inclement weather, and it is very important that they are completely waterproof, not just water resistant. The jacket should have a hood. The Pacific breeze can bring surprise rain or cool wind; a waterproof layer keeps you dry and comfortable on the boats. I can recommend the Arcteryx Beta SL – men’s, women’s.
Waterproof dry bag: To protect your camera gear and personal items during boat excursions.
Travel Insurance: While it might not be a requirement to enter Baja California, travel insurance is mandatory to adventure with Elsewheria.

Clothing

Winter temperatures in Loreto and in Baja California Sur can fluctuate significantly. Mornings may start off chilly or cold, but as the sun rises, it can become quite warm during peak whale watching hours. Being prepared for these changes is crucial for your comfort and enjoyment.

Lightweight neck gaiter/buff: Provides sun, wind and/or dust protection. This is especially helpful during windy boat rides
Lightweight rain jacket or windbreaker: These items are essential should we experience inclement weather, and it is very important that they are completely waterproof, not just water resistant. The jacket should have a hood. The Pacific breeze can bring surprise rain or cool wind; a waterproof layer keeps you dry and comfortable on the boats. I can recommend the Arcteryx Beta SL – men’s, women’s.
Windproof fleece: Ideal for layering, mornings on the water can be surprisingly cold, especially when moving at speed.
Light down jacket: Essential for early mornings or evenings around camp.
2 pairs of thermal undergarments (pants and shirt): To wear while sleeping and to layer under your clothing and rain gear, should we experience cooler temperatures.
Loungewear for around camp

Other Essentials:

Warm hat and gloves: Helpful in the mornings, should we experience cooler temperatures. The wind chill on panga rides and at exposed campsites can make a big difference. These keep your extremities warm and cozy 🙂
Neoprene socks: To keep your feet warm during boat excursions. These are a game-changer on cool, splashy rides, perfect for long hours on the water where wet feet can get cold fast.
Wide-brimmed sun hat or cap with neck protection: The sun in Baja is intense; shade for your face and neck is crucial when you’re out on the water or walking along the coast.

Snorkel Gear:

One of the highlights of the trip is the possibility of swimming with the playful sea lion colony in Bahía de los Ángeles. This is the only wildlife experience on the itinerary that includes potential in-water interaction, all other wildlife will be observed from the boat. This interaction is not guaranteed as it is entirely condition dependent.

That said, getting in the water is totally optional and not necessary to enjoy the experience. But if you’re up for it, you’ll need to bring your own gear.

The water in Bahía typically ranges from 64–66°F (17–19°C), which can feel very chilly without protection. You can absolutely do a quick dip without gear if you’re brave, but if you’d like to stay in longer and actually enjoy the moment (especially with the sea lions zooming around), we recommend bringing the following:

Mask & Snorkel: For clear vision and easy breathing at the surface.
Fins: These help you swim efficiently and keep up with the sea lions. They’ll also conserve your energy in cooler water and allow you to move gracefully without disturbing marine life.
Wetsuit (3mm–5mm): A 3mm suit may be enough if you don’t get cold easily and only plan to hop in briefly. If you’re sensitive to the cold or want to stay in longer, a 5mm will provide better insulation. Choose based on your tolerance, but some form of thermal protection is highly recommended.

Shoes

Having the right footwear on our Baja adventure is important. You will need to walk in the water when getting into the whale-watching boats, so having the correct footwear for this is important.

Comfortable walking or trail shoes: a pair of comfortable shoes with traction
Water-resistant sport sandals, closed-toed aqua shoes or rubber boots: these will be very helpful for wet landings. Teva’s are a good option- men’s, women’s.

For anyone highly concerned about being cold, we recommend wearing your sport sandals or closed-toed aqua shoes on the boat and also bringing tennis shoes and socks in your day pack to change on the panga.

Hiking boots will not be necessary during the adventure.

Bags

Aside from your main pack, you may also want to consider a few other bags, too!

Main Backpack or suitcase. We can also personally recommend the Osprey Aether 65 (the female version is the Ariel)
Day Bag: a smaller bag to take with you on our daily excursions will come in handy.
Waterproof dry bag: To protect your camera gear and personal items during boat excursions.
Hanging toiletry bag: This is a serious game changer!
Bum bag: Never a bad idea. Easy to carry and access essentials.

Essential Travel Accessories

A few personal items that we highly recommend you bring to Baja:

UV-protected sunglasses and a head strap: Good polarized lenses are highly recommended, as they reduce surface glare and allow you to see more clearly into the water (a big plus when spotting marine animals!)
Earplugs: Unless you’re one of those bloody lucky people who can fall asleep anywhere, these are always a good addition to your packing list.
Eye mask: A good eye mask absolutely changed my life (dramatic but true)
Universal travel adaptor
Kindle: they are lightweight to carry, and you won’t find more beautiful places to read!
Reusable Water Bottle: Saving the planet one less plastic water bottle at a time!
Playing cards and games: always worth having!
A journal: to record some of your thoughts and observations.

Toiletries

These are pretty self-explanatory, and everyone’s toiletries will be different, but here are a few key things to bring in your toiletry bag:

Toothbrush/toothpaste
Bodywash/shampoo
Deodorant
Biodegradable sunscreen: Baja’s sun is strong year-round, even on overcast days.
Lip balm with SPF
Pads/tampons
Whatever else you’ll need!

Medication

The vast majority of meds can be purchased over the counter in Baja, but we still recommend coming prepared with anything you know you’ll want to have handy.

Sea sickness meds (if needed): Boat rides can be choppy, especially in the open Pacific. It’s better to be prepared if you’re unsure how your body handles motion.
Prescription medicines
Paracetamol, Advil and/or Aspirin
Antibacterial gel for cuts, scrapes, etc.
Antihistamines
Band Aids

You can pick up a compact first aid kit with a few essentials and add your own.

Electronics

These are by no means essential, but they might be handy to bring along with you.

Headphones: For travel journeys or downtime
Camera or GoPro (if you own one)
GPS Luggage Tags: Airlines always seem to lose our bags. Get one up on them by tracking your own luggage.

Personal Documents

You don’t want to forget these. We recommend making copies of everything, including your travel insurance coverage docs:

Passport copies: Just in case!
Passport
Visa (if you require one)
Travel Insurance