Baja Mobula Ray Expedition Packing List
Getting your Baja California packing list right is the key to a smooth, comfortable Mobula Ray Expedition. While you can buy basics in Baja, the remote areas we travel through aren’t exactly stocked with outdoor gear or last‑minute essentials. Coming prepared matters more here than on a typical holiday; it means you can focus fully on the ocean, the wildlife, and the experience, rather than what you forgot to pack!
In July, Baja California Sur settles into full summer mode. Days start warm and only get hotter, with strong sun and calm, glassy conditions on the water. You won’t be dealing with cold mornings or big temperature swings. Instead, you can expect consistent heat from sunrise to sunset. Staying comfortable is all about managing the sun and staying cool, so packing light, breathable layers makes a big difference.
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 our top packing essentials:
- Electrolyte packets – we recommend LMNT.
- Your own snorkeling gear – (more info in snorkeling section).
- Rashguard / UV Shirt – Great for sun protection and helps prevent irritation during extended time on the surface.
- Travel insurance – essential.
- Reef‑safe sunscreen – non-nano zinc is recommended, the sun is fierce in Baja this time of year, so come prepared!
Clothing
July in Baja is pure summer. Think hot days, warm mornings, and long hours under strong sun. You won’t need bulky layers, but you will want clothing that keeps you cool, protected, and comfortable on the boat. Think breathable fabrics, UPF coverage, and pieces that dry quickly between swims. The right layers make a huge difference when you’re spending full days on the water.
- Long-sleeved UPF shirts for the boat
- 2-3 pairs of quick-dry shorts
- 2-3 pairs of swimwear
- A rash top for snorkelling
- A light windbreaker for sea spray
- Loungewear for around camp
Other Essentials
- 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.
- 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.
- A torch, we recommend a headtorch by Petzl for walks along the beach at night, if you’re so inclined.
Snorkel Gear
- Wetsuit: Water temperatures sit around 27–29°C (80–84°F), so it’s pretty warm. Most people are comfortable in a shorty or even just a swimsuit, but a light full suit can be nice for longer time in the water.
- Mask & Snorkel: We recommend a low-volume freediving mask for better comfort and ease while diving.
- Fins: Long-blade freediving fins are ideal, but any fins that fit well and feel comfortable will work.
- Weight Belt: Optional and only recommended if you’re experienced using one. If you choose to bring it, you’ll need to bring your own weights as well.
- Rashguard / UV Shirt: Great for sun protection and helps prevent irritation during extended time on the surface.
- Anti‑fog for masks (optional)
Shoes
Having the right footwear on our Baja adventure is important. You will need to walk in the water when getting into the boats, so having the correct footwear for this is important. You’ll want shoes that handle hot sand, rocky beaches, and getting in and out of the panga.
- Comfortable walking or trail shoes: a pair of comfortable shoes with traction
- Flip‑flops or slides for downtime
Note: Sand gets extremely hot in July; sturdy soles are your friend.
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 phone case (or go pro)
- Hanging toiletry bag: This is a serious game changer!
- Bum bag: Never a bad idea. Easy to carry and access essentials.
- Waterproof dry bag: To protect your camera gear and personal items during boat excursions.
Travel Accessories
A few personal items that we highly recommend you bring to Baja:
- Earplugs
- Eye mask
- Universal travel adaptor
- Kindle
- Reusable Water Bottle
- Playing cards and games
- 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
- Aloe vera or after‑sun lotion
- 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.
- Power Bank: You’ll want fully-charged devices!
- 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: While it might not be a requirement to enter Baja California, travel insurance is mandatory to adventure with Elsewheria.