Whale Shark Expedition Pre-Departure Guide

Baja Whale Shark Expedition

Ahoy, friend!

We’re SO excited you’ve decided to join us on our Whale Shark Expedition in the turquoise waters of Bahía de los Ángeles.

Each summer and fall, the largest fish in the sea migrates to this remote corner of Baja to feed in its plankton-rich waters. Swimming alongside these gentle giants is a humbling, unforgettable experience. All encounters follow strict, thoughtful regulations to protect their well-being.

Your days will be spent scanning the horizon for whale sharks, slipping quietly into the water for respectful encounters, and exploring the Sea of Cortez alongside dolphins and sea lions. We’ll also be looking out for fin whales, humpback whales, blue whales, and large pods of common and bottlenose dolphins. Although not common, there is also a rare chance we might encounter orcas, false orcas, and sperm whales.

We stay in a very special eco-lodge, where mornings begin with fresh coffee and sunrise over the bay, and evenings end with beach bonfires, family-style Mexican feasts from our artisanal chef Norma.

This journey is more than a wildlife expedition; it’s an immersion into the rhythms of the sea, the stillness of Baja’s desert coastline, and the wonder of sharing space with ancient ocean giants.

We are so excited to have you part of the crew! 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.

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.

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 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.

We’ve put together a specific guide on Loreto, including transport options, food, where to stay and more!

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.

Where You'll Be Staying

Our home for the expedition is a special one. Sitting right on the shore of the bay, it’s a family-run eco lodge with deep roots in the region – originally established as a sea turtle research and rescue centre. The founders spent decades working to protect the region’s marine life, and that spirit of conservation runs through everything here. It’s rustic, remote, and genuinely wonderful. Think beachfront cabins, incredible sunrise views over the bay, and the kind of stillness that’s hard to find anywhere else.

Each room has a private bathroom, and for couples travelling together, we offer large double-bed rooms. If travelling 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.

The Heart of the Experience: Food & Community

A huge part of what makes this expedition so special is the food and the community dynamic that surrounds it. We are a family business at heart, and that shows up most beautifully around the dinner table. Norma is our founder’s mother and a professional, artisanal chef and her 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 always one of the most loved moments of the trip.

Expect plentiful marine wildlife, evenings around the bonfire, stargazing under desert skies, and slow moments on the beach with a good book.

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.

We recommend checking out Rise & Shine, as they specialise in off-the-beaten path adventures like this.

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 accommodation 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 Telcel (best coverage), AT&T Mexico, and Movistar.

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 October

October is one of the best months to be in Bahía de los Ángeles, with warm days, cooler evenings, and calm seas that make for ideal whale shark encounters.

Daytime temperatures sit around 75-85°F (24-29°C), with evenings cool enough for a light jacket. The ocean is warm and inviting at 75-82°F (24-28°C), perfect for long swims with whale sharks and sea lions. Most guests don’t need a wetsuit, though you can always bring one if you get cold easily.

Rain is minimal, winds are mild, and visibility on the water is often excellent. Perfect for our whale shark interactions 🙂

What to Pack

Don’t worry, team, we’ve got you covered with a FULL packing list for our Whale Shark Expedition. 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 your Guides

Meet Erika: Oceanographer and Marine Biologist

Erika is an oceanographer with a master’s degree in Marine Ecology, devoted to the conservation of sea turtles and the sustainable management of marine natural resources. For over 15 years, she has worked hand in hand with coastal communities, protecting marine ecosystems while supporting the well-being of the people who depend on them.

Her journey has also taken her through a decade in nature tourism, where she had the privilege of guiding people from around the world to experience the ocean not just as a place, but as a living, breathing system we are all part of.

Today, her work is centred on scientific and immersive tourism, creating experiences that inspire awareness, connection, and responsibility. She is passionate about fostering a regenerative approach that honours marine life and recognises its essential role in sustaining our planet and our future.

Meet Norma: Professional Mexican Chef and Creator of Magic

Norma, a professional cook and Audy’s Mexican momma, is the heart of our Baja expeditions and a constant source of good vibes, warm smiles, and truly unforgettable food. From the moment she sets up her kitchen, something special happens – the kind of warmth that makes you feel instantly at home, even in the middle of the Baja desert.

Norma comes from a long tradition of secret home-cooked recipes, built on herbs, spices, and what we can only describe as Mexican magic. She takes her ingredients seriously – having us zipping around to specific bakeries, hunting down the perfect cheese, and tracking down the freshest local produce, because for Norma, every single ingredient matters.

Cooking for a group is, for Norma, an act of love. She feeds people the way a mother feeds family – generously, proudly, and with every bit of herself poured into the pot.

Meet Andy: Our Trusted Mechanic, Driver and Baja Local

Andy, Audy’s dad and a long-term resident of Baja, knows these dusty roads like the back of his oil-streaked hands. He has spent decades living and working in this remote corner of Mexico, and that depth of local knowledge is something no guidebook can replicate. Andy knows how things work out here and, more importantly, how to get things done.

A special kind of genius, Andy is adept at fixing, mending, and improvising solutions to whatever the road throws at us. We rarely have vehicle-related problems on expedition, but knowing Andy is with us means we can head deep into Baja’s wilderness with complete confidence.

Cursed with a goofy laugh that tends to arrive before the punchline, Andy more than makes up for it with his guitar playing, which, if we are lucky, will make an appearance over a fire-lit, star-studded night somewhere deep in Baja.

Terms and Conditions

Please find our full terms and conditions here.

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!