Ultimate Baja Family Vacation

Discover a one-of-a-kind family escape where ocean adventures, wildlife encounters, and luxury coastal camping come together in Baja California Sur and Isla Espiritu Santo. Explore the wild beauty of the Sea of Cortez together as you snorkel, kayak, paddleboard, hike, and watch for incredible marine life along the way. With playful sea lions, gentle whale sharks, beautiful beaches, and unforgettable nights under the stars, this is Baja family adventure at its best.

Start - End: San José del Cabo - San José del Cabo

Total trip: 7 days

Average group size: 12 people

Level: 2

from NZD 7,999/pp including taxes and fees

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Explore the stunning coastlines of Baja on a family adventure tour

This unforgettable seaside getaway takes your family deep into the heart of the Gulf of California, where every day brings a new way to explore together. Swim with gentle whale sharks, snorkel vibrant reefs in the Sea of Cortez, paddle crystal-clear waters straight from your beach camp, and even share the ocean with playful sea lions.

The journey begins with a few laid-back activities to ease everyone into the rhythm of island life, before building into a week of active adventure. Whether you’re hiking along dramatic coastal bluffs, spotting whales breaching offshore, or simply soaking up the sun on quiet beaches, Baja’s wild beauty has a way of bringing families together. Evenings wind down in style, with luxurious tents on Isla Espiritu and the soothing sound of waves as your lullaby.

Trip Highlights

Hiking

The cliffs above Punta Lobos

Hike along the cliffs above Punta Lobos and soak up epic ocean views — you might even spot a whale or two out in the surf.

Kayaking

From your beachside camp

Paddle the turquoise waters around Isla Espiritu Santo, weaving through hidden coves and soaking up the sun from your kayak.

Plus…

Swimming with whale sharks

Slip into the blue beside a whale shark, as it glides silently through the waters of the Bay of La Paz — a breathtaking moment with a true giant of the sea.

Plus...

Swimming with sea lions

Swim alongside sea lions at Los Islotes, a vibrant marine sanctuary where these curious creatures turn the ocean into their playground.

Plus…

Snorkeling amongst the Sea of Cortez’s reefs

Snorkel through the lively reefs of the Sea of Cortez, surrounded by schools of tropical fish, playful sea lions, and a rainbow of marine life.

Plus...

Frigatebird rookery in San Gabriel

Explore the mangrove-fringed shores of San Gabriel and its bustling frigatebird rookery, home to these striking seabirds and their unique courtship displays.

Day by day trip

Each day is packed with delicious food, amazing marine life, and stunning sea and landscapes.

Day 1

Welcome to Baja California Sur!

Today your family will arrive at the airport in San Jose del Cabo, where you’ll be met by your guide and transferred to Todos Santos and Los Colibris Casitas, about a 90-minute drive away.

Upon arrival, settle into your rooms and take in the ocean views. This evening, gather for a gourmet taco welcome dinner at Iker’s Colibris Cafe, where your guides will share a preview of the adventures ahead. It’s the perfect start to a week of sun, sea, and family time well spent.

Accommodation: Los Colibris Casitas, Todos Santos
Meals: Dinner

Day 2

Pacific Bluffs Cliff Walk

Start the day slowly with an optional yoga class on the Los Colibris Yoga Sky Deck, then fuel up with breakfast before heading out for today’s coastal adventure.

Your family’s walk begins at Punta Lobos, where local fishermen of Todos Santos launch their boats into the Pacific each morning. From there, the trail climbs to sweeping blufftop views, with dramatic rocky coastline, crashing surf, and, during parts of the year, the chance to spot whales offshore. Along the way, you’ll pass desert plants, a sea lion colony, and the old ruins of the historic port of Los Algodones.

A picnic lunch awaits at beautiful San Pedro Beach, with time to relax before returning to your casitas. It’s a wonderful day of fresh air, big views, and Baja’s unique desert-meets-the-sea landscape.

Accommodation: Los Colibris Casitas, Todos Santos
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hiking: 5 miles (8 kilometers)

Day 3

Sea of Cortez & Camp Cecil - Kayaking, Snorkeling and Paddleboarding

Today, your family heads to Isla Espiritu Santo and Camp Cecil! After breakfast, we’ll stop by the bodega to get fitted for snorkeling gear and wetsuits, then board a boat for the ride out into the Sea of Cortez.

Camp Cecil is located on Isla Espiritu Santo, in a National Marine Park that’s part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it’s one of the best places in the world to experience marine life up close. The surrounding waters are home to whales, dolphins, whale sharks, sea turtles, manta rays, and countless tropical fish, while the island’s skies and shores are full of birdlife. The island itself is just as spectacular, with towering cliffs, sandy bays, lava rock formations, and a fascinating natural history that makes it an incredible place to explore together.

After settling into camp and enjoying a tasty lunch, your family can spend the afternoon kayaking, snorkeling, or stand-up paddleboarding along the island’s beautiful coastline. There may even be time for a hike with wonderful views. This evening, enjoy happy hour and dinner under the stars before settling into camp for the night.

Accommodation: Camp Cecil, Isla Espiritu Santo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4

Sea Lion Colony and Island Exploration by Kayak or Paddleboard

This morning, your family will head out for one of Baja’s most memorable experiences: swimming with the sea lions at the permanent sea lion colony of Los Islotes. And it’s not just the sea lions that make Los Islotes so special — it also has a fantastic reef with a remarkable array of tropical fish, making it a wonderful place for snorkeling.

On the way back to camp, there may be time to stop and explore or hike some of the island’s beautiful pink rock canyons.

Chef will have a wonderful lunch waiting for you back at camp, and after a siesta, your family can enjoy more island exploration by kayak and paddleboard.

Accommodation: Camp Cecil, Isla Espiritu Santo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5

Isla Espiritu Santo

Spend another beautiful day on Isla Espiritu Santo, with time for your family to explore at your own pace.

Jump into the water again to swim, snorkel, or paddleboard among the marine life below. Or choose to stay on land and watch the tropical birds put on colorful displays while relaxing on the beach.

It’s a wonderful chance to slow down a bit, enjoy camp life, and soak up more of this extraordinary island setting.

Accommodation: Camp Cecil, Isla Espiritu Santo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6

Swimming with Whale Sharks / Mexican Cooking Class

Today you’ll depart Camp Cecil and head for one of the most exciting adventures of the trip: swimming with whale sharks, so named because at up to 59 feet and 15 tons, they are definitely a whale of a shark. These gentle giants are actually the largest fish in the world, and while “shark” may sound dramatic, they’re only interested in plankton.

In the afternoon, your family will return to Todos Santos and Los Colibris Casitas. This evening, local lawyer-turned-chef Iker Algorri — author of Cooking Adventures in Baja California Sur and chef-in-residence at Los Colibris Casitas — will lead a wonderful Mexican cooking class.

The emphasis is on having as much fun as possible, learning to make the perfect margarita, and picking up the skills to create some truly memorable Mexican dishes inspired by Chef Iker’s philosophy: the Magnificence of Simplicity. You may even be introduced to some great Latin music along the way. And fair warning: dancing is often known to follow.

Accommodation: Los Colibris Casitas, Todos Santos
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7

Farewell to Baja

After breakfast, we’ll transfer your family to the airport for flights home.

This trip includes:

6 nights’ accommodation
6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 6 dinners
You’re supported from start to finish by our highly experienced guides and leaders
Industry leading Guest-to-Guide ratio (averaging 6:1)
All activities outlined in the itinerary
Delicious and nutritious snacks to keep you fueled
All necessary equipment (well-maintained and safe) for activities
Transportation in our air-conditioned vans - safe, clean, modern, and comfortable!
Your queries answered by our knowledgeable Customer Care Team - only a call, chat, or email away
You’re “trip ready” with our Customer Care Team’s calls prior to your trip
“My Account” - your own online space with everything required for your adventure

FAQs

From where you will meet your guides, to how much luggage you should bring, to the types of accommodations where we stay. Read through our FAQs for the lowdown on how to prepare for your family adventure in Baja.

Where does the trip start?

On the first day of the trip we'll meet you at Los Cabos International Airport at 2:30pm at Transportation Umbrella Number 10 after you exit the airport. You are welcome to arrive early and book a pre-trip stay at any hotel in San José del Cabo, though you must make your own way to Los Cabos International Airport at the pre-designated time.

Where does the trip end?

Your trip ends with a drop-off at either the Los Cabos International Airport in time for flights below.

What flights would you recommend?

Arrival: We recommend arriving in Los Cabos International Airport by 1pm. Many guests like to arrive a day or two early to accommodate potential flight delays and/or explore the city prior to your trip start.

Departure: Flying out on the last day of the trip, we recommend departing from Los Cabos International Airport after 1pm. Earlier flight times will require a separate transfer booked at your own expense.

What are the accommodations we stay at on this trip?

At Los Colibris Casitas for the first 2 nights, and the last night, each of the casas have magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean, surrounded by a palm grove oasis to the front and the Sierra de la Laguna mountains to the side and back. Amenities include a pool for lounging in shallow water, and a deep end with infinity edge to soak as you look out to the horizon uninterrupted, with an adjacent hot tub for soaking in under a starry sky!

For the next 3 nights, Camp Cecil de la Sierra is a tent camp in the beautiful canyonlands of a local ranching family in the Sierra La Laguna Biosphere Reserve of Baja California Sur. The accommodations are beautifully decorated dome tents with real beds, lovely linens, towels for beach and bath, and chairs for sitting outside; set right on the beach. Espiritu Xantus Café is where our on-site chef makes wonderful meals for you every day – and daily happy hour of course - and the camp has two sun showers and two compost toilet cabañas.

What is electricity and power like in Baja?

Baja has a wonderfully wild feel, and part of that comes with a few modern limitations in more remote areas. We recommend keeping your devices charged and bringing a portable power bank with you for this trip, especially for your time on Isla Espiritu Santo. At your Los Colibris Casitas accommodation there is electricty in every room.

On nights 3, 4, and 5 of the Ultimate Baja Adventure, you’ll be glamping right on the beach at Camp Cecil on Isla Espiritu Santo. There is a power strip that allows 5 devices to be charged at a time that's available to all staying at Camp Cecil. Solar-powered lights provide soft evening lighting around camp. Many guests tell us Camp Cecil is a highlight of their trip. With the Sea of Cortez just steps from your tent and a sky scattered with stars overhead, it’s a rare chance to truly unwind.

In towns throughout Baja, power is generally reliable. That said, occasional outages or brief voltage fluctuations can happen, particularly in more remote areas.

Baja uses 127V / 60Hz power with Type A and Type B outlets, the same plug types used in the United States and Canada.

If you have any questions about what to pack or how to prepare, our friendly team is always happy to help you feel ready for the adventure ahead.

Take 10% off the trip price when you book a trip and pay in full

By paying in full, we are able to pass on savings to our guests, but please note that by opting for this payment plan, your booking becomes non-refundable, non-cancellable, and non-changeable. This offer is only valid for reservations where the trip is no sooner than 180 days from the departure date at time of booking.

We highly recommend that you purchase Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) insurance. We recommend Redpoint Insurance – you can find details here.

T+Cs Apply. Read more here.

Why Travel With Us

Just-right group sizes allow you to get off the beaten path

With an average of 12 guests per departure and an industry-leading average 6:1 guest-to-guide ratio, you’ll enjoy a highly personalized experience.

Award-winning guides lead the way

It’s so much easier to relax and enjoy your adventure when you have fun, caring guides who know the land, sweat all the details and whip up incredible meals, too!

You’ll never need to sweat the details

When we say all inclusive, we mean it! Meals and snacks, activities, lodging, transportation, guiding services and more. All you need to do is show up!

Enjoy freedom to push your boundaries – safely

Every aspect of your trip is thoroughly considered for your safety, from highly vetted partners and well-maintained equipment to extensively trained guides.

Decades of expertise mean you’ll experience only the best

Family travel and North American National Parks are our specialty. We’ve perfected our itineraries for decades, ensuring you'll experience your destination to the fullest.