The things to see & do in Baja are so numerous that it can be overwhelming to a first-time visitor. Baja offers an amazing variety of watersports, and is considered one of the prime locations in the world for sportfishing, scuba diving/snorkeling, surfing and windsurfing. Land-based activities are equally diverse and, for many, equally exciting.
Fishermen come from all over the world to fish the productive waters off of Cabo San Lucas, La Paz and the East Cape area of Baja. Ask anyone who knows, even a little bit, about fishing where the world’s most productive waters are and the answer should always be Southern Baja. Farther up the peninsula, the waters around La Paz, Loreto and Mulegé are constantly productive. Even farther north, in the Sea of Cortez, Bahía de Los Angeles and the many islands, bays, and coves are places that fisherman dream of. Magdalena Bay and the waters of Central Pacific coast produce Wahoo action that, at times, is indescribable and almost unbelievable. Large quantities of Marlin are also found around Magdalena Bay throughout the year.
Whale watching is ever popular in almost all of the tourist destinations on the peninsula, even as far north as Bahia de Los Angeles, on the Sea of Cortez. Whale watching takes on a whole new meaning when the magnificent Gray Whales make their annual pilgrimage to their birthing grounds in the lagoons on the Pacific side of Baja. From January until the middle of April, these huge creatures put on a display of friendship toward humans that can only be described as extraordinary. It is one thing to get in a boat and ride along with the migrating whales. It is another story completely, to get into a small panga and feel them rubbing the bottom of the boat. Both mother and calves will often come out of the water and let you pet them, even kiss them. It is something everyone should experience, at least once in their lifetime. Many people cannot begin to imagine that they would ever be able to see a giant whale up this close, let alone kiss one.
A visit to the cave paintings of the Sierra de San Francisco, in the central region of Baja, is a truly inspirational experience. The most appropriate way to see them will take a few days of your time, two nights minimum, spent in the mountains. Trust us when we say – it is well worth it! There are other cave painting sites that can be visited on a day trip from either San Ignacio or Mulege, both of which are pretty cool destinations by themselves and both should be considered a part of “The Real Baja”. There are many cave painting and rock art locations in southern Baja, but most are minor examples and difficult to get to. Visits to all of the sites is controlled by the INAH, the History and Anthropology arm of the federal government. It can be difficult to arrange a proper visit to the lesser sites, you should use a qualified tour operator with a licensed guide (and possibly a cave custodian) who are required to accompany you on any visit. Our recommendation, trips out of San Ignacio or Mulegé. Just to make sure that you understand our feelings about visiting the cave paintings…DO IT! If you have the time, you will not regret it!
The almost constantly glassy waters of the Sea of Cortez along with the bays, and inlets, found on both sides of the peninsula offer smooth waters for kayakers, divers and jet skis. The Sea of Cortez destinations of Bahia de Los Angeles, Mulege, Loreto and La Paz are known far and wide among kayakers for their beauty, calm waters and facilities that cater to Kayakers. Kayak sportfishing has become increasingly popular on Baja’s East Cape. Tuna, Dorado, Roosterfish, Marlin and Sailfish are all available and within easy reach of shore to the adventurous kayaker. On the Pacific side, kayakers enjoy the wildlife and whales of Magdalena Bay and the inlets of around Puerto Lopez Mateos. Farther north, Bahía de Ballenas (Bay of Whales) and Laguna San Ignacio offer a protected environment for kayaking, when the whales are not present.
Swells that are born far off in the southern Pacific Ocean bring quality waves to the Baja peninsula with surprising consistency. Baja has long been a favorite with surfers. Mile upon mile of deserted beaches on the Pacific side and around into the Sea of Cortez, become not so deserted when the swells hit. But, many locations in Baja are not that easy to get to and remain virtually empty, even when a good swell has arrived. Many of these surfing spots are extremely difficult to get to and require a 4×4 vehicle and basic camping skills to be able to enjoy the waves. If you do happen to find that deserted beach with near perfect waves, you are one of the lucky ones that have experienced the perfect road trip into “The Real Baja”, a road trip that will never be forgotten.
The sport of off road racing was not really popular until after the first Baja 1000 was held in October of 1967. Since that first race, the sport has exploded and evolved into a high tech war of factory sponsored motorcycles versus high powered trophy trucks driven by some of the biggest names in the racing world. But, off road sport does not have to mean 135 mile per hour trucks or $35,000.00 motorcycles. Baja has some of the best, wide open, terrain in the world for playing with your motorcycle, quad, mini-bike, dune buggy or whatever you happen to have. Hummer tours are growing in popularity in Los Cabos, visiting parts of the interior that most tourists never get a chance to see. There are wide open beaches, sand dunes, mountain trails and dirt roads that go on for endless miles. You may just find out that your perfect off road adventure ends in a small fish camp where you will eat like a king and sleep under billions of brilliant Baja stars.
Golf has taken the peninsula by storm in recent years and is becoming a major tourism draw. Baja can now boast of having twenty courses with at least 3 more in the planning or construction stages. More than a few of these courses are of the “world class” variety, while others are simple 9-hole affairs allowing for all skill levels to be able to enjoy a round during their vacation. Golf vacations are often combined with sportfishing adventures that offer a diversity not found in many areas of the world. The golf courses of Baja have been designed and built by the likes of Jack Nicklaus, Robert Trent Jones II, Davis Love III, Tom Weiskopf and Greg Norman. Where else can you catch (and release) a Marlin in the morning, play eighteen holes, while enjoying a Cuban cigar and still get back in time to enjoy a leisurely cocktail hour with your wife or girlfriend?
Horseback riding is popular everywhere in Baja. Riding along the beautiful beaches, especially at sunset, on both coasts of the peninsula has always been a Baja favorite. There are several ranches in Northern Baja that feature rides into the mountainous regions of the Sierra Juarez or Sierra San Pedro Martir ranges. There are also several places in Los Cabos that cater to those interested in dressage, and there is a recently opened polo club just north of Cabo San Lucas on the Pacific side.
The duration, scope and intensity of most of the activities available in Baja can usually be adapted to your particular vacation plans or personal preferences.
This is just one of the sections of this site that we will be expanding on a regular basis. We will soon have more links (directly below) to give more detailed information, along with links to providers of the many activities available to visitors in Baja.
Pez Gato Catamaran Cruises – Fantastic Adventure
Snorkeling Tour – Cabo’s Original Party Cruise – Whale Watching
From the U.S. call: (619) 446-6339 – From México call: (624) 143-3797
Tropicat Jazz and Wine Cruise – 65 foot Luxurious Catamaran
Smooth Sailing and Mellow Music – International Bar – Beautiful Sunsets
From México call: (624) 143-3797 – From the U.S. call: (619) 446-6339 –
CABOMAR Fiesta Dinner Cruise – Mexican Food & Great Drinks
Dinner, Drinks & Latin Rhythms – International Bar – Beautiful Sunsets
From the U.S. call: (619) 446-6339 – From México call: (624) 143-3797
Rissalena Cruises – 37 ft. Custom Catamaran – Personalized Service – Attentive Crew
Sunset Cruise – Breakfast Cruise – Whale Watching – Snorkeling Cruise – Create your own personal cruise!
From México call: (624) 143-3048 – Cellular: 044 (624) 147-7037
Cabo Sky Tours
Enjoy incredible views of Cabo San Lucas from a powered hang glider. It’s Incredible!
From México call: (624) 144-1191 – Cellular: 044 (624) 150-1000
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