What to do and see in Baja California, Baja California: The Best Bodies of Water

May 30, 2021 Moriah Teneyck

The acclaimed Rancho La Puerta is Mexico's top destination spa. Set within spectacular grounds, just an hour from San Diego, therapeutic treatments make full use of all kinds of medicine and produce from the Rancho's organic garden. This idyllic sanctuary is a luxurious full service spa resort.
Restaurants in Baja California

1. Bahia Magdalena

Mexico
Excellent
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5.0 based on 6 reviews

Bahia Magdalena

Sheltered bay visited annually by grey whales.

2. San Ignacio Lagoon

Mexico +52 612 200 3989
Excellent
89%
Good
8%
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Poor
3%
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5.0 based on 37 reviews

San Ignacio Lagoon

Grey whales are known to make an appearance at this lagoon.

Reviewed By KLD101

I traveled here with Baja Ecotours, taking a chartered bus with our group of 24 from San Diego to Ensenada, then a 2.5 hour private plane to the tiny airport next to San Ignacio Lagoon where we were picked up by the staff from Camp Cortez in a school bus. Camp Cortez has wooden cabins (rather than tents found in many other camps) for guests and is a certified sustainable/green camp. Birding is good, especially osprey, and the stars at night are also amazing. Each camp has assigned times (1.5 hours each) they can have boats in the whale watching area of the lagoon, and this is pretty strictly policed. We had two trips daily, with a break for lunch for 3 days. The shoreline is desolate and water must be trucked in. High winds are common, especially at night and in the morning. Not a tropical location! I took shorts, but never wore them, and a good slicker for the boats is a must. Amazing whale encounters; lots of spyhopping, breaching, and some mating activity observed, and whales came right up to the boat for thrilling chances to see them up close and even touch the whales. We returned to San Diego the same way we arrived. A few people in our group flew to Loreto and drove from there, but it is a long drive, and pretty much you need a 4WD vehicle. The flight was expensive, but also offered spectacular views of the west coast of Baja.

3. Marlin Alley

Cabo San Lucas Mexico
Excellent
82%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
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5.0 based on 17 reviews

Marlin Alley

A deep-sea diving site full of billfish.

4. Bahia Los Frailes

Mexico
Excellent
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Sheltered bay great for deep sea fishing.

5. Magdalena Bay

Mexico
Excellent
88%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 48 reviews

Magdalena Bay

This grey whale breeding spot is full of activity from January to March.

Reviewed By 881rachelp - Port Douglas, Australia

I cannot say enough good things about Captain Marco and his team!! The staff, the whale watching, and the hotel was absolutely impeccable!! Granted this is not a resort, so if that's what you're looking for this is not your jam, but if you're OK with small local establishments then you have to come enjoy this amazing whale interacting trip!! This isn't whale watching, this is whale interacting, these grey whales play with you, don't worry with Marco's team you'll never get tossed but the whales come right up to you once that trust is established. This trip was life changing for me, I've always loved whales and have traveled the world whale watching from the east coast to the west coast, Australia, etc. And nothing has ever been like our experience on the Baja coast. The hotel treated us like their family, everyday Marco checks the weather and makes a plan for the next day so you'll know when to be up and ready and where to go, he makes it as comfortable as possible as sometimes those waves and wind can make the ride a little crazy so if driving to the location is easier than riding the boat out then he will make arrangements accordingly. Everyone here has so much respect and love for these whales which makes the trip that much better. My husband and I went for 4 days and I wish we could've fit in more, every day was a different and new experience and better than the next. We got to pet a baby whale and unexpectedly the mother popped her head up and we got to pet her too!!! My husband and I WILL be back it's only a matter of time!! If you're thinking about going STOP thinking and DO IT!!! You will have zero regrets!!! Make sure you book a couple days as the bay is quite large and there is so much to see, also depending on the weather you want to make sure that doesn't get in the way!!

6. Scammon's Lagoon

Mexico
Excellent
86%
Good
14%
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5.0 based on 7 reviews

Scammon's Lagoon

This sheltered lagoon is the breeding grounds of the grey whale.

7. Bahia Concepcion

Mulege Mexico
Excellent
83%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
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5.0 based on 133 reviews

Bahia Concepcion

Sheltered bay perfect for kayaking, swimming, snorkeling and fishing.

Reviewed By susanvB1589IW

Beautiful beaches!! Clear blue water and white sandy beaches. Many islands to explore with hidden beaches. Nice swimming and snorkeling

8. Ojo de Liebre

Mexico +52 615 106 6894
Excellent
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5.0 based on 6 reviews

Ojo de Liebre

This calm, scenic bay is world-famous for the gray whales that can be spotted there every winter.

9. Bay of Cabo San Lucas

Website Link Does Not Work, Cabo San Lucas 23450 Mexico http://www.fonaturoperadoraportuaria.gob.mx/micrositios/API/CaboSnLucas/QuienesSomosCSL.asp
Excellent
79%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
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1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 893 reviews

Bay of Cabo San Lucas

Sheltered harbor great for fishing.

Reviewed By RichardS778 - Scottsdale, United States

My wife and I have been to Los Cabos and the bay area many times on land and on cruise trips. On our last cruise on Princess the ship will shuttle you into the very pretty small harbor and from there you can strike out to so many points of interest like beaches, just a short water taxi ride or cab ride away, there is good fishing depending on the season, whale watching, snorkling, hotels, all inclusive resorts and this is a destination wedding location for many. With rere exception it is safe but always remember you are in Mexico and be smart. During the day it is 100% safe in my opinion. There is the usual tourist shopping...many places to eat and have drinks and so on. Hills surround the bay and it is just beautiful. Safe swimming in the bay but not on the Pacific side. Many tours are available. Folks there are friendly.

10. Bahia de Los Angeles

Bahia de Los Angeles, Ensenada Municipality 22890 Mexico http://www.bahiadelosangeles.info
Excellent
58%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
3%
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4.5 based on 113 reviews

Bahia de Los Angeles

This beautiful, island-studded bay is a prime spot for all kinds of aquatic activities, including windsurfing, kayaking and whale-watching.

Reviewed By 523pamelam

The Hotel Los Vientos made the trip worthwhile. The highway South is fixed (for now) all the way to Bahia de Los Angeles, so we took a quick trip. My husband could not get a fishing boat that day, but we found the spot to buy fresh Yellowtail fillets in town, to take home. The hotel had all we needed to relax for 2 days. Clean rooms, great food, and service (delivered to your room), from their restaurant, a huge palapa style bar on the shore, even a swimming pool for a dip. All masked employees, and very helpful front desk. It's a quick drive downtown, if you need something.

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