Baja is a magical peninsula in the country of Mexico that contains 2 states; Baja California and Baja California Sur. We spend most of our time in the southernmost state, Baja California Sur (BCS) and have compiled a list of our favorite things we’ve experienced there as a family of four.

We highly recommend doing as many of these as possible if you get a chance to visit!

15 Favorite Activities in Baja California Sur

1 . Go on a whale watching tour

If you happen to be in the area of one of the 3 lagoons where whales migrate to and give birth each winter, you HAVE to take a whale tour. It’s the most up close and personal experience you can have with a whale and it’s simply indescribable. 

Whales migrate from Alaska to 3 bays in Baja in order to have their babies, enjoy the warm water, and then swim back up north around mid-late March each year. Typically, February-mid March is the best time to see and experience these whales and even pet them! 

The whales are so friendly and social and swim up to the boats to greet visitors who come from all over the world for this experience. We went to Ojo de Libre in Guerrero Negro and actually didn’t book a tour as we waited too late and they were booked. Booking through a tour company is a bit cheaper and often includes lunch as well as a ride out to the lagoon. You can also opt to just drive out yourself and wait for an available boat at the lagoon. We did wear layers and our hoodies helped because it got chilly during the boat ride! 

2. Take in the views from the Mision in Mulege

The Mision is free to visit, but is likely to be locked up when you visit. You can still walk around and up some stairs that will lead you to the most incredible view of the Mulege River and hundreds of palm trees!

3. Paddle down the Mulege River

We stayed at Huerta Don Chano in Mulege, and walked across the street to our our SUPs into the Mulege River. We paddled up and down the river, enjoying the palms and cute homes along the shore. 

4. Camp and / or Paddle in Bahia Conception

You can’t go to Baja without a paddle board or kayak! We bring our inflatable paddle boards and use them a ton each visit. Our favorite areas to paddle board are all in Bahia Conception. You’re guaranteed to see wildlife above and below you as there are birds and sea creatures galore in this bay. 

We tend to make a stop at Playa Santispac each trip down and my morning routine there consists of paddling out to cactus island! They do now rent our kayaks at that beach if you don’t have one. If you’re lucky you might just run into a pod of dolphins!

5. Witness bioluminescence

Seeing bioluminescence along the shores of Bahia Conception is a common occurrence. You can’t plan it or time it, but if you’re lucky, you’ll be there when its there. Many times if you see redish stuff along there shore during the day which looks a little gross, but it’s actually what glows at night!

Go down to the water each evening if you’re there and move the water around a bit. If it glows, you have to paddle out and experience the magic on a paddle board or canoe! Paddling through bioluminescence and splashing it around with your paddle is the coolest thing! 

6. Take a boat out to Parque Nacional Bahía de Loreto

The National Park off the Loreto shore is simply stunning. Taking a boat out to it means you will definitely see sea lions up close, and have a good chance of seeing other wildlife on the ride out. The island has a carribean- like feel, and it’s the perfect spot to relax for a few hours before heading back.

The tricky part is finding an honest guy to take you out. You basically go to the marina, meet a guy who knows a guy and will take you out. Unfortunately, sometimes, a date is planned, a price agreed on, and when you arrive on said date, the price has “changed”.

It’s best if you can just go out there early in the morning and agree on a price right then and there, hop on and enjoy the ride!

We brought out own paddleboards and enjoyed using them there, and our friends brought snorkles and saw a lot of cool things under the water!

7. Hike Cañón Tabor near Loreto

If you love a fun hike, this is for you. It involves some top climbing, some scrambling and the most incredible mountain views as you hike and climb along! 

It may not be suited for young children, but for anyone who is physically able and adventurous, this is a must-do in Baja! Get more info HERE. 

Read more about our time in Loreto in this article. 

8. Swim with whale sharks

Swimming with massive whale sharks in La Paz was quite the thrill. We booked with Mexplore Tours and our package came with a snorkel set and wetsuit for each person AND we also got GoPro footage of the excursion.

This is best for strong, confident swimmers. However, average swimmers can still have a great time spending the day on the boat and getting a few close-up experiences with the whale sharks before they out-swim you. It’s worth it either way!

9. Ride bikes and Have dinner on the Malecon in La Paz

La Paz is the capital city of Baja California Sur, and the Malecon is the gem of the area. In the evenings, all the locals come out and walk and bike along the Malecon.

You can see some of the best sunsets from here, and there are tons of good restaurants to choose from. There are areas for kids to play and ride bikes and it just comes alive at night and is a great experience. 

4+ miles of bike line that borders the sands of La Paz is the perfect way to experience the best malecon in Baja.

10. Find the hot springs in La Ventana

La Ventana is a cool place to visit if you want to see kite surfers or even try it out yourself. The real adventure begins when you find the area of rocks where there are hot springs. You can move the rocks around to make your own little personal hottub! I’ll leave the exact location a mystery- just do a little exploring and you’re sure to find the right spot. 

11. Jump off a waterfall at Cañon de La Zorra

This is a. 2.1 mile out and back hill that leads you to a stunning waterfall. It isn’t for anyone who has issues with heights or isn’t in decent shape. You hike down, down down to the most picturesque spot, where you can swim, picnic, jump off the waterfall, and even find little hot springs! It’s a great spot to spend a few hours or an entire day. You do pay to park and enter this area, and there are animals you can observe and pet at the trail head. 

12. Dive or Snorkle in Cabo Pulmo

Cabo Pulmo is a National Park that is just stunning. You have to go down a long, very bumpy dirt road to get there, so making the trip out is an adventure in itself. The underwater beauty is just breathtaking, so diving or snorkeling is a must. You pay a small fee to park and you can bring your own equipment and enter the water yourself, or purchase a tour ahead of time. Camping in the parking lot is permitted for another fee, but it’s best suited for truck campers and smaller.

13. Wonder through the streets of Todos Santos

Todos Santos is a colorful little town, full of boutiques, restaurants and cute shops. It is more touristy than other towns in Baja, but also full of charm. After a day of shopping, head out a tad further and catch a baby turtle release. 

14. Experience a baby turtle release in Todos Santos

One of the most magical experiences is watching baby turtles be released on the beach art sunset! You have to catch them at the right time, which is winter. You can see releases daily from December 10- February 28 at sunset at Tortugueros Las Playits A.C. 

It’s always getting chilly by sunset during that time, so be sure and pack a hoodie for those chilly beach breezes 

15. Surf or take surfing lessons in Cerritos Beach

Cerritos Beach is the perfect spot to learn to surf, or practice skills you already have. There are many surf schools to take lessons at and they’re all great, but our personal favorite is CRT Surf School.

With it’s warm waters, sandy bottom, and consistent waves it’s a surfers paradise- and if surfing’s not your thing, you can body board or jump in a volleyball game and grab food and drinks at Big Fun Beach Club! 

Lastly, be sure and take in as many sunrises, sunsets and moonrises as possible. Baja is rustic and mysterious, and so much of it is still untouched. There is so much to discover and I hope this list gives you a starting point of which adventures to plan when you make the trek down!

What’s your favorite Baja activity?

Even after 3 years, there is so much more to explore in Baja! What have we missed? What is your favorite activity or experience in Baja? Let us know in the comments below!