After morning hotel pickup in a plush air-conditioned van, travel past the mountains, plains and coastal dunes of Baja California Sur’s desert. During the ride, eat up the breakfast snacks (usually a freshly prepared sandwich, fruit, and juice) provided by your friendly guide. With the vigorous activity that lies ahead, you’ll appreciate the energy boost.

Upon arrival in La Paz, get dressed in a wetsuit and equipped with snorkeling gear for a boat ride out to the Sea of Cortez, where whale sharks gather from October to April. As the boat heads out, your guide shares informative facts about whale sharks and what to expect during the outing. About the size of a yellow school bus, the whale shark is considered the largest fish in the sea at 40-feet-long (12 meters).

Lucky for you, these ‘gentle giants’ are filter feeders and prefer to dine on plankton. Your captain with find a spot teeming with the tiny organisms, making the chances that you’ll spy the telltale white spots of a whale shark that much greater. Once you see one, slip on your snorkeling mask and fins, and leap from the boat.

In that moment, come face-to-face with one of the underwater giants. Marvel at the whale shark’s grace and how it angles its yawning mouth near the waterline to feed, while the rest of its body remains tilted downward. Attempt to sneak a peek of whale shark’s white belly as it lumbers along; you’ll have to swim at an earnest pace to keep up. While it might be tempting to touch the sleek creature, be sure to keep your hands to yourself at all times.

Climb back aboard for a break, as your boat captain navigates to other viewing locations. Along the way, you may see schools of manta rays, dolphins and maybe even humpback whales.

Afterward your guide takes to the Malecón, the waterfront boardwalk of La Paz, where you’ll dig into scrumptious Baja-style tacos and cold nonalcoholic beverages as well as tequila and beer. Refueled, take a stroll and explore beachside shopping, or just relax at one of the Malecón’s tiny beaches.

Then head to the small desert town of Todos Santos in the Sierra de Laguna foothills and arrive at popular Hotel California. Stay long enough and you may hear the Eagles’ classic hit of the same name emanating from the lobby. Go ahead and check off several items from your bucket list as you’re transported back to your hotel.

Points of Interest

• Malecon

• Sea of Cortez

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Professional guide
• Lunch
• Use of snorkeling equipment
• Beverages
• Wetsuits

• Gratuities
• Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
• Towels