What to Do in Baja on a Family Vacation

Did you know that Mexico’s Baja Peninsula measures nearly as long as the entire West Coast of the United States? There’s a lot to cover in this gorgeous neck of the woods. From Todos Santos to La Paz, Baja remains among Mexico’s great family vacation destinations. What to do in Baja on a family vacation?

Kid-friendly activities prove plentiful, including swimming with whale sharks in the bay, learning more about gray whales at the atmospheric Museo de la Ballena in La Paz, and lending sea turtles a helping hand at the hatchery in Todos Santos.

Children love the culture, music, and wildlife of Mexico, and Mexicans adore kids. Life here revolves around little ones, which means there’s no end of fun activities when it comes to kid-friendly vacations here. Let’s break down some of the exciting things to do in Baja with kids.

Explore the Islands of Baja

The cactus-studded islands bordering the 800-mile-long peninsula of the Gulf of California prove remote and uninhabited, enriching the splendor of their natural settings. Some of them play home to large colonies of sea lions and seabirds, making them among the top family vacation destinations for adventure-seekers.

Baja California boasts more than 160 species of amphibians and reptiles. Among the creatures who call these islands home you’ll find:

• pelicans
• frigatebirds
• egrets
• herons
• sandpipers
• cormorants
• brown-footed boobies
• blue-footed boobies
• Baja California leopard lizards
• “rattle-less” Santa Catalina rattlesnakes

Although isolated and foreboding at first sight, you and your family will be delighted to check out these islands and their unique plant life and wildlife.

Learn About Ecology in this Paradisiacal Setting

Few places in the world offer a greater abundance of marine wildlife than Baja, Mexico. From California sea lions to brown pelicans, dolphins, orcas, and gray whales, you and your kids will be enthralled by the diverse pulse of life just beneath the surface of these Pacific waters.

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, Baja’s islands offer a striking contrast with desert flora and fauna. From rattle-less rattlesnakes to blue-footed boobies, unique plant life, and stunning geological features, Baja provides critical lessons in ecology.

The islands and waterways of Baja represent ecological gems. Whether you’re snorkeling in the sparkling Sea of Cortez or scoping out wildlife among the delicate desert ecosystems of Baja’s many islands, you’ll find countless opportunities to introduce ecological themes to your kids.

Ecology considers how organisms relate to their environment or ecosystem, and precious ecosystems abound here. They include:

• Sea lion colonies
• Whale pods
• Schools of tropical fish
• And much more

A strong education in ecology needs to start young. A trip to Baja proves awe-inspiring and rewarding. It will help you raise more compassionate kids who foster a passionate resolve to protect the natural world and its ecosystems.

Swim with Whale Sharks

Whale sharks can grow up to 40 feet long. Many migrate to the Sea of Cortez beginning in October to winter over until March. So, autumn and winter represent great times to swim with whale sharks in La Paz Bay. Despite their massive size, they prove gentle and safe to snorkel with, even for kids.

The right outfitter will provide you with wetsuits and snorkel gear. As a result, swimming with whale sharks can be a convenient, affordable experience. Remember to bring an underwater camera so that you can capture this fantastic family adventure on film and cherish the memories for a lifetime.

Learn More About Gray Whales

Museo de la Ballena offers an in-depth exploration of the lives of gray whales who live and breed in the Sea of Cortez. Five exhibition spaces offer airy views and audiovisual displays. Multilingual explanations let your family dive into better understanding these breathtaking creatures.

The museum proves spellbinding with its soundtracks of whales in the wild. It also provides more information about local sea turtle populations and features a gift shop and cafeteria. What’s more, the museum’s mission involves promoting the conservation and study of whales, so you can feel extra good about your visit.

Lend Sea Turtles a Helping Hand

The quaint town of Todos Santos sits nestled along the Pacific Coast. It’s a fun spot to take in local culture and shop for keepsakes. From the beach, you and your family have the chance to spot humpback whales, and a trip through the estuary reveals dramatic bird spotting. But that’s not all when it comes to local wildlife.

Just 30 minutes from Todos Santos, you’ll find a sea turtle hatchery project making crucial inroads when it comes to rehabilitating these gentle giants. The hatchery protects the habitat of local olive ridley and leatherback sea turtle nests. Depending on the location of the nests, these sites are protected onsite, or the nests get relocated to a protected place until the baby turtles are ready to hatch. On your visit to the hatchery, lend a helping hand by volunteering with the group.

What to Do in Baja on a Family Vacation

Whether you’re swimming with whale sharks, learning more about gray whales at the Museo de la Ballena, or helping sea turtles, when it comes to what to do in Baja on a family vacation, you’ve got countless adventures from which to choose!

Interested in one-of-a-kind Mexico family vacations? Check out our eight-day Family Wildlife Adventure in Baja, Mexico. This family-focused tour will take you on the adventure of a lifetime along the Baja California peninsula. Besides snorkeling adventures at the archipelago of Espíritu Santo, you’ll visit Cabo Pulmo National Park and the Sierra de la Laguna Biosphere Reserve.

At Our Whole Village, we craft tours carefully designed for families who want to create lasting memories while making a difference. We’re here to help you and your family experience the world, its people, and its cultures. Contact us to learn more about the unforgettable experiences that we curate for families just like yours.