Top 5 Baja California Sur Outdoor Escapes: Reviews & Tips

Baja California Sur, that slender stretch of paradise south of California, is like, way more than just a pretty place for beach getaways. Sure, you get amazing sunshine, powdery sand, and those blue ocean views that just, sort of, stretch forever. That said, beyond the fancy resorts and amazing cocktails, this place is very, very much like an adventure hub waiting for you to go and experience all the memorable offerings available for the traveler. From world-class surfing spots to very, very secluded desert trails, Baja California Sur is the spot that’s probably got your name on it, for an amazing escape into nature. Come explore all of the wonderful possibilities Baja has available for exploration, so you can discover everything this fantastic land can offer. You can find even more incredible journeys, when you read our full review: Baja California Sur Outdoor Activities Full Review and Details.

1. Snorkeling or Scuba Diving at Cabo Pulmo National Park

Alright, if you dig underwater stuff, Cabo Pulmo National Park might be, like, your next happy place. See, Jacques Cousteau, basically, called this spot “the aquarium of the that the, well, you know, the planet”, so you know the park has got the underwater seal of approval. What was, like, once a severely overfished area, Cabo Pulmo became, like, a protected national park in 1995, and the sea life actually went and had a total comeback, it’s almost biblical. Now, you get tons of super colorful coral reefs and marine species just sort of vibing there. Snorkeling here is actually quite neat since you might just see some huge schools of jackfish swirling around. If you happen to be scuba certified, going even deeper lets you bump into sea turtles, sharks that are total reef chillers, and a complete boatload of other sea creatures. It’s pretty easy to get there; there’s, like, a bunch of tour operators based in Los Cabos or San Jose del Cabo. Most will arrange your transport, gear, and guided dives. A tip that I usually tell friends is to go in the early morning to basically beat the crowds and have better underwater visibility, because in my opinion, you are going to treasure every second of your visit there! Find affordable prices here: See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Snorkeling at Cabo Pulmo National Park)

2. Whale Watching in Magdalena Bay

Want to see some enormous and majestic fellas doing their thing? Then whale watching at Magdalena Bay might just be what you were seeking all along! From around January to March, gray whales turn up to this protected bay to, like, breed and have their young’ns. It is definitely among the most remarkable migrations that happens in the ocean. You get so very, very close to them. Seeing them breach or checking out the moms interacting with their offspring is seriously something else that’s so amazing. A number of small, local fishing communities have popped up around whale watching, so you would, arguably, be supporting those local economies as well. Most of the tours launch from Puerto San Carlos or Lopez Mateos, both of which you get to, like, via a trip from La Paz. That I will advise, be sure to book ahead, because the tours might just be booked solid in the peak season due to this once in a lifetime chance, really. More so, dress warmly. The sea breeze tends to bring, basically, in colder conditions, especially when the boat is just tearing away across the water. Find great pricing, when you See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Whale Watching in Magdalena Bay)

3. Surfing at Todos Santos

You think that, for surfing, everybody usually makes a beeline straight to, like, Cabo? Sure it has a wave or two, but if you’re trying to catch something super awesome and with a town that’s cool and relaxed, check out Todos Santos; a place that’s known for its terrific waves and a very artful community. This place is like the total package! Playa Los Cerritos tends to be the beach that is just loved, cherished and adored because it’s got waves just totally perfect for learners to pros. Several surf schools just chilling there can get you started if you happen to be new to surfing. The town itself is, sort of, magical as well. Known as one of Mexico’s “Pueblos Mágicos”, its streets have the kind of the most charming colonial building and a load of galleries showcasing local art. After riding the surf all morning, make sure you go out to try some local tacos and maybe hang out at one of the local spots. Actually, this has happened before: there is a hotel people love saying is the spot the Eagles referred to when they wrote the song, “Hotel California”, which totally rocks in its own right. I typically like surfing best during the late summer and fall since those happen to be the best wave months that I happen to like, and it also gets really great swell around the coast. When you check the deals here: See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Surfing at Todos Santos)

4. Hiking Mount Solmar in Cabo San Lucas

Are you looking for like, great panoramic vistas that are also super easy on your legs? Mount Solmar at Cabo San Lucas actually, pretty much gives you just that and more. You just don’t just hike up, you hike “with” someone: a handful of local dogs, lead by a local who goes by Enrique, that live up there. Honestly, that’s kinda why it’s neat! The trail begins near the marina and kind of winds its way up. You do that thing that all folks should do, keep an eye out! The way is really steep. At the end, that’s where it is gets magical when the very highest point gives you crazy views of the Sea of Cortez on one side and the wild Pacific on the other. Also you can look downwards, seeing the most fancy tourist destinations there in town. Don’t miss the view! That will bring, pretty much, an experience you didn’t, kind of, thought that you would find, as you hang out way above seeing Cabo at the best it is possible to look. To get onto the trail, find the Naval entrance close to the marina. Ask the guards that you would appreciate seeing Enrique. The “Mount Solmar hike with Enrique”, since that is a name the guides call it, is free and a great thing that the average tourist rarely gets to enjoy. Now check the values to See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Hiking Mount Solmar in Cabo San Lucas)

5. Kayaking or Paddleboarding at Balandra Beach

Alright, Balandra Beach may, possibly, just be the ultimate image that represents Baja California Sur and all its majestic glory, and it seems right, so. Often listed amongst the globe’s most pretty beaches, the water right here at the beach will wow and surprise the pickiest amongst us. The sea might just blow away with all the color; as you step into what appears to be liquid sapphires. Since it is also super shallow, it’s really neat for a slow-paced paddle. Hire out a kayak or SUP board (stand-up paddleboard) and you’ll probably, possibly, take a turn around the bay. The mangroves will give one good look-see, seeing, like, so much wildlife. The beach can also get packed during weekends and holidays, so you could go earlier in the day and probably be just fine. Balandra is, sort of, close to La Paz, so it makes an awesome outing in one day from the metropolis. Be very mindful and carry sunblock or a great sun-blocking outfit and just be extra cautious around midday sun, since shadows around these shores are almost, very, nonexistent. Now search, compare and view these great packages by using See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Kayaking at Balandra Beach)