Guide to Baja California

First of all, its natural resources appear somewhat untouched. Despite the number of tourists flocking from everywhere in the world to discover the peninsula, you have the impression of a deserted untouched land if you stay away from the hot spots such as La Paz or Los Cabos.

By Plane

The main airport for the bottom of Baja California are Los Cabos (SJD), middle Loreto (LTO) and top Tijuana (TIJ). Also flying to San Diego (SAN) and crossing the border is an option.

Aeromexico along with most American carriers will offer flights from North America with connections from Europe and further afield.

By Car

From California, you can drive through Tijuana one of the busiest border cities in the world. We recommend you check the current travel advice before planning a trip past Tijuana.  It is a sensational road trip from the border all the way down to La Paz, driving about 1500 km (900 miles) and crossing a spectacular landscape.

By Ferry

If you are arriving from Mainland Mexico, you have two options either from Topolobambo close to Los Mochis or from Mazatlan. The Ferry runs at night on the way to La Paz and it takes about 12 hours. You can book a seat or a private cabin. On this site you can check the availability and make your reservation.

By Public Transport

Between the cities, it isn’t all that reliable and frequent, but it’s very easy to rent a car and drive around.

Another on our list of amazing things to do in Baja is to visit the famous arch in Los Cabos which is a spectacular natural formation. A hole seems literally carved in the rock-forming an arch in the water.

From the marina in Los Cabos, there are boat tours that take you close to the arch. If you wish they can drop you off at Lover’s beach. It sounds like the name of a romantic hideaway, but anyone can enjoy the spectacular stretch of sand by the arch if the sea is not too rough. Otherwise, the currents and waves will make it difficult to jump on and off the boat.

First on our list of things to do in Baja California and one of the most amazing attractions is the migration of the whales which can be spotted all along the coast. Many whale species swim in the rich waters around Baja. There is not one specific place where you can see them all. The Blue Whale is normally spotted in the sea of Cortez which is named the world’s aquarium for a reason!

You can swim with the sea lions on a one-day tour organised from La Paz. It’s a 2-hour boat ride with spectacular views. You will arrive on a small island inhabited by a population of sea lions. They are such playful curious creatures especially the little ones. As you start swimming they will come close to you and bite your fin or your Go Pro. It’s an unforgettable experience!

Next on our list of things to do in Baja is a truly unmissable tour – swimming with whale sharks. You can only do it from December through March. These gentle giants of the sea are totally docile and you can swim close to them with no fear. They eat plankton and other tiny fish and have zero interest in humans.

You can organise a tour from La Paz which is the closest city to their swimming spot. It is also possible to organise from Todos Santos and Los Cabos, but you will need to add a bus transfer.

First on our list of where to stay in Baja is Esperanza. This resort faces the turquoise water of the Sea of Cortez in Punta Ballena. Comprised of 32 suites, each beautifully decorated with local art and handcrafted furniture. But its unique spa is pure bliss with special therapies and also offers a variety of complimentary yoga and fitness classes. Whist sitting by their amazing pool we recommend you have their steak tacos for lunch!

Don’t be fooled by the name, the Eagles didn’t sing about this Hotel Calfornia! Nonetheless, this iconic hotel won’t disappoint you. Located right in the heart of Todos Santos, Hotel California offers spacious rooms nicely decorated in typical vibrant Mexican colours, and local art, with lovely Egyptian cotton linen and delicate amenities. Their executive chef Dany Lamote uses local ingredients to cook a variety of different cuisines including pizza and steak. We enjoyed their chicken taquitos.

Named after Saint Christopher, the patron saint of travellers, sailors and surfers. Hotel San Cristóbal Baja is a luxury beach hotel popular among the boho crowd for its authenticity and charming boutique feel.

It has 32 rooms and suites designed to match the natural beauty of the surroundings. It offers total comfort and relaxation with spectacular views over the ocean. The hotel’s restaurant and bar, Benno, offers a taste of the cosmopolitan culinary scene of Baja with a delicate fusion of Mexican and Mediterranean cuisine.

One of our absolute favourite things about Baja is the food. Most notably and signature to the region are the delicious, crispy Baja Fish Tacos. They inspired us to create our Baja Fish Tacos recipe, so if you can’t make it to Baja just yet then you must try this recipe!

Easily the most famous beach in Baja California, Balandra Beach on La Paz Island, Baja California shows off miles of turquoise water and blinding white sand with a gorgeous backdrop of mountains and lush greenery. Balandra Beach can get pretty crowded, especially on weekends but is a huge space and the crowds tend to ease up the further you get away from the main car park. Moving past Balandra Beach’s main lookout point will almost guarantee you some space and privacy and you could even be lucky enough to get one of those magical coves to yourself!

Cerritos Beach is not the place to go if you are looking for white sand and turquoise water. This is, however, a surfer’s paradise with a wild, untouched beauty that goes unrivalled. The expansive shoreline is perfect for long strolls on the beach and you may notice an eerie, gorgeous mist that rolls off the Pacific. The sunsets from this area are some of the most beautiful in the region!

With the beauty of Bahia Chileno, you can’t expect to have it all to yourself so expect crowds and sellers. This beach has wonderful sugary sand and blue-green water that is perfect for snorkelling. Definitely considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Baja California – Chileno Beach is worth a visit.

Just down the way from Bahia Chileno, you will find Playa Santa Maria. This less popular, but just as beautiful beach may be just the slice of private paradise you have been searching for. There are no snorkelling gear rental shops or anything of that sort available but the white sand and pristine waters make up for that. The waters are protected by a magnificent reef just offshore making them perfect for snorkelling – just bring your own equipment or pick some up on your way. Otherwise, take the day and soak up some much-needed relaxation in this little piece of heaven on earth.

Sitting on this striking beach at Playa del Amor, you could almost throw a stone and hit Cabo’s famous Arch. This isolated little beach is both alluring for its looks and the experience. How many beaches do you know that allow you to choose which Ocean you would like to swim in? Just a short walk along a strip of sand between two rocky cliffs lets you swap the Pacific Ocean for the Sea of Cortez. You are also greeted by calm, crystal waters, velvet sand and impressive rock formations. Your view of the bay is definitely one for the books.

We hope that our guide to Baja California helped you out and if you are planning a trip to Mexico anytime soon – please let us know if you find any hidden gems that we can include! We always love feedback. Happy travels.