Geography

A large majority of the mountains have very steep eastern slopes and tend to show a much more gradually west facing side. A sequence of broad plains make up much of the landscape of the peninsulas central and southern half. An intricate lagoon system has formed where these plains meet the coast of the Pacific. Lagoons such as Scammons and San Ignacio, form much of the breeding waters for the California Grey Whale.
Best of Baja's Whales

Both coastal landscapes of the peninsula are dominated with islands, with the most in the Sea of Cortez. More than 20 pristine islands form to create the Midriff Island Region, while the second largest island of the Sea of Cortez, Angel de Guardia, just offshore from Las Animas Wilderness Retreat, our the jewel of our destination. The Canal de Los Ballenes (whale canal) separates the multitude of islands from Las Animas.

Weather: Las Animas Wilderness Retreat

Baja is blessed with a microclimate that is created through a deep water upwelling. This keeps our summertime temperatures a good deal lower than any other area in the Sea of Cortez. Between 72F at night and 95F in the daytime.

"Las Animas is a secret untouched Baja gem offering the kind of escape from civilization you'd expect to travel days instead of hours to reach. Without a light or slightest evidence of human activity in sight, nature goes wild and puts on quite the show! My family and I saw blowing whales, leaping dolphins, lazy sea lions and acrobatic osprey. Las Animas truly is a "one-of-a kind" place offering a unique, natural vacation that can only leave you well tanned and thoroughly relaxed. Long live Las Animas! Long live Baja!"
Dave Wiggins, Amercan Wilerness Experience, GORP Travel, Inc. - Executive VP President

Sea of Cortez & the Midriff Islands region

Marine mammals

The result of all of these unique climate and geographical formations is the perfect habitat for the abundant sea chain: microscopic plankton, bait and game fish, sea birds, dolphins, sea lions and whales. Twelve species of annual whales; including the Blue Whale (the largest animal that inhabits the planet) make these rich waterways their home.

Bottlenose and Common Dolphins, California Sea Lions and Elephant Seals are all found here, often in large numbers. It is not at all uncommon to find large pods of friendly dolphins hundreds of yards wide. California Sea Lions are perhaps most common to the Midriff's with a large rookery just 2.4 miles from the retreat. Watching the antics of the sea lions from the peace and safety of a sea kayak is a once in a lifetime experience.

Birds

The Midriff Islands provide an excellent area to view and experience the regions many seabirds. Also a result of the waters, as well as total isolation from human encroachment, three orders of marine birds covering arctic, temperate, and tropical origin are located here. The many islands are inhabited by more than 50 species including Blue Footed Boobies, Brown Pelicans, Royal Terns, Frigate Birds, Cormorants, Turkey Vultures and Osprey. Over 95% of the world's population of Heermans Gulls and Elegant Terns breed on nearby Rasa Island; a national bird sanctuary, found a short 15 miles journey from Las Animas by boat. These islands have recently become protected under Mexican law. Baja Travel & Vacations in Mexico contributes to the conservation of these unique and valuable habitats by practicing responsible tourism.

Desert Plants

The stunning Sonoran Desert also offers a truly unique set of inhabitants. More than 20 cactus species thrive here, 70% of which are indigenous to Baja. In the desert along the coast, you'll also find Boojam and Elephant trees, Giant Cardon Cactus (more than 60 ft.) and Ironwood, all growing with forest like density near the retreat. Hard surfaces and open areas allow for easy to moderate hiking and prime observation opportunities.. Many newcomers to the Baja desert find the plants more prolific in color, variety, and density then they imagined. And in the scarce times of rain, the desert very quickly blooms with a vivid display of greenery and flowers.

Fish

The Sea of Cortez creates a habitat for more than 2000 marine invertebrate species, and ober 800 species of marine vertebrates. These creatures range in size from tiny gobies to white sharks and giant manta rays. Many of the colorful reef fish you'll come across while snorkeling, are tropical in nature and are reminiscent to what you'd find in the Caribbean.

The Midriff Island region is often referred to as one of the "greatest fishing holes in the world". Even our guests who come to us with little to no fishing experience, delight in the near “guaranteed catch" along the shoers of Las Animas.

The varieties of fish located here include: cabrilla, giant squid, leopard grouper, spotted bay bass, white sea bass, sierra, yellowtail, halibut, lingcod, barracuda, corvina, in addition to the summer finds of rooster fish, dorado, marlin and sailfish. Baja AirVentures works entirely with experienced local sport fishing captains in order to create the safest and most memorable experience for our clients. Our experienced boat captain is a 3rd generation Mexican fisherman.

Baja AirVentures supports selective catch and release, meaning that we keep only what our guests may eat that same day.