Midriff Islands Tours, Sea of Cortez
The Triple Crown of Nature Preservation, Islands and Tranquility
Here’s a brief overview of the totally unique nature you will experience on your daily excursions that showcase Baja’s Midriff Island region (see right-hand side bar for daily itinerary outlines). Few places on the planet offer this much protected lands, oceans, wildlife and birds so close to the US and so free of tourists like Southern Baja. What makes this remote place so special is the fusion of several totally unique land, mountain and ocean ecosytems. You have the abundant Sonoran Desert filled with exotic cactus and wildlife, 6,000’ mountains cascading down into over 30 local island and countless deserted white sand beaches and clear blue seas. The Sea of Cortez (also known as the Gulf of California or Vermilion Sea; is thought to be one of the most diverse seas on the planet. You have three different protected world heritage sites, national parks and marine preserve, all in one area. The includes:
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Isla de Golfo de California
Valle de Los Cirios Desert Preserve
Add in the fact that the region gets almost no tourists, and the Mexican government is protecting this area makes it truly one of the world’s richest natural environments. And because it is a dry desert, the Zika mosquito and virus cannot exist here.
A Unique and Rich Ecosystem: Whales • Fish • Birds
What makes this ecosystem unique in the world is the 5,000’ deep marine trench just off shore from Las Animas ecolodge which creates deep water, nutrient rich upwelling which starts the chain of marine life the local fish, birds and marine mammals feast on. This attracts the world’s largest and second largest animals, the blue and fin whales, plus other species, such as the humpback whale, California gray whale, killer whale, sperm whales, manta ray, Humboldt squid and leatherback sea turtle. This region has historically been a magnet for world-class sport fishing activities with 891 species, 90 of them endemic. The site, moreover, contains 39% of the world’s total number of species of marine mammals and a third of the world’s marine cetacean species. It is home to more than 5,000 species of micro-invertebrates.
World Class Birding – Sea of Cortez
The Gulf of California sustains a large number of marine mammals, many of which are rare and endangered. Its more than 30 local islands are important nesting sites for 100’s of thousands of seabirds, and its waters are primary breeding, feeding, and nursing grounds for myriad migratory and resident fish species. Only 15 miles from Las Animas ecolodge is Mexico very first bird sanctuary, Isla Raza which is the protected nesting site of 90% of the world’s elegant terns.
4o Year Eco-Adventure Travel Expert
Reflects on the Midriff Island Region
“A place so remote and off the grid, you can see islands 50 miles away, and at night not a single light on the horizon.…”
Dave WigginsCall 800-221-9283 or 1-619-421-2235 or Email for Other Dates
2017 Magic of the Midriff Island Tour Dates
6-day All-inclusive @ $2395
April
April 24 – 30 | 8 open |
May
May 1 – 6 | 5 Open |
- 6-day trips depart Monday 7:00 AM returning Saturday 5:00 PM
- Custom and longer trips available
- *Please add 13% Mexican government IVA & 3% National Park Tax*
- No bookings and departure dates are confirmed without signed advance reservation form and paid deposits.
- Date change requests are ONLY valid with mutual written agreement. Date change fee may apply.
Baja Magic of the Midriff Islands Tours based from Award Winning Las Animas Wilderness Eco-Lodge..
Itinerary
AM & PM Guided Eco-Adventures
Morning Guided Eco-Adventures Our flexible schedule is based on what Mother Nature is doing at any moment to maximize your interaction and discovery. The actual sequence of daily excursion may vary. Afternoon Eco-Adventures Midday you return to Las Animas for a delicious fresh lunch. Your afternoons give you lots of opportunities for more fun and sport at no cost. This includes: snorkeling, kayaking, fishing, birding, sailing, more off-shore islands exploration by boat, finding your own private cove with no one around, or simply relaxing in your private hammock taking in the peace and serenity of this true untouched wilderness area.
Day 1: Journey to the Magical Midriff's
Enjoy awesome aerial views from San Diego to the magical Midriff Island Region near Bahia de Los Angeles on the blue Sea of Cortez where we transfer to our boats. Continue to Las Animas Ecolodge for orientation and lunch. Spend the afternoon exploring local beaches via boats, kayaks and on foot. Evenings start with sunset margaritas or wine followed by fantastic Mexican and fresh seafood, a campfire on the beach, star filled skies, fun, tranquility and solitude. (L, D)
Day 2: Mangrove Estuary & Fish Camp Exploration
(AM or PM depending on tide) Delicious breakfast at 8, depart by boat to explore a rich mangrove estuary by foot and wading clear shallow waters. See crabs, birds, fish, specialized plants, shell-rich beach comb and more in this amazing ecosystem surrounded by the exotic Sonoran desert. Then on to a remote subsistence fishing camp to see and learn first hand how locals have lived and worked on the Sea of Cortez for generations in this area. (B, L, D)
Day 3: Multi-Island & Sea Adventure
Explore by boat over eight local islands, including the extinct volcano Isla Smith for the chance to see whales, pods of friendly dolphins, manta rays, nesting birds and much more. On Isla Smith we will explore crystal clear bays by boat searching for giant stingrays. (Get Smith Island photo) (B, L, D
Day 4: Sea Caves, Ocean Arches & Mountain Geology
Depart after breakfast by boat heading south to see natural arches, massive sea cliffs that cascade into deep blue oceans, marine mammal viewing, remote estuaries, clear bay snorkeling and a chance to see the rare desert Big Horn Sheep. (B, L, D)
Day 5: Bay to Bay Desert Nature Walk
Delicious breakfast then onto Quemado Bay by boat for a special desert interpretive naturalist walk that leads to spectacular Puerto Don Juan Bay. An amazing easy desert walk that brings the Sonoran desert, plants, reptiles and fossil rich and wind cave geology up close as you cross between these two magical bays. (B, L, D)
Optional PM Activities
Snorkeling with the nearby sea lions, soft coral snorkeling Jump in the shallow waters with snorkeling gear for up-close encounter with friendly curious Sea Lions at our local rookery followed by easy soft coral, sea sponges, anenomes and tropical fish snorkeling close from Las Animas. World-class sea kayaking This is sea-kayaking heaven for both beginners and seasoned pros. Enjoy sit on top and expedition class kayaks as you explore countless desert beaches, rocky points and marine life. Easy naturalist led desert walks This Sonoran desert is rich with unique cactus, plants, flowers, birds, reptiles and geology influenced by the Sea of Cortez. You will not find other places on the planet like. This includes towering Cardon cactus over 40’ tall and more
Day 6: Scenic Return to San Diego
Morning breakfast, nature free time, pack lunch, and return to LA Bay with whale, dolphin and bird viewing on the return boat trip. Mother nature is abundant. You never know what you will see. A scenic return to San Diego arriving approximately at 4 – 5PM. (B, L) .
Enhance your Quality of Life
Call today to check availability 800-221-9283 This Could be your Dream Vacation bajaair@cox.net
Las Animas Eco-Lodge for Year-Round Glamping Fun
Sea of Cortez: Sea Kayaking in Baja Mexico
Baja, Whale Watching Trips & Whale Shark Tours!
Baja Adventure Travel & Baja Ecotourism Paradise
#1 Specialty Lodging in Baja California
New Worry-Free Booking and Cancellation Policy
Baja Airventures tours and ecolodge understands that there is a lot of uncertainty around your travel planning right now. That’s why we giving you our new Worry-Free Booking and Cancellation Policy.
You may reschedule any new or existing reservation for any tour with us at no charge if there are any official health/travel government restrictions in place. You will be able to use the full value of your non-refundable payments as a credit for a future trip provided you travel within 24 months of your original tour date. Your travel voucher credit is even transferable.
Click Here for Specials & Availability on 2023 “Best of Baja’s Whale, Dolphins & Sea Lions Experience
Imagine a place entirely free of schedules, crowds or phones… A wilderness lodge where you’re surrounded by everything you need for the perfect adventure, and nothing more. Baja AirVenture’s Award-winning Las Animas Ecolodge is most certainly your best choice for experiencing the “Best of Baja” and the Sea of Cortez in a private, secluded setting, scenic travel and where your safety and enjoyment are top priorities.
Cool Baja Nature, Scenery & Las Animas Ecolodge Highlights Video
We are not just a tour company. We are the ultimate year-round Baja adventure travel & ecotourism vacation glamping destination, in one of the most remote, untouched, unspoiled locations in all of Baja Mexico. Period!
Welcome to Baja’s Best Multi-Activity, Soft Eco-Adventure Destination
***** Celebrating 30 Years of Baja Adventure Travel & Ecotourism *****
Ranked #1 Specialty Lodge in Baja California by Tripadvisor
In order to maximize your well-being, as well as to get you to an untouched wilderness setting in the least amount of time possible, we use only our own professional guides and private ground carriage to transport you from San Diego to our family-owned and operated ecolodge in neighboring Baja, Mexico. All our whale shark tours, Family Multi-Sport trips, Baja whale watching trips, Baja Bird Watching Tours and Baja fishing, are based from Las Animas Wilderness Ecolodge on the Sea of Cortez.
Baja AirVenture’s Las Animas Ecolodge Adventures Are Unmatched!
Here’s a snap shot of what you can enjoy with us year-round:
- Super capable and friendly American and local staff
- The only boat-in destination lodge in all of Baja
- Awesome isolation and unique natural wonders
- Private pristine white-sand beaches and Crystal clear water teaming with life
- Private beachside Baja ecolodge and comfortable Glamping yurts bungalows
- All Inclusive. We take care of everything from the moment your trip begins.
Baja’s Best Year-Round Eco-Adventure Destination
Your Baja adventure travel lodge package includes: ALL air and ground transportation, drinks (including alcohol), excellent fresh meals, comfortable accommodations, and plenty of fun! Look forward to sea kayaking in Baja, Mexico’s closest whale shark tours, Baja whale watching tours, Baja surfing, Baja fishing, snorkeling, hiking, pure relaxation and much more – the ultimate year-round soft adventure vacation destination.
Love the Silence and the Stars
We saw not only whale sharks, but pilot whales, humpbacks, sperm whales, and dolphins.
5-Star Top Contributor Comment 
Why Choose Us?
- Year round destination
- All-Inclusive
- Small Groups
- Less Travel Time
- Individual Travelers OK
- Delicious Fresh Meals
- Beachside Glamping
- Great Customer Service
- 3 to 1 guest/staff Ratio
- Boat Accessible Only
- Family Owned
- 30 Years of Baja Expertise
Sea of Cortez Eco Adventure Travel Holiday Destination
Our eco-adventure lodge offers American comforts within the protected natural whale and fish habitats of this Magical midriff Island region of Baja Mexico. We keep our groups small; they average between 6 – 16 guest. This ensures that each guest gets the attention they need. From the moment your trip begins, we take care of everything.
Our experienced professional pilots will fly you direct from San Diego, CA to the remote corners of this exceptional Baja peninsula. Just a few short hours away; Baja offers abundant natural resources, beautiful wilderness, and clear tropical Sea of Cortez waters, ideal for snorkeling with whale sharks, whale watching and fishing. This all combines to produce the perfect natural holiday. Experience the “true Baja” with us. You’ll be glad you did!
Our Baja Adventure Travels & Ecotourism Trips – in the Media
We are very proud. Baja AirVentures and Las Animas Wilderness Ecolodge have been featured in print, broadcast, and online media world wide including:
- San Francisco Chronicle
- Los Angeles Times
- San Diego Union Tribune
- New York Times
- Chicago Sun Times
- MSN
- NBC News
- ABC News
- Fox News
- Discovery Channel
- Outside Magazine
- National Geographic Explorer
- American Way Magazine
- Men’s Health
- Sunset Magazine
- Smart Money Magazine
- Western Outdoor News
- Sport Fishing Magazine
- Los Vagabundos Travel Club
- Family Travel Forum
Check Out This Cool Baja Whale Shark Tour Article
Swim with the World’s Largest Fish in Mexico
AP Associated Press