Where Desert Meets Sea

Baja California | September 5th-14th, 2026

  • Unlock exclusive access to a Marine Protected Area through our partnership with the Vermilion Sea Institute, a rare opportunity to explore one of Baja’s most pristine marine ecosystems.

  • Swim alongside gentle whale sharks, playful sea lions, curious octopus, and vibrant sea life in the legendary waters of the Sea of Cortez.

  • Venture beyond the shoreline into Baja’s dramatic desert landscape, where towering cacti and rugged mountains meet the sea.

  • Sharpen your photography skills with hands-on workshops, including underwater photography sessions designed to help you capture the magic below the surface.

Trip Highlights

THE DETAILS

Group Size | 8 Guests

Activity Level |Intermediate

Days | 10 days/9 nights

  • Baja California

    September 5–14

    Join us for an unforgettable adventure from San Diego to the Sea of Cortez, combining marine wildlife encounters, desert exploration, photography workshops, and cultural experiences.

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    Day 1 | Arrival in San Diego

    Guests arrive in San Diego and are picked up by guides. Settle into our group house, relax, and meet fellow travelers. We’ll kick off the journey with a casual welcome dinner featuring local tacos.

    Overnight: San Diego

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    Day 2 | Journey to San Felipe

    After breakfast, we depart for Baja California, crossing the border into Mexico and heading to the coastal town of San Felipe. Along the way, we’ll stop for authentic food, scenic overlooks, and a short photography session near ancient cave art.

    In the evening, we gather for our official opening dinner at a local restaurant, with time to explore the beach or enjoy San Felipe’s nightlife.

    Overnight: San Felipe

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    Day 3 | Desert Adventure & Transfer to the Sea of Cortez

    The morning begins with a thrilling 4x4 dune buggy tour through the Valley of the Giants, home to towering desert cacti. After lunch, we continue our journey to the Vermilion Sea Institute (VSI).

    Upon arrival, we’ll settle in, orient to the area, and prepare for the marine adventures ahead. In the evening, enjoy a guided bioluminescent kayak session or a night hike to search for desert wildlife.

    Overnight: VSI or nearby accommodations

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    Days 4–7 | Marine Wildlife Exploration

    Four immersive days on and around the Sea of Cortez, with flexible scheduling based on wildlife activity and weather conditions.

    Highlights may include:

    • Snorkeling with whale sharks (priority experience)

    • Swimming with sea lions

    • Dolphin encounters

    • Whale watching and open-ocean “Sea Safaris”

    • Birdwatching, including blue-footed boobies

    • Island snorkeling excursions

    • Optional deep-sea fishing or SCUBA (for certified divers)

    • Underwater and wildlife photography workshops

    • Guided night kayaking, bioluminescent experiences, or night snorkels

    • A festive “Fiesta Night” celebration

    Each day offers opportunities for photography, exploration, and learning in one of the most biodiverse marine regions on the planet.

    Overnight: VSI or nearby accommodations

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    Day 8 | Return to San Felipe

    After breakfast, we travel back to San Felipe, stopping for lunch along the way. Enjoy a relaxing evening in town.

    Overnight: San Felipe

    Day 9 | Return to San Diego

    We depart San Felipe and travel back to San Diego. After hotel check-in, we’ll gather for a final group dinner to celebrate the journey.

    Overnight: San Diego

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    Day 10 | Departure

    Guests transfer to the airport for flights home

  • Logistics

    Please fly in to San Diego International Airport (SAN) on September 5th.

    We will coordinate and facilitate Mexican Tourist Visa’s for our guests.

    Additional information:

    Participants should carry their own health and travel insurance.

    Deposits are non-refundable as they are used to pre-book all reservations and accommodation, unless the trip is canceled by us, in which case, deposits will be returned.

    Liability waivers and supporting documentation must be submitted with final payment. Papers will be issued upon deposit or earlier upon request via email.

    The trip is booked first come first serve.

  • $3,590 per person.

    SCUBA diving is an added expense ($250.00 per day for a two single tank guided boat dives)

    $500.00 deposit due upon registration. Deposit price goes towards full trip cost and holds your spot.

    What is included:

    • All transportation including to and from the airport

    • All basic accommodation, upgraded accommodation available at VSI for additional cost

    • Road snacks

    • Planned tours and excursions

    • Professional wildlife guides/photographers

    • Photography lessons

    • Lots of fun and good memories

    • Park entrance fees

    • Opening dinner

    • Meals at VSI

    • Mexican Tourist Visa

    What is not included:

    • Airfare to and from the airport

    • Baggage fees

    • Tips and gratuities

    • Immunizations or medications

    • Alcohol and some meals

    • SCUBA diving excursions

    • Accommodation upgrade option in Bahía de los Ángeles (5 nights)

MEDIA GALLERY

MEET YOUR GUIDES

Justin Grubb is an award winning wildlife photographer and conservationist with years of experience capturing the beauty and complexity of nature through his lens. His passion for wildlife has taken him to some of the most remote locations around the world, where he has developed a deep understanding of the behaviors and habitats of diverse species.

Justin’s expertise in wildlife photography is complemented by his strong background in environmental science, which allows him to guide travelers not just in taking stunning photos, but in understanding the ecological importance of the subjects they capture. His work has been featured in numerous publications including National Geographic, BBC, and more.

Jake Johnson is a wildlife biologist, animal husbandry specialist, and science communicator dedicated to inspiring meaningful conservation action. He is the founder of the Dreamers Initiative and host of the Chasing Wild Podcast, platforms created to amplify conservation stories, connect people to wildlife, and promote behavior change that supports species and ecosystem protection.

Professionally, Jake serves as an animal husbandry expert specializing in apes and other primates at Brookfield Zoo, where he focuses on welfare, enrichment, and the connection between animal care and conservation education. He holds a Master’s degree in Biology from Miami University and has collaborated with the Vermilion Sea Institute on marine conservation initiatives, blending scientific expertise with immersive conservation experiences.

CONSERVATION IMPACT

Our Approach

We only hire local tour operators and guides that have strong codes of ethics surrounding their conservation footprint and proximity to animals when photographing them. We are visiting locally owned and managed reserves and wildlife areas, working with permitted researchers, and will discuss photography ethics extensively.

The images collected on this tour will be donated to the Vermillion Sea Institute to be used in education. The profit from the trip will be used to support education programming.

Our Conservation Partner

EXPEDITION DEPOSIT

Secure your spot on this unforgettable adventure by placing a deposit at your earliest convenience. Our trips are filled on a first-come, first-served basis, so don’t miss the chance to join us! If you have any questions or prefer an alternative payment method, feel free to reach out—we’d be happy to help. We’re truly honored by your interest in traveling with us and can’t wait to share this remarkable corner of the world with you.

Pre-trip Questionnaire