Baja Nature Diaries
By Jay Gittens

Some five million years ago, the Baja California peninsula was separated from mainland Mexico by tectonic forces of an unimaginable scale forming unique lands and aquatic ecosystems that harbor an exclusive assemblage of plants and animals. Through the eyes of a marine biologist, Jay shares his experiences of the nature of Baja, often emphasizing the great work being done to protect it.

Laguna La Poza: A Coastal Oasis

Small exotic birds in their tens of dozens flutter around like insects, partially filling in the sky directly over the lagoon. Succeeding the heavier ... Read more

The Gray Whales of Baja

The record for the longest known mammalian migration is held by none other than the gray whale (Eschrichtius robustus). The eastern North Pacific population, also... Read more

Garden of Eden

The sunlight partially penetrates into the opulent forest of mesquite trees and cacti, piercing down through the thick canopy like great daggers of light. The resulting... Read more

The Living Desert

As a kid growing up in London, the word ‘desert’ painted pictures in my mind of a barren, inhospitable and sun-scorched landscape that supported very little life. It was a... Read more

Take a Hike - Local Hiking of La Paz

La Paz is becoming increasingly popular, attracting more visitors to its low-key alternative style of tourism. This delectable land where the mountain-backed desert and sea coalesce... Read more

Life's a Beach - La Paz Beaches

Visitors to La Paz, Mexico will often ask me what there is to do in and around the city. “We have a beautiful cathedral, a five kilometer-long (and growing) malecon... Read more

Saving the Sea Lions of La Paz

The California sea lion (Zalophus californianus) is one of six species of sea lion from the family Otariidae (eared seals)... Read more

Wildlife Experiences for Underprivleged Kids

The Gulf of California / Sea of Cortez attracts visitors from across the globe that come to experience the uniqueness of this bountiful sea... Read more

Discovering "The World's Aquarium"

Once dubbed “The World’s Aquarium” by none other than marine explorer and conservationist, Jacques-Yves Cousteau, the Gulf of California... Read more

Manta Mania - The Return of the Giants

I remember the excitement of the moment very well. Scrolling through my Facebook newsfeed, I stumble across the post of an acquaintance... Read more

A Hope Spot of Marine Conservation

My friend and I pack the car, excited by the reports of clear blue waters down at Cabo Pulmo. The naturally occurring green waters... Read more

Kayaking Isla San Jose

As we set off by road from the center of La Paz, my buddy James and I share in the excitement of our forthcoming adventure... Read more

A Visit to Isla Espíritu Santo

Our vessel sets off out of Marina de La Paz in the city centre. The Espíritu Santo Archipelago soon appears as a single mass set on the horizon... Read more

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About Our Sources

We work hard to maintain the validity and accuracy of the information we provide in our Before You Go guide to traveling into Mexico, and coming back to the United States. We source our information through government websites and the direct relationships we have with community and government leaders both in the United States and Mexico. Our team is based in San Diego and crosses the US/Mexico border often. Additionally we are involved with advocating for a better border crossing experience through our work with the Smart Border Coalition and regional chambers of commerce. Please contact us with questions or corrections.