Whales and Birds of Baja Expedition
Wings, Whales, & Wild shores
From the sub-tropical Cape, to the turquoise Gulf, and to the Pacific lagoons and mangroves, explore one of the richest marine life regions in the world and doing birding along the Pacific flyway through a carefully designed expedition led by biologist, naturalist guide, and photo expedition leader Paulo Goa.
This is not a fast-paced birding tour focused only on checklists. It is an immersive expedition designed for birders, nature enthusiasts and wildlife photographers and connect with the landscapes, ecosystems, wildlife, culture, and rhythms of Baja California Sur: my home for the past 9 years.
With small groups, flexible pacing, deep natural history interpretation, and a strong photographic component, every journey becomes a balance between serious birding, exploration, comfort, and meaningful travel.
The Baja California peninsula is surrounded by water: the Gulf of California (or Sea of Cortez) and the Pacific Ocean.
Within relatively short distances, the landscape transitions from Pacific mangroves and coastal lagoons to tropical deciduous forest, oak woodland, pine forest, cloud forest, estuaries, mountain rivers, and high volcanic slopes.
This ecological diversity creates exceptional opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife photography.
Some of the iconic regional species include:
Mountain Trogon
Citreoline Trogon
Lilac-crowned Parrot
Military Macaw
Orange-breasted Bunting
San Blas Jay
Black-throated Magpie-Jay
Russet-crowned Motmot
Happy Wren
Golden-cheeked Woodpecker
White-eared Hummingbird
Painted Bunting
Rose-throated Becard
Mexican Squirrel Cuckoo
Yellow-winged Cacique
Cinnamon Hummingbird
Orange-fronted Parakeet
Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl
Streak-backed Oriole
Lineated Woodpecker
Pale-billed Woodpecker
Slate-throated Redstart
Blue Mockingbird
White-throated Magpie-Jay
Alongside birds, these expeditions often include encounters with crocodiles, marine life, reptiles, insects, tropical flora, and the rich cultural identity of western Mexico.
Why Baja California Sur?
Some of the most diverse desert and waters of the world.
The Experience
Designed for Curious Travelers
Small Group Expeditions
Intimate experiences designed for deeper observation, flexibility, and personalized guiding.
Natural History Focus
Birds become an entry point into understanding ecosystems, geography, conservation, and local culture.
Photography Friendly
Ideal for wildlife photographers and nature enthusiasts wanting time, positioning, and interpretation in the field.
Comfortable Adventure
Thoughtfully selected lodging, regional gastronomy, and authentic experiences without losing comfort.
Local Knowledge
Years of exploration across western Mexico provide access to hidden birding locations beyond conventional tourism.
Private & Custom Trips Available
Tailored expeditions for photographers, birders, families, couples, and small private groups.
Featured Expeditions
Puerto Vallarta, El Tuito & San Blas Birding Expedition
From tropical coastline to mangroves, estuaries, and foothill forests
A dynamic birding journey across one of the richest ecological corridors in western Mexico.
Beginning in the Puerto Vallarta region and extending north toward San Blas, this expedition explores tropical dry forest, coastal wetlands, estuaries, foothill forest, mangroves, and Pacific lowland ecosystems in search of endemic west Mexican birds and tropical specialties.
Designed with a balance between productive birding, photography, regional culture, and relaxed exploration, this expedition offers an immersive experience through the natural diversity of Mexico’s Pacific coast.
Trip Start & End: Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico
Trip Length: 5 days / 4 nights
Group Size: Small groups or private departures (max 5 guests)
Activity Level: Easy to moderate, includes boat rides, light hiking, and patience skills
Season: April and May only
Highlights
Tropical Pacific birding across multiple ecosystems
Mangrove and estuary boat exploration
Search for endemic west Mexican bird species
Opportunities for wildlife photography
Northern Potoo night excursion
Tropical dry forest and foothill birding
Small groups and flexible pacing
Natural history interpretation throughout the journey
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1 — Arrival to Puerto Vallarta & Boca de Tomates
Arrival to Puerto Vallarta.
Depending on arrival times, afternoon birding session around Boca de Tomates and the Ameca River estuary region. This area offers excellent opportunities for waterbirds, parrots, kingfishers, orioles, and tropical dry forest species.
Overnight in Puerto Vallarta.
Day 2 — Vallarta Botanical Gardens & El Tuito
Early departure toward the southern foothills of the Sierra Madre Occidental.
Birding around Vallarta Botanical Gardens, one of the richest and most scenic birding locations in the region. Continue toward El Tuito and the tropical forest corridor south of Puerto Vallarta. Afternoon visit to Santuario de las Guacamayas.
Overnight near El Tuito or Puerto Vallarta.
Day 3 — El Tuito Region to San Blas
Morning birding session in tropical dry forest and foothill habitats around El Tuito.
After early lunch, transfer north toward San Blas. Evening mangrove boat exploration through estuaries and wetlands. Night excursion in search of Northern Potoo and nocturnal wildlife.
Overnight in San Blas.
Day 4 — San Blas Mangroves & Tropical Wetlands
Early morning birding in one of the most legendary birding regions in Mexico.
Explore mangroves, estuaries, tropical forest edges, and coastal wetlands around San Blas and Marismas Nacionales. Afternoon at relaxed pace for photography, editing, local cuisine, or optional additional birding.
Second overnight in San Blas.
Day 5 — Morning Birding & Return to Puerto Vallarta
Final morning birding session around San Blas wetlands and tropical forest.
Brunch before returning south toward Puerto Vallarta.
Arrival to Puerto Vallarta in the afternoon.