Oaxaca and The Central Valleys

Baja – Grey expectations

Spend three nights aboard an expedition yacht, snorkelling, diving and kayaking among the abundant marine life of the Sea of Cortez. Then fly to an isolated camp on the shores of San Ignacio Lagoon for intimate encounters with one of the last significant grey whale populations. Swim with whale sharks, kayak alongside pods of dolphins and orcas, and spot turtles and stingrays. Above the water, watch for over 300 bird species, including magnificent frigate birds, blue footed boobies and double-crested cormorants.

Belize – Unearth the crystal maiden

Step into Actun Tunichil Muknal, the ‘Cave of the Crystal Sepulchre’, a remarkable Mayan site. Discover the famed ‘Crystal Maiden’ – a 17-year-old whose calcified bones sparkle in crystallised splendour. Explore ceremonial pottery marked with ‘kill holes’, once used to release spirits, and marvel at cave formations repurposed into altars. Amongst the calcified remains lies the rare ‘Monkey Pot’, one of only four such relics in Central America.

Mexico – Into the labyrinth

Mexico is home to one of the longest underground rivers on earth, reaching 153 kilometres. This labyrinth stretches between Felipe Carrillo Puerto and Playa del Carmen, on the eastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. Where the earth has collapsed into the waters below, deep wells of clear water provide an entrance to this surreal underworld, sacred to the Maya people. Walk through huge caverns and swim in lagoons, losing all sense of space and time.

Guatemala – Jungle gyration

Unveil the secrets of El Mirador, the largest ancient Mayan city in Central America. Due to conservation efforts, access remains limited – reachable only by a five-day hike or helicopter tour, preserving the untouched allure of this fascinating site. Fly over the vast rainforest to reach La Danta, one of three temple pyramids and one of the largest pyramids in the world. From the temple tops, take in panoramic views of the sprawling ruins below.

Panama – San Blas swimming

Sail the San Blas Archipelago in a private catamaran. Take to the crystal-clear waters to snorkel or dive among vibrant coral reefs, where marblesque conches and golden-hued starfish await. Marine life is in great abundance here and it’s not uncommon to spot sharks, stingrays, flying fish, jellyfish, lobsters and dolphins. Dine on fresh produce cooked over an open fire on desert islands and indulge in the exclusivity that comes with privately chartering a vessel in these waters.

Costa Rica – Canopy capers

Set in a prime location and only accessible by motorboat, SCP Corcovado Wilderness Lodge offers a remote rainforest experience nestled within a 170-acre private reserve, bordering Corcovado National Park. Ascend 30 metres into the Costa Rican canopy to watch the sun set over Drake Bay as spider monkeys swing between the branches below and birds return to their nests for the night.

El Salvador – Turtle rodeo

Join ProCosta, an inspiring, female-led organisation in El Salvador, spearheading conservation of the hawksbill turtles in Jiquilisco Bay. Work alongside experts to catch, measure, weigh and tag turtles. Since 2008, the programme has tagged 500 nesting females and 400 juveniles. This hands on experience allows you to play a vital role in conservation efforts, making a real impact whilst connecting unforgettably with the natural world.

Nicaragua – Downhill from here

Hike to the summit of Cerro Negro, a journey of around an hour, before descending its slopes on an ash board. From the top, glimpse Lake Managua to the south through the heat haze, whilst the steam from neighbouring volcanoes rises skyward. Slide or surf the 728-metre volcano in under five minutes – a pure thrill for the senses.

The whales of Baja, California

Jacques Cousteau famously called the Sea of Cortez “the world’s aquarium”. This 60,000 square mile gulf hosts whale sharks and 32 types of marine mammal including orcas, blue, sperm and humpback whales. Every winter, eastern Pacific grey whales migrate to lagoons on the peninsula’s Pacific coast to mate, calve and nurse their offspring. San Ignacio Lagoon is visited by 5,000 – 6,000 grey whales between December and May each year. Join a small group trip that combines swimming with whale sharks off La Paz, whale watching from a live-aboard in the Sea of Cortez and close encounters with grey whales in San Ignacio Lagoon.

Discover the whales of Baja, California

Cetacean Connections

Stay in an isolated camp on the shores of San Ignacio Lagoon and spend time in the privileged company of one of the last significant remaining grey whale populations as they breach, fluke and spy hop alongside your panga. These unique interactions between human and whale offer a family wildlife experience like no other and a magical window into the natural world.