Top 10 Cheap All-Inclusive Resorts

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For decades, Pacific gray whales have made the 5,000-mile journey from the cold seas of Alaska to the warm waters and protected lagoons of the southern Baja Peninsula. From February to mid-March, Magdalena Bay, about 165 miles northwest of La Paz, becomes the Daytona 500 of whale watching. Laguna San Ignacio, about 40 miles southwest of San Ignacio, is also a prime spot.

From the Los Cabos area you can arrange a flight and a day tour of Magdalena Bay. Several tour operators offer multi-day camping trips, some combining sea kayaking on the Sea of Cortez with whale watching at Magdalena Bay. Companies include OARS (Outdoor Adventure River Specialists), Sea & Adventures, and Baja Expeditions.

On the Sea of Cortez, about 300 miles north of Los Cabos, Loreto is another popular Baja destination. Loreto draws families because of its calm waters, sandy beaches, sport fishing, snorkeling, and diving. Even though Loreto, like Los Cabos, Cancun, and other areas, has been designated for improvement by Mexico's tourism development division, the area retains its laid-back fishing village heritage. Watch the local fisherman unload their catches by late morning or try your luck fishing for dorado, yellowfin tuna, and yellowtail.

The Bahia de Loreto Marine Park, another prime attraction, stretches 800 square miles and consists of five islands—Coronado, Del Carmen, Danzante, Montserrate, and Santa Catalina. All are accessible by boat only and enroute you might pass sea lions and dolphins. Coronado, one of the most accessible of the park's islands, offers white-sand beaches and snorkeling just offshore. The waters are also prime kayak spots.