What to Pack for the Great Gray Whales of Baja

The following packing list contains general recommendations for a Baja adventure. If you are currently booked on the Great Gray Whales of Baja, please consult your pre-departure materials for the most up-to-date packing list for your trip. You will receive these pre-departure materials 60–90 days before your departure.

Adventure Guidelines

• Weather during the adventure can be highly unpredictable and it is often cold and windy. We recommend a waterproof rain jacket and pants in addition to layers to wear underneath them, if necessary. Many people think that because they are traveling to Mexico it will be warm and sunny, but this is not typically the case on this adventure.
•  When departing from Loreto at the end of the adventure, we recommend that you do not pack any loose batteries in your carry-on luggage as airport security may confiscate them.
  
  

Essential Gear

• Lightweight neck gaiter (included in your pre-departure package)
  —Provides sun, wind and/or dust protection.
• Lightweight, waterproof rain jacket and rain pants 
  —These items are essential should we experience inclement weather, and it is very important they are completely waterproof, not just water resistant. The jacket should have a hood.
• Windproof fleece
• Light down jacket
• Warm hat and gloves 
  —Helpful in the mornings should we experience cooler temperatures.
•  Tennis shoes
•  Water-resistant sport sandals, closed-toed aqua shoes or rubber boots for wet landings
  —Please note that you will need to walk in the water when getting into the whale-watching boats, thus, sport sandals or closed-toed aqua shoes are highly recommended. For anyone highly concerned about being cold, we recommend wearing your sport sandals or closed-toed aqua shoes, and bringing tennis shoes and socks in your day pack to change on the panga. For the easiest and sturdiest footwear, we recommend KEEN® shoes, which provide the best over foot coverage and traction while still allowing water and sand to flow through them. Hiking boots will not be necessary during the adventure.
•  2 pairs of thermal undergarments (pants and shirt)
  —To wear while sleeping and to layer under your clothing and rain gear should we experience cooler temperatures.

•  Neoprene socks
  —To keep your feet warm during boat excursions.
•  Warm socks
•  Headlamp or small flashlight
•  A flashlight or headlamp (with extra batteries) is essential for navigating around the whale camp at night. Each traveler should bring his or her own.
•  Waterproof dry bag 
  —To protect your camera gear and personal items during boat excursions.
•  Biodegradable sunscreen and lip balm (at least SPF15)
  
  

Clothing

• 2 pairs of lightweight pants
• 1 pair of shorts
• 2 long-sleeved cotton shirts
• 2–3 short-sleeved T-shirts 
• Undergarments
• Swimsuit (optional)
  —There is a swimming pool at the hotel in Loreto.
  
  

Additional Gear

• Sun hat 
  —With brim and string to secure it while on the boats.
• Reusable water bottle (included in your pre-trip package)
  —In our continuing effort to operate our adventures with as little impact on the environment as possible, you will receive a reusable water bottle (unless you opted out on your Booking Form) to take with you on your adventure. We will provide drinking water throughout the adventure for you to refill your bottle. By doing this, you will avoid using multiple disposable plastic bottles.
• Binoculars 
• Sunglasses
  —With UV filter and strap to secure them. Polarized glasses help you to see through the reflection at the surface of the water and can be very useful while looking for marine life. Most sunglasses are not polarized, and it can be worth purchasing them in order to get the most out of your wildlife adventure. 
• Shower shoes or flip flops
  —To wear in the solar bucket bathing facilities while at the whale camp. Can be the same as your water shoes.
•  Washcloth and/or hand towel
  —Larger towels will be provided, but hand towels are good to have for drying off in the boats during whale watching excursions or for use at the sink basin in camp. If you would like to use a washcloth, you will need to bring your own.
•  Toiletry bag with toiletries
  —For convenience when using the bathing facilities and sink basin in camp.
•  Lightweight, water-resistant daypack 
•  Earplugs
•  Insect repellent and anti-itch ointment
• Shampoo, conditioner and soap
  —Not provided at the whale camp.
• Hand sanitizer
• Prescription glasses/contact lenses
• Portable battery charger
  —For overnight charging in the cabana, as the only charging outlets are in the main palapa.
•  Reusable waterproof bags 
  —Several sizes, for wet or dirty clothing and to protect camera equipment.
•  Spanish/English dictionary
•  Eye drops and nose spray (for dust irritation)
  
  Header Credit: Court Whelan