Formerly known as Baja AirVentures
Same Great Company & Owners, Just a New Name!
Enjoy a private year-round Baja Ecotourism Lodge on an untouched boat-in only beach with experienced Baja naturalists at Tripavisor’s #1 Specialty Lodge in Baja California
Welcome to #1 Tripadvisor Ranked Baja Ecotourism lodge ideal for couples, families, and retreat hosts.
A scenic road-trip from San Diego
Abundant Activities
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Las Animas: Baja Ecotourism Lodge vs. The World's Top Pristine Nature Destinations
You've been to the Galápagos. You've conquered Antarctica. You've hiked Machu Picchu. You've experienced an African safari.
But how much time did you spend getting there? How much did it cost including flights? And could you ever have those iconic locations entirely to yourself?
Las Animas, a premier Baja ecotourism lodge, sits in the heart of the Midriff Island region of the Sea of Cortez—the pristine, unpopulated marine and desert ecosystem that legendary author John Steinbeck immortalized in his writings. This UNESCO World Heritage site remains one of the world's most abundant and unique natural environments, where the Sonoran Desert cascades into crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life. Jacques Cousteau called it "the world's aquarium," and our Baja ecotourism lodge provides intimate access to wilderness that remains as wild and untouched today as when Steinbeck explored these waters.
Below, we compare our Baja ecotourism lodge experience to the world's most sought-after pristine nature destinations. All prices shown are per person and include estimated round-trip airfare from central United States gateway cities to the trip starting point. Note: Taxes, park fees, and special permits are not included in any pricing.
| Destination | Travel Time | 6-Day All-Inclusive Cost + Airfare (Per Person)* | Tourism Pressure & Avg Group Size | UNESCO/Protected | Round-Trip Flights | Jet Lag (Each Way) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antarctica | 2-3 days (flight to South America + 2-4 hrs driving + 2-day Drake Passage crossing) | $10,000-$18,750 + $900-$1,400 airfare = $10,900-$20,150 | Very Low (Avg group: 50-100+) |
Antarctic Treaty | 4-6 flights (round-trip) | Severe (9+ hrs each way) |
| Africa Safari Ecolodge | 2-3 days (long-haul flights + 2-4 hrs driving + regional connections + ground transfers) | $6,250-$11,250 + $1,400-$2,000 airfare = $7,650-$13,250 | Low-Moderate (Avg group: 12-20) |
Various (UNESCO & National Parks) | 4-6 flights (round-trip) | Severe (7-10 hrs each way) |
| Australia Outback | 2-3 days (15-20 hr flights + 2-4 hrs driving + regional connections + remote transfers) | $5,500-$9,500 + $1,400-$2,000 airfare = $6,900-$11,500 | Low (Avg group: 12-16) |
Various | 4-6 flights (round-trip) | Severe (16+ hrs each way) |
| Galápagos Islands | 1-2 days (multiple connections + 2-4 hrs driving) | $4,500-$8,000 + $600-$900 airfare = $5,100-$8,900 | Moderate-High (Avg group: 25-50) |
UNESCO World Heritage | 4-6 flights (round-trip) | Moderate (3-5 hrs each way) |
| Patagonia | 1.5-2 days (long-haul + connections + 2-4 hrs driving) | $4,500-$8,500 + $800-$1,200 airfare = $5,300-$9,700 | Moderate (Avg group: 12-20) |
Partial UNESCO | 4-8 flights (round-trip) | Severe (6-8 hrs each way) |
| Norwegian Fjords | 1-2 days (trans-Atlantic + ferries + 2-4 hrs driving) | $5,000-$9,000 + $700-$1,000 airfare = $5,700-$10,000 | Moderate (Avg group: 15-25) |
Partial UNESCO | 2-4 flights (round-trip) | Severe (8-9 hrs each way) |
| Machu Picchu/Amazon | 1-2 days (flights + train/bus + 2-4 hrs driving) | $4,000-$7,500 + $500-$800 airfare = $4,500-$8,300 | High / Moderate (Avg group: 30-100) |
UNESCO World Heritage | 4-6 flights (round-trip) | Moderate (3-5 hrs each way) |
| Alaska Remote Lodges | 1-1.5 days (flight + bush plane + 2-4 hrs driving) | $5,000-$10,000 + $400-$700 airfare = $5,400-$10,700 | Low-Moderate (Avg group: 14-25) |
Various | 4-6 flights (round-trip) | Moderate (3-4 hrs each way) |
| Costa Rica (Osa Peninsula) | 1 day (direct + regional flight + 2-4 hrs driving) | $3,500-$6,500 + $400-$600 airfare = $3,900-$7,100 | Moderate (Avg group: 16-30) |
Various | 2-4 flights (round-trip) | Minimal (2-3 hrs each way) |
| 🌟Las Animas Ecolodge (from San Diego gateway) TripAdvisor #1 Specialty Lodging in Baja, MX |
8-9 hours same day (scenic van + boat transfer) |
$3,495 + $200-$400 airfare** = $3,695-$3,895 (**if flying to San Diego from central U.S.) |
Very Low (Capacity: 16, Avg group: 10) |
UNESCO World Heritage (Sea of Cortez) |
0-2 flights (round-trip) (Zero if driving from So. CA) |
ZERO to Minimal (0-2 hrs if flying) |
*All prices are per person based on double occupancy. Airfare estimates from central U.S. gateway cities (Chicago, Denver, Dallas) to trip starting points. Taxes, national park fees, and special permits not included. Prices subject to change based on season and availability. **Las Animas airfare applies only if flying to San Diego; Southern California residents can drive directly to San Diego gateway at no additional cost.
Why Our Baja Ecotourism Lodge Is The Smart Choice for Seasoned Travelers
The travel to bucket-list destinations often rivals the experience itself. While Antarctica requires 2-3 days including the Drake Passage crossing plus 2-4 hours of driving, Australia's Outback demands exhausting long-haul flights with 16+ hours of jet lag each way, African safaris require multiple connections through international hubs, and even Machu Picchu requires multiple connections through Lima and Cusco, our Baja ecotourism lodge delivers a UNESCO World Heritage-protected wilderness experience in just 8-9 hours from our San Diego gateway—with zero flights and zero jet lag.
What makes this Baja ecotourism lodge experience so special? The Midriff Island region of the Sea of Cortez—where our Baja ecotourism lodge is located—represents one of Earth's most exceptional marine ecosystems. This is the same pristine, unpopulated wilderness that captivated John Steinbeck during his famous 1940 expedition, detailed in "The Log from the Sea of Cortez." The unique convergence of nutrient-rich waters, dramatic desert landscapes, and over 30 pristine islands creates an abundance of wildlife found nowhere else on Earth. Blue whales (the largest whales on the planet), fin whales, dolphins, sea lions, over 900 species of fish, and more than 200 species of birds thrive in this remarkable ecosystem that Jacques Cousteau called "the world's aquarium." Your journey to our Baja ecotourism lodge also traverses the Valle de los Cirios, a protected biosphere reserve showcasing the diverse and unique Sonoran Desert with its iconic Cirio trees (boojum trees), towering cardon cacti, and endemic plant species found nowhere else on the planet—creating a spectacular land-to-sea wilderness experience.
When you factor in airfare costs from central U.S. cities, the value of choosing a Baja ecotourism lodge becomes even more compelling. A 6-day trip to Antarctica now ranges from $10,900-$20,150 per person (including flights), African safaris $7,650-$13,250, while Las Animas Ecolodge (TripAdvisor's #1 Specialty Lodging in Baja, Mexico with 200+ reviews averaging 4.8 stars) start at just $3,695-$3,895 per person including flights to San Diego—or $3,495 if you're driving from Southern California.
What Truly Sets Our Baja Ecotourism Lodge Apart:
- Unbeatable Total Value: Starting at $3,695-$3,895 per person all-inclusive (including flights to San Diego from central U.S.), or $3,495 for Southern California, Nevada and Arizona residents who drive, our Baja ecotourism lodge is dramatically less expensive than any comparable destination—which now range from $4,500-$20,150 per person including flights
- TripAdvisor #1 Rated: As TripAdvisor's #1 Specialty Lodging in Baja, Mexico with over 200 reviews averaging 4.8 stars, our Baja ecotourism lodge has earned its reputation for exceptional service, pristine location, and unforgettable wildlife experiences
- Same-Day Arrival: Leave San Diego in the morning, arrive at your beachfront yurt at our Baja ecotourism lodge by afternoon. No overnight flights, no airport hotels, no travel fatigue, no jet lag recovery
- Round-Trip Simplicity: While other destinations require 4-8 round-trip flights with complex connections and 2-4 hours of additional driving, our Baja ecotourism lodge requires zero flights—just a scenic drive and boat transfer
- Zero Environmental Travel Impact: Our Baja ecotourism lodge approach dramatically reduces your carbon footprint compared to international flights
- Intimate Groups: With a capacity of 16 guests and average group size of 10, our Baja ecotourism lodge provides personal attention and authentic wildlife encounters—far smaller than typical groups of 15-100+ at other destinations
- Private Group Bookings Available: Here's the game-changer—you can book our entire Baja ecotourism lodge (up to 16 guests) for your private group. Try doing that in Antarctica, the Galápagos, African safari camps, Patagonia, or Machu Picchu. Our Baja ecotourism lodge offers the rare opportunity for a truly exclusive wilderness experience without the complexity, cost, or travel time of distant destinations
- No Hidden Costs: Unlike many destinations where park fees, permits, and taxes add thousands to your final bill, our Baja ecotourism lodge pricing is transparent and all-inclusive
For travelers who've already checked off the Galápagos, Antarctica, African safaris, and Machu Picchu, our Baja ecotourism lodge offers the same caliber of experience with a fraction of the travel time and cost. You'll explore the same pristine wilderness that inspired John Steinbeck's writings—a place where the Sonoran Desert meets one of the world's richest marine ecosystems. You'll spend more time immersed in nature at our Baja ecotourism lodge and less time exhausted in airports or recovering from jet lag.
Sometimes the world's best-kept secrets are closer than you think.
Ready to Experience Our Baja Ecotourism Lodge?
Limited spots available for 2026 at Las Animas, Baja's premier ecotourism lodge.
Call us to discuss your trip or private group booking.
Inside our Baja Ecolodge Vacations
Our truly unique location for Baja Ecotourism Lodge offers 8 romantic, private beach-side yurts equipped with bathroom, pressurized shower, Sun/Mar Eco-Toilets, California King Sized Pillow-Top Memory Foam Mattress, skylight roofs, and covered decks with Adirondack Chairs and a Hammock.
The yurts are built around the spacious main lodge yurt which offers an expansive deck that serves as a central dining area, game area and communal lounge space.
All trips are led by an expereinced Baja naturalist guide and attentive local staff.
Come enjoy your Baja ecolodge vacations or retreat of your dreams:
Year Round Baja Ecolodge
Packages from San Diego
All-inclusive 6-day package with R/T transportation from San Diego
- Call or Email for current availibility and special pricing and to make reservations. 619-421-2235
Las Animas Ecolodge is also the base camp for Whale Shark Snorkeling Aug. – Oct. and Gray Whale Watching tours Jan. – April.
2025 Holiday Trip Departures*:
-
- Thanksgiving: 11/22 – 11/28 – SOLD OUT
- Christmas: 12/22 – 12/27 – SOLD OUT Family Trip
-
New Year: 12/29/24 – 1/3/26: 6 Open
* 10% holiday fee may apply
Download Las Animas Ecolodge Brochure Here
Download our 2026 Las Animas Wilderness Ecolodge here and see for yourself why we are the #1 Tripadvisor Specialty Lodging in Baja California
2025 & 2026 DatesLas Animas Ecolodge & Ecotours |
Trip & Location |
December 29, 2025 - January 3, 2026 |
New Years @Las Animas Ecolodge |
February 2 - April 4, 2026 |
Best of Baja's Whales, Dolphins & Sea Lions
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April 13 - April 18: 8 OPEN |
Las Animas Ecolodge
|
April 20 - April 25 |
Las Animas Ecolodge |
July 6 - 11 |
Las Animas Ecolodge |
July 13 - 18 |
Las Animas Ecolodge |
August 31 - October 31 |
Ultimate Whale Shark & Sea Lion Snorkeling |
November 9 - 14 |
Las Animas Ecolodge |
November 23 - 28: Thanksgiving |
Thanksgiving @Las Animas Ecolodge |
December 21 - 26 : Holiday Trip |
Christmas @Las Animas Ecolodge |
December 28 - January 2, 2027: New Years |
New Years @Las Animas Ecolodge |
January 2027(call for availibility) |
Las Animas Ecolodge |
|
Year Round Except During Whale Watching, Whale Shark Snorkeling and Holidays |
CALL us for "arriving on your own" all-inclusive packages. 3 night/4 Day minimum |
Incredible food, rustic comforts, endless adventures in nature with expert naturalist guides, and a kind local staff during your Baja ecotourism lodge vacation.
All found amongst the rare and protected natural habitats offered at our ecolodge in Bahia de Las Animas, the bay of the spirits.
Experience the original, untouched Baja. This oasis, hidden inside a breathtaking private bay, offers a natural alternative to the crowds and hotels of Southern Baja. Come; experience a uniquely genuine Baja retreat.
“The best food I’ve eaten”
We can also accommodate special vegetarian or vegan diets.
History of our Baja Ecotourism Lodge
Located on the Sea of Cortez and accessible only by boat, Las Animas Baja Ecotourism Lodge, is a year-round all inclusive, soft eco-adventure, multi-activity, wilderness glamping vacation destination ideal for singles, couples, families, and small groups of 10 – 12. Although we can accommodate unified groups and families of 16+.
Escape to your own secluded, romantic cove. Watch the more than fifty species of birds and 6 species of whales, including the blue and fin whales, the largest in the world. Learn to sail and stand up paddle board. Climb with our biologist guides. Explore unspoiled desert island chains. Beautiful easy walks in the very abundant and diverse Sonoran desert. Or simply relax in a hammock and fall asleep to the sounds of the sea. This truly is a one of a kind experience!
Here you can be as active or as relaxed as you want. Your Baja soft adventure vacation memories are entirely up to you. Kayak crystal clear waters and never-ending coves. Snorkel with playful Dolphins and Sea Lions. Watch in awe the majestic spouting whales.
If you have dreamed of a secluded, magical Baja Ecotourism Lodge retreat… this is it.
The Ultimate Baja Ecotourism Lodge Retreat
Our Private All-inclusive Baja Ecotourism Lodge:
COUPLES
Book your romantic getaway with your own private beach and Baja ecolodge for an all-inclusive experience
3-night stay minimum.*
FAMILIES
Book your best family get-together ever with something for all ages. Have your own private beach, attentive staff and ecolodge for an all-inclusive experience. This is the “Ultimate Grandparents Gift” your family will always treasure.
3-night stay minimum.*
RETREATS
Book your family re-union, personal development / Heath retreat, leadership off-site, wedding or romantic getaway with your own private beach and ecolodge for an all-inclusive experience
3-night stay minimum.*
Call Kevin Now to Answer Your Baja Ecotourism Lodge Vacation Questions or To Make Reservations
Download Las Animas Ecolodge Brochure Here
Download our 2026 Las Animas Wilderness Ecolodge here and see for yourself why we are the #1 Tripadvisor Specialty Lodging in Baja California
Happy Guests Served
Years in Business since 1989
Year Hall of Fame on Tripadvisor
Protected National Preserves and Unesco World Heritage Site
We are Baja Spirit, and our mission is to provide the most safe, fun, and memorable eco-adventures that share the inspiring nature of Baja with people like you.
We are a small Baja ecolodge and ecotour company run by Kevin Warren and his wife Carolina. Our love and respect for the nature here, and passion to share it with others through fun and safe eco-adventures is what keeps us going.
Located in a Unesco World Heritage site on the Sea of Cortez, in the magical Bahia De Las Animas, we offer a one-of-a-kind experience that brings you to the heart of Baja California, Mexico.
Our Founder
Kevin Warren
Our Location
Situated in between a Unesco World Heritage site, a National Marine Preserve, and the largest Desert Preserve in Latin America, we have a truly one-of-a-kind location.
Our Baja ecotourism lodge is a 14 mile scenic boat-in only journey from the nearest town, (Bay of the Angels). Our views here are pure untouched nature – vastly different from the typical Cabo and La Paz “Baja Experience” with tourist resorts, crowds, and noise.
Our Staff
Our staff consists of experienced Naturalist Guides, Baja biologist and local Mexican staff of boat captains, fishermen, chefs, and the cleaning care of our ecolodges, and bring so much to the entire Baja Spirit experience.
Our team is committed to providing our guests with safe guided experiences, outstanding service, mouth-watering fresh food, and an added slice of authentic Mexican culture.
Frequently Asked Questions About Our
Baja Ecotourism Lodge & Tours
What is your worry-free booking & cancelation policy?
You may reschedule any new or existing reservation to any tour with us at no charge if there are any official health/travel government restrictions in place. You will be able to use the full value of your non-refundable payments as a credit for a future trip provided you travel within 24 months of your original tour date.
Your travel voucher credit is even transferable.
What are the qualifications of your guides?
Every Las Animas Ecotour is led by an expert Baja Spirit naturalist guide. They are extremely knowledgeable of the local flora and fauna and have been taking out such tour groups for years. They are aware of and abide by the Baja whale watching and Baja whale shark rules and regulations for the safe viewing which includes ways in which to leave them undisturbed.
Our guides love Baja and know the best places and natural resources to share with you.
What is your trip capacity?
Baja Spirit limits group size to no more then 10 - 12 guests on our Whale-Shark Ecotours and Baja whale watching tours. Our Las Animas ecolodge does have the lodging capacity for 16 -20 for unified groups or families. Other tours companies often crowd up to 50 or more on a single tour and as a result are unable to provide as personal or rewarding an experience. We value creating a personal, friendly environment where every guest is cared for.
How is the food?
The food is fantastic at our ecolodge, and we boast the best kitchens on the peninsula. Our local cooks offer all you can eat in traditional ranchero style meals, barbecue, fresh fish, home-made tortillas; purified drinking water are all included.
Many of our meals are "hunter gatherer" style, taking advantage of whatever mother nature provides with amazing fresh sea-food for happy hour.
And of course, we accomodate for different dietary restrictions - with quality vegan and vegetarian options available.
How are the accomodations?
Our specialty Baja ecotourism lodge vacations at Las Animas ecolodge features 8 romantic, private beachs-side yurts each with an attached private bathroom, a pressurized shower, state of the art Sun-Mar Ecotoilets, California king-sized pillow-top memory foam mattress, skylight roofs, and covered decks with Adirondack chairs and a hammock.
This is not a hotel - many of our guests consider our lodges a far better experience than staying at a typical hotel room and resort that you'd find in Cabo or California.