Baja is whale sharks, sea lions, an uninhabited island and nights in a tent with more stars than you’ve ever seen. It’s also salt, sun, sand in everything and a lot of time on small boats.
So this is a pack-light, live-in-your-swimsuit trip. Quick-dry clothes, serious sun protection, something warm for the night and one bag you can carry yourself.
We built this list for our Baja trip, but it works for any ocean and camping trip in Baja California Sur.
Baja weather: what to expect
Baja California Sur is dry and sunny most of the year. Our trips run in spring and late fall, when days are warm, usually in the 70s to 80s °F (20s °C), and the sun is strong.
Nights are cooler, especially up in the Sierra de la Laguna and out on the island, where the wind picks up after dark. The water in the Sea of Cortez is refreshing, cooler in spring than in fall.
Translation: swimsuits and sun protection for the day, a warm layer for the night.
What to wear
For ocean days
Most days are spent on a boat and in the water. Snorkel gear is provided, so you just need to dress for sun and salt.
- 2 or 3 swimsuits (one is always drying)
- A long-sleeve rash guard or swim shirt
- A light cover-up or quick-dry shorts
- A wide-brim hat that ties on (boats are windy)
- Polarized sunglasses with a strap
If you run cold in the water, a thin wetsuit top or a second rash guard makes a big difference.
For camp
Five of the seven nights are in a tent on the beach or in the mountains. Your tent is set up for you with a mattress pad, blankets and a pillow, so you don’t need a sleeping bag. What you do need is something warm.
- A fleece or warm sweater
- Comfy long pants or leggings
- Warm socks and something cozy to sleep in
- A light windbreaker
For the Sierra de la Laguna hike
Breathable workout clothes, a hat and a swimsuit underneath for the natural pools.
For La Paz
Two nights in a hotel, a taco crawl and a farewell dinner. One or two easy outfits you feel good in are plenty.
Shoes: bring three pairs
- Hiking: trail runners or sneakers with good grip for the mountain hike and rocky paths.
- Water: water shoes or sport sandals for boats, rocky beaches and getting in and out of the water.
- Easy: flip-flops or slides for camp and La Paz.
Leave anything nice at home. Everything ends up sandy.
Health and toiletries
- Reef-safe, high-SPF sunscreen and lip balm with SPF
- After-sun or aloe
- Motion sickness meds for the boat days
- Insect repellent for the Sierra
- Biodegradable wipes and a little toilet paper
- Hand sanitizer
- Dry shampoo (there are no hot showers on the island)
- Your preferred period products
- Pain relievers, band-aids, blister care and stomach meds
- Prescription meds in their original packaging, plus extra days
Travel insurance is required for this trip.
Electronics, documents and money
- A power bank, since there is no power or wifi on the island
- A headlamp for camp
- A waterproof phone pouch or dry bag for boat days
- Extra storage for photos (whale sharks, enough said)
Mexico uses the same plugs as the US (Type A and B, 127V), so most North American travelers don’t need an adapter.
Bring your passport with at least six months of validity. Most travelers, including citizens of the US, Canada, the UK, the EU and Australia, don’t need a visa.
Cards work in La Paz and Los Cabos, but bring some pesos for small purchases, tips and markets. Keep a backup card stored separately.
What to leave at home
- A rolling suitcase (a backpack or soft duffel is much easier to carry to camp)
- A sleeping bag (your tent has bedding)
- Jeans and anything heavy
- Jewelry you would cry about losing in the ocean
- A hair dryer or styling tools (no outlets at camp)
FAQ: packing for Baja
What luggage should I bring?
A backpack or soft duffel you can carry yourself, plus a daypack. There’s no strict limit, but you’ll carry it from the van to camp and back, so pack light.
Do I need to bring snorkel gear?
No, gear is provided. Bring your own mask only if you already have one you love.
Do I need a sleeping bag?
No. Your tent is set up with a mattress pad, blankets and a pillow.
Will I have showers and wifi?
Not on the island. You’ll have hot showers and wifi at the hotel in La Paz.
Do I need to be a strong swimmer?
You don’t need to be an expert, but you should feel at ease in open water and on a small boat.
Do I need hiking boots?
No. Trail runners or sneakers with good grip are perfect for the Sierra hike.
The bottom line
Pack swimsuits, a warm layer for the night and more sunscreen than you think. The whale sharks will do the rest.
Want to go? See our Baja trip, or browse all our upcoming trips.
