SEA KAYAKING ISLA CARMEN
THE WHALES OF THE BLUE DIAMOND

Encompassing the coast and offshore islands south of the town of Loreto on the Baja peninsula’s eastern coast, this trip combines the best aspects of our most popular Baja sea kayak expeditions. The first stop is Isla Carmen which dominates the Parque Nacional Bahia Loreto. At 30 times the size of neighboring Isla Danzante it is 19 miles from tip to tip with numerous bays and points that make up a winding coastline of delightful paddling miles. The terrain on the island is varied with broad shallow bays and multicolored headlands backed by 1000-ft. high russet peaks. Crossing to Isla Danzante we spend a night on this picturesque island before returning to the mainland. Beautiful kayaking and satisfying hikes combine to make this an all-around great Baja expedition.

The clear waters between Isla Carmen, its neighboring islands and the Baja mainland – the “Blue Diamond” are favored by Blue and Fin Whales and these massive animals can be observed frequently along the course of this trip. Our camps on the sandy beaches of Isla Carmen provide the best opportunities for whale sightings and encounters. Lying out in your sleeping bag under a sky ablaze with stars and listening to the sound of the sonorous breathing of great whales from just offshore is an unforgettable experience. Small coves teem with exotically colored fish and this trip affords many opportunities for snorkeling in what is considered one of the finest fishing areas in Baja. Bird life abounds on Carmen and the surrounding islands: ospreys nest on high headlands, brown pelicans congregate on partially submerged reefs, and blue footed boobies roost on white seaside cliffs
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Slip into the relaxing Baja rhythm of sunny days, memorable gourmet meals, star filled nights and blazing crimson-gold sunrises. Leave winter behind and discover the warmth of Baja.

MEXICO
Isla Carmen and The Whales of The Blue Diamond

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8 days
November - April Baja Trip Schdedule
easy to intermediate sea kayaking, hiking,
whale watching
5 camping, 2 nights hotel
Loreto
US $1245 / Cdn $1385*
Single Supplement US$90 / Cdn $99
*Prices do not include US$25.00 National Park user fee.
NEW LOWER CDN $ PRICING

Day 1 – Arrive in Loreto, explore the town and meet for an evening orientation and discussion of trip details.

Day 2 – Transfer by van to the Puerto Escondido. After an introduction to the art of kayaking cross the channel to southern Isla Carmen and a sandy beach camp on the channel between Islas Carmen and Danzante keeping watch for tell-tale plumes of whales spouting offshore.

Day 3 - The white-sand beaches of Punta Baja are some of the most photogenic in the park. We’ll spend the day paddling the shoreline and visiting snorkeling coves. This location is ideal for spotting Blue whales and a whale is spotted we can paddle out for a closer look at these largest of all whales.

Day 4 – We’ll break camp and paddle north along the dramatic east coast of Isla Carmen stopping along the way to snorkel in some of the many coves.

Day 5 - We’ll continue exploring north on Carmen’s eastern shore keeping watch for both whales offshore and some of the many Osprey that make their nests on the cliffs overlooking the sea.

Day 6 - Cross to Isla Danzante and another picture-perfect campsite with an unobstructed view of the cliffs and peaks of the Sierra Giganta

Day 7 – After a final swim, we paddle to the graceful arc of white sand that is Ensenada Blanca, where we are met by vans for transfer back to Loreto.

Day 8 – Fly home