ISLA CARMEN CIRCUMNAVIGATION

The term circumnavigation evokes Magellan and the age of Exploration. While considerable more modest in scale our trip around the 60 mile coastline of mountainous Isla Carmen does have special qualities of adventure and satisfaction. This extended exploration of the largest island in the Parque Nacional Bahia Loreto has all the appeal of our other Baja trips; great campsites, whales and dolphins, snorkeling in clear coves alive with tropic fishes, hiking, camaraderie and excellent organic camp cuisine. In addition to these attractions this trip provides the opportunity visit a part of the Parque that few paddlers get to see.
 
Our Isla Carmen circumnavigation is an opportunity for those who have paddled with us in Baja before to see all of Isla Carmen and for those who want the satisfaction and challenge of a longer Baja sea kayak adventure.

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Isla Carmen Circumnavigation Itinerary

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12 days
April 15 — 26
easy to intermediate sea kayaking, hiking,
whale watching
9 camping, 2 nights hotel
Loreto
US $ 1595 / CDN 1740*
Single Supplement US $75 / CDN $84
*Prices do not include $15.00 US National Park user fee.

Day 1 – Arrive in Loreto, explore the town and meet for an evening orientation at the beachfront hotel and a 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 - A day of paddling, swimming and snorkeling as we explore the beaches and arroyo canyons of the island’s east coast as we paddle to camp at Arroyo Blanco.

Day 4 – Exploratory hike up Arroyo Blanco to see the wide range of Sonoran desert vegetation. Snorkeling in the afternoon

Day 5 - Kayak to the mainland coast and our camp on a pristine beach at the foot of the Sierra Giganta.

Day 6 - Paddling north we enter the stunning turquoise water of Bahia Salinas and visit the ghost town at the abandoned salt works - the only sign of former habitation on Carmen.

Day 7 – Paddle to Punta Lobos on Carmen's northern tip keeping a lookout for the sea lions that give this point its name..

Day 8 – Turning southward we stop at the white sand beach at Vee Cover and continue on to the protected waters of Puerto Ballandra.

Day 9 – Paddling along the red cliffs of Carmen's west coast we watch for big horn sheep before arriving at camp at the fine pebble beach at Bahia Marquer.

Day 10 – Continuing south we cross the channel to a camp on Isla Danzante the has an unobstructed view of the Sierra Giganta Range.

Day 11 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 the hotel Loreto and welcome showers. There is time to explore town before a no-host celebration dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 12 – Fly home

For more information, advice and reservations call:
800-677-0877 toll free
503-364-0400 international (outside the US and Canada)
e-mail: info@tofino.com

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