Baja Kayaking Isla San Jose

Either fly directly into La Paz (LAP) or San Jose del Cabo “Cabo” (SJD) and take a shuttle or taxi to La Paz. Overnight accommodation is at the Seven Crowns Centro hotel. In the early evening there is a trip orientation meeting where kayaking dry bags, snorkeling gear and wetsuits will be distributed. In the meantime consider exploring this charming coastal city with its beautiful Malecón (waterfront promenade) and enjoying one of the many fine restaurants.

Departing hotel we’ll set of by van up the coast of the Sea of Cortez though Baja’s classic Sonoran desert environment with its array of cacti big and small. Keep a look out for some of the wildlife that call the desert home; road runners, coyotes and wild burros. Tantalizing glimpses of the gorgeous blue-green sea serve to wet our appetite for the days of paddling to come.
In the mid-afternoon we’ll arrive at a small fishing village and set up camp on the property of a local family. There will be time to get fitted for kayaks in preparation for the next day’s crossing and have a brief paddle. There is the opportunity to have a tortilla making lesson with our host family which provides an intimate insight into the culture of village life at the sea’s edge.
As the sun sets we’ll enjoy a fabulous dinner of fresh seafood and homemade tortillas as Isla San Jose beckons in the distance.

With an early start and substantial breakfast we’ll set off on our paddle crossing to Isla San Jose. The crossing will take two to two and a half hours. A motorized support panga (skiff) follows us to provide added safety and carries the camping gear and supplies. Making landfall we’ll stop for a well earned break and a chance to stretch our legs on the first of many long golden sand beaches that characterize this classic Sea of Cortez desert island and make for perfect walking and beachcombing. After lunch at the water’s edge we’ll paddling for another hour or so before arriving at our campsite. After camp setup, there’s time for a swim, beach walk or simply reading a book. Settle into the relaxing rhythm of Baja kayaking; morning paddles, afternoons spent exploring ashore and in the water, sunset appetizers and dinner followed by nights under a star filled sky.

Waking to warmth of the rising sun we’ll start another day of Baja kayaking. The Sea of Cortez is one of the healthiest marine ecosystems in the world and Jacques Cousteau called it “ The World’s Aquarium and over the course of this trip we may see giant Blue and fin whales offshore and even Orcas. Pods of dolphins are a frequent sight and sometime they cavort around us as we paddle.
This morning we’ll break camp and kayak for a couple hours to a beautiful beach that serves as a combined snorkeling, swimming, walking and lunch stop. Another paddling leg takes us to camp and another glorious Baja evening.

Depending on weather and group interests we may take this as a layover day from paddling and do some extended hiking on Isla San Jose. Crossing the island’s high point there are sweeping vistas of the azure blue waters of the Sea of Cortez and perhaps the even spouts of whales blowing in the distance.
At low tide there is a chance do dig for clams and your guides can introduce you to the nuances of intertidal life in Baja. This is an excellent spot to try fishing and the guides, avid fishermen all, can give you instruction and local angling secrets.

Another day of Baja adventure and relaxation. We paddle along a coast, of cliffs and arches broken by picture perfect sandy coves. Gliding over transparent waters alive with fish below. By now you’ve settled into the appeals of desert island life and home seems far away. We’ll land on beaches and explore, by foot or fins. Another delicious lunch and another wonderful afternoon. A festive last camp dinner a final night out under the Baja’s dome of stars.

Rising with the sun we make our crossing from Isla San Jose to the mainland. We’ll have an early lunch with our village friends and load the van for the drive back to La Paz. At the hotel hot showers await. There will be ample time to get refreshed before going out to a lively dinner at a local restaurant and sharing memories of our journey to Baja’s forgotten island.

Our Baja kayak adventure is done and you can depart anytime you wish or you can extend your stay with our half-day snorkeling with Whale Sharks tour that includes an additional night at the hotel ($200 pp).