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Home Baja Kayaking Trips Baja Kayaking Isla San Jose

Baja Kayaking Isla San Jose

Season(s)
Oct-Nov and Mar-Apr
Length
6 Days
Level
Easy-Intermediate
Airport
Cabo SJD / LAP
50000

Highlights

Baja's Forgotten Island

Located offshore from our remote Hidden Coast route Isla San Jose has beckoned us for years and a skiff-supported exploration of this seldom-visited wild island is our newest Baja trip. Isla San Jose is challenging enough to reach that it is off the radar of the vast majority of Baja paddlers and offers an experience that is very reminiscent of what Baja was like when we began paddling here over 30 years ago. 

 

Crossing to Isla San Jose Baja's Forgotten Island

Desert Island Classic

Isla San Jose is a classic example of a Sea of Cortes desert island with sandy beaches, rugged peaks cut by arroyos (washes) that provide pathways to explore the Sonoran desert environment. Isla San Jose is a high quality remote paddling trip with the very real advantage of frequent and competitively priced air access through southern peninsula airports of San Jose del Cabo (SJD) and La Paz (LAP).

Note: Minimum age for this trip is 16 years
Isla San Jose Baja Desert Island

Itinerary

Day 0

Arrival in La Paz

Either fly directly into La Paz (LAP) or San Jose del Cabo “Cabo” (SJD) and take a shuttle or taxi to La Paz.  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.
Overnight: Not included
Meals: None
Day 1

Journey Up Coast and Village Visit

Departing La Paz 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.
Overnight: Camping
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Day 2

Crossing to Isla San Jose

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.
Overnight: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3

Exploring the "World's Aquarium"

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.
Overnight: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4

Hiking San Jose

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.
Overnight: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5

Kayaking the Sea of Cortez

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.
Overnight: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6

Mainland Crossing and La Paz

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. 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.
Overnight: Not included
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Departure

Depart La Paz

Our Baja kayak adventure is done and you can depart anytime you wish.
Overnight: NA
Meals: None

Accommodations

Hotel 7 Crown Centro, La Paz

Extensions

At this time we do not offer any extensions for this trip but please feel free to call us about added travel options at 1-800-677-0877. We have spent a lot of time in and around the destinations we offer and are more than happy to share our experience.

Dates & Availability

Dates
Trip Length
Price
Availability
Notes
10/15/22 - 10/20/22
10/15/22 10/20/22 6 days
2390
Available
11/06/22 - 11/11/22
11/06/22 11/11/22 6 days
2390
Available
4/9/23 - 4/14/23
4/9/23 4/14/23 6 days
2390
Available
4/23/23 - 4/28/23
4/23/23 4/28/23 6 days
2390
Available
NOTE: Trips showing as 'Available' have at least 4 places open. All prices are $USD unless otherwise stated.

What Is Included

  • Accommodations as specified in the Itinerary
  • All meals as specified in Itinerary
  • Ground transportation
  • Expedition sea kayaks and equipment including PFDs
  • Expedition tents, and safety equipment
  • Snorkeling Equipment and Wetsuit
  • Sleeping bags and pads
  • Dry bags
  • Group safety equipment including medical kit, radios, and cell phones
  • Support boat and luggage transfers
  • Solo travelers always have their own tent during kayaking tours, at no additional cost.

What Is Not Included

  • Airfares
  • Park fee ($30)
  • Tipping of guides
  • Hotel accommodations at the beginning and end of the trip
  • Town meals and beverages
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Airport Transfers
  • Insurance of any kind (we strongly suggest that you purchase travel insurance that covers medical and evacuation as well as cancellations for medical reasons)
Copyright 2018 © Tofino Expeditions (USA), Inc. • All Rights Reserved • 1567 NW Elgin Ave • Bend OR • 97703
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Total Deposit: $ 50000 USD
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