Baja Kayaking The Sea of Cortez

Season(s)

October - April

Length

6 - 8 Days

Level

Easy

Airport

Loreto LTO

50000

Highlights

The Best of Baja

Our Baja kayaking trips in the Sea of Cortez explore an area encompassing the coast and offshore islands of the Loreto Bay National Marine Park on the Baja Peninsula’s eastern coast, this trip combines all the best aspects of our most popular sea kayak expeditions.

Wonders of a National Park

After spending a night in Loreto, our first destination is Isla Carmen, the centerpiece of the National Park. At 19 miles from tip to tip the winding coastline of Isla Carmen has numerous bays, headlands and hidden coves perfect for paddling and exploration. The terrain on the island is varied with turquoise green bays edged with white sand and dramatic cliffs backed by 1000-foot high russet colored peaks. Crossing to Isla Danzante we spend a night on this very picturesque island before returning to the mainland. Beautiful kayaking, satisfying hikes and spectacular campsites combine to make this an all around great Baja expedition.

Great Whales

The clear waters around Isla Carmen and its neighboring islands are favored by Blue Whales and Fin Whales during the winter and early spring these massive animals can be observed frequently over the course of this Baja kayaking 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 listening to the sound of the sonorous breathing of great whales from just offshore is an unforgettable experience.

The World’s Aquarium

Jacques Cousteau called the Sea of Cortez / Gulf of California, ” the world’s aquarium” and the islands of the Gulf are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 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 the islands: ospreys nest on high headlands, brown pelicans congregate on partially submerged reefs, and blue footed boobies roost on white seaside cliffs.

The Rhythm of Baja

Slip into the relaxing Baja kayaking rhythm of sunny days, memorable gourmet meals, star filled nights and blazing crimson-gold sunrises. Leave winter behind and discover the warmth of Baja.

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Loreto

After arriving in Loreto take a taxi (cost not included in trip fee) to the hotel. This evening your guides will meet the group in the hotel’s lobby for an orientation and discussion of trip details. Supper this evening is on your own and our representatives will be pleased to offer suggestions as well as directions to Loreto’s many good restaurants. The hotel is happy to store your extra luggage in a secure room while you are out kayaking.

Overnight: La Mision Hotel

Meals: None

Day 2

Loreto Bay National Park

The group meets at breakfast before boarding the van for the short drive south to our launch point near Puerto Escondido. As we near our destination, the peaks and hanging valleys of the Sierra Giganta tower above the coast road. South of Puerto Escondido the mountains plunge straight into the sea and the highway turns inland. A comprehensive sea kayak instructional session is presented before we set off to paddle to our first campsite. In the early evening you’ll enjoy your first beach “Happy Hour” with margaritas and botanas (snacks) followed by a gourmet dinner as the sun sets over the peaks of the Sierra Giganta.

Overnight: Camping

Meals: Lunch & Dinner

Day 3-6*

Kayaking the Sea of Cortez

Your days begin with magnificent sunrises along with the calls of wintering song birds from the bushes behind the beach and finish with pleasantly cool evenings. Each day you’ll break camp and paddle north along the dramatic coastline of the islands stopping along the way to snorkel in some of the many coves. Expect to paddle about 4 hours a day, with a long lunch break and floating respites. You’ll have ample opportunities after kayaking to snorkel, hike, swim or simply relax with a good book. Each evening finds us in a beautiful campsite enjoying a fresh cooked meal and a round of margaritas as the sunsets. *Days 3-5 on 7-Day Itinerary

Overnight: Camping

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7*

Return to Loreto

After breakfast, and perhaps a final swim, we load the kayaks for the paddle to the takeout point. After a final lunch on the beach we board waiting vans around 2:00 PM and proceed to Loreto. After checking back into the hotel there is time to shower and explore this rustic old mission town. This evening there is an optional no-host group dinner at a favorite local restaurant. *Day 6 on 7-Day Itinerary

Overnight: La Mision Hotel

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8*

Departure

After check out from the hotel it’s time to say good-bye to Loreto and head back to the airport for the flight home, or you can arrange to extend your vacation at the tour hotel and enjoy more of the recreational activities this charming seaside town has to offer. *Day 7 on 7-Day Itinerary

Overnight: N/A

Meals: None

Accommodations

La Mision Hotel

La Mision has one of the best locations in Loreto. The hotel faces the Sea of Cortez on the waterfront Malecon drive and has an outstanding view that takes in most of Loreto Bay National Marine Park. We began using La Mision when we first ran trips in Baja 27 years ago. Recently the hotel has been massively renovated and is a fine example of a modern Mexican resort hotel.

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

10/21/2017 - 10/28/2017

10/21/2017 10/28/2017 8 days

1650

Available

Baja Kayaking The Sea of Cortez

Highlights

The Best of Baja

Wonders of a National Park

Great Whales

The World’s Aquarium

The Rhythm of Baja

Itinerary

Arrival in Loreto

Loreto Bay National Park

Kayaking the Sea of Cortez

Return to Loreto

Departure

Accommodations

La Mision Hotel

Extensions

Dates & Availability

What Is Included

What Is Not Included

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