Baja Expeditions

Introduction
Baja Mexico
10-Day Loreto to La Paz Kayaking Expedition

This classic sea kayak expedition is great for the adventurous paddler desiring to experience a remote area few people see. Encompassing 65 miles of coastline and offshore islands between Loreto and La Paz on the peninsula's eastern coast, this is Baja's classic sea kayak expedition. This coastline is one of the most remote and sparsely populated areas in all of Baja. There are no villages or towns, and the only access to the occasional fish camp is by sea.

The Sierra Giganta Range plunges into the Sea of Cortez, effectively isolating the area from the rest of the peninsula and creating a stunningly beautiful backdrop the entire trip. We'll make camps on beaches that dot the base of these magnificent mountains. Canyon hikes take us into the desert interior, while kayaking allows an intimate exploration of the many coves and sea caves.

The clear waters of the Sea of Cortez teem with colorful life, and the snorkeling around the shallow reefs and vertical ledges is excellent. We see pods of dolphins, as well as massive whales. You'll paddle past towering volcanic peaks, miles of unexplored beaches and forests of giant cardon cactus. Prehistoric-looking frigate birds circle high above while squadrons of pelicans glide across the glassy water. 

Please note that this tour is a panga supported tour to carry the heavier gear to camp so that this tour is more accessible for a variety of paddlers. Your extra luggage can be left behind at the Tour Hotel and will be transferring to your final destination for pick up once you finish your tour.


9-Day Isla Carmen Circumnavigation
Experience a remote area few people see. Encompassing 60 miles of coastline within the Loreto Bay National Marine Park, circumnavigating Isla Carmen in a sea kayak is one of Baja's best adventures. The Sierra Giganta Range plunges into the Sea of Cortez, creating a stunningly beautiful backdrop during your Baja kayaking trip.

Cliffs of red-hued basalt rising sharply out of the sea and the bold outlines of towering cacti provide the backdrop for paddling sea kayaks 60 miles on this little known, classic 9-day paddle of Baja California’s Isla Carmen, the largest island in Loreto Bay National Marine Park in the Sea of Cortez (Gulf of California).

While visitors frequent the southern tip of Isla Carmen, the northern part of the island is a place few humans will ever set foot. On this unique paddle, you'll have a chance to snorkel with brilliant king angelfish and lobster, watch plunge-diving blue-footed booties, and search for a variety of whales (fin, humpback, blue whales).

You'll even find a historic element on this wildlife and nature tour. Mid-way around the island, you'll make a brief stop at Salinas Bay to visit an abandoned 19th century salt mine and coral chapel. A two-day paddle rounding the island’s remote north shore leads to Balandra Bay, where you can hike an arroyo into the island’s desert interior past saguaro-like cardon cactus and wild figs in the company of desert iguanas and big-horned sheep.  From your tented camps in sheltered coves, watch vermillion skies as they illuminate the banded layers of the Sierra de la Giganta range, the plume of a whale lingering in the still air, and leaping manta rays flopping back into the glassy water as guides dish out margaritas and delicious authentic Mexican food.

Each day's paddle will be around 4-5 hours of moderately paced paddling, stopping every 2 hours to rest. We'll spend the afternoons exploring by foot and snorkel. Activities include a nature hike up an arroyo, as well as opportunities for beachcombing, wildlife viewing, photography, stargazing, and swimming in crystal clear waters.

Accomodation


Accommodation
All nights are spent camping.

When you get to your evening campsite all group members must be able to help carry the kayaks above the high tide line. You will change campsites almost every night, but may have a layover day. Campsites are assigned by the National Park Service immediately prior to the tour. We endeavor to secure the very best campsites for the natural beauty and amenities of the area.

Your guides will give a demonstration of how to set up and take down your provided dome tent. We also will provide you with a sleeping bag, liner sheet, pillow and an inflatable thermarest sleeping pad. There will be a kitchen/dining area and shade tarps where you can sit back and relax.

While kayaking, we can only carry enough fresh water for drinking and cooking. There are no fresh water sources on most of the coastline and islands we visit. You can clean up with saltwater and soap off above the high tide line, or bring disposable shower wipes.

A porta potty will fit into a hatch of the kayak or on the panga support boat, and will be transported to each campsite and set into a sheltered area for solid waste. Liquid waste can be expelled below the high tide line, or in a separate porta-potty bucket.

Please, note that there is no electricity at any of the camps. If you wish to charge your phone or other batteries, bring a power bank with you.

Note: We provide all necessary equipment for your selected tour, including: personal flotation devices (PFDs), snorkeling gear, all kayaking equipment, bikes, and paddle boards.
We will also provide all necessary camping equipment for your tour, including: tent, sleeping pad, sleeping bag, sleeping bag liner, and pillow with pillow case.

Single and Triple occupancy:
Solo travelers will always have their own tent during kayaking tours, at no additional cost.



Meals
The source of many compliments, our legendary wilderness meals are prepared from fresh, healthy ingredients. Our specialty is Dutch oven cookery with savory main dishes like chili rellenos, baked salmon and vegetable lasagna; and delicious desserts from brownies to pineapple upside-down cake. We serve fresh ground coffee as well as an abundance of local fruits and vegetables. Wine and mixed drinks are served with hors d'oeuvres each evening for happy hour. There's a special emphasis on our meals because we believe you are entitled to gourmet dining in the wilderness as you are at home.

Special diets and dietary restrictions:
We do our best to accommodate special dietary requests, working within the parameters of the destinations in which we operate. If you have a very strict diet, we recommend packing extra snacks that you know you can eat.

This trip includes some wine with dinner and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Riding

Top Quality Kayaks
We paddle ahead of the competition by combining outstanding kayaking destinations with top quality kayaks. Whether you are a first-time kayaker or an experienced paddler, our fiberglass Seaward Southwind tandems and Navigator singles were hand-crafted with you in mind and provide optimum performance, stability and comfort. On some Baja tours, we use SEDA doubles and singles.

Exceptional Guides
It's the experience, professionalism and personality of your guides that ultimately make a trip a success. SKA guides know their outdoor skills as second nature, enjoy people, love and respect the environment and keep a constant weather eye on safety. Each trip has 2-3 guides to assist, inform, and lead the way so you get the most out of your time with us. They are experts at inspiring confidence and trust, as well as sharing conversation, knowledge, games and laughter - and they're great cooks!

Unparalleled Quality Service
We make a strong commitment to customer satisfaction. Impeccable service starts at our office with extensive pre-trip information, communication and immediate response to your questions - professional, yet personal and friendly at the same time. When you sign up, we'll send you our extensive trip handbook detailing all aspects of your adventure from travel arrangements to natural history. During the trip our quality service continues with your guides. Encouraging, respectful, knowledgeable and always smiling, each day they'll help you settle into camp, plan the days' activities, then prepare delicious meals. Our goal is to make sure your vacation is hassle-free from the moment you make your reservation until you're back home. We'll even follow up with you after your trip ends, as your feedback is vital to ensuring our excellent service.

Uncompromising Comfort & Safety
Your safety, comfort and enjoyment are our priorities. Any concerns about risks and physical abilities are handled with the greatest care by our office staff and trip leaders. Your guides are always in close proximity, well equipped and specially trained to handle emergency situations. Your trip leader will provide a comprehensive kayak orientation and safety discussion before you begin paddling. We take your concerns or apprehensions to heart - to make kayaking a positive, fulfilling experience for you. We are fully licensed and permitted to operate in the areas we do, by all necessary government authorities in both Canada and Mexico.

Environmental Ethic
Our tour philosophy combines ecological awareness and low-impact camping techniques with a passion to share these unique ecosystems with our guests. Our belief is "educate, respect, protect". SKA actively supports a number of conservation organizations including The Marine Conservation Association, The Natural Audubon Society, The Nature Conservancy and The Ocean Conservancy. We are fully licensed and permitted to operate in the areas we do, by all necessary government authorities in both Canada and Mexico, and pay all required taxes and fees. We promote the hiring and development of local guides, and the protection of the areas' natural resources. We were the first to pioneer the design, manufacture and use of a porta potty that kayaks can carry, and we pack out all our waste products, and recycle all we can.

Itinerary

IMPORTANT: WEATHER-CAUSED TRIP ALTERATIONS
Strong winds and/or rough water conditions sometimes prevent our trips from going as scheduled. We are at the mercy of nature, as well as the local Port Captains who determine if ports are open or closed.  In particular, on our La Paz-based trips, winds may prevent us from crossing from the Port to Espiritu Santo Island which may also be reason for the Port Captain to close the port or prohibit crossing.  In these cases there are different solutions.  Sometimes we have to delay the crossing by a day or two, or have to leave Espiritu Santo Island a day or two early.  In these cases we provide a substitute activity for the day(s) we cannot kayak.  If the weather forecast predicts a series of days with strong winds, we also reserve the right to transfer the trip to Magdalena Bay on the Pacific Coast, which is almost always in calm, protected waters.  We recognize this isn't ideal, however we have no control over nature.  Most people prefer to still have a trip going, versus no kayak trip at all.  Decisions to alter trips are not made until the last minute (no sooner than noon the day prior), since we are basing our decisions on wind and weather forecasts that can change.  Your guides will inform you at the evening orientation meeting if the trip location has changed or the itinerary has been altered. The safety and security of our trips is the primary focus of our decisions.

If you purchase Trip Insurance and wish to cancel on the day of the trip, the "Trip Interruption" coverage may apply if Mexican authorities have closed the Port.  If you have questions about your coverage, call the toll-free number on your Travel Insurance policy to ask.  Neither our guides nor our office staff can determine if coverage will apply. We do reserve the right to modify and alter trip itineraries and in these circumstances will not provide any refund of trip monies paid. 


Note on Itinerary: Approximate paddling distances listed can vary depending on group size and weather. We will do our best to adhere to the schedule. However, the itinerary may change due to reasons beyond our control such as wind, waves or inclement weather. Moreover, although there is a very good chance we'll see whales and other marine life throughout the week, the frequency, proximity, and quality of sightings will ultimately be determined by the wildlife.

B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

Sample Itinerary: 10-Day Loreto to La Paz Kayaking Expedition - subject to changes

Day 0: Arrive in Loreto
Upon your arrival in Loreto take a quick cab ride to your hotel and check into your room (not included in trip cost).  Spend your afternoon exploring the beautiful town of Loreto.  You can tour the historic Mission located in the center of town, stroll through the local market and dine on authentic Mexican cuisine before meeting your guides in the hotel lobby for an evening orientation meeting at the Hacienda Suites hotel.
Meals Included: 0 (Travel Day)
Accommodations: Not included

Day 1: Sea Kayaking
After breakfast the group meets outside the hotel to board the van for the drive south to our launch point near Puerto Escondido. You will leave behind any extra luggage at your tour hotel in Loreto. We will transport your luggage to your meeting hotel in La Paz that you can pick up upon check in to your final hotel after your tour. Once at the beach the guides will give a comprehensive sea kayak instruction and then we'll paddle the kayaks down the coast to our first campsite.
Meals Included: L, D
Accommodations: Beach camping
Paddling duration: 5-6 hours

Day 2-9: Sea Kayaking & Camping
Each day's paddle is 7-12 miles; or 5-6 hours of moderately paced paddling, stopping every 2 hours to rest. We'll spend the afternoons exploring by foot and snorkel. Activities include a nature hike up an arroyo and visits to the remains of a Jesuit Mission and to a small fishing village, as well as opportunities for beach combing, wildlife viewing, photography, stargazing, and swimming in crystal clear water.
Meals Included: B, L, D
Accommodations: Beach camping
Paddling duration: 5-6 hours

Day 10: Arrive in La Paz
In the morning we break camp and paddle to our take-out site near Punta Coyote, where we'll be met by vans for transport to La Paz. After checking into the hotel there is time to shower and explore the town. This evening there is a no-host farewell dinner at a local restaurant fronting the yacht harbor, where we'll toast our new kayaking skills, and new found friends.
Meals Included: B, L
Accommodations: Not included
Paddling duration: 5-6 hours

----------------------------------------------

Sample Itinerary: 9-Day Isla Carmen Circumnavigation - subject to changes

Day 0: Arrive to Loreto
Upon your arrival in Loreto take a quick cab ride to the hotel and check into your room (not included in trip cost).  Spend your afternoon exploring the beautiful town of Loreto.  You can tour the historic Mission located in the center of town, stroll through the local market and dine on authentic Mexican cuisine before meeting your guides for an evening orientation meeting in the Hacienda Suites hotel.
Meals Included: 0 (Travel Day)
Accommodations: Not included

Day 1: Sea Kayaking
After breakfast the group meets outside the hotel to board the van for the drive south to our launch point near Puerto Escondido. At the beach the guides will give a comprehensive sea kayak instruction and then we'll paddle the loaded kayaks to Honeymoon cove at Danzante Island for lunch. We’ll have the time to do some hiking or snorkeling. After a short break we’ll paddle to Playa Blanca at Carmen Island which will be our first campsite. This beach will offer good swimming and snorkeling over reef as well as hiking and fossil identification opportunities. We’ll have time to explore the shoreline before our hors d'oeuvres.
Meals Included: L, D
Accommodations: Beach camping
Paddling duration: 4-5 hours

Day 2: Sea Kayaking to Carmen Island
We’ll start kayaking around the southern point of Carmen Island. On our way there will be great chances to see different kinds of birds like cormorants, blue-footed boobies, frigate birds, etc. We’ll make our first stop at Punta Colorada to have lunch. This beach is good for snorkeling. We’ll jump back into our kayaks and keep paddling while seeing the rock formations including long cliffs of limestone. Our next campsite is Arrollo Blanco, which is a big beautiful white sand arroyo surrounded by fossil beds. We can paddle into a nearby sea cave just to the south.  This beach offers great hiking and snorkeling. 
Meals Included: B, L, D
Accommodations: Beach camping
Paddling duration: 4-5 hours

Day 3: Ghost Towns
After a hot, filling breakfast, we will kayak along the white cliffs to Bahía Salinas. We will be getting closer to a water source so the chance to see big horned sheep will be bigger. We may take a break here depending on how the group feels. We will arrive at Salinas Bay, ready for a well deserved lunch break. After lunch we’ll hike into the abandoned ruins of a salt mine.
Meals Included: B, L, D
Accommodations: Beach camping
Paddling duration: 4-5 hours

Day 4: Kayaking in the Sea of Cortez
Be ready for the longest paddling day as we continue kayaking along the shore line, exploring. At Lengua de Grava beach, we will stop for lunch and a snorkeling break. After, we will head around Punta Lobos where there will be a great chance to discover sea lions. Continuing our paddle, and if the weather allows, we will kayak into the caves that are located just before our next campsite, El Refugio. This is a beautiful white sandy beach and there will be lots of time to explore and talk about the flora.
Meals Included: B, L, D
Accommodations: Beach camping
Paddling duration: 4-5 hours

Day 5: Kayaking in the Sea of Cortez
After breakfast we will jump back into our kayaks and start paddling along the cliffs. After a relaxing lunch break at Otho beach, we will continue kayaking to our next campsite at Balandra Bay.
Meals Included: B, L, D
Accommodations: Beach camping
Paddling duration: 4-5 hours

Day 6: Kayaking in the Sea of Cortez
Balandra Bay is a fishermen camp. We will spend the day at this beach, relaxing, exploring and resting our paddles. There is a nice hiking trail and more snorkeling opportunities.
Meals Included: B, L, D
Accommodations: Beach camping
Paddling duration: 4-5 hours

Day 7: Kayaking in the Sea of Cortez
After waking fully rested and refreshed, we hope back into our kayaks.  We will stop briefly at Marquer Bay to have lunch and snorkel. After this we continue paddling to our next campsite La Terraza where we take time to appreciate the cacti vegetation of this area.
Meals Included: B, L, D
Accommodations: Beach camping
Paddling duration: 4-5 hours

Day 8: Kayaking in the Sea of Cortez
We’ll start our way to our last campsite El Faro. The large sandy point of this beach offers some of the best wildlife viewing in the area.  Enjoy long hikes north to canyons and south to fossil beds and beautiful white sand beaches.  Snorkeling along rocks south of camp will offer more sea wildlife viewings.
Meals Included: B, L, D
Accommodations: Beach camping
Paddling duration: 4-5 hours

Day 9: Return to Loreto
After a final lunch, we break camp and paddle to our take-out site around 2 PM. Load van and proceed to Loreto. Check into hotel. No host farewell group dinner at a favorite local restaurant.
Meals Included: B, L
Accommodations: Not included
Paddling duration: 4-5 hours

Rates and Dates for Baja Expeditions

Dates Note:

Other Info
Meeting: Loreto
Airport: Loreto
Transfer: Loreto

Climate:
                                                La Paz area