Baja Expeditions sea kayaking trips are scheduled during the optimal periods for kayaking in Baja. We run two main sea kayaking seasons, with one starting in March and finishing in May. Our second kayaking season runs October to January. We also offer kayaking in February as part of our Magdalena Bay Whale Watching & Kayaking Camp. These seasons take advantage of cooler air temperatures and the months with reduced wind patterns (the summer is just too hot for paddling in Baja). Though the weather is nearly perfect in Baja, strong winds can occur making paddling even more of an adventure. Your guides and Captain may decide that a hike/nature walk up one of Baja’s beautiful arroyos or canyons is better suited for the day.

 

Baja Expeditions offers sea kayaking trips perfect for beginners or advanced paddlers alike. We use a mixture of single and double kayaks. Your guides will demonstrate basic paddling strokes and boat handling, while also covering entering and exiting a kayak, including wet exits. Keep in mind that there is a support boat on all of our trips, so there is never a need to feel pushed beyond your kayaking limits. Many times in our history the paddlers that jump aboard the support boat to relax are lucky enough to have encounters with pods of dolphin along the way back to camp—while those that keep paddling return to camp with stories of mantas flying out of the water next to their kayak. Whatever way you choose to spend your day on a Baja Expeditions trip you are sure to have great stories to share with your fellow travelers and with your friends and family when you return home.

 

People with little or no camping experience do not find camping on our tours unduly difficult. The warm climate during most months is favorable for camping, not to mention the low precipitation of the desert climate. The sandy beach tent sites on the islands that we visit are the perfect place for a novice camper to experience nights outdoors.

We offer kayaking trips that use a base camp and trips that move from beach to beach. On most of our kayaking trips we typically base camp on an island for at least two nights. Not having to break camp each day, our guests enjoy greater relaxation and exploration time. After many years Baja Expeditions has perfected both our base and traveling camps, providing you with all you will need to spend beautiful nights under the Baja stars.

 

That depends on which of our kayaking adventures you choose. Our Coastal Sea Kayaking Expedition is the most challenging and the Espiritu Santo Sea kayaking Expedition is the easiest of our kayaking trips. Generally we paddle in the mornings for two to three hours and after lunch there is often an afternoon paddle. Paddling is always optional with the support boat nearby. Because the support boat carries most of your gear, you will be amazed at how easy it is to paddle farther distances.   

 

Baja Expeditions kayaking adventures usually offer a balance between paddling, snorkeling, hiking, whale watching in some seasons, birding, and boating. Don’t forget relaxing on the beach, enjoying incredible Baja sunsets, stargazing and eating lots of great food!

 

Yes. There are fantastic snorkeling spots located along all of our kayaking trip routes. Whether you are snorkeling with the curious sea lions at Los Islotes, swimming under arches at Isla San Jose, or keeping an eye out for octopus at Espiritu Santo you will enjoy brushing up on your fish I.D. at any of the fabulous snorkeling locations the trips offer. The months of October and November offer the best snorkeling conditions with warmer water and greater visibility.

 

You need only bring your personal gear. We provide all other community camping and kayaking equipment (tent, therm-a-rest mattress, sleeping bag, pillow). We also provide snorkeling gear though many of our travelers bring their own to ensure a good fit. A recommended personal equipment list is provided once you book a trip, and is also available at any time upon request. You may want to bring a small dry bag to keep personal items handy while paddling—such as your camera, sunscreen, lip goo, etc. Many travelers on our kayaking expeditions find it more convenient to bring two smaller bags rather than one large suitcase. This makes it easier on trips that move camp along the way. 

 

The best coves and secluded beaches of Baja become our camp sites along the way. On the three kayaking trips that move camp, we offer tents based on double occupancy. If you require a single tent, please let us know ahead of time, as there may be an additional charge. We also provide a sleeping bag, sheet, pillow and pillow case. On the Espiritu Santo trip (our only kayaking trip which uses a base camp) we have larger, walk-in tents with cots and bedding available. Baja is also the perfect place to forgo the tent and sleep out under the night skies; many of our guests and guides choose to fall asleep watching for shooting stars.

 

Yes. Baja Expeditions uses solar-heated overhead showers on their trips. These are primarily used for fresh water rinse offs as fresh water conservation is important when traveling in a desert environment.

 

Over the years Baja Expeditions has perfected camp toilets. The toilet facilities are always placed in a private location just outside of camp. You’re guaranteed to have an amazing view of either sea or desert from the facilities.

 

No, single kayaks are not guaranteed but if requested, we'll do our best to accommodate your request.

 

Our trips are suited for anyone in good physical health and kayaking experience is not required, although some previous experience is desirable for our Coastal Sea Kayaking Expedition. Naturally, any trip involving daily physical activity will be even more enjoyable if you begin a general exercise program prior to departure. Because all of our trips include a motorized support boat, you need never push yourself beyond your limits.

 

Some of our travelers who struggle with back problems bring a Therma-Rest© Light Seat to place behind their back. If you get fatigued, simply lift your paddle to signal our nearby support boat.

 

We have a number of double and single kayaks; single kayaks are usually available if requested in advance. We use a variety of touring kayaks including those made by Wilderness Systems, Northwest Kayak, Aquaterra and Seaward. Our paddles are manufactured by Werner. Spray skirts are also provided.