Our Baja Swimming Expedition Trip is scheduled during the optimal period for open water swimming in Baja. In October, the air temperatures and sun are more moderate than during the peak of summer but the water temperatures are still warm, ranging between 75°F and 80°F.  Though the weather is nearly perfect in Baja strong winds can occur making open water swimming more challenging than you’re up for. Your guides may try to find an alternate swim in the lee of the wind or decide that a hike/nature walk up one of Baja’s beautiful arroyos or canyons is better suited for the day.

 

While there are many similarities between pool swimming and open water swimming, there are a number of distinct differences: no lane lines on the bottom of the pool, no pool walls to hang on to, and waves. For experienced open water swimmers, these conditions are exhilarating and liberating but for those who have never been in open water before, they can prove intimidating until you get used to them. Your best bet is to make sure you feel comfortable in open water before signing up. Having said that, Baja Swimming Expeditions are still great trips, perfect for beginners and advanced swimmers alike.  You will be escorted by support boats which will provide safety coverage. Your guides will help you improve your open water stroke techniques. And you’ll find the more time you spend in the open water the more your confidence and enjoyment will increase.

 

You need to be fit enough so you can swim, at a consistent pace, 2 to 2.5 miles each morning and approximately 1 mile each afternoon (or you alternately can take our afternoon hike option). You may think this is a greater distance than you’re capable of swimming but without the boredom of swimming back and forth in the pool and with the greater buoyancy of salt water, it’s actually easier to swim this distance in open water than in a pool. Use our training plan to steadily build up your endurance and ability to swim 2.5 miles. Also consider that we will split the group (no more than 16) into two, smaller groups so you’ll be able to swim at your own speed. And if at any time you get tired of swimming, keep in mind that there are two support boats so there is never a need to feel pushed beyond your swimming limits.  Whatever way you choose to spend your day on a Baja Swimming Expedition you are sure to have great stories to share with your fellow travelers and with your friends and family when you return home.

 

One of the greatest highlights of swimming in open water is encountering various species of marine life. It’s not simply swimming from one point to another. By keeping your eyes open, you will see a huge variety of fish and quite possibly dolphins, manta rays, sea lions and sea turtles.

 

Yes. There are fantastic snorkeling opportunities each afternoon immediately after lunch. We will snorkel with the curious sea lions at Los Islotes, keep an eye out for octopus at Espiritu Santo and have fun brushing up on your fish I.D. at any of the fabulous snorkeling locations the trip offers.  Baja Expeditions will provide snorkeling gear so there’s no need to bring your own.

 

People with little or no camping experience do not find camping on our expeditions unduly difficult. The temperate climate in October is favorable for camping, not to mention the low precipitation of the desert climate. The sandy beach tent site on Espiritu Santo is the perfect place for a novice camper to experience nights outdoors. We have large, 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. After many years Baja Expeditions has perfected our base camp, providing you with all you will need to spend beautiful nights under the Baja stars in comfort.

 

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.

You need only bring your personal gear. We provide all other camping gear (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 —such as your camera, sunscreen, lip goo, etc. You may find it more convenient to bring two smaller duffel bags rather than one large suitcase.