Plan your adventure to Baja California: Sea Kayaking tours, camps and expeditions

Islands Sea Kayaking Expedition

Discover remote and uninhabited islands seen by few others on this 10-day trip.

Only a few people have seen any of the 900 extraordinary desert islands that populate the Sea of Cortez—and even fewer from the elbow-height perspective of a kayaker! On this easy to moderate program, you’ll experience the diverse natural history of Espiritu Santo, Isla Partida, San Jose, and Catalana Islands as you kayak four to six hours per day. These islands are a magnificent representation of the region, and you'll have the opportunity to experience the diversity of their flora and fauna as you paddle through green grottos opening into cavernous amphitheatres, explore mangrove-lined estuaries where a variety of seabirds nest, or snorkel with ballet-like sea lions.

Our large motorized support vessel, the 48' Pez Sapo, transports us between the islands in comfort and is always safely nearby. It carries all camping equipment, personal gear, and the makings for flavorful meals. Your guide will paddle with you sharing knowledge of the area. Our crew handles most camp chores and prepares all meals, leaving you free to explore these unique and wondrous islands.

Map Url:

Trip Map

Itinerary:

Day 1 ~ Arrive in La Paz, Mexico

Arrive in La Paz and transfer to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day exploring the colorful city of La Paz on your own. (No meals)

Day 2 - 3 ~ La Paz to Espiritu Santo Island

Our sea kayaking adventure begins as we board our 48' support vessel, the “Pez Sapo," and travel to Espiritu Santo Island, designated a global conservation priority by The Nature Conservancy because of its unique biological diversity. Once there, our guides provide us with safety instructions (including the “wet exit”) and instruction in paddling techniques. On our very first short paddle we will stay close to our camp. (B/L/D daily)

Day 4~ Espiritu Santo Island to San Jose Island

Today we'll transfer by motor vessel to Isla San Jose, stopping at Los Islotes sea lion rookery to swim and snorkel with these rambunctious creatures (an experience you'll never forget)! Later, we'll visit San Francisquito Island where we discover El Pardito, a small island that hosts an interesting fishing community. We'll spend the night camping on San Jose Island, which offers impressive cardon cactus forests and beautiful pink amphitheaters with azure waters great for kayaking. (B/L/D)

Day 5 - 6 ~ San Jose and Catalana Islands

Our days begin with spectacular, colorful sunrises. Early risers can enjoy bird watching at its morning best, or take an early morning walk up an arroyo so quiet you can hear a hummingbird's wings. In addition to snorkeling and kayaking, our days are spent exploring each island’s unique and endemic flora and fauna. Our expert guides will lead informal discussions on conservation and preservation of this region. We will kayak an average of four or more hours each day, doing most of the paddling in the morning. Our support boat is always conveniently nearby. Weather in the Sea of Cortez is generally great. If the wind blows, there is always a sheltered cove where we may make camp and pass the day hiking, reading, lounging, swimming or snorkeling. Evenings find us feasting on delicious food and enjoying happy hour cocktails as the sun sets on the crimson horizon. (B/L/D daily)

Day 7 - 8 ~ Transfer by motor vessel to Baja ‘mainland’

We'll explore the pristine Baja Peninsula on foot and by paddle and stop to chat with the local fishermen. (B/L/D daily)

Day 9 ~ La Paz

After breakfast, we may have time for one last paddle before we board the Pez Sapo, then head to Puerto Escondido, arriving at lunchtime. You'll then transfer to La Paz by van. Check into your hotel with time to relax before having dinner on your own. (B/L)

Day 10 ~ La Paz to your home city

Depart to your home city from the La Paz airport. (No meals)

This is a general itinerary and is subject to change.

Hotels on nights 1 & 9 are included in the trip fee.

Trip Fee:

$1,635 pp dbl occ

Includes:

Hotel on nights 1 and 9; comfortable, catered camping on nights 2-8; B/L/D on Days 2-8 and B/L on Day 9; sleep kit (tent, Therm-a-rest mattress, sleeping bag, liner and pillow), snorkel gear and single or double kayaks in camp; taxi voucher to hotel from La Paz airport on Day 1; ground transfer from Loreto to La Paz on Day 9; services of knowledgeable guides and caring crew members; detailed pre-departure information to help you plan your trip.

The Conservation Fee of $30 is not included in our trip fee. This covers the use of Mexico's new conservation passport and the support of the Fund for the Protected Areas in Southern Baja California (FOSANP). The Passport was designed by the National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (CONANP) to raise funds for the continued protection of the shorelines, inlets, beaches and covers that make this area so extraordinary to visit. The passport allows you to visit Mexico's Protected Areas as many times as you wish for an entire year.

Trip Dates:

Dates	Availability
October 9 - October 18, 2010	Available
October 29 - November 7, 2010	Almost Sold Out
November 18 - November 27, 2010	Available
March 6 - March 15, 2011	Available
March 27 - April 5, 2011	Available
April 17 - April 26, 2011	Sold Out
October 14 - October 23, 2011	Almost Sold Out
November 4 - November 13, 2011	Available
November 25 - December 4, 2011	Available

Islands Sea Kayaking Expedition Guide Reports:

March 14-23, 2009 (Guide: Carlos Means)

October 12-21, 2008 (Guide: Alex Romero)
April 18-27, 2008 (Guide: Jose Sanchez)

The best advice comes from real people. That’s why we’ve made it easy for you to learn from travelers who’ve gone before you. In this section, you can read reviews from past Baja Expeditions participants, and see what they have to say about their experiences on our Islands Sea Kayaking Expedition.

“I am impressed by the thorough planning and the accommodation to everyone’s needs. What a pleasure this trip has been.”
—Aviva Breen, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, 2009

“This was a wonderful, stress-relieving trip. It allowed friends a time to grow closer. The land and seascapes were stunning. Emily and Carlos appreciated us for who we were, were excellent instructors, and we appreciated them for who they were. They showed us to move to our own pace, and when needed, offered an unobtrusive helping hand.”
—Nancy Speer, Scandia, Minnesota, USA, 2009

“We appreciate the staff's concern with our safety and enjoyment. They went the extra mile, and listened to the group's requests. Your guides and crew are the best!”
—Rebecca Ramsden and Mark Rinnuch, Minnesota, USA, 2007