Baja Expeditions - Special Interest Trips

Open Water Swimming Expedition

Experience the joy and exhilaration of open water swimming in the crystal clear and protected waters of Isla Espiritu Santo and Isla La Partida.

On this expedition, you’ll swim between 2 to 2.5 miles each morning along craggy rocks and cliffs, past sandy beaches, through remote coves and from island to island. Your coach for this expedition will be visiting guide Gary Emich, a Certified Level 1 USA Triathlon Coach specializing in open water swimming and a Certified Level 2 ASCA Coach. Read Gary's full bio.

You’ll be grouped according to your speed so you can relax and swim at a pace that’s just right for you. If you don’t feel like swimming the entire distance you can simply get out and ride the rest of the way in one of the two skiffs that always will be accompanying you.

In the afternoons following lunch you’ll be able to snorkel or just relax on the beach of one of the many coves we will visit. With your fuel supplies replenished you’ll have a choice of a second swim (approximately 1 mile) or a hike (between 1.5 and 2.5 miles) through the spectacular desert vegetation of the interior where you can see such wonders as giant cardon cactus and wild figs clinging to volcanic cliffs.

Our friendly crew and added creature comforts – such as cabin-style tents, cots, sleeping pads and solar-heated showers – make your days and nights in base camp effortless. You’ll dine on tasty Mexican food and enjoy happy hour each evening as sunny days turn into luminous nights filled with stars.

Open Water Swim Expedition Training Tips

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 ~ La Paz to Espiritu Santo Island Base Camp

Today is an early morning as we depart by boat for Espiritu Santo Island, designated a global conservation priority by The Nature Conservancy because of its unique biological diversity. Once we arrive at camp, you’ll have an orientation to camp procedures, assignment of tents, safety briefing and a short open water swim clinic. Following, we’ll then have a 1-mile “shake-out” swim in order to properly match you up with similar paced swimmers for the remainder of the expedition. For those who are up to it, we’ll finish off the day with a moderate hike. Tonight you’ll enjoy a beautiful sunset over the Sea of Cortez while the staff prepares a delicious welcome dinner. (B/L/D)

Day 3 - 5 ~ Espiritu Santo Island Base Camp

Our scheduled swims include an island to island swim between Espiritu Santo and La Partida, a roundtrip swim from Isla Partida to Los Islotes and a swim along the pristine Playa la Bonanza. Following each morning’s swim, we’ll find a secluded cove for lunch and then spend time snorkeling or lazing about. In the afternoons there will be time for either a short 1-mile swim or hike. On the day of our swim to Los Islotes, we’ll return there following lunch for an afternoon of snorkeling with the playful sea lions. If by chance weather or water conditions preclude swimming there are plenty of non-swim activities available. During evening happy hours you’ll sip drinks, enjoy appetizers, and recall the day’s events while watching a spectacular Baja sunset before feasting on a delicious dinner made with fresh local ingredients. (B/L/D daily)

Day 6 ~ Espiritu Santo Island Base Camp to La Paz

The early morning finds us doing a “sunriser” swim as we head to Isla Ballena for a 2-mile circumnavigation. Then it’s back to base camp for a shower, breakfast and a chance to savor the last moments of this incredible getaway. Following a mid-day lunch we return to La Paz by boat and check into the Hotel Los Arcos. (B/L)

Day 7 ~ La Paz to your home city

Depart to your home city. (No meals)

This is a general itinerary and is subject to change.

Hotels on nights 1 & 6 are included in the trip fee.

Trip Fee:

$1230 pp dbl occ

Includes:

Hotel on nights 1 and 6; comfortable, catered camping on nights 2-5; B/L/D on Days 2-5 and B/L on Day 6; walk-in tent and cot; sleep kit (Therm-a-rest mattress, sleeping bag, liner and pillow), Swim activities & coach / guide, snorkel gear and single or double kayaks in camp; taxi voucher to hotel from La Paz airport on Day 1; services of knowledgeable guides and caring crew members; detailed pre-departure information to help you plan your trip.

Trip Dates: