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Sea of Cortez Islands & Whale Watching
Baja
Mexico
Imagine sea kayaking in Loreto Bay National Marine Park in the Sea of Cortez, paddling along a spectacular section of coastline and exploring desert islands which pierce the tranquil waters. The towering volcanic escarpments of the Sierra Giganta Mountains rising out of the sea create your backdrop. On a Baja kayak tour in the new Bahia de Loreto National Marine Park in Loreto Bay, you'll experience red-hued desert colors set against azure blue water. Magical land formations give this area great aesthetic and photographic appeal, from Loreto and the islands of Danzante and Carmen, to our expeditions from Loreto to La Paz. These waters offer exceptional opportunities for viewing dolphins, sea lions and blue and fin whales in the wild. High-flying frigate birds, blue-footed boobies and squadrons of pelicans are your companions as you kayak past manta rays and brightly colored fish on any of our Sea of Cortez sea kayaking expeditions.
Huge cacti thrive in this captivating landscape of white sand beaches, dramatic cliffs and hidden coves. Nature hikes take us up scenic canyons and headlands offering unforgettable panoramas of wild coastline and scattered islands. Kayaks are the best way to explore the volcanic shoreline, its sea caves and reefs. The warm, crystalline waters of the Sea of Cortez host a breathtaking array of tropical fish - perfect for snorkeling.
Each winter endangered blue whales more than five times as long as your kayak migrate to these waters looking for tasty crustaceans. Encountering the largest animal on earth is a thrilling experience.
Our Sea of Cortez Islands Expeditions begin just south of Loreto and explore the beautiful Islas Danzante and Carmen, located in a national marine park. For the more adventurous, join our twelve-day Isla Carmen Circumnavigation or Loreto to La Paz Expedition and experience a remote area few people see. All itineraries offer excellent kayaking, snorkeling, hiking and whale watching.
At the end of this magnificatn trip we add a three-day Magdalena Bay Whale Watching Excursion. These tours are the ultimate in-depth experience of both Magdalena Bay gray whale nursery and sunny Sea of Cortez.
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Meeting:
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Loreto, Mexico
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Airport:
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Loreto
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Transfer:
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Loreto, Mexico
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Riders:
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Min
6 riders
Max
14 riders
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Trip Rating
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Rates and Dates for 2010
Rates include:
3 days whale watching & 2 nights at Magdalena Bay whale camp, 5 days of kayaking in the Sea of Cortez with 4 nights camping, 3 nights Lereto hotel.
Days include arrival and departure days., airport transfer, l, all camping gear,sleeping bags,kayak gear, meals (except in town)and guides. Meet in Loreto.
| A | 2010 | 10 day Expedition | 10d / 9n | $1795 |
| Single supplement | $120 |
| Snorkel or Wet Suit rental (each) | $20 |
| Park fees | $15 |
| Small group supplement (under 7) pp | $150 |
| B | 2010 | 10 day with Motor Boat support | 10d / 9n | $1895 |
| Single supplement | $120 |
| Snorkel or Wet Suit rental (each) | $20 |
| Park fees | $15 |
| Small group supplement (under 7) pp | $150 |
| C | 2010 | 8 day Combo | 8d / 7n | $1355 |
| D | 2010 | 8 day Combo with Motor Boat support | 8d / 7n | $1395 |
Transfer Option:
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2010
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Transfer from Loreto airport included
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Tour Dates
Check here for details and availability
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| A |
2010
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01/17
- 01/26
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10d / 9n
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10 day Expedition
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6
/14
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Reserve
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| C |
2010
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01/17
- 01/24
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8d / 7n
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8 day Combo
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6
/14
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Reserve
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| B |
2010
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01/22
- 01/31
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10d / 9n
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10 day with Motor Boat supp...
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6
/14
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Reserve
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| A |
2010
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01/24
- 02/02
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10d / 9n
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10 day Expedition
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6
/14
|
Reserve
|
| C |
2010
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01/24
- 01/31
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8d / 7n
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8 day Combo
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6
/14
|
Reserve
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| D |
2010
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01/24
- 01/31
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8d / 7n
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8 day Combo with Motor Boat ...
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6
/14
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Reserve
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| B |
2010
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01/29
- 02/07
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10d / 9n
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10 day with Motor Boat supp...
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6
/14
|
Reserve
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| A |
2010
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01/31
- 02/09
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10d / 9n
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10 day Expedition
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6
/14
|
Reserve
|
| C |
2010
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01/31
- 02/07
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8d / 7n
|
8 day Combo
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6
/14
|
Reserve
|
| D |
2010
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01/31
- 02/07
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8d / 7n
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8 day Combo with Motor Boat ...
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6
/14
|
Reserve
|
| B |
2010
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02/05
- 02/14
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10d / 9n
|
10 day with Motor Boat supp...
|
6
/14
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2010
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02/07
- 02/16
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10d / 9n
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10 day Expedition
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6
/14
|
Reserve
|
| C |
2010
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02/07
- 02/14
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day Combo
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6
/14
|
Reserve
|
| D |
2010
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02/07
- 02/14
|
8d / 7n
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8 day Combo with Motor Boat ...
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6
/14
|
Reserve
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| B |
2010
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02/12
- 02/21
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10d / 9n
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10 day with Motor Boat supp...
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6
/14
|
Reserve
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| A |
2010
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02/14
- 02/23
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10d / 9n
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10 day Expedition
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6
/14
|
Reserve
|
| C |
2010
|
02/14
- 02/21
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8d / 7n
|
8 day Combo
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6
/14
|
Reserve
|
| D |
2010
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02/14
- 02/21
|
8d / 7n
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8 day Combo with Motor Boat ...
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6
/14
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Reserve
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| B |
2010
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02/19
- 02/28
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10d / 9n
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10 day with Motor Boat supp...
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6
/14
|
Reserve
|
| A |
2010
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02/21
- 03/02
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10d / 9n
|
10 day Expedition
|
6
/14
|
Reserve
|
| C |
2010
|
02/21
- 02/28
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day Combo
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6
/14
|
Reserve
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| D |
2010
|
02/21
- 02/28
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8d / 7n
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8 day Combo with Motor Boat ...
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6
/14
|
Reserve
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| B |
2010
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02/26
- 03/07
|
10d / 9n
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10 day with Motor Boat supp...
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6
/14
|
Reserve
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| A |
2010
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02/28
- 03/09
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10d / 9n
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10 day Expedition
|
6
/14
|
Reserve
|
| C |
2010
|
02/28
- 03/07
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8d / 7n
|
8 day Combo
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6
/14
|
Reserve
|
| D |
2010
|
02/28
- 03/07
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day Combo with Motor Boat ...
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6
/14
|
Reserve
|
| B |
2010
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03/05
- 03/14
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10d / 9n
|
10 day with Motor Boat supp...
|
6
/14
|
Reserve
|
| C |
2010
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03/07
- 03/14
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day Combo
|
6
/14
|
Reserve
|
| D |
2010
|
03/07
- 03/14
|
8d / 7n
|
8 day Combo with Motor Boat ...
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6
/14
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Reserve
|
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Rates do not include:
Meals in town. National Par fees. Snorkel and wet suit rental.
10-day option
Day 1: Arrival in Loreto by air. At the Loreto airport, you'll be greeted by our ground service and transported to our hotel in Loreto. Check into pre-assigned rooms (included in trip cost). You're on your own for sightseeing or shopping until eve pre-trip meeting (6 or 8 pm) in the hotel lobby, where we'll answer questions and let you know the meeting time for the next day. Dinner is on your own.
Day 2: Please eat breakfast and be packed by the meeting time. We'll board a van and drive to the put-in site. After loading the boats, we'll teach you the basics of paddling and thoroughly review safety procedures. We won't leave shore until all participants feel comfortable in the boats. Kayak to our first night's campsite. We’ll be making 50-minute, 2 to 3-mile crossings to the off-shore islands of Carmen and Danzante in Loreto Bay National Marine Park.
Day 3-5: Our days begin with spectacular sunrises and end with delightfully cool evenings enjoying sunsets, stars, moonrise, and even bioluminescence. We'll spend our time paddling and exploring the scenic cliffs and coves of Danzante and Carmen. We'll be camping on sandy beaches allowing for superb snorkeling, swimming, tide pooling, and strolling. During the trip there will be three or four different camps on the islands with one or two layover days (ie we paddle out and back from the same camp). We’ll generally paddle 4 hours per day (with breaks). We'll sleep in comfortable and roomy dome tents, although with Baja's lack of insects you may be tempted to sleep out under the stars. Several campsites have a desert arroyo hike which will give us spectacular views as well as a great opportunity to explore some of the desert flora unique to Baja.
Day 6: After a final breakfast, we break camp and paddle to our take-out site around 2 PM. At the take-out, we unpack and proceed to our hotel in Loreto to (ah showers!) clean up. In the evening we go to a favorite local restaurant for a fun dinner (no-host; ie not included in trip price). Here we toast our new found kayaking skills and friends. Hotel included.
Day 7-9: We head to Magdalena Bay on the Baja California peninsula's west coast - wintering grounds of the California gray whale for two nights camping and three days of whale watching. Meals, camping gear and daily skiff whale watching sessions, marine biologist guides included. Day 9 hotel included; dinner is on your own.
PLEASE NOTE that sometimes, the gray whale tour may preceed the Sea of Cortez portion.
Day 10: You are on your own for transportation to the airport for your flight homeward. You can use C&C English-speaking, air conditioned van transport for $8 each, or taxis (Spanish-speaking) are easily found, approximately $5-6/person; BUT depart for the airport no later than 2 hours before flight.
8-Day option
Day 1: Arrival in Loreto by air. At the Loreto airport, you'll be greeted by our ground service and transported to our hotel in Loreto. Check into pre-assigned rooms (included in trip cost). You're on your own for sightseeing or shopping until eve pre-trip meeting (6 or 8 pm) in the hotel lobby, where we'll answer questions and let you know the meeting time for the next day. Dinner is on your own.
Day 2: Please eat breakfast and be packed by the meeting time. We'll board a van and drive to the put-in site. After loading the boats, we'll teach you the basics of paddling and thoroughly review safety procedures. We won't leave shore until all participants feel comfortable in the boats. Kayak to our first night's campsite. We’ll be making 50-minute, 2 to 3-mile crossings to the off-shore islands of Carmen and Danzante in Loreto Bay National Marine Park.
Day 3-5: Our days begin with spectacular sunrises and end with delightfully cool evenings enjoying sunsets, stars, moonrise, and even bioluminescence. We'll spend our time paddling and exploring the scenic cliffs and coves of Danzante and Carmen. We'll be camping on sandy beaches allowing for superb snorkeling, swimming, tide pooling, and strolling. During the trip there will be three or four different camps on the islands with one or two layover days (ie we paddle out and back from the same camp). We’ll generally paddle 4 hours per day (with breaks). We'll sleep in comfortable and roomy dome tents, although with Baja's lack of insects you may be tempted to sleep out under the stars. Several campsites have a desert arroyo hike which will give us spectacular views as well as a great opportunity to explore some of the desert flora unique to Baja.
Day 6: After a final breakfast, we break camp and paddle to our take-out site around 2 PM. At the take-out, we unpack and proceed to our hotel in Loreto to (ah showers!) clean up. In the evening we go to a favorite local restaurant for a fun dinner (no-host; ie not included in trip price). Here we toast our new found kayaking skills and friends.
Day 7: Whale-watching day excursion to Magdalena Bay on the Baja California peninsula's west coast - wintering grounds of the California gray whale. Seafood lunch is included. Dinner is on your own. PLEASE NOTE that sometimes, this day tour may be switched to Day 2 of the combo trip.
Day 8: You are on your own for transportation to the airport for your flight homeward. You can use C&C English-speaking, air conditioned van transport for $8 each, or taxis (Spanish-speaking) are easily found, approximately $5-6/person; BUT depart for the airport no later than 2 hours before flight.
* Note on Itinerary: We will do our best to adhere to the schedule listed above. However, the itinerary may change due to reasons beyond our control such as wind, waves or inclement weather.
Meeting:
Loreto, Mexico
Airport:
Loreto
Transfer:
Loreto, Mexico
Distance:
3 miles
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Tack:
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--
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Horses:
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--
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Pace:
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Most tours avergae 4 hrs / day paddling. Sometmes against wind.
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Level:
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(2
to
3
out of 5) Easy to Moderate
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Riders:
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Min
6 riders
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Max
14 riders
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Passport and Visa Requirements:
Passport valid for at least six months after date of entry required by all nationals referred to in the chart .Passport Note(a) Applicants for Blue Tourist Cards should have a valid passport, return/o. more
PERSONAL EQUIPMENT CHECKLIST
Follow this list when packing. On most of our tours, we'll be paddling totally self-contained, which means we carry our food and water in the kayaks. Please keep in mind that your gear (with exception of sleeping bag and pad) has to fit in the waterproof bags handed out at the group meeting, so we recommend following our list below. Casual, comfortable camping clothes are perfect.
Duffel bags make good traveling luggage. Use a small one for your clothes and essential items and take as carry-on luggage. Suitcases, duffels and travel clothing may be left at the hotel. Please note that airlines are imposing stiffer restrictions on the number and size of carry-on luggage.
A roomy two-person dome tent, warm rectangular sleeping bag with clean sheet and thermarest-style inflatable pad are provided for your convenience as well as a comfortable camp chair. We recommend you bring your own snorkeling gear, or you can rent it from us as well as wetsuit - ask us for details.
CLOTHING
___ 1 pair light cotton/synthetic blend pants (no jeans)
___ Swim suit (& sports bras)
___ 2 pair shorts (quick-dry nylon)
___ 2-3 t-shirts
___ 1 pair long underwear top & bottom (polypropylene)
___ 1 fleece jacket or wool sweater
___ 1-2 long sleeve lightweight cotton or SPF synthetic
___ 1 rain jacket/windbreaker
shirts for sun protection
___ Sun hat with broad brim
___ 1 pr lightweight water shoes (aquasocks, keens)
___ Warm (fleece or wool) hat
___ 1 pair sandals with ankle straps for camp
___ 2 Bandanas (multipurpose)
___ 1 pair running/walking shoes and 2 pairs socks for camp
___ Underwear
___ rash guard top & leotards or similar for snorkeling
For Dec-Feb trips, add another warm fleece/wool long-sleeve top and rain or wind pants to the list above as nights can be 45 degrees F, and omit some t-shirts.
TOILET KIT (all gels in 3 oz trial sizes go in one quart ziplock bag if you put in a carry-on bag)
___ Personal medicines/prescriptions
___ Sunscreen SPF 15-45
___ Toiletry kit w/toothbrush & paste, etc
___ Lip balm SPF 15-30
___ Biodegradable soap & regular shampoo
___ Dry skin lotion
___ Small camp towel & wash cloth
___ Pre-moistened towelettes
___ Contact lens solutions freshening up - feels great!
___ Insect repellent if prone to insect bites (rarely needed)
___ Extra eyeglasses/contacts
MISCELLANEOUS GEAR
___ 1-2 Water bottles (1 quart capacity each)
___ Camera/film/batteries
___ Binoculars (in plastic ziplock bag)
___ Headlamp/batteries/bulb
___ Sunglasses with retaining strap
___ Reading material
___ Gloves (quick dry; to prevent blisters/sunburn)
___ Mask, snorkel & fins
___ 2-4 Zip-lock baggies & 2 garbage bags
___ Personal snacks, protein bars or meat
___ Fanny pack w/water bottle holders (optional)
jerky if desired (we do provide trail mix)
___ Wetsuit (even if weather hot, ocean is cold Dec-April)
___ ID & valuables
___ Pillowcase (handy to stuff with clothes to make a pillow)
Note: There will be no opportunity for fresh water showers once we leave the hotel. However, bathing with salt water, regular shampoo & towel does the job well and will not leave your skin feeling sticky.
Sorry, no video is currently available for this tour.
*Important Notice: The following ratings have been submitted by guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Hidden Trails, its partners or employees.
Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Hidden Trails is not liable for any errors or omissions.
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| Name |  |  |  |  |  |  | Date |
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hawley riffenburg
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..view other reports for different trips
Three nights at local hotel in Loreto, 4 nights camping and 2 nights at the Whale Watching base camp.
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Tack:
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--
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Horses:
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--
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|
Pace:
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Most tours avergae 4 hrs / day paddling. Sometmes against wind.
|
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Level:
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(2
to
3
out of 5) Easy to Moderate
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Riders:
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Min
6 riders
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Max
14 riders
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Passports
Passport valid for at least six months after date of entry required by all nationals referred to in the chart .
Passport Note
(a) Applicants for Blue Tourist Cards should have a valid passport, return/onward ticket and proof of financial means. (b) Tourist Cards must be kept by the visitor during the entire length of stay as they will have to be presented and stamped on leaving.
Visas
Not required by nationals referred to in the chart above, who can obtain a Blue Tourist Card for touristic purposes from their airline on direct flights, at port of entry, or from the Mexican Consulate before travelling, for 180 days, except nationals of Australia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, France, Greece, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Slovak Republic and Slovenia who can stay for up to 90 days.
Visa Note
(a) Nationals seeking to visit Mexico on business are advised to check with the consulate regarding visa requirements as they may need to apply for a Non Immigrant Business Visitor carnet (FM3). (b) Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements
| Passport Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
Yes |
| Visa Required? |
| British |
No |
| Australian |
No |
| Canadian |
No |
| USA |
No |
| Other EU |
No |
| Return Ticket Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
Yes |
This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not
take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult
the embassy or consulate for updated info.
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Sea of Cortez Islands & Whale Watching
Tour Code: ZZ-SKEC-29
10 days /
9 nights
~$1,795.00
Trip Rating :
Difficulty :
Lodging:
Introduction
Day to Day Itinerary
Rates |
Dates
Accomodation
Tack:
--
Horses:
--
Pace:
Most tours avergae 4 hrs / day paddlin...
Airport:
Loreto
Google Map
Image Gallery
Image Slide Show
Customer Trip Rating
Climate
What To Bring
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