Sea of Cortez Kayaking

Introduction
Baja Mexico
The islands of the Sea of Cortez contain striking natural beauty in a dramatic setting formed by rugged islands with high cliffs and sandy beaches, which contrast with the brilliant reflection from the desert and the surrounding turquoise waters. The area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers the perfect blend of Baja kayaking, hiking and snorkeling. Abundant wildlife, massive whales, sunny weather and warm, crystalline waters make the Sea of Cortez in Loreto Bay National Marine Park one of the best winter sea kayaking and whale watching destinations in North America.

Imagine sea kayaking Baja in the warm, clear waters of Loreto Bay National Marine Park in Mexico's 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. Red-hued desert colors, azure blue water and magical land formations give this area great aesthetic and photographic appeal.

These waters offer exceptional opportunities for viewing dolphins, sea lions and 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. 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 sea kayak migrate to these waters looking for tasty crustaceans. Encountering the largest animal on earth is a thrilling experience. Fin, Humpback and Sei whales also frequent the area.

Accomodation


Accommodations
The first and last nights are spent in a hotel in Loreto (at your own cost - not included in package) while all other nights are spent camping.

When you get to your evening campsite all group members must be able to help carry the kayaks above the high tide line. You will change campsites almost every night, but may have a layover day. Campsites are assigned by the National Park Service immediately prior to the tour. We endeavor to secure the very best campsites for the natural beauty and amenities of the area. Your guides will give a demonstration of how to set up and take down your provided dome tent. We also will provide you with a sleeping bag, liner sheet, pillow and an inflatable thermarest sleeping pad. There will be a kitchen/dining area and shade tarps where you can sit back and relax.
While kayaking, we can only carry enough fresh water for drinking and cooking. There are no fresh water sources on most of the coastline and islands we visit. You can clean up with saltwater and soap off above the high tide line, or bring disposable shower wipes. A porta potty will fit into a hatch of the kayak or on the panga support boat, and will be transported to each campsite and set into a sheltered area for solid waste. Liquid waste can be expelled below the high tide line, or in a separate porta-potty bucket.
Note: We provide all necessary equipment for your selected tour, including: personal flotation devices (PFDs), snorkeling gear, all kayaking equipment, bikes, and paddle boards.
We will also provide all necessary camping equipment for your tour, including: tent, sleeping pad, sleeping bag, sleeping bag liner, and pillow with pillow case.

Single and Triple occupancy:
Solo travelers will always have their own tent during kayaking tours, at no additional cost.



Meals
The source of many compliments, our legendary wilderness meals are prepared from fresh, healthy ingredients. Our specialty is Dutch oven cookery with savory main dishes like chili rellenos, baked salmon and vegetable lasagna; and delicious desserts from brownies to pineapple upside-down cake. We serve fresh ground coffee as well as an abundance of local fruits and vegetables. Wine and mixed drinks are served with hors d'oeuvres each evening for happy hour. Special dietary requests can easily be accommodated. There's a special emphasis on our meals because we believe you are entitled to gourmet dining in the wilderness as you are at home.

Special diets and dietary restrictions:
We do our best to accommodate special dietary requests, working within the parameters of the destinations in which we operate. If you have a very strict diet, we recommend packing extra snacks that you know you can eat.

Riding

What type of kayaks do you use on this trip?
Our fleet of kayaks on each trip is comprised of mostly double kayaks and one or two single kayaks shared among guests and guides. They are made by SEAWARD KAYAKS of fiberglass construction and ALL are equipped with rudders. Light weight Werner paddles, PFD's (Personal flotation device otherwise known as a lifejacket), nylon spray skirts, paddle floats and bilge pumps are all provided on our expeditions.

What are the differences between motorboat-supported and self-supported trips?
In Baja, some of our tours use a motorboat (panga) to carry camping gear, food and supplies ahead of the main group. This allows our kayaks to be lighter. The panga also carries chairs and tables for dining as well as a cooler with ice for cold drinks.
On our classic self-supported trips, all the gear is carried inside the kayaks allowing for expedition-style paddling without the motorboat.

Is previous kayaking experience necessary?
No prior sea kayaking or camping experience is necessary for this trip. Anyone in good health with a positive attitude can enjoy these activities. Paddling a sea kayak is easy to learn and your experienced guides will teach you all you need to know to enjoy kayaking.

Are there any physical requirements?
The amount of paddling is a good balance of challenge and ease for most of our participants. Expect a moderate workout every kayaking day. Pre-trip time spent in any activity that uses your upper body will help you enjoy your adventure with us. We do require that anyone over 70 or with any health or weight concerns consult us before signing up to make sure you are up to fully participating.

What is the minimum age limit?
The minimum age for our trips is normally 14 to ensure that all our guests are capable of fully participating in the kayaking and other activities involved. Also, a child must be at least 5 feet tall and 100 lbs in order to participate in our sea kayak tours. We do make exceptions on occasion, so call us if you think your child is physically capable of kayaking and comfortable in an adult setting.

What if I'm by myself?
If this is your first adventure tour, and you are naturally a little apprehensive about going solo, we will support you each step of the way. We get a mixture of singles, couples, families and friends. You can have your own tent, but you may share a two-person kayak with another single person or one of the guides. Please call if you have any concerns.

What about safety?
Your safety, comfort and enjoyment are our priorities. Any concerns about risks and physical abilities are handled with the greatest care by our office staff and trip leaders. Your guides are always in close proximity, well equipped with First Aid kits and specially trained in Wilderness First Aid to handle emergency situations. Your trip leader will provide a comprehensive kayak orientation and safety discussion before you begin paddling. We take your concerns or apprehensions to heart - to make kayaking a positive, fulfilling experience for you.

When is the best time to go?
Spring and fall are the most ideal times for enjoying the Sea of Cortez. The strong northerly winds blow longest and strongest from late November through early March so spring and fall trips are characterized by calmer, warmer days. Fall trips (October & November) offer warm and clear waters for great snorkeling and little chance of strong winds. An added attraction is the opportunity to observe the Baja desert in bloom following the rainy season in August and September. Winter trips (December, January & February) tend to be cooler with more chance of wind. Spring trips (March, April & May) offer warmer waters with warm calm days being common. As an added bonus on spring trips many cetaceans migrate into the Sea of Cortez at this time and sightings may include blue, fin, and humpback whales.

When is the best time to see whales?
We design our wilderness adventures to provide you with the best whale encounters imaginable. Baja California is a whale-watchers' paradise. There are few other places that harbor such a concentration and diversity of whales. The islands of Loreto National Marine Park, located in the Sea of Cortez, are home for 6 different species of whales including Blue, Fin, Sei, Humpback, Bryde's and Pilot whales.
From January through April look for spectacular sightings of Blue, Fin and Humpback whales in the warm, calm waters near Loreto on our Sea of Cortez Islands tours.
Magdalena Bay is the world-renowned winter nursery grounds of the Gray whale. From late-January to mid-March is the best time to see gray whales.

Do I need a passport to enter Mexico?
Yes, passports are required to enter Mexico. Click here for the U. S. Department of State’s Passport Requirement page.

Itinerary

Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

Note on Itinerary: Approximate paddling distances listed and can vary depending on group size and weather. 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. Please Note: Although there is a very good chance we'll see whales and other marine life throughout the week, the frequency, proximity, and quality of sightings will ultimately be determined by the wildlife.

Breakfast = B  Lunch = L  Dinner = D

Day 0: Arrive in Loreto
Upon your arrival in Loreto take a quick cab ride to the tour hotel and check into your room (not included in trip cost).  Spend your afternoon exploring the beautiful town of Loreto. You can tour the historic Mission located in the center of town, stroll through the local market and dine on authentic Mexican cuisine before meeting your guides in the hotel lobby for an evening orientation meeting.
Meals Included: 0 (Travel Day)
Accommodations: Not included

Day 1: Kayak Orientation, Sea Kayak, Snorkel and Hike
Grab breakfast on your own before meeting your guides for the start of your kayaking adventure.  You’ll board our van and ride to the launch site 20 minutes south of town.  Before launching our kayaks your guides will provide a basic paddling overview and thorough safety orientation.   We then push off for the start of our kayaking adventure, dipping our paddles into the turquoise water of the Sea of Cortez for the first time.  We make our first crossing before stopping for lunch, snorkeling and hiking.  Following lunch we jump back into the kayaks and head to our first campsite.  Spend your evening mingling with new friends, enjoying our hors-d’oeuvre hour and feasting on an authentic Mexican dinner.  As the evening comes to a close, retreat to your tent and fall asleep under a blanket of stars.
Meals Included: L, D
Accommodations: Camping
Paddling duration: 3-4 hours

Day 2-5: Loreto Kayaking & Camping
Our days begin with spectacular sunrises and end with delightfully cool evenings. Expect to paddle about 4 hours per day, broken up by a long lunch break and floating rest stops. You'll have opportunities at lunch and after kayaking to snorkel, hike, swim or relax with a good book. Each day we will have the opportunity to encounter whales, dolphins, flying manta rays, incredible birds and the beautiful scenery surrounding the Sea of Cortez.  Evenings find us feasting on delicious fresh food and enjoying margaritas as the sun sets on the horizon.  On dark nights don’t forget to check for bio-luminescence before heading to bed.  We occasionally get the pleasure of witnessing this incredible phenomenon!
Meals Included: B, L, D
Accommodations: Camping
Paddling duration: 3-4 hours

Day 6: Return to Loreto
Wake up and enjoy a hot cup of coffee or tea while taking in sunrise before your final day of kayaking.  We will spend the morning exploring the shorelines and watching for a final glimpse of marine life!   After lunch we break camp and paddle to our take-out site around 2 p.m. Upon arrival at the take-out site we quickly unload our kayaks before making the return drive to Loreto.  Once in Loreto you will check into your hotel room (not included).  Enjoy a hot shower before joining your guides and your fellow guests for a no host farewell dinner at a favorite local restaurant.
Meals Included: B, L
Accommodations: Not included
Paddling duration: 3-4 hours

Rates and Dates for Sea of Cortez Kayaking

Dates Note:

Other Info
Meeting: Loreto
Airport: Loreto (LTO)
Transfer: Loreto

Climate:
                                                La Paz area