Sea of Cortez & Whales

Introduction
Baja Mexico
Our kayaking and whale watching combo tour is the ultimate Baja experience, combining watching the gray whales as they test the waters of the Pacific Ocean with their calve, exploring the beautiful desert islands in the Sea of Cortez by kayak and snorkeling along isolated coves in warm, turquoise waters.

Enjoy 3 days of plush beach side camping at our exclusive Gray Whale Camp on Santo Domingo Island in Magdalena Bay, or later in the season at San Ignacio Bay,  where you will get four chances to go eye-to-eye with gray whales then cross the Baja Penninsula to spend five days kayaking in either the quaint town of Loreto or the beautiful island of Espiritu Santo in La Paz.

January through April, hundreds of gray whales mate and bear their young in the protected waters of Magdalena Bay after traveling over 5000 miles from the Bering Strait. A motorized skiff will take you swiftly and safely into the deeper parts of the bay, where you won't just view the "mommy and me" action, you may be able to actually pet some of the whales that swim by.  Staying on the island at our camp provides you with the opportunity to be delighted by a host of other wildlife such as dolphins, seals, sea lions, sea gulls, pelicans and more often right from camp!   Plush camping allows you to relax and enjoy the scenery while your professional naturalist guides provide you with dinner, drinks, and plenty of education.

As the whales migrate north to arctic waters, we also move our whale watching tours north from Magdalena Bay to San Ignacio Lagoon. This is one of the three prime whale watching areas in Baja, with several hundred whales visiting each winter.  While not as close to Loreto as our Magdalena Bay whale camp, traveling to San Ignacio gives us the opportunity to have the powerful experience of getting up close to the gray whales for another month into the spring. To get to San Igancio Lagoon, we drive north from Loreto to the historic French mining town of Santa Rosalia (where we visit a church designed by Gustave Eiffel of Eiffel tower fame) and on to the historic Spanish mission town of San Ignacio. From here it's another hour to the bay and our accommodations.

After you have had your fill of breaching, and spy hopping whales then head back over to Loreto or La Paz for five days of Baja sea kayaking and camping on remote islands in Loreto Bay National Marine Park or Espiritu Santo, where the surrounding water is a sanctuary for blue-footed boobies, fin and blue whales, dolphins and sea lions. The Sea of Cortez 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 one of the best winter adventure destinations in North America and Mexico.

Accomodation

Accommodations
You can choose to start your trip from either Loreto and or La Paz. The 3rd night is spent in the same city from which you departed.

Accommodation Itinerary for 6-day program - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1 & 2: Camp in Magdalena Bay
Night 3: Hotel in Loreto 
Night 4 & 5: Camping in Sea of Cortez

Accommodation Itinerary for 8-day program - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1 & 2: Camp in Magdalena Bay
Night 3: Hotel in Loreto or La Paz
Night 4-7: Camping in Sea of Cortez

Camping
Your guides will give a demonstration of how to set up and take down your provided dome tent. We will provide you with a sleeping bag, liner sheet, pillow and an inflatable thermarest sleeping pad.
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.
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.



While on the whale watching portion of the tour, you will stay at our exclusive base camp located on a sand-dune barriers island. Our whale camp has pre-assembled roomy full-height wall tent with two cots, night stand, rectangular sleeping bag with clean sheet, small pillow, and comfortable self-inflating pad are provided for your convenience at camp. There is also a washroom tent with a portable toilet. We recommend packing biodegradable shower wipes to freshen up with as there is no fresh water at whale camp.

Please, note that there is no electricity at any of the camps. If you wish to charge your phone or other batteries, bring a power bank with you.

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, cot, sleeping pad, sleeping bag, sleeping bag liner, and pillow with pillow case.


Oasis Hotel in Loreto
This 3-star hotel offers comfortable rooms featuring a TV, free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and a private bathroom. The hotel has an outdoor pool where guest can relax.


Seven Crown Centro in La Paz
Located 250 m from La Paz Coast, the Seven Crown features an outdoor pool, terraces and free Wi-Fi. All rooms are air-conditioned and feature modern decoration. They come with a Cable flat-screen TV, a sofa, a work desk and a private bathroom with hairdryer.

Single and Triple occupancy:
If you are a solo traveler and wish to have your own hotel room (or we are unable to pair you up with another solo traveler), an additional single supplement fee is required.  Solo travelers will always be provided with a single tent while kayaking, but may be asked to share a large stand-up canvas tent with another guest at Magdalena Bay Whale Camp. If you are asked to share a tent at our whale camp, rest assured that tents are very spacious, full-height canvas wall tents, with two cots and plenty of room to stand and maneuver around your tent-mate without difficulty.  Please inquire at time of booking if you have any questions.
Triple occupancy is possible at accommodations in Loreto and La Paz for an extra fee.
  


Meals
During this trip, all meals are included while camping and meals are not included while in La Paz or Loreto.

Our renowned wilderness meals are prepared daily by our guides using local, fresh, healthy ingredients. In Baja you can expect an authentic dining experience, with savory dishes like chiles rellenos, tostadas, ceviche, and chicken mole. We even serve delicious desserts like brownies and pineapple upside-down cake! Each morning, we serve up freshly brewed coffee or tea. Throughout the day we provide an abundance of local fruits, vegetables, and other snacks.
Wine and mixed drinks are served with hors d’oeuvres each evening for happy hour.

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.

This trip includes some wine with dinner and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Riding

Top Quality Kayaks
We paddle ahead of the competition by combining outstanding kayaking destinations with top quality kayaks. Whether you are a first-time kayaker or an experienced paddler, our fiberglass Seaward Southwind tandems and Navigator singles were hand-crafted with you in mind and provide optimum performance, stability and comfort. On some Baja tours, we use SEDA doubles and singles.

Exceptional Guides
It's the experience, professionalism and personality of your guides that ultimately make a trip a success. SKA guides know their outdoor skills as second nature, enjoy people, love and respect the environment and keep a constant weather eye on safety. Each trip has 2-3 guides to assist, inform, and lead the way so you get the most out of your time with us. They are experts at inspiring confidence and trust, as well as sharing conversation, knowledge, games and laughter - and they're great cooks!

Unparalleled Quality Service
We make a strong commitment to customer satisfaction. Impeccable service starts at our office with extensive pre-trip information, communication and immediate response to your questions - professional, yet personal and friendly at the same time. When you sign up, we'll send you our extensive trip handbook detailing all aspects of your adventure from travel arrangements to natural history. During the trip our quality service continues with your guides. Encouraging, respectful, knowledgeable and always smiling, each day they'll help you settle into camp, plan the days' activities, then prepare delicious meals. Our goal is to make sure your vacation is hassle-free from the moment you make your reservation until you're back home. We'll even follow up with you after your trip ends, as your feedback is vital to ensuring our excellent service.

Uncompromising Comfort & 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 and specially trained 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. We are fully licensed and permitted to operate in the areas we do, by all necessary government authorities in both Canada and Mexico.

Environmental Ethic
Our tour philosophy combines ecological awareness and low-impact camping techniques with a passion to share these unique ecosystems with our guests. Our belief is "educate, respect, protect". SKA actively supports a number of conservation organizations including The Marine Conservation Association, The Natural Audubon Society, The Nature Conservancy and The Ocean Conservancy. We are fully licensed and permitted to operate in the areas we do, by all necessary government authorities in both Canada and Mexico, and pay all required taxes and fees. We promote the hiring and development of local guides, and the protection of the areas' natural resources. We were the first to pioneer the design, manufacture and use of a porta potty that kayaks can carry, and we pack out all our waste products, and recycle all we can.

Itinerary

IMPORTANT: WEATHER-CAUSED TRIP ALTERATIONS
Strong winds and/or rough water conditions sometimes prevent our trips from going as scheduled. We are at the mercy of nature, as well as the local Port Captains who determine if ports are open or closed.  In particular, on our La Paz-based trips, winds may prevent us from crossing from the Port to Espiritu Santo Island which may also be reason for the Port Captain to close the port or prohibit crossing.  In these cases there are different solutions.  Sometimes we have to delay the crossing by a day or two, or have to leave Espiritu Santo Island a day or two early.  In these cases we provide a substitute activity for the day(s) we cannot kayak.  If the weather forecast predicts a series of days with strong winds, we also reserve the right to transfer the trip to Magdalena Bay on the Pacific Coast, which is almost always in calm, protected waters.  We recognize this isn't ideal, however we have no control over nature.  Most people prefer to still have a trip going, versus no kayak trip at all.  Decisions to alter trips are not made until the last minute (no sooner than noon the day prior), since we are basing our decisions on wind and weather forecasts that can change.  Your guides will inform you at the evening orientation meeting if the trip location has changed or the itinerary has been altered. The safety and security of our trips is the primary focus of our decisions.

If you purchase Trip Insurance and wish to cancel on the day of the trip, the "Trip Interruption" coverage may apply if Mexican authorities have closed the Port.  If you have questions about your coverage, call the toll-free number on your Travel Insurance policy to ask.  Neither our guides nor our office staff can determine if coverage will apply. We do reserve the right to modify and alter trip itineraries and in these circumstances will not provide any refund of trip monies paid. 


Sample Itinerary: 6-day program - subject to changes

Note: Approximate paddling distances listed 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 (Saturday): Welcome 
Upon your arrival in Loreto, take a quick cab ride to your hotel (not included in trip cost). Today, you are on your own for sightseeing until the orientation meeting (6 or 7 PM) at the Hacienda Suites hotel. Meet your guides in the hotel lobby and they will answer questions and review the morning plan.                                                                                                                          
Meals Included: 0 (travel day)

Day 1 (Sunday): Whale Watching in Magdalena Bay
Depart at 7:30am sharp for van transportation (2 hours) to Puerto Lopez Mateos on Magdalena Bay. Your first whale watching session will start immediately upon arrival. You might even see whales right from the dock! At the end of the 2-hour session, the boat driver will ferry you across the bay to our exclusive base camp on a sand-dune barrier island. You will have a chance to unload your gear and settle into your pre-assembled tent before
a hearty lunch. This afternoon, your guides will lead a hike across the dunes to the Pacific Ocean. You can meander back to camp along the beach in the sunset, just in time for happy hour and a dinner under the stars.
Accommodations: Beach camping
Meals Included: L, D

Day 2 (Monday): Whale Watching in Magdalena Bay
Arise to the sounds of birds chirping and waves lapping the shore as coffee and tea are prepared to great you and the morning sun.  Feel free to stroll along the beach, sip your coffee, and watch the whales as your guides prepare a hot breakfast.  You will have 2 whale watching sessions (2 hours each) by federally-licensed skiff today, with plenty of time for dune walking, hiking, and relaxing on the sand while whales frolic offshore. You can also elect to do birding tours in the mangrove areas of the lagoon instead of whale watching, or part whale watching, part birding sessions.
Accommodations: Beach camping
Meals Included: B, L, D

Day 3 (Tuesday): Return to Loreto 
You will enjoy one final 2-hour whale watching session after breakfast in the morning before returning to Puerto Lopez Mateo by skiff.  Take a few minutes when returning to Puerto Lopez Mateo to explore the small local shops at the port and possibly purchase a commemorative token before heading out to enjoy a hot seafood lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, transfer back to Loreto or La Paz and check-into your tour hotel for a shower or stroll along the waterfront before an orientation meeting for the kayaking portion of the trip. 
Accommodation: Oasis Hotel in Loreto                                                                                                                                 
Meals Included: B, L

Day 4 (Wednesday): Time to go kayaking
Please eat breakfast and be packed by the meeting time before you board a boat for our shuttle to the kayak put-in site. After loading the boats, your guides will teach you the basics of paddling and thoroughly review safety procedures. The group won't leave shore until all participants feel comfortable. Then, you will make a 50-minute, 2 to 3-mile crossings to the off-shore islands where you’ll have a chance to snorkel and hike before lunch, and then kayak to your first night's campsite.
Accommodations: Beach camping
Meals Included: L, D
Paddling duration: 3-4 hours

Day 5 (Thursday): Kayaking in the Sea of Cortez
Awake to freshly brewed coffee and tea as the sunrise spills golden light onto this serene desert island. The days begin with spectacular sunrises and end with delightfully cool evenings, enjoying sunsets, star-gazing, moonrise, or even bioluminescence in the sea on moonless nights.
After a warm breakfast prepared by your guides, you'll pack your belongings into the kayaks for the morning paddle. Expect to kayak about 4 hours per day, including floating rest stops, moving along the coast to a new campsite each night (wind permitting) with one layover day at the same site. You will enjoy a long lunch break between the morning and afternoon paddle, and occasional floating rest stops while kayaking. During lunch and before happy hour, you'll have plenty of opportunity for snorkeling with Baja's plentiful reef fish, hiking the island's arroyo trails, or just relaxing on the sandy beaches.
You will paddle and explore the scenic cliffs and coves of Danzante and Carmen in the Loreto Bay National Marine Park/UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy stunning landscapes, unique geology, and watch as the subtle nuances of the Baja desert landscape unfolds into a natural masterpiece through interpretive hikes and talks by your highly-educated guides. At night, the lack of light pollution reveals constellations you've never seen! Enjoy the stars through the comfort of your dome-tent, or sleep underneath them on the sand.
Meals Included: B, L, D
Paddling duration: 3-4 hours per day

Day 6 (Friday): End of Program 
After a final breakfast and breaking camp, you will paddle to the take-out site and unpack your kayak while the guides prepare lunch. A van will return you mid-afternoon to Loreto or La Paz. In the evening, you are invited to join your kayak group for a final farewell dinner (no-host) out on the town to say good-byes and toast new found kayaking skills and friends.
Accommodations: not included
Meals Included: B, L

------------------------------

Sample Itinerary: 8-day program - subject to changes

Note on Itinerary: Approximate paddling distances listed 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.

Please Note: This tour involves transportation to and from Loreto to the whale camp at Magdalena Bay. An additional transportation fee will be added to any combo trips running in LaPaz. Guests requesting a trip arriving in La Paz and departing in Loreto (or vice versa), if the option is available, may also be subject to additional fees for shuttle transportation.

Breakfast = B  Lunch = L  Dinner = D

Day 0 (Thursday): Welcome
Upon your arrival in Loreto / La Paz take a quick cab ride to your hotel (not included in trip cost). Today, you are on your own for sightseeing until the orientation meeting (6 or 7 PM) at the Hacienda Suites hotel. Meet your guides in the hotel lobby and they will answer questions and review the morning plan.                                                                                                                                 
Meals Included: 0 (travel day)

Day 1 (Friday): Whale Watching in Magdalena Bay
Depart at 7:30am sharp for van transportation (2 hours) to Puerto Lopez Mateos on Magdalena Bay. Your first whale watching session will start immediately upon arrival. You might even see whales right from the dock! At the end of the 2-hour session, the boat driver will ferry you across the bay to our exclusive base camp on a sand-dune barrier island. You will have a chance to unload your gear and settle into your pre-assembled tent before
a hearty lunch. This afternoon, your guides will lead a hike across the dunes to the Pacific Ocean. You can meander back to camp along the beach in the sunset, just in time for happy hour and a dinner under the stars.
Accommodations: Beach camping
Meals Included: L, D

Day 2 (Saturday): Whale Watching in Magdalena Bay
Arise to the sounds of birds chirping and waves lapping the shore as coffee and tea are prepared to great you and the morning sun.  Feel free to stroll along the beach, sip your coffee, and watch the whales as your guides prepare a hot breakfast.  You will have 2 whale watching sessions (2 hours each) by federally-licensed skiff today, with plenty of time for dune walking, hiking, and relaxing on the sand while whales frolic offshore. You can also elect to do birding tours in the mangrove areas of the lagoon instead of whale watching, or part whale watching, part birding sessions.
Accommodations: Beach camping
Meals Included: B, L, D

Day 3 (Sunday): Return to the City
You will enjoy one final 2-hour whale watching session after breakfast in the morning before returning to Loreto or La Paz. 
Check back into the tour hotel for a shower or take a stroll before an orientation meeting for the kayaking portion of your trip.
Accommodation Loreto: Oasis Hotel in Loreto or  Seven Crown Centro in La Paz                                                                                                                                
Meals Included: B, L

Day 4 (Monday): Time to go kayaking
Please eat breakfast and be packed by the meeting time before you board a boat for our shuttle to the kayak put-in site. After loading the boats, your guides will teach you the basics of paddling and thoroughly review safety procedures. The group won't leave shore until all participants feel comfortable. Then, you will make a 50-minute, 2 to 3-mile crossings to the off-shore islands where you’ll have a chance to snorkel and hike before lunch, and then kayak to your first night's campsite.
Accommodations: Beach camping
Meals Included: L, D
Paddling duration: 3-4 hours

Day 5-7 (Tuesday-Thursday): Camping & Kayaking in the Sea of Cortez
The days begin with spectacular sunrises and end with delightfully cool evenings, enjoying sunsets, star-gazing, moonrise, or even bioluminescence in the sea on moonless nights. You will paddle and explore the scenic cliffs and coves of Danzante and Carmen in the Loreto Bay National Marine Park/UNESCO World Heritage Site. Camping on sandy beaches allows for superb swimming, tide pooling, snorkeling, beachcombing and hiking.
Plan to paddle to a new camp site every day, wind permitting, with one layover day at the same site. Roomy dome tents are provided, although with Baja's lack of insects you may be tempted to sleep out under the stars. Several campsites have desert arroyo hikes which offer spectacular views as well as some of the desert flora unique to Baja.
Accommodations: Beach camping
Meals Included: B, L, D
Paddling duration: 3-4 hours per day

Day 8 (Friday): End of Program
After a final breakfast and breaking camp, you will paddle to the take-out site and unpack your kayak while the guides prepare lunch. A van will return you mid-afternoon to Loreto or La Paz. In the evening, you are invited to join your kayak group for a final farewell dinner (no-host) out on the town to say good-byes and toast new found kayaking skills and friends.
Accommodations: not included
Meals Included: B, L

For the 7-day special, there is one less day of kayaking included in the program

Rates and Dates for Sea of Cortez & Whales

Dates Note:

Other Info
Meeting: Loreto airport, Mexico
Airport: Loreto
Transfer: Loreto airport, Mexico

Climate:
                                                La Paz area