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Baja Sea of Cortez Islands

Kayaking in Mexico with Sea Kayaking Adventures, Inc.

Highlights

  • Loreto Bay National Marine Park
  • The highest level of federal protection of places kayakers go- one third of the world's whale species call the Sea of Cortez home
  • We provide all gear and hotel nights, highest guide-guest ratio, suitable for novices in good health ages 12 and up

 

Full Description

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. NOTE: First and last days for any Baja tour are arrival and departure days.

Imagine sea kayaking Baja in the warm, clear waters of Loreto Bay National Marine Park in Mexico's Sea of Cortez, paddling alo ng 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.

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 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.

Our six- to eight-day self-supported and motorboat-supported Sea of Cortez Islands expeditions explore the beautiful Islas Danzante and Carmen. New in 2010, we are offering a five-day motorboat-supported Sea of Cortez quick adventure to Isla Coronado for people who have limited vacation time.  All itineraries begin in Loreto and include both arrival and departure days. 

Includes:

  • 2 nights' hotel
  • 3, 4, 5 or 6 days paddling
  • 2-5 nights camping
  • Airport transfer in Loreto upon arrival and taxes
  • 3 guides
  • All kayak gear and instruction
  • All meals while kayaking
  • All camping gear including sleeping bags, pads and tents
  • Library
  • Tables and chairs
  • Shade tarps

Excludes:

  • Airfare to Loreto
  • $25 national park fee
  • Tips for guides
  • Transfer back to airport
  • Personal items
  • $20 snorkel gear rental

Day by Day Itinerary

Sample Eight-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Loreto airport. You'll be greeted by our ground service and transported to the hotel. Check into pre-assigned rooms. Pre-trip meeting at the hotel later in evening (ground service and hotel rooms included in trip cost).

Day 2

In the morning we'll meet for breakfast then you'll board our van and ride to the launch site. We'll teach you the basics of paddling and thoroughly review safety setting out procedures before launching kayaks. Paddle to our first night's campsite.

Days 3-6

Our days begin with spectacular sunrises and end with delightfully cool evenings. We'll spend our mornings kayaking to a new campsite. After lunch there is plenty of time to snorkel, hike, swim or relax with a good book. Evenings find us feasting on delicious fresh food and enjoying margaritas as the sun sets on the horizon.

Day 7

After a final lunch, we break camp and paddle to our take-out site around 2 p.m. Load van and proceed to Loreto. Check into hotel. No host farewell group dinner at a favorite local restaurant.

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.

About The Operator:

Sea Kayaking Adventures, Inc.

Headquarters:

Coeur d'Alene, ID

Since the beginning, Sea Kayak Adventures has created simply outstanding sea kayaking trips and incredible wildlife encounters for outdoor-minded travelers by offering not only fun and excitement, but also inspiring adventures designed to rejuvenate your body and spirit. We're all about getting away from everything, learning new things, observing wildlife, meeting great people and introducing you to a new way of travel. So that you can experience the dream vacation you deserve, we emphasize unparalleled customer service, superb sea kayaking and whale watching destinations, and unbeatable support and camaraderie from each of our SKA guides. We serve gourmet meals and provide all the equipment needed.

Sea Kayak Adventures is actually three companies- we are fully licensed and permitted by the Mexican and Canadian governments to operate in their waters, including national parks in Mexico and provincial parks in BC Canada. We maintain offices in these countries, pay all the required fees and taxes and we are committed to the hiring, training and development of local personnel. Our office in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, USA handles your reservations and takes care of you before and after your trip.

In 1993 Terry Prichard and Nancy Mertz Prichard, after working as sea kayak guides for many years in Baja and the Pacific Northwest, created Sea Kayak Adventures. We wanted to share our love of nature and exciting work with others in our own way. Meeting great people, kayaking close to whales, sleeping under the stars. Being intimate with nature. It's an incredible experience.

We operate at all times with environmental ethics in mind. We hire local highly trained guides exclusively in Canada and 90% local in Mexico (some of our Canadian guides lead our tours in Mexico) well on track to our goal of grooming fully certified marine biologist guides and Mexican trip leaders for all tours in Mexico. We put as much money as we can into the local economy of our destinations. We were the first company to design and implement porta potties for double kayaks, which is now standard in the industry in Loreto, Baja and first to go carbon neutral. We run mostly self-supported tours (ie no motorboat support) thus rely on the greater carrying capacity of double kayaks. Some of our Baja tours are motorboat-supported - i.e. a motorboat goes along, usually going ahead to camp each day with the camp gear, which can carry more amenities than a self-supported trip, so you do have your choice there. We have 1-2 single kayaks on each trip for guests to rotate into (we do not guarantee exclusive use of single kayaks). Our guides are eager to help you learn and develop your paddling skills.