KAYAKING TRIPS - Full Descriptions
Isla Espiritu Santo
Circumnavigation by sea kayak
This expedition is one of North America's favorite sea-kayaking trips. And deservedly so! It offers the adventurer 7 glorious days voyaging around one of the most appealing islands, in state of the art expedition sea-kayaks. The rugged shoreline, off-shore islands and series of headlands and deep bays make each day a new adventure. The west coast of Espiritu is studded with some of the most spectacular white, sandy bays you can imagine while the east coast has enormous towering cliffs, bizarre rock formations and alluring sea caves. After paddling approximately 3-4 hours each day we will have plenty of time to enjoy fantastic snorkeling, to swim with sea lion pups, hike intriguing volcanic arroyos, bathe in the glorious Baja sun, watch manta rays leap up out of the water, admire a school of dolphins, explore hidden inland lagoons, sip a margarita and relax in great company..... Isla Espiritu Santo really is paddling in paradise ~ just ask anyone that has been there!
8 Days
Trip price includes:
Certified, bi-lingual naturalist guides.
Single and/or double kayaks, all kayaking gear, camping equipment.
Transportation to and from your La Paz hotel to the island.
All food and beverages during expedition.
Guests are responsible for bringing their own sleeping bags.
Snorkel sets and wetsuits may be rented. Sleeping bags may also be rented, please inquire.
Accommodation: Your expedition includes 2 nights in a comfortable hotel in La Paz and 6 nights camping on soft sandy beaches.
A typical Itinerary:
• Saturday: Arrive in La Paz, check into your hotel room and at 9.00pm meet your guides for a trip briefing.
• Sunday: Transfer from your hotel in La Paz to Espiritu Santo Island in our high speed motor boat. Guides discuss points on safety and provide beginners with the basics of sea kayaking and correct use of gear and kayaks. In the afternoon we embark on our first paddle beneath spectacular volcanic cliffs and arrive at the first of many beautiful beaches to set up camp.
• Monday: Continue in our kayaks exploring a new section of coastline with small off shore islands where numerous sea birds nest. Camp on a new beach.
• Tuesday: Continue voyage to the end of the island, stopping off to take a refreshing well water shower, hike up a wonderful canyon to discover fascinating rock formations. Continue paddle over to Isla Partida and set base camp for two days on north end of the island.
• Wednesday: This is our lay-over day - time to relax those paddling muscles! Today we take a fast motor boat ride to a beautiful off shore island which is home to a large sea lion colony. Experience the amazing thrill of swimming with sea lion pups and snorkel amongst thousands of tropical fish.
• Thursday: Continue around the north end of the island for our first paddle along the east coast. A sharp contrast in scenery with spectacular towering. We will paddle through a narrow channel between Espiritu Santo and Isla Partida to discover an exquisite setting with high cliffs enclosing the bay and natural turquoise swimming pool.
• Friday: A remarkable paddle beneath towering cliffs rising up to a high point of 2000ft. There are also two natural caves which skillful navigators can paddle right through. In the afternoon we arrive at our favorite camp spot ~ a magnificent 2 mile stretch of superb sweeping white sand. Last night camping.
• Saturday: Final morning sea-kayaking to complete our circumnavigation. Lunch and return to La Paz. Check in to your hotel. Time to shop for souvenirs before a farewell dinner together.
• Sunday: Breakfast and depart.
ESPIRITU SANTO / WHALE WATCHING
4 days sea kayaking, combined with 2 days whale watching
Fully Catered 8 day expeditions
2010
Jan 23 - 31 Feb 6 - 14 Feb 13 - 21
Trip price includes:
Certified, bi-lingual naturalist guides.
Single and/or double kayaks, all kayaking gear, camping equipment
Transportation to and from your La Paz hotel to the island and to the Pacific Lagoons for whale-watching.
Guests are responsible for bringing their own sleeping bags. Snorkel sets and wetsuits may be rented.
Meals: All meals are included (except dinner on Wednesday and lunch and dinner on Thursday).
Accommodation: 4 nights comfortable hotel/1 night rustic cabin/ 3 nights camping
The absolute best of both seas!! We spend 4 days sea-kayaking and snorkeling in the shimmering, turquoise Gulf of California camping out on Espiritu Santo Island. Then we have a mid week pause to relax and explore the enchanting seaside town of La Paz with its beautiful board walk and sensational dining. Finally we transfer to the tranquil lagoons in Magdalena Bay on the Pacific coast of Baja. Here we are hotel based and embark on 2 days of whale watching expeditions by motor skiff.
A typical itinerary:
Saturday: Arrive in La Paz, check into your hotel room and at 9.00pm meet your guides for a trip briefing.
Sunday: Transfer to Espiritu Santo Island in our high speed motor boat. Guides discuss points on safety and provide beginners with the basics of sea-kayaking and correct use of gear and kayaks. In the afternoon we embark on our first paddle beneath spectacular volcanic cliffs and arrive at the first of many beautiful beaches to set up camp.
Monday: Continue in our kayaks exploring a new section of coastline with small off shore islands where numerous sea birds nest. Camp on a new beach.
Tuesday: Continue voyage to the end of the island to our final camping beach. Afternoon hike to the other side of the island.
Wednesday:Today we take a fast motor boat ride to a beautiful off shore island which is home to a large sea lion colony. Experience the amazing thrill of swimming with sea lion pups and snorkel amongst thousands of tropical fish. Return to your hotel in La Paz..
Thursday: A 'day off' to enjoy a leisurely stroll around our picturesque seaside town. Browse in many Mexican arts and crafts shops or if you would rather a more active day we'll set you up with a mountain bike, or a day fishing or wind-surfing. A margarita at sunset on the famous sea promenade is a La Paz tradition!
Friday: Transfer in our air conditioned private van to the shores of the Pacific Lagoons at Lopez Mateos - considered to be the finest whale-watching area in the La Paz proximity (transfer time is 3.5 hours). Typically within minutes of clambering aboard our motor skiffs we are out in the bay surrounded by Whales. The spectacle is quite amazing and close up encounters are practically guaranteed. Returning to the shore it is then just a two minute stroll to our accommodation (rustic cabins). Relax and then freshen up before dining in our Palapa Restaurant with a fresh sea food meal.
Saturday:Arise to a Mexican cooked breakfast before our second whale-watching trip. We will venture out into the bay for a second opportunity to immerse our selves amongst the whales. For the last ten years many of our guests have been thrilled by the whales swimming right alongside our boats giving them the extraordinary opportunity to pet them. We will return to Lopez Mateos for a delicious lunch and then transfer back to La Paz arriving at around 4.00pm which gives time for anyone wishing to connect on through to Los Cabos the same day.
Sunday: Breakfast and depart
'Every year The Gray Whale makes its annual migration from the Chirikof Basin to Magdelena Bay, a round trip of some 12,400 miles making it the longest migration by any mammal. During the Gray's winter visit, they calve and nurse in the shallow lagoons. These amazing Gray Whale nursing grounds are protected by strict Mexican environmental and ecological legislation. We are careful to observe these regulations by exclusively working with licensed cooperatives that have trained boat drivers. This in turn helps support local fishermen and their families.'
Baja - Quick Escapes
Trip price includes: Certified, bilingual naturalist guides. Single and/or double kayaks, all kayaking gear, camping equipment, transportation to and from your La Paz hotel to the island. All food and beverages during expedition.
Guests are responsible for bringing their own sleeping bags. Snorkel sets and wet suits may be rented.
Accommodation: This is not included, but we will be delighted to help make recommendations and reservations.
Our 4 day expeditions are an excellent introduction to sea-kayaking and enable folks with a limited amount of vacation time, to still get out and enjoy the Gulf of California’s most beautiful island. During these trips we paddle for about 3 hours a day discovering a new beach to set up camp. This leaves plenty of time free to hike into the interior of the island exploring canyons with amazing rock formations and fascinating plant life. We also have time to snorkel each day and marvel at one of the world’s most diverse ‘natural aquariums.’
A typical Itinerary:
Day 1: Transfer from your hotel in La Paz to Espiritu Santo Island in BOA’s high speed motor boat. Guides discuss points on safety and provide beginners with the basics of sea kayaking and correct use of gear and kayaks. In the afternoon we embark on our first paddle beneath spectacular volcanic cliffs and arrive at the first of many beautiful beaches to set up camp.
Day 2: Continue in our kayaks exploring a new section of coastline with small off shore islands where numerous sea birds nest. Camp on a new beach.
Day 3: Complete our voyage to the end of the island. Final night camping on the island.
Day 4: Fast motor boat ride to a beautiful off shore island which is home to a large sea lion colony. Experience the amazing thrill of swimming with sea lion pups and snorkel amongst thousands of tropical fish. Lunch back at camp and then pack up to return to La Paz by mid afternoon.
Trip price includes: Certified, bi-lingual naturalist guides. Single and/or double kayaks, all kayaking gear, camping equipment, transportation to and from your La Paz hotel to start and finish of trip. Our expert chefs will provide all trip meals, cocktails and beverages during expedition.
**** Motor Skiff support boat to carry all the expedition gear.****
Not included: Airport Transfers, guides will meet you at designated hotel. Guests are responsible for bringing their own sleeping bags. Snorkel sets and wet suits may be rented.
Accommodation: Your expedition includes 2 nights in a comfortable hotel in La Paz and 6 nights remote camping on beaches.
AGUA VERDE - SAN EVARISTO ~ Coastal trip
This expedition explores some of Baja's finest coastal scenery between La Paz and Loreto in Baja California Sur. It is one of the most remote coastal areas in Baja, with no maintained road access, and only a few small villages where fisherman live, untouched by the trappings of the modern world. We are overlooked by the spectacular mountains of the Sierra La Giganta range, which provide a marvelous backdrop to this rugged coastline and secret coves that can only be reached by boat. The early morning and late afternoon sun create an artist's palette of colors and shadows that add to the area's mysticism and enchantment. It is an area so beautiful you will want to return again and again... be forewarned!
A typical itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive in La Paz. 9.00 pm. Introductions and trip briefing at hotel.
Day 2: They say 'the reward lies in the journey'. Indeed, the trip into Agua Verde is the beginning of a fantastic adventure. The dirt road that accesses this fishing village and the 'put in'; gives us breath-taking vistas of the sea of Cortez and off shore islands in the hazy distance as it precariously winds its way thousands of feet down the face of the Sierras to sea level. (not for the faint hearted!) After our safety talk and kayak orientation (read, dunk test) we will begin our first afternoon's paddle to a nearby beach to set camp for our first night under the stars.
Day 3 - 7: We continue south along the coastline, stopping to camp and explore a new bay each night. Depending on the group paddling speed and weather conditions, we may have time for a layover day. Ultimately, our goal is to get to San Evaristo, some 50 miles south of Agua Verde. The snorkeling opportunities are amazing - rock gardens and shoals that are home to a dazzling array of colorful fish and other marine life. We may see dolphins, whales and giant manta rays breaking the water's surface. There are also some intriguing hikes to stretch your legs between kayaking.
Day 8: Our final morning's paddle to San Evaristo followed by boat and van transfer back to La Paz. Farewell dinner and night in La Paz hotel.
Day 9: Breakfast and fly home... until the next adventure in Baja!
Note: Depending on the group's paddling speed we may extend the journey to take out at Punta Coyote.
Paddling time: an average of 4 hours/day. Previous experience not necessary but "must" have a sense of adventure and love camping. Arrange flight into and out of La Paz or San Jose del Cabo.
Group size: Min 6 - Max 14
"10 Day Epic"
Loreto - La Paz Coastal Trip
This expedition explores some of Baja's finest coastal scenery between La Paz and Loreto in Baja California Sur. For 10 days we are overlooked by an enormous and spectacular mountain range, the Sierra de la Giganta; in many places as sheer cliffs hundreds of feet high, it plunges directly into the Gulf. Rust red volcanic rock formations provide intricate caves and arches to explore and canyon lands that beckon the intrepid. The beaches are extraordinarily beautiful with fine soft white sand and many have canyons behind which we can explore on foot.
This area has a very low amount of seafaring traffic but an amazing amount of marine activity. We can expect daily dolphin sightings, perhaps whales and pristine snorkeling areas. We nearly always indulge in fresh fish and lobster so feel free to bring your own fishing line and help catch dinner! There is a mid-expedition re-supply to replenish water and food supplies and to remove accumulated trash. Effectively 4.5 days of supplies is the most we carry in our kayaks.
A typical itinerary:
Day 1:Arrive in La Paz. 9.00pm Introductions and trip briefing at hotel.
Day 2:am. transfer to Ensenada Blanca (near Loreto), kayak in bay camp.
Day 3-4: Snorkel. Hot springs, sea kayak explore Agua Verde area.
Day 5-6:Two days paddling to Puerto Gato a spectacular protected horse shoe bay where we will take our lay over day and await the re-supply boat.
Day 7-8: Beautiful stretch of coast on down to Senores de los Dolores. Hike up to 18th Century Jesuit Mission through an hacienda ranch laden with tropical fruits! Alternatively, relax on the beach shaded by palm trees.
Day 9:Rest day. Hike up to 18th Century Jesuit Mission through an hacienda ranch laden with tropical fruits! Alternatively, relax on the beach shaded by palm trees.
Day 10-11: Paddle 'last leg' to Punta Coyote and transfer back to La Paz. Farewell dinner and night in hotel.
Day 12: Depart
Paddling time: approximately 4 hours a day with longer days possible. . Arrange flight into and and out of La Paz or San Jose del Cabo (3.5hrs transfer to La Paz by public bus) / Group size: Min 6 - Max 12
Isla San Jose
CUSTOMIZED DATES ONLY
PRICES START AT $990 FOR ONE WEEK TRIPS
The remote island of San Jose offers spectacular coastal scenery, fine camping beaches and due to its proximity, an opportunity to really escape from the crowds. You will discover some incredible snorkeling sites where the sea is literally teeming with tropical fish. Alvaro, your chef on the fully catered trip, should have no problem producing some delicious samplings from the sea each day! By all means bring your own fishing rod and help catch dinner.
A typical itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive in La Paz, stay in comfortable hotel. 9.00pm. Introductions / trip briefing.
Day 2: Transfer to Isla San Jose. Introduction to kayaks and gear, make camp.
Day 3-Day 7: Explore Isla San Jose by sea-kayak paddling 3-4 hours a day. Each day there will also be ample time to snorkel and to explore the interior of the island on foot. The motor boat may also be used to reach more remote parts for snorkeling and fishing.
Day 8: Pack up and return to La Paz by mid afternoon. Farwell Dinner and night in hotel.
Day 9: Depart.
TESTIMONIALS:
"Both guides were excellent and went out of their way to help. You have a good formula here. For me it was a great intro to kayaking and an excellent learning experience -as well as lots of fun." - John
"Terrific. Everyone was so damn cheerful, it was contagious! Your entire business seems very well organized which makes for a very efficient, relaxing trip. Thanks." - Keg
"Last 3 days of my holiday, could not have spent it more perfectly if I tried. They provide a service to help you realize your wildest dreams. Espiritu Santo - paradise in Mexico." - Nikki
"One of the best trips I've ever been on. Just breath-taking." - Rebecca
"The guides were very knowledgable about the history and ecology of Baja. " Maya
"Thanks for accommodating me (vegetarian) . I really enjoyed all meals. Couldn't ask for better guides -great guys. Terrific trip." Gene