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.
The general 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.
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ISLA ESPIRITU SANTO / WHALE WATCHING
4 days sea kayaking, combined with 2 days whale watching
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.
Fully Catered 8 day expeditions. $1,030 U.S.
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.
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
Guests are responsible for bringing their own sleeping bags. Snorkel sets and wetsuits may be rented.
The 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.'