KAYAKING TRIPS - FULL DESCRIPTIONS, TRIP STYLES & ITINERARIES

KAYAKING TRIP STYLES

Co-operatively Catering Expeditions or Fully Catered, Motor Skiff assisted Trips!?
  
After considering all the feedback from past and present clients two very different styles of sea kayaking trips have evolved: Co-operatively Catering expeditions and Fully Catered, Motor Skiff supported trips. 

Although the itinerary is more-or-less the same they are very different expeditions and deserve careful consideration. 

One style is sure to suit you more than the other, so before making a reservation please take a look at the definitions below and decide which really suits you more. 

We shy away from permanent beach camps preferring to explore a new area each day. 

There is so much to see and it is therefore more interesting to have a trip that progresses each day - around each corner there is a unique and beautiful bay waiting to be explored.

Co-operatively Catering Expeditions:
In accordance with the groups dietary requirements, your guides will have already prepared a menu plan and bought the food and beverages. During the trip the guides organize each meal and everyone pitches in to help cook and clean.
All the gear, food and water is carried in our sea-kayaks from one camp site to the next. We have no motor boat support so it is therefore a group task with the support of your guides, to pack and carry everything. Naturally, the rewards lie in the tremendous feeling of self-sufficiency, a bonding team spirit and a marvelous sense of accomplishment. Many would agree that this is the ‘only’ way to do a sea-kayaking expedition.
On our 7 day trip we make a re-supply midweek. So effectively the most we ever carry in our kayaks is 3 days supply of food and water. At the time of re-supply the motor boat takes away our accumulated trash.

Fully Catered, Motor Skiff Assisted Trips:
The itinerary remains very much the same since we still paddle from one camp beach to the next. However, a motor boat is utilized each day to carry all the camping gear and provisions leaving you to paddle light empty kayaks. This alleviates the repetitive task of squeezing all your gear into tiny kayak compartments only to unpack again a few hours later. It is also physically easier to paddle a light kayak!
The boat driver and guides will take care of providing you with 3 delicious meals a day and all the cleaning up. A huge bonus is being able to take coolers so that we can offer you ice cold beverages throughout the trip. If the focus of your vacation is not always to kayak you can hitch a ride on the boat with your kayak in tow so you have more time to snorkel, to practice your spanish or quite simply - to take it easy!!

SAMPLE ITINERARIES

ISLA ESPIRITU SANTO CIRCUMNAVIGATED
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.
Accommodation: Your expedition includes 2 nights in a comfortable hotel in La Paz and 6 nights camping on soft sandy beaches.
 
This expedition is one of North America's favorite winter sea-kayaking trips. And deservedly so! It offers the adventurer 7 glorious days voyaging around one of the most appealing islands anyway, 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!
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 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.
Note: As with all our expeditions, OUR first priority is the safety and comfort of our guests. 
In the event of inclement weather and/or according to the group's sea-kayaking ability the guides may deviate from the above route plan.

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 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.
    
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.
Note: This itinerary is likely to be reversed when joining a trip that starts on a Wednesday. It is also probable that we will paddle down the east side of the Island.

ESPIRITU SANTO SUNSET
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 Espiritu Santo Island in our high speed motor launch. Shorty wet suit and snorkel.
Guests are responsible for bringing their own sleeping bags. (Out of respect for the environment and limited water in this desert region we wish to avoid excessive laundering. However with restrictions on airline baggage allowance we understand it may be your preference to rent. This can be arranged for an additional $10US).
Meals and drinks: A tasty lunch and dinner are included on Saturday followed by breakfast and lunch on Sunday. We also provide cold beverages, a sunset cocktail and wine with dinner plus coffee or tea and fruit juice for breakfast.
Our personnel cook and clean all dishes.
Tour Description: A perfect opportunity to sample an Espiritu Santo kayaking expedition in just two days and one night. An exotic first time camping and/or a great introduction to sea-kayaking. This short trip provides a flexible opportunity to do as much or as little as you choose. Simply kick back on a pristine sand beach and relax in paradise while we pamper you with ice cold beverages and sumptuous meals or participate in some or all of the following activities:
    Snorkel beneath the spectacular cliffs at Punta Colorada and discover an underwater world that Jacque Cousteau aptly described as the ‘world’s aquarium.’

    Glide in your kayak on tranquil waters as we explore an intriguing mangrove lagoon where you will discover a peaceful setting for herons, egrets and frigate birds – a great introduction for novice paddlers.

    A late afternoon or morning hike to a bird’s eye view. After a short but steep hike we are rewarded with 360˚ breath-taking island vistas and a distant view back to the Baja mainland. Identify some of the many delicate desert cactus and taste the succulent fruit of the Pitaya (season: early fall).

    A second kayaking trip will take us to the interesting relics of the island’s once prosperous Oyster Farm. This industry gave La Paz the illustrious title “ Pearl Capital of the World” and which later inspired John Steinbeck to write his famous parable “The Pearl”.

    Photograph a spectacular sunset. Please note this is the only thing that you are allowed to take away from this pristine National Park – sorry, no shell collecting.

ESPIRITU SANTO WHALE WATCHING
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.
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.'

ESPIRITU SANTO WHALE WATCHING - HOTEL BASED
Trip price includes: Certified, bi-lingual naturalist guides. Whale watching motor boat and crew. Round transportation from La Paz hotel to Magdalena Bay. All food and beverages during expedition.
Accommodation: Your expedition includes 2 nights hotel. The night before the trip starts and the night at the whale breeding grounds. If you require extra nights accommodation in La Paz we will be delighted to make the necessary reservations on your behalf.
This is a Fully Catered expedition.
This is it!! - World famous whale-watching in Baja. The place in which you have probably seen photos of people leaning out of boats to pet whales. Come and join us this winter and treat yourself to this awe-inspiring experience. Our expeditions have been designed with convenience and comfort in mind. We arrange for you to stay in a beautiful hotel in La Paz the night before we depart for the trip and then during the whale-watching we spend the night in rustic cabins right near the shores of the Pacific Lagoons - the breeding grounds for the Gray Whales. The above dates are scheduled in the peak season, so that you may well get an opportunity to pet these gentle giants! Just imagine a 40 ton mammal at your finger tips.......
The itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive in La Paz. Check into your hotel room and get ready for an early start the next day.
    
Day 2: 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 several close up encounters are practically guaranteed. Returning to the shore it is then just a two minute stroll to our accommodation. Relax and then freshen up before dining in our Palapa Restaurant with a fresh sea food meal.
    
Day 3: 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.
'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.'

ESPIRITU SANTO KAYAK AND YOGA
Trip includes: Certified, bi-lingual naturalist guide. Yoga Instructor. Single and/or double kayaks, all kayaking gear, camping equipment, transportation to and from your La Paz hotel to the island
Snorkel sets, wet suits and sleeping bags may be rented.
Accommodation: Your expedition includes 2 nights in a comfortable hotel in La Paz and 6 nights camping on soft sandy beaches.
Meals: Our guides will prepare all meals during the trip. Also beverages include: a selection of herbal and black teas, wine with evening meal and fruit juice during breakfast.
Single Supplement: $80 US
This trip offers all the best of our regular kayaking trips with the addition of daily yoga practice with our expert Yoga instructor Sophie Deschamps. She is making a special trip to Baja just in order to host this unique trip. Start each day on a serene white sand beach with an asana practice. Spend the day kayaking, snorkeling, hiking or relaxing. Take part in a restorative yoga session each evening while our cooks prepare your dinner. Both silent meditation and guided Kriya meditation practice offered as well.
The itinerary:
    Day 1: Arrive in La Paz and unwind in your hotel. Briefing at 9pm
    Day 2: Transfer to Island. Camping Orientation. First kayak trip. Yoga pm. Camp
    Day 3 - Day 7 : Yoga / Kayak / Snorkel / Swim with sea lions / Hike on island / Camp.
    Day 8: Return to La Paz after lunch. Farewell Dinner in La Paz restaurant. Hotel.
    Day 9: Breakfast and depart.

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10 DAY EPIC - LORETO TO LA PAZ COASTAL TRIP
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. All food and beverages during expedition.
Guests are responsible for bringing their own sleeping bags. Snorkel sets and wetsuits may be rented.
Accommodation: Your expedition includes 2 nights in a comfortable hotel in La Paz and 9 nights camping on soft sandy beaches.
This expedition explores some of Baja's finest coastal scenery between La Paz and Loreto in Baja California Sur. Throughout our 10 day paddle we are overlooked by a spectacular mountain range, the Sierra de la Giganta; in many places as sheer cliffs hundreds of feet high, it plunges directly into the Sea of Cortez. The beaches are stunningly beautiful and many have canyons behind which we can explore on foot.
For a hundred miles there are but a few fishing hamlets so the corresponding coast has very little human presence. There are some awesome snorkeling spots and we are likely to see dolphins, perhaps even whales spouting in the distance. We nearly always indulge in fresh fish and/ or lobster so feel free to bring your own fishing line and help catch dinner!
To make packing easier, during the expedition our water and food supplies are replenished and our accumulated trash sent back to La Paz.
Brief itinerary:
    Day 1:Arrive in La Paz. At 9.00pm meet the guides for a trip briefing in the lobby of your La Paz hotel.
    Day 2:Transfer to Ensenada Blanca (near Loreto), kayak to first camp spot.
    Day 3-4: Snorkel, hot springs, sea kayak along dramatic coastline past Agua Verde fishing hamlet.
    Day 5-10:Continue paddling south slowly exploring our way to our last night’s camp spot near Punta Mechudo.
    Day 11:Final morning’s paddle to take out at Punta Coyote; transfer back to La Paz. Farewell dinner and night in La Paz hotel.
    Day 12:Breakfast and depart
Paddling time:: An average of approximately 4 hours a day with longer days possible. Arrange flight into 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. Note this trip is more demanding than our Espiritu Santo Expeditions and is therefore only suitable for intermediate and advanced paddlers.

BAJA COASTAL KAYAKING
Trip price includes: 2 nights hotel accommodation and all kayaking and camping gear (just bring a sleeping bag!). All meals and beverages throughout trip, farewell dinner and hotel breakfasts. BOA bilingual kayak guide(s). PART I and PART II trips do not include hotel accommodation nor farewell dinner
Not included: Airfare and airport transfer. Snorkel sets, wet suits and sleeping bags can be rented.
Beautiful beaches to camp on....without other kayak groups! Off-shore island where we can land our kayaks and snorkel in crystal clear waters amongst colorful fish -- teeming by the thousands. Splendid mountain scenery. Distant views of Espiritu Santo and Cerralvo Islands. Most likely dolphins. Two canyon hikes. Bonfires are permitted! Interesting village and historical site of Las Cruces.
The itinerary:
PART I trip goes from Day 1 to Day 4(lunch time) and PART II joins the trip from day 4 lunch time until day 6 pick up
    Day 1: Arrive in La Paz and check into hotel. Meet guides for trip briefing at 9.00pm.
    Day 2: Meet at BOA center to select your kayak and prepare for trip. Launch and paddle out of La Paz bay to our first camp site - a deserted pristine sandy beach with snorkeling opportunities. Camp.
    Day 3: Paddle to Balandra Bay – a spectacular bay with no less than 7 pristine white beaches to choose from for our next night’s camp. Further snorkeling opportunities and a mangrove maze to explore.
    Day 4, 5 and 6: Paddle around past Tecolote Beach and then enter the channel between the Baja peninsula and Isla Cerralvo. We are immediately rewarded with more beautiful beaches and spectacular vistas of mountain ranges to the south. The coastal features become more rugged and our campsites progressively more remote. We paddle past the historic fishing village of Las Cruces with it’s attractive homes and stone built harbor. Then on to our final night’s camp on Playa Gorda .... talk about leaving the best until last. This beach is one of our favorites on the entire peninsula – a pure white sand beach with towering cliffs and a dramatic granite headland that plummets deep into the Cerralvo channel.
    Day 7: Our final morning’s paddle takes us around Punta Gorda and within a couple of hours we will arrive at journey’s end in the fishing village of El Sargento. Here we will be met for lunch and a shuttle van ready for an afternoon transfer back to La Paz (45 minutes). Farewell Dinner. Stay in La Paz hotel.
    Day 8: Breakfast and depart.
Note: Average of 3 - 4.5 hours paddling.
Group size: Min 4 - Max 12.

**All information is subject to change.
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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 

"Good guides, conscientious, careful, very funny and tactful in their leadership " - Jeannie