Baja Sea Kayaking Tour Trip Itinerary

Baja California is one of the best winter and spring destinations for kayakers. This eight day adventure includes kayaking lessons, multi-day paddling on the Sea of Cortez, snorkeling, relaxing in tidal hot springs, hiking, mule rides in the local mountains, and exploring uninhabited islands. These protected islands are a part of the newly designated National Park of Loreto and are world-famous for their beauty and the proliferation of wildlife in the sea around them. Sightings of manta rays, sea lions, dolphins, roosterfish, sea turtles, and sometimes even a whale or two are common. With your guides' combined Baja experience totaling well over 25 years, you can be assured a wonderful and unique adventure. Outback Adventures provides, food, kayaking equipment, group camping gear, and accommodations (two nights hotel, five nights camping). No experience necessary.

Itinerary:
Day 1: You will fly into the Loreto airport, where you can take a local taxi to our favorite seaside hotel. After checking in, you will have the rest of the day free to explore the town - the historic "Mother" mission, the plaza, the waterfront taco stands, paleterias and gift shops. Or you may choose to relax by the pool at the hotel.

Day 2: We will meet you shortly after breakfast the next morning and travel south, viewing the dramatic coastline and unspoiled desert, to a point on the top of a mountain where you will get your first glimpse of our base camp below. Kayak lessons covering subjects such as stroke techniques and re-entries are provided. We'll do an orientation as your guides prepare your first dinner, consisting of a seasonal bounty from the sea. You may have a chance to soak in the hot springs and watch brown pelicans, magnificent frigates, boobies, royal terns and perhaps an osprey search for their dinner.

Day 3: Sea Kayaking Tour - There are two infrequently-visited islands close by to explore. One has a tidal shelf on which, during low tide, you can walk completely around, exploring the tidepools teeming with urchins, anemones, cucumbers and other sea life. The other island has a south-facing horseshoe-shaped cove and a clean sandy beach which, even on days when the fairly-common northerlies are blowing, is warm and calm. Snorkeling is excellent here. While traversing between the islands, we remain on the lookout for manta rays, sea lions, dolphin, roosterfish, sea turtles, and sometimes even a whale or two! Another possible kayaking destination for more ambitious paddlers is a nearby small fishing village, which until the mid-1980's had no roads and no access - except by sea. We provide all kayaking gear, including U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets, quality paddles, sprayskirts, and waterproof bags for personal gear.

Day 4: Hiking and Hot Springs - There are cliffs right by our base camp, with great views of the coastline. Other hikes can be arranged in conjunction with mule rides, or as a separate adventure "over the mountain and through the arroyo." Also available are relaxing hot springs in which to just kick back and enjoy that latest novel you are reading.

Day 5: Mule Rides - Our local guides are "cowboys" and have been riding the coastal mountains for generations. They will take you to some difficult-to-hike locations over the mountains and up lush canyons. Our guides are eager to share their knowledge of the many uses of local plants and trees for building, food, and medicine. You may also observe Indian artifacts along your journey.

Day 6-7: Overnight sea kayak tour - Paddling along the coast, and camping at a secluded beach. Snorkeling - The marine life is incredibly diverse here. There are coral formations teeming with sergeant majors, Baja angels, coronet fish, triggerfish, etc. We provide snorkeling gear for those who don't bring their own. After the tour, we will transport you back to the hotel in Loreto where, after a hot shower and some last-minute souvenir shopping, we will reconvene for a farewell dinner in our favorite local restaurant.

Day 8: After a good night's sleep, the taxis will return you to the airport.