Sea Kayaking Tour – Baja, Mexico is located in the Cortés Sea, specifically in Loreto, the Gulf of California offers you the best waters for kayaking and snorkeling. Most noteworthy it is declared by the Mexican government as “National Marine Park of Loreto”, and by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Baja is an amazing, unforgettable experience!
You can start your trip by picking your spot and camping in the stretch of white sand that covers the coast. Observe the bright stars shining down on the mountains around you. Let the sound of the sea lull you to a peaceful sleep. You will wake up in paradise, full of energy to start this adventure.
Things to Do
Espiritu Santo Island
Start your journey through Espiritu Santo Island, off the coast of the peninsula of Baja California, Mexico. Known as “The Mexican Galapagos”, it is the most popular island. In this place, you can start kayaking around the island. This will take you through a series of marine islets, deep bays, and headlands.
Towards the sides of the west coast, you will find several deserted and idyllic beaches. This will be an amazing place to relax for a while in the afternoon. While, in contrast on the east side, you’ll come face to face with towering steep cliffs that overshadow the inlets.
When you travel to Espiritu Santo, the fun is never over. You can still explore the rest of the island through its trails. In addition, you can also snorkel in the crystal clear water bays. These are known for the most incredible and varied marine life in the world. Above all, always be focused on your surroundings, as there are a number of spectacular photo opportunities.
Once this day is over, build your camp with your friends or family. You will be able to sit in the sand and witness the beautiful sunset over the ocean. One of my favorite ways to enjoy this moment is to have some delicious seafood, with a nice cool margarita.
Magnificent Wildlife
The Gulf of California is home to 31 species of marine mammals and 500 species of fish. If you’re lucky, as a result, you can even spot some turtles in the clear waters. Keep your eyes opened for the small and cute ground squirrel or the black-tailed jackrabbit. Hence, these two species can only be found in Espiritu Santo Island.
While you’re paddling on your kayak through these clear water. You may come across one or two manta rays. But don’t be afraid, because these unique-shaped fishes only want to keep you company. What is most noteworthy, they love to jump out of the water! In addition, you may also see pelicans fly over you. As this is one of their feeding grounds, you will often see them carrying little fish within their long beaks.
After that, you want to head to the northern end of Espiritu Santo island. This is where you will find colonies of noisy sea lions relaxing on the coast. Snorkeling with these mammals, however, might feel frightening at first. However, if you give it a go, this is an unforgettable experience.
To have this experience, first of all, you need to search under a number of different travel agencies. As a result, you can choose the package that you like best, including activities, trips and the various wildlife you will encounter.
Beach Yoga
Inbetween days of kayaking, snorkeling, hiking and whale watching. Take some time for yourself and relax with a restorative yoga lesson. Take your yoga mat to the soft white sand, and join in on this serene activity. You will not need any experience level to join in on the lessons. In addition, they take place at evening, while dinner is being prepared.
How to get there
Your tour operator will be based in La Paz. Most reputable airlines will take you to Manuel Marquez de Leon Airport (LAP) which is located in La Paz. Above all, you can reach your tour operator through the following means of transport: taxi, bus, or train.
When to Go
Avoid the summer months, which tend to be too hot. From October to early December, the water is very warm and perfect for snorkelling. However, kayak rentals to experienced paddlers are available all year round. For whale-watching, going to Baja from late December to mid-January is the best option. At these months is when they begin to arrive at the peninsula, and the weather is not yet that hot.
How Long
The trip lasts seven full days, with three to four hours of kayaking each morning. However, some tour operators will allow you to paddle around the 2 islands of Espiritu Santo and Partida, in 3-4 days. Although, for a relaxing trip, with addition to taking part in a lot of activities. We recommend you to plan your trip for a week or up to 10 days.
Opening and Closing Hours
As mentioned before, the tour around the islands will be a 7-day trip. However, depending on your tour agency the starting dates during the week will vary.
Planning
The tour starts in La Paz, capital of Baja California Sur, from where a motor skiff takes you to Isla Espíritu Santo. Camping equipment and food are provided. However, they’ll be carried in the skiff to each new bay, along with any personal belongings you don’t need while paddling.
Inside Information
You must be adequately protected from the sun and well hydrated. Since you are constantly exposed to the hot sun and its reflection on the water. Sunscreen, water, and a camera can be carried in small dry bags attached to elastic straps aboard each kayak.
History
Isla Espíritu Santo is located on the Gulf of California. It’s the 12th largest island in Mexico, and it’s separated from Isla Partida by a narrow canal. Additionally, both Islands are important ecological tourism destination and they are both uninhabited. Ensenada Grande beach, on Isla Partida, was voted as the most beautiful beach in Mexico, and one of the twelve most beautiful beaches in the world. Nowadays, sea kayaking is a popular activity done around the island.
Websites
- www.kayactivitiescom
- www.discoverbajacalifornia.com
Other Nearby Attractions
Magdalena Bay
You can not leave Baja without having enjoyed the beautiful grey whales swimming around in the clear waters. Thankfully, the peninsula has the perfect place for whale-watching: The Magdalena Bay. This famous bay, known for its peaceful lagoons, is located on the west coast of Baja California Sur, 160 kilometres (100 miles) from Espiritu Santo island.
Every year, Gray Whales make the longest mammal migration, a trip of over 19,000 kilometers (12,000 miles) from the Chirikof Basin to the Magdalena Bay. Here is where you get the best and most spectacular sightings in the world, hence, you can even get to touch the whales! Head to the Magdalena Bay for the best chance to watch whales on their natural habitat, as your guide tells you fascinating stories of experiences they have lived themselves.
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