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kayak the beautiful baja california coast
Great paddling, comfortable camping, a local chef, rich wildlife, and the list goes on! Spirit of the West Adventures is excited to now offer a kayaking tour in beautiful Baja, Mexico! We have put this tour together with expert locals who have been sharing the wonders of Baja with kayakers and visitors for over 25 years, and have been designed to provide the perfect way to experience Baja.
This tour sees us kayaking to new campsites daily with the help of a support vessel, which allows for a very comfortable camp to be set up for us, cold drinks and a chef to join the trip. Other activities include hiking, snorkelling, bird watching and generally just enjoying Baja Mexico from the seat of a kayak.
The Area
The amazing Isla Espiritu Santo is one of 900 islands in the Espiritu Santo Archipelago that are part of the Gulf of California Islands Flora and Fauna Protected Area established in 1978. In 2005, Espiritu Santo and 244 other islands in the Sea of Cortez were named a UNESCO World Heritage site, and in 2007, the Marine Zone of Espiritu Santo Archipelago National Park was established. This marine national park covers an area of 48,000 hectares and includes Isla Espiritu Santo and La Partida, the island right next door. Because of its protected status, no permanent structures of any sort are allowed in Isla Espiritu Santo, aside from the camps of the local fishermen who have traditionally made their living from the island and its surrounding waters, and from whom we regularly buy seafood for the camp. Every visitor to Espiritu Santo contributes to the maintenance of the park through park fees. Your guide will give you a full briefing on the park rules and regulations that help protect the flora and fauna of the area, and we ask everyone to do their part to maintain the wild natural beauty of this remarkable place.
EASY TRAVELING TO BAJA MEXICO
Travel to Baja Mexico is fairly simple, quick and straightforward. To get you started, here is some basic information to help you plan your journey and get the most out of your time in Mexico.
Tour Start and End Location
Baja Mexico Sur, San Jose Del Cabo
Arrival and Departure Airport: San Jose Del Cabo (SJD)
Accessed by direct flights from several locations in Canada and the US and connecting flights from many other countries.
Getting from the Airport
Group transfers are provided.
Arrival Day (day one of your tour): Arrive between 12-2 pm on day one of your tour, or earlier. The transfers are shared, so please be patient while we wait for everyone to arrive.
Departure Day (day 9 of your tour):Please choose a flight that departs after 1 pm A group shuttle is provided that returns you to SJD airport in time for flights departing after 1 pm.
Where to Stay
Included in the tour is a hotel on nights one and eight. See the itinerary for details on which hotels you will be staying at.
Travel insurance
To protect your investment, we require tour guests to purchase trip cancellation and interruption insurance in case of unforeseen circumstances.
What’s Included?
All transportation, including round-trip airport transfer from SJD San Jose Del Cabo Airport return
Hotels on night one and night 8 of your tour
Round-trip transfer to Isla Espiritu Santo
Snorkelling gear and wetsuit
All meals from dinner on Day 1 through breakfast on the final day.
Daily happy hour
All adventures and related equipment, including swimming/snorkelling, kayaking, birding, hiking, stargazing, hanging around doing absolutely nothing
Accommodations in large dome tents (10′ x 8 ft’, 6′ high) with cots, sleeping bags, chairs and towels for beach and bath.
Panga (boat) support
Bilingual professional guide/naturalist
National Park Conservation fee
Natural, historical & cultural interpretation
All kayaking equipment (including kayaks, PFDs, paddles, pumps, ropes and sponges)
What’s Not Included?
International airfare
Travel insurance (which is mandatory)
Any meal or activity not specifically mentioned in the itinerary
Gratuities for guides and camp staff
Transfers outside of scheduled times
Hotels outside of what is listed in itinerary
Alcoholic beverages at hotels and aside from drinks with dinner, and happy hour while camping
Dry bags
Fabulous Guides
Our local bilingual guides are professionals and masters of their craft. They will help you show you the best of what the Baja have to offer. The guides will share their favourite beaches, campsites and snorkelling spots with you. Join us to explore the natural wonders and wonderful kayaking while being cared for by our awesome team who take care of all the details, cooking, planning and safety so you can relax and enjoy this stunning area. Our team is excited to welcome you to Baja Mexico!
Today you’ll arrive at the airport in San Jose del Cabo, where you’ll be met by your guides between 12-2 pm for the 2.5-hour drive to La Paz and Hotel Catedral. We’ll get you settled in your rooms, then head out on the town for a terrific welcome dinner and trip briefing. Let the fun begin!
La Paz is the capital of Baja California Sur and a great jumping-off point for all the adventures that the Sea of Cortez holds. It is a waterfront town with a charming malecon (boardwalk) along the sea, marinas full of sailboats and yachts, and terrific local eateries.
Hotel Catedral La Paz is located in La Paz, Mexico, close to La Paz Malecon Beach. The hotel features comfortably furnished guest rooms equipped with modern amenities, including a TV, safety deposit box, work area, coffeemaker, hairdryer, and a private bathroom. Additional facilities and services include a bar, restaurant, Wi-Fi access, an outdoor swimming pool, and parking facilities.
Day 2: Transfer to Isla Espiritu Santo and Intro to Kayaking
We’re off for our sea kayaking exploration of Isla Espiritu Santo! We’ll drive to our bodega in La Paz to get our gear, then it’s into the boats and out into the Sea of Cortez! Your kayaks will be waiting for you at the first beach on the island, where your guides will conduct a training session and safety briefing. Then it’s time to start paddling!
Days 3-7: Sea of Cortez Kayaking Adventure
Explore Isla Espiritu Santo National Marine Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site by kayak. Enjoy one of the best marine life viewing destinations in the world. Whales, dolphins, whale sharks, sea turtles, manta rays and plenty of beautiful tropical fish call the surrounding waters home, while a terrific range of bird species, including Blue-footed Boobies, Reddish Egrets, Great Blue Herons and Yellow-footed Gulls, frequent the island’s skies and shores. The island itself is stunning, with magnificent towering cliffs, spectacular sandy bays, amazing lava rock formations, and rock art left by the Guaycura and Pericu peoples. There’s even an endemic ring-tailed cat, the babisuri. It’s a remarkable place to explore.
We’ll spend our days exploring the bays and inlets of Isla Espiritu Santo, travelling from beach to beach with full panga support. We’ll go snorkelling with sea lions, visit the magnificent Frigate-birds,
do some hiking and enjoy all the spectacular island beauty. Our chef will be on hand to prepare great meals and a daily happy hour.
Day 8: Return to La Paz / Farewell Dinner
Today we’ll leave the island and head back to La Paz around midday. We’ll have the afternoon to explore the town, then have a wonderful farewell dinner in town.
Day 9: Departure Day
After the included breakfast, transfer to SJD Airport for flights departing after 1 pm.
FAQ
+ Will my guide speak English?
Yes, all guides are bilingual and fluent in English and Spanish. They are residents of Baja and will help you every step of the way.
+ What kind of training do my guides have?
All guides hold a Wilderness First Responder certification, are trained in open water kayak rescues, aquatic safety, Leave No Trace Principles, are NOM 9 naturalists certified by the local environmental protection agency and have all necessary licenses for operating in the area they will be working.
+ How far do we kayak each day?
On the Espiritu Santo expedition-style trip, we cover between 3 and 7 miles a day, typically. This, of course, is group and weather-dependent. There is no kayaking on the Baja Glamping Tour.
+ Will I need a sleeping bag?
No, everything you will need for sleeping is provided, including pillows.
+ What are the kayaks like?
The kayaks are a mix of singles and doubles, both plastic and fibreglass, made mostly by Current Designs.
+ Are there single or double kayaks? Can I reserve the kayak of my choice?
We use a mix of single and double kayaks on every trip. If the majority of the group has a preference for single kayaks, we would ask that everyone take a turn rotating through the doubles for part of a day. We typically bring a minimum of two double kayaks on each trip as they offer many advantages, including added safety, carrying gear, matching paddler abilities, and general group management. While we try our best to provide you with your preferred kayak choice, we ask that everyone have some flexibility and openness to trying different kayak types throughout the trip. Please note there is no kayaking on the Glamping tour.
+ What does boat-supported really mean?
On this trip, the tour is supported by a local-style fishing vessel called a Panga. These well-suited craft and their local drivers help move our food and most camping gear between campsites. We still pack our clothing and some essentials into our kayaks each day to help ensure we have what we need for the day and to help our boats feel stable in the water. If you don’t feel like kayaking, you can always hitch a ride in the Panga.
If the weather is not cooperating, we usually stay put on the beach we are on, but this will be at the discretion of your guides.
+ What are the tents like?
For this tour, the tents are spacious REI Kingdom 6 tents (10’ x 8.3 floor dimensions and 6 feet tall inside). Our beds are comfortable mats on the ground.
+ What are the toilets like?
A discreet and comfortable portable toilet system is used on all tours. All waste is packed out of the trips.
+ Is there a single supplement?
Yes, these trips have limited tent and hotel capacity, and so it is NOT possible to have your own tent if travelling solo. We will do our best to pair you up with a traveller of the same gender (if this is of concern to you). There is a $950 USD per person single supplement if you would like your own hotel room (subject to availability).
+ Can you accommodate my dietary needs?
Basic dietary restrictions or allergies can likely be accommodated by the removal of items. I.e. if you are a vegetarian, your taco would have beans versus meat, but there may not be an additional meat substitute like you may find in Canada. The chef will do their best to work with dietary needs that are disclosed in advance of the tour, but please note that it may be more basic accommodations than we were able to provide on our tours in Canada, if you have travelled with us before. You may be asked to bring some items with you if your dietary needs are complex or severe.
+ Can I drink the water?
Yes, all the water and ice provided comes from a safe, filtered source.
+ Do I need a wetsuit for snorkelling?
Wetsuits are provided along with snorkelling gear. While they aren’t totally necessary, they do help you enjoy the water for longer. If you have your own suit, you are also welcome to bring it if you prefer.
+ What are whale watching regulations like in Baja?
The Mexican government issues permits and sets the rules for the captains for operating in the lagoons. The Captains are also part of local fishing cooperatives that do their own training on best practices. The Captains are very experienced and very respectful of wildlife. That said, in Mexico, the regulations do allow for close encounters with whales and cetaceans.
+ Are there showers?
Yes, there are solar-warmed bag-type showers available on all trips. These are meant for a quick rinse to remove salt at the end of the day. There are proper showers at the hotels that are provided before and after the camping portion of the tours.
+ Is there air conditioning?
There is no air conditioning when camping, but the ocean breezes are beautiful, and temperatures tend to cool down to be much cooler in the evening, making for comfortable sleeping.
+ Is there wifi or cell coverage?
No, there is no wifi when camping- we encourage you to embrace this as an opportunity to unplug and truly soak in your experience. There is wifi at the hotels we stay in before and after the tours. There may be pockets of cell coverage, but not reliably, and not to be counted on.
+ What are the hotels like before and after the tour?
We use a variety of locally owned and operated smaller hotels as part of our tours. These hotels provided a clean and comfortable room for the night, along with a refreshing shower and are in great locations for exploring locally. See your Guest Handbook for more details on the hotels that will be provided with your specific date. If you would like to reserve additional nights outside the tour, let us know, and we can connect you with our local partners who will help get that organized.
+ What is the minimum age to participate?
The minimum age is 12 for this trip. Occasionally, we can make exceptions for families with significant experience or for private tours when a family reserves all the spaces on a particular date.
+ Where would my kids sleep?
The hotel rooms come either with one large bed or with 2 twin beds. Once we move to the tents, they are typically set up for double occupancy. We can place one additional cot in a tent if you would like a younger child in with you.
+ How do I get there?
Book a flight from your home airport toSan Jose Del Cabo (SJD) International Airport in Baja Sur, Mexico (NOT Cabo San Lucas. Please ensure you have the correct airport).
+ What time should I arrive/depart?
Please choose a flight that arrives between 12- 2 pm on day one of your tour. These are group shuttles, and we will wait for our various participants to arrive before departing together. There is a bar and restaurant close to where you wait, if you need something while you wait.
You will meet your driver outside the glass sliding doors at transportation umbrella #10. The driver will be waiting outside holding a Spirit of the West sign (ps guides and drivers are not permitted inside, so you will have to exit the glass doors to meet them). At the end of your tour, we will transport you back to SJD airport for flights which depart after 1 pm
If you arrive outside of our meeting times, you will be responsible for arranging your own transport. Please note that for a private transfer, you can expect to pay apx $200 USD to get to Todos Santos and $280 USD to La Paz one way. Please note that private transfers should be arranged in advance.
+ What do I need to bring?
Please check out the complete list in our comprehensive Guest Handbook or on the Packing List tab on the tour page. Something different from our tours in Canada is that you will need to bring your own dry bags with you.
+ Can I fish? Is fishing gear available?
In Isla Espiritu Santo National Park, fishing is not permitted.
+ Do you provide snorkelling gear?
Yes, masks, snorkels, fins and wetsuits are provided.
+ Is there a place to charge my phone or camera?
Yes, there will be a place to charge on your trip, but we do also recommend bringing a backup battery just in case. There is no power in the tents.
+ What type of suitcase should I use?
Duffle-style bags work best. There are some great rolling duffles out there that have wheels for the airport, but also make for easy transport and storage while on a trip.
+ Do you provide the dry bags for kayaking and excursions?
No, our partners we work with in Baja do not provide dry bags, so please come with one (we recommend a 10 litre size) bag for your items you want to keep handy while kayaking and a second 10 litre bag for a change of clothes to keep handy while kayaking.
+ What is the industry standard in Baja for tipping?
Gratuities are never expected, but always welcomed if you think your team has provided excellent service. Tipping must be in cash. Tipping is completely at your discretion, and these numbers are suggestions only.
Here are a few suggested amounts:
Hotel housekeeping staff: US$2 per day per room
Guides: US$20/day from each guest
Camp Staff (this is shared amongst all camp staff): $45/day from each guest
Restaurant Meals outside of the tour plan, on 10-20% of your bill total
Packing
The following is a list of suggested items recommended for your safety and comfort while on your Baja adventure. If you have any concerns or questions about this list, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Temperatures
The average day in the Baja sees highs during the day in the 21-26°C range (mid to upper 70s°F) and lows at night between 14-18°C (upper 50°s to mid-60°s F). There is the occasional rainy day, and we do often see afternoon winds, known as the Nortes. Most storms happen from August to mid-October, with hurricane season officially running from June to November, so outside of our window for our trips. To learn more about the weather during your tour, check weather forecasts for Todos Santos here. Ocean temperatures are between 17-22°C (64-69° F). However, we always find it best to come prepared for any type of weather. Remember, there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad gear!
Please note what WE PROVIDE:
Snorkelling gear (masks, fins, snorkel and wetsuit)
Tents with cots
Bedding, chairs, and towels
All kayaking equipment (including kayaks, PFDs, paddles, pumps, ropes and sponges)
Selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Alcohol will be available during happy hour and served during dinner. You are welcome to bring your own drinks if you have a particular favourite or wish for more. Please remember we only consume alcohol when we are done paddling/snorkelling/swimming for the day, for safety reasons.
If you have some of your own gear and would prefer to use it on your tour, please call our office in advance of the tour to let us know, to ensure it is appropriate and to avoid us bringing duplicates.
General items
Passport & money belt – Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your return flight. A money belt helps to keep your important documents and money close to your body and takes away the worry of travel.
Copies of all your important documents – A simple photocopy of your passport and travel insurance details can save you a lot of hassle if you ever lose the originals.
Shoes that can get wet – We highly recommend Crocs or similar, as you can rinse the sand out easily, the strap protects your heels from chafing against the sand on the bottom of your kayak, and they dry quickly, so you can wear socks in them at night / around camp or if you get blisters. Neoprene booties are not recommended because of the sand.
Shoes suitable for light hiking – these do not need to be hiking boots, but something you feel comfortable walking in on rocks, if you wish to do some hiking
Hat – A wide-brimmed sun hat or baseball cap, or visor is essential in the sun of Baja. Ideally, with a strap for securing in the wind.
High SPF sunscreen & lip balm with sunscreen – A must for protection from the sun and glare off the water.
Sunglasses – A safety cord on your glasses is a good idea.
Bathing suit – For snorkelling and enjoying the underwater life!
Medication – If you are bringing medication, please pack it in a waterproof container/bags and bring extra in case of unexpected travel delays. PLEASE CARRY MEDICATIONS IN YOUR CARRY-ON LUGGAGE IN CASE OF LOST OR DELAYED BAGGAGE.
Personal items – Toothbrush, toothpaste, biodegradable and saltwater-friendly soap, washcloth, feminine hygiene products, hairbrush, etc.
Spare eye glasses & contact lenses
Wet wipes and hand sanitizer – Good for sanitizing or a quick wash.
Bug repellent – For mosquitoes and no-see-ums, along with long pants and long sleeves as needed
Ziploc bags – These and a large garbage bag are always handy when travelling- especially for taking home dirty laundry at the end of the trip.
Small flashlight or headlamp – Don’t forget spare batteries. Headlamps are preferable as they allow for hands-free use.
Camera – Waterproof is best (great for snorkelling) or packed in a waterproof bag or case.
Book and/or journal, cards or small games – For enjoying on the beach
Cash for souvenirs, drinks, gratuities (tips) – US dollars are accepted on par with local currency.
Water bottle with a clip, such as a carabiner – This will help with securing your water bottle to the deck of your kayak. We recommend a bottle of at least 1 litre in size, as we tend to drink lots in the heat.
Clothing
Lightweight pants – Quick-drying, non-cotton- light colours are nice in the sun.
T-shirts and or tank tops (2) – Can be a combination of cotton and non-cotton.
Camp clothes – One set of clothes to keep dry for wearing around camp. Lightweight cotton is nice to put on at the end of the day and sleep in.
Long underwear or base layer– while you are unlikely to need this warmer layer, it is always nice to have for cooler evenings, etc
Undergarments – As you see fit. A couple of pairs of synthetic underwear for paddling can be comfortable even when wet. Cotton underwear is good for evenings.
Shorts – One quick-dry nylon pair.
Fleece or similar socks – One pair you don’t mind getting wet and one pair to keep dry
Raincoat – something lightweight and breathable will make you a happy camper on cooler days or if we see some rain or wind.
Toque/beanie- as evenings can sometimes feel cool after being in the sun all day
Optional Items
Earplugs – Just in case your friends snore!
Bandana/Buff – To cover your neck from the sun.
Gloves – For kayaking. Biking gloves or light neoprene gloves work well to protect your hands from blisters and sunburn.
Binoculars- so much to see and great birdlife!
Personal snacks – Snacks will be provided, but if you have a favourite that you just can’t live without, please feel free to bring it (remember entry restrictions into Mexico).
Kula Cloth – some of our guests love these for mid-day bathroom breaks, but toilet paper is also provided.
Battery bank- while charging is available, we also recommend bringing a backup battery for charging just in case.
CLOTHING FOR BEFORE / AFTER TOUR
Any clothing you want for before or after the tour can be stored with your hotel or us while you are paddling. For your time off the water, long pants or a skirt and a button-up shirt are about as fancy as most of Baja gets!
Book Now
Our online booking system allows you easy access for booking your tour with Spirit of the West Adventures, any time of day.
Before finalizing your reservation, please carefully read over the International section of our Terms & Conditions, as these terms will apply to your booking. We also highly recommend that you look into Travel Insurance options to protect your travels before booking your tour as some types of insurance (such as Cancel for Any Reason insurance) can only be accessed within a limited period of time after paying for any portion of your tour. Travel Insurance is required for all international tours.
As a reminder, all international tours are charged in USD.
If you think that you would like to book a trip, but need time to look into other travel arrangements, please contact our office and we will place a temporary hold on your spaces. We also offer real humans to speak with if that’s your preference, so feel free to call our office at 1-800-307-3982 (from within Canada and the U.S) or 1-250-285-2121 (from overseas). We can be reached by email at [email protected]. If, for any reason, you are having trouble booking your trip, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are always happy to help!
