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Baja Multisport
Our Baja Multisport satisfies both active travelers and those desiring pure relaxation in a sunny climate. Join us as we explore the incredible Baja desert and the Sea of Cortez—an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. The Sea of Cortez is biologically the richest body of water on the planet and kayaking is one of the best ways to experience it. In addition, one of the most striking features of the peninsula is the ragged spine of mountains running down its length offering terrific hiking and biking routes. Each day is full of activity whether it be snorkeling and kayaking the azure waters off of Baja’s sandy beaches, mountain biking on beautiful desert back roads, hiking the agave-lined canyons of the Sierra de la Gigante, or visiting the historical San Javier Mission for a taste of Mexican culture. Truly, a multisport trip that showcases Baja’s best! We spend four nights in comfortable, secluded thatched roofed “casitas” overlooking the lovely bay of Ensenada Blanca; then one night in a beautiful mountain village in quaint adobe bungalows, and end our trip in the historic seaside town of Loreto.
Important Notice: Day 1 is the day you should plan to arrive at the meeting point for the trip. This may require departing your hometown one or more days in advance.
Baja Multisport Itinerary:
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Day 1
Your trip begins today in Loreto, Mexico. We meet at the airport and transfer to Ensenada Blanca, where we are away from telephones, televisions and computers. The setting is idyllic - secluded, two-person "thatched-roofed casitas" nestled in the sand dunes or overlooking the beach. Solar power runs the lights at night. Our beach home sits at the south end of a bay dotted with craggy outcroppings and the majestic Danzante Island. Your guide and retreat hosts will meet you upon arrival and help you get settled in. Enjoy a welcome cocktail with your toes in the sand and admire one of the prettiest sunsets in Baja. Dinner is included.
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Days 2-4
Three full days of active exploration… depending upon the weather each day, we will either be paddling, hiking, snorkeling or some combination thereof. A typical three days might look like this:
Day 2: After breakfast introduction to sea kayaking and a short paddle in the bay before mid day. After lunch, it's off on an afternoon hike for coastal views from rugged ridgelines. Kayaking: 3 hours. Hiking: 2-3 hours.
Day 3: After a healthy breakfast, it's a full day of kayaking to the lovely Isle Danzante. You have plenty of time for snorkeling among spotted, striped, brilliantly colored fish as well as great birding and picnic lunch on the island before our afternoon return paddle. Kayaking: 4-6 hours.
Day 4: Morning paddle to a gorgeous cove that offers good snorkeling and beachcombing. Picnic lunch. Options for the afternoon include a short hike or just kick back, relax and soak up the sun. Kayaking: 2-3 hours. Hike: 1 hour.
After each full day enjoy delicious meals of fresh, local foods prepared for you in the open-air kitchen. Meals are mostly meatless (possible fish and chicken entrees) and mostly Mexican. Count on fresh fruits, vegetables, beans, rice, tortillas, salsa and other local specialties. Vegetarians are easily accommodated. In the evening, enjoy the quiet of the bay, gather around the chimanea for a cracklin’ fire or sit under the black skies and trace out the constellations. All meals included. -
Day 5
After an optional sunrise paddle and another great breakfast, we pack our gear into the van and drive (two hours) into the Sierra de la Giganta mountains for a full day of exploring. We hike into a red-rock, palm-lined desert canyon complete with small pools and waterfalls as well as visit a working ranch. After a hearty lunch we head off on our mountain bikes down the western slopes of the Sierra to our quaint bungalows in San Javier village. In the afternoon we tour the historical San Javier mission - Baja's best preserved Jesuit monument, and enjoy a traditional meal at a small local restaurant. Overnight in thatched adobe bungalows. Hiking: 2 hours; Biking: 2 hours. All meals included.
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Day 6
Today we have a continental breakfast in amiga Rosina’s colorful garden before heading down canyon on our bikes. The riding is great fun (a full day of it!) and the countryside, dotted with traditional farms and ranches, is lovely. We picnic near natural pools, complete with a small swimming hole for cooling off. Enjoy cactus garden scenes, great bird habitat, volcanic spires and ridges, and a real taste of the old Baja. There’s the opportunity for short hikes to learn more about the history of the area.
In the mid-afternoon, we return to the village bungalows to pack up before our transfer to Loreto in the late afternoon. Take a quick dip in the pool, enjoy a hot shower, and poke around the colorful town square before meeting with your guides for a farewell dinner. Toast your cervezas to a wonderful week south of the border. Biking: 4-5 hours. All meals included. -
Day 7
Depart for home today or extend your stay in Baja. Transfer to the airport on your own – the hotel desk can easily help make these arrangements. All meals on your own.
We organized this trip to satisfy both active adventurers and those looking for a relaxing vacation. Our specific “activity schedule” is dependent upon weather – specifically winds and tides. The above description is meant to be an example of what your week will look like – not a precise timetable. Our guides adjust the itinerary accordingly.
Except for the one night spent in a hotel in the town of Loreto, it is not possible to request single accommodations due to the limited lodging available throughout the trip. We will assign you a roommate as one becomes available. If a roommate cannot be found, you will be asked to pay a single fee of $250. This fee will provide you single accommodations throughout the entire trip.
All hotels/casitas; guides; 2-person kayaks and related paddling gear including life vests and paddles; mountain bikes; meals as noted on the daily itinerary; transportation, including an airport transfer when arriving with the group.
Airfare; alcoholic beverages and other items of a personal nature; 1 breakfast; optional gratuities to your guides; airport transfer on Day 7. Personal alcoholic beverages for the week can be purchased in Loreto prior to departing for our “beach home” on Day 1.
There are several airlines serving Loreto, Mexico but flights are limited and, depending upon your particular routing, you may need to arrive a day early or extend your trip by one day. REI Adventures’ air department can arrange all your travel plans.
Mid-winter daytime temperatures average in the 70s and drop almost twenty degrees at night. March through April and October departures will often experience daytime temperatures in the 80s. Throughout the season, water temperatures range from 65°-75°F. Late November, December and February have typically windier conditions. In February, a short wet suit is recommended for those desiring to go swimming or snorkeling.
This trip is rated Moderate [3]. Beginners are welcome! Baja is a great place to try sea kayaking for the first time. Anyone in good physical condition and comfortable in the water is invited to participate. An exercise regimen consisting of walking, jogging, cycling and upper-body strength training undertaken 2 - 3 months prior to departure will greatly increase your level of enjoyment while participating in trip activities. One day of cycling is quite long and on hard packed roads – you should feel comfortable with this level of output. Participants must be 12 years of age or older.
This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and pre-departure information is sent upon sign-up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased within 21 days of your initial trip deposit, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).
We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.
Baja Multisport
The key to staying comfortable while on an active trip is layering. To obtain maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation and weather protection. This gear list has been created to help you choose your clothing and gear for this trip. Try to bring only what is necessary—this will help you and the field staff.
Weather
Mid-winter daytime temperatures average in the 70s and drop almost twenty degrees at night. March through April and October departures will often experience daytime temperatures in the 80s. Throughout the season, water temperatures range from 65°-75° F. Late November/December and February have typically windier conditions. In February, a short wet suit is recommended for those desiring to go swimming or snorkeling.
Gear Checklist
- Kayaks and paddling gear
- Bicycles (with water bottle cage and rear rack) and helmets
- Group first-aid kit
- Valid passport
- Airline tickets
- Photo identification
- Duffel bag (wheels and retractable handle are fine)
- Daypack (2500 cu. inches) or large fanny pack for lunch camera, water, etc.
- Small dry bag (600 cu. in., for personal items while kayaking)
- Passport security pouch or belt
- Luggage tags
- A few lightweight easily washable items for city wear (Loreto is very casual)
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Lightweight long-sleeve shirt
- T-shirts, synthetic and cotton
- Lightweight fleece or synthetic top
- Swimsuit(s)
- Hiking pants
- Hiking shorts
- Cycling shorts
- Thermal underwear top and bottom (lightweight synthetic or wool)
- Underwear
- Hiking socks
- Liner socks
- Sun hat
- Bandana
- Cycle gloves (optional)
- Paddling gloves (optional)
- Rain jacket or poncho and pants (lightweight, waterproof and breathable)
- Windbreaker or synthetic sweater
- Walking or running shoes for hiking and biking
- Watersport booties or sandals for kayaking
- Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries
- 1-quart water bottle(s) or hydration system
- Personal first-aid kit
- Pocket knife or pocket tool
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen and lip protection (SPF 15+)
- Sunglasses and retainer strap
- Beach towel
- Baby wipes
- Motion sickness remedies (if susceptible)
- Hand sanitizer gel (4 oz.)
- Ziploc bags to separate wet items from dry
- Toiletry kit
- Camera, film/memory cards & extra batteries
- Waterproof disposable camera
- Small binoculars
- Reading and writing material
- Favorite energy snacks and drink mixes
- Short wetsuit (for snorkeling)
- Mask, snorkel and fins (only a few masks and fins are available, on shared basis)
- Bicycle helmet (If you prefer your own)
- Travel pillow
- Ear plugs
- Travel games
- Watch with alarm or travel alarm
Things to Consider
- Please remember to always pack essential items such as your passport, money, eyewear, a change of clothing (including hiking boots and/or cycling helmet if required), and medications in your carry-on baggage, in case your luggage is delayed.
- Cotton is wonderful in warm weather. However, once it becomes wet, it will drain your body heat. Bring wool or synthetics such as Capilene®, MTS® and Thermax®.
- Bring clothing that is light in weight and color, which ventilates and protects you from the sun. It is always good to have a lightweight, long-sleeve fleece or synthetic top, especially for the evenings.
- Stuff sacks are great for sorting gear. Use different sizes/colors to differentiate contents.
- A pack rain cover or large garbage bags provide good protection for your daypack, should it rain.
- If you wear prescription glasses, use a safety cord and bring an extra pair if possible. Contact lens users should also bring an extra set, or bring eyeglasses for a backup.
- While flying, it is a good idea to have some identification inside your checked bag.
- Feel free to give us a call should you have any questions regarding the gear list. The staff at any of our stores or Direct Sales (800-426-4840) will be happy to help you with gear questions. Or visit REI's website at www.rei.com. The "Expert Advice" section has great information to help you prepare for your trip.