Mexico: Baja Kayaking
Mexico's Baja peninsula, a mountainous 1000 mile long finger of land, separates the Sea of Cortez from the Pacific Ocean. The relatively isolated coastline is a major attraction, with dramatic diversity amid a colorful desert environment, offering ideal conditions for relaxation and exploration. The islands, shores and reefs of the Sea of Cortez are rich with life. On one island over 100 species of plants and 16 species of birds can be seen. Fish and marine mammals are a thrill to encounter as you paddle the idyllic coastline. You're accompanied by professional guides who provide the kayaks, equipment for paddling, great food, tents, expedition gear, snorkel equipment, and transportation from day one of the trip. All you bring is clothing, a sleeping bag and an adventurous spirit.
REI Adventures shares non-exclusive departures with our partner, Paddling South.
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.
Mexico: Baja Kayaking Itinerary:
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Day 1
Your trip begins today in Loreto, Mexico. For personal service we greet you at the airport and arrange transfers to your waterfront hotel in Loreto. Then, join a group orientation meeting with Paddling South's owner, Trudi Angell, or one of the trip leaders. We'll answer questions and discuss the next day's plan to help you get ready for a great adventure. This evening there's time to explore the quaint cobbled streets of Loreto, and we'll offer some local restaurant recommendations. Ground transfers, route and town maps, a Bienvenidos! drink and hotel are included.
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Day 2 to Day 7 or 8
Early morning you will be met by the guides and a taxi van to transfer to the put-in beach. After a beach breakfast buffet, and some basic packing, paddling and safety instruction, we will glide off to a great adventure in the Sea of Cortez. If winds are high today we'll spend time exploring the desert flora and mystries of the tide pools.The following days will be spent enjoying as many aspects of Baja camping and Mexican culture as possible. Daily paddling schedules involve early morning departures (sometimes you will begin paddling by sunrise) to avoid traveling in possible choppy conditions later in the day. Travel time between camps is from 2-4 hours with 3-4 camp changes. Often there is additional time to paddle after arriving at a new camp or on lay-over days. We plan our trips to avoid backtracking along the best of the accessible, inaccessible and island coastlines with our support vehicles meeting us at the end of the route on the final day.
On the last day of the tour we arrive back in Loreto about mid-day, giving you time for an afternoon of town life and shopping. In the evening we're off to a local restaurant for a farewell dinner. **On the Oct 8th departure, we will spend the last day of the tour with an exhilirating mountain bike ride allowing you great views of the Sea of Cortez and the Sierra de la Giganta range. -
Day 8 or 9 (depending on your trip dates)
Morning free to shop and relax, join a skiff trip to Isla Coronado, or other tours offered from our downtown day trip office, Las Parras Tours. Afternoon departure to the airport, we'll bid adios and hope to see you return to Loreto for another adventure soon!
Although we do our best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control.
Airport and shuttle transfers in Loreto if arriving on listed tour dates, two nights hotel, guides, kayaks and related gear, meals on tour & end of trip dinner fiesta.
Air travel, meals on arrival and departure days, gratuities, and items of a personal nature.
A $400 deposit is required at time of sign-up. If you must cancel or transfer to another date, there is a $200 non-refundable fee 61+ days prior to departure. Within 60 days, all funds are non-refundable.
Single and double fiberglass touring kayaks are used on our trips. (singles may be used by guests when deemed safe by guides). Tents - one and two person sturdy A frames and domes. First aid and repair kits. All other camping and commissary equipment.
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 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.
Mexico: Baja Kayaking
Because we are self-sufficient on our paddling trip; carrying all of our food and water with us in the limited space we have in our kayaks, the goal of the list is to make sure you have the essentials—and not much else. The key to staying comfortable while kayaking is layering. To get 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 in choosing your equipment for the trip. Do not bother buying fancy new gear since comfortable clothing and used gear is best for saltwater camping.
Weather
Mid-winter daytime temperatures average in the 70s and drop almost twenty degrees at night. February through April daytime temperatures is in the 80s. May through October temperatures are 85° plus. Throughout the season, water temperatures range from 65° to 75° F.
Gear Checklist
- Kayaks and related paddling gear
- Cooking gear and eating utensils
- Tents
- Valid passport
- Airline tickets
- Duffel bag, 1 medium (about 20" x 12") or 2 small bags half that size
- Daypack or fanny pack
- Small dry bag (600 cu. inches, for personal items while kayaking)
- Luggage tags
- Sleeping bag with stuff sack
- Sleeping pad, self-inflating or closed cell
- Lightweight, easily washable items for city/evening wear or when traveling
- Lightweight long-sleeve shirt
- T-shirts
- Lightweight fleece or warm layer (not necessary in October or May)
- Swimsuit(s)
- Long pants (nylon, quick-dry)
- Shorts
- Thermal underwear top and bottom (synthetic). Also useful for warmth and sun protection while snorkeling
- Underwear
- Hiking socks, at least 1 wool pair
- Wind jacket or windbreaker
- Rain jacket (or poncho) and pants, lightweight, waterproof and breathable
- Wide-brim hat
- Wool or synthetic hat (not necessary in Oct. or May)
- Wool or synthetic gloves (not necessary in Oct. or May)
- Bandana
- Light hikers or running shoes for island walking
- Booties / watersport sandals for kayaking
- Small flashlight or headlamp with spare batteries and bulb (one per person)
- 1-1.5-quart water bottle(s)
- Personal first-aid kit
- Insect repellent
- Moisturizing lotion and/or aloe vera gel for sunburns and dry skin
- Sunscreen and lip protection (SPF 15+)
- Sunglasses and retainer strap
- Toiletry kit
- Seasickness medication
- Ziploc bags to separate wet items from dry
- Medium-size towel and washcloth
- Large, sturdy plastic trash bags to line duffle bag(s) and sleeping bag stuff sack
- Camera, lenses and film in waterproof bag
- Binoculars
- Travel games
- Paddling gloves
- Reading and writing material
- Beach cover-up
- Short wetsuit or vest
- Mask, snorkel and fins (only a few masks and fins are available, on shared basis)
- Camp chair kit (converts self inflating sleeping pad into chair)
- Watch with alarm or travel clock
- Favorite snacks and drink mixes
Things to Consider
- Please remember to always pack essential items such as your passport, money, eyewear, a pair of shorts/shirt/fleece top/sandals and medications in your carry-on baggage, in case your luggage is delayed.
- Wear shoes that can get wet, such as old tennis shoes or watershoes.
- When packing gear into the boats, keep your sleeping bag, sleeping pad and daypack separate. They can individually fit into the nooks and crannies. All your personal items and extra clothes must fit inside your small duffel bag. Plastic bags are the key to keeping clothing and gear dry. We suggest lining the inside of your duffel and sleeping bag stuff sack with a large heavy plastic bag.
- Stuff sacks of assorted sizes and colors are great for organizing gear inside duffel or pack. Plastic bags work great for sorting out dirty or wet clothes.
- 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 glasses as a backup.
- 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.
| 2008 Departures | |||
| Date | Days | Price | Special notes |
| Jan 3-12 | 10 | $1,095 | |
| Jan 19-27 | 9 | $1,095 | |
| Feb 2-10 | 9 | $1,095 | |
| Feb 16-24 | 9 | $1,195 | With whale watch / Full moon - Sold out |
| Feb 23 - Mar 2 | 9 | $1,195 | With whale watch - Sold out |
| Mar 1-9 | 9 | $1,195 | With whale watch / Women only - Sold out |
| Mar 16-23 | 8 | $1,045 | Easter / Full moon |
| Mar 23-30 | 8 | $1,045 | |
| Mar 30 - Apr 6 | 8 | $1,045 | |
| Apr 5-12 | 8 | $1,045 | |
| Apr 20-27 | 8 | $1,045 | Full moon |
| Apr 24 - May 5 | 12 | $1,495 | Special anniversary trip |
| May 11-17 | 7 | $995 | Sold out |
| Oct 9-16 | 8 | $1,045 | Full moon |
| Oct 18-26 | 9 | $1,095 | Mulege to Loreto |
| Oct 25 - Nov 1 | 8 | $1,045 | |
| Nov 9-16 | 8 | $1,045 | Full moon |
| Nov 22-30 | 9 | $1,095 | Thanksgiving |
| Dec 6-14 | 9 | $1,095 | Full moon |
| Dec 21-30 | 10 | $1,195 | Christmas |
| 2009 Departures | |||
| Date | Days | Price | Special notes |
| Jan 3-11 | 9 | $1,095 | Full moon |
| Jan 17-25 | 9 | $1,095 | |
| Feb 7-15 | 9 | $1,195 | Full moon with whale watch |
| Feb 14-21 | 8 | $1,045 | |
| Feb 15-22 | 8 | $1,045 | |
| Feb 21 - Mar 1 | 9 | $1,195 | With whale watch |
| Mar 1-8 | 8 | $1,045 | Full moon / Women only |
| Mar 7-15 | 9 | $1,195 | With whale watch |
| Mar 14-21 | 8 | $1,045 | |
| Mar 15-22 | 8 | $1,045 | Closed |
| Mar 21-28 | 8 | $1,045 | |
| Mar 22-29 | 8 | $1,045 | |
| Mar 29 - Apr 5 | 8 | $1,045 | |
| Apr 5-12 | 8 | $1,045 | Easter / Full moon |
| Apr 11-19 | 9 | $1,095 | Mulege to Loreto |
| Apr 19 - May 2 | 14 | $1,495 | Loreto to LaPaz |
| May 3-10 | 8 | $1,045 | Full moon |
| May 10-17 | 8 | $1,045 | Mother's Day! |
