Only a few people have seen any of the 900 extraordinary desert islands in the Sea of Cortez—and even fewer from the elbow-height perspective of a kayaker! On this easy to moderate program, you’ll experience the diverse natural history of Espiritu Santo, Isla Partida, San Jose, and Catalana Islands as you kayak four to six hours per day. These islands are a magnificent representation of the region, and you'll have the opportunity to experience the diversity of their flora and fauna as you paddle through green grottos opening into cavernous amphitheaters, explore mangrove-lined estuaries where a variety of seabirds nest, or snorkel with ballet-like sea lions.
Our large motorized support vessel, the 48' Pez Sapo, transports us between the islands in comfort and is always safely nearby. It carries all camping equipment, personal gear, and the makings for flavorful meals. Your guide will paddle alongside you, and share his or her knowledge of the area. Our crew handles most camp chores and prepares all meals, leaving you free to explore these unique and wondrous islands. Tour Itinerary: Day 1: Arrive in La Paz, Mexico. Arrive in La Paz and transfer to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day exploring the colorful city of La Paz on your own. (No meals). Days 2-3: La Paz to Espiritu Santo Island. Our sea kayaking adventure begins as we board our 48' support vessel, the “Pez Sapo," and travel to Espiritu Santo Island, designated a global conservation priority by The Nature Conservancy because of its unique biological diversity. Once there, our guides provide us with safety instructions (including the “wet exit”) and instruction in paddling techniques. On our very first short paddle we will stay close to our camp. (Meals: B/L/D) Day 4: Espiritu Santo Island to San Jose Island. Today we'll transfer by motor vessel to Isla San Jose, stopping at Los Islotes sea lion rookery to swim and snorkel with these rambunctious creatures (an experience you'll never forget)! Later, we'll visit San Francisquito Island where we discover El Pardito, a small island that hosts an interesting fishing community. We'll spend the night camping on San Jose Island, which offers impressive cardon cactus forests and beautiful pink amphitheaters with azure waters great for kayaking. (Meals: B/L/D) Days 5-6: San Jose and Catalana Islands. Our days begin with spectacular, colorful sunrises. Early risers can enjoy bird watching at its morning best, or take an early morning walk up an arroyo so quiet you can hear a hummingbird's wings. In addition to snorkeling and kayaking, our days will be spent exploring each island’s unique and endemic flora and fauna. Our expert guides will lead informal discussions on conservation and preservation of this region. We will kayak an average of four or more hours each day, doing most of the paddling in the morning. Our support boat is always conveniently nearby. Weather in the Sea of Cortez is generally...well, great! If the wind blows, there is always a sheltered cove where we may make camp and pass the day hiking, reading, lounging, swimming or snorkeling. Evenings find us feasting on delicious food and enjoying happy hour cocktails as the sun sets on the crimson horizon. (Meals: B/L/D) Days 7-8: Transfer by motor vessel to Baja ‘mainland’. We'll explore the pristine Baja Peninsula on foot and by paddle and stop to chat with the local fishermen. (Meals: B/L/D) Day 9: Loreto. After breakfast, we may have time for one last paddle before our transfer to Loreto. You'll check into your hotel with time to relax or explore Loreto on your own. (Meals: B/L) Day 10: Loreto to your home city. Depart to your home city from the Loreto airport. (No meals). Notes: Price Includes:
Also see tour packages in: North America Mexico Outdoor: Water Drifter Canoeing/Kayaking/Rafting Snorkeling Email it to a friend: Click here to email this vacation to a friend |
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