Explore some of the most beautiful beaches in the world on a kayak adventure to Isla Espiritu Santo, just off the coast of La Paz in Baja. Kayak and hike during the day to become intimately acquainted with this magical island. Then, enjoy our superbly comfortable camps set up each evening on sparkling beaches within secluded coves. The awe-inspiring scenery and native wildlife make for a nature- filled adventure, including the thrill of snorkeling with friendly sea lions. Join us in La Paz for a 7-day itinerary and spend 5 days and 4 nights on this extraordinary island that is sure to please kayakers and wildlife enthusiasts alike!La Paz is easy to get to with direct flights or by flying to Cabo San Lucas and taking a three hour shuttle. If you're joining us from mid January through early March, this trip easily combines with our Magdalena Bay whale watching camp.ADD A DAY TO SNORKEL WITH WHALE SHARKS: This day tour is specifically designed to be included before or after your kayaking adventure. The thrill and excitement of snorkeling with the world’s largest fish is a perfect complement to your trip. In addition, La Paz is one of the few places in the World where you will have the opportunity join these docile creatures in the water for an up close and adrenaline filled experience. For all of our whale shark day tours we partner with a leading whale shark Researcher, Deni Ramirez; so not only do you get the thrill of a lifetime, a portion of your tour cost goes back to supporting this important research. We'll share in the excitement of this experience, as well as the contribution to the conservation and protection of this vulnerable species.
Images & Videos
Itinerary
Day 1
Off to the island! We start the day by boarding our panga “Espiritu de Silvia” that shuttles us to the island where our kayaks are waiting. Upon arrival at the beach, you learn the basics of paddling during our orientation and safety talk. Once everyone feels comfortable in the boats, we leave shore and kayak to our first night’s campsite. (A motorized support boat transports all of the camping gear and meal supplies, making for a light and easy paddle.)
Day 2-4
Paddle, explore, camp, repeat! Days begin with breathtaking sunrises and conclude with cool, comfortable evenings of star-gazing, moonrises, or even bioluminescence in the sea on moonless nights! In the hours between, we paddle and explore the scenic cliffs and coves of Isla Espiritu Santo. Camps are set on sandy beaches that provide opportunity for swimming, tide pooling, snorkeling, beachcombing, and hiking. We paddle approximately four hours per day, allowing time for lunch and floating rest stops. Camping includes a comfortable slumber in our roomy dome tents, though you may be tempted to sleep outside beneath the stars! Multiple campsites have a desert arroyo hike, which provides a unique opportunity to explore some of Baja’s native desert flora. We quench your thirst for adventure and relaxation, providing a meal with margaritas for a heavenly happy hour on the beach.
Day 5
After waking to another stunning sunrise, we eat a hearty breakfast and break camp. Weather permitting, we will visit the friendly sea lion colony of Los Islotes in the morning before returning from Espiritu Santo back to the mainland by boat. A fun and festive farewell dinner awaits at a local favorite restaurant, where we say our goodbyes and toast our kayaking adventures!
Day 6
We highly recommend a morning stroll on the malecon of La Paz bay before heading to the airport for your journey home!
BONUS! Add an extra day before kayaking to snorkel with whale sharks in the Bay of La Paz.
- See more at: http://www.rowadventures.com/adventures/la-paz-kayaking-adventure-baja-mexico.html#sthash.DJbF42Wq.dpuf(Travel Day): We highly recommend a morning stroll on the malecon of La Paz bay before heading to the airport for your journey home!
OPTIONAL: ADD A DAY TO SNORKEL WITH WHALE SHARKS starting at $90.
Note: If you are not extending your stay to snorkel with whale sharks, day 6 will be your departure day.
Extend your stay in La Paz before or after your kayak tour to snorkel with whale sharks. Whale sharks, the world's largest fish, can reach up to 42' (13 m) in length and can weigh in at over 21 tons! Don't let their size fool you however, these plankton-eaters are quite docile and make the perfect snorkeling companions. Whale sharks migrate into the bay of La Paz from October through April, where the shallow waters harbor plenty of their favorite treats. The tour is approximately four hours, depending on the number of whale sharks present. After a light lunch we'll return you to La Paz where you can spend the afternoon exploring town or strolling the Malecon.
Day 7
Enjoy a final breakfast in La Paz before departing the city for your journey home. If you're flying via San Jose del Cabo, ensure that you have adequate time in your itinerary to shuttle from La Paz to Cabo.
Map
Dates & Rates
Dates | Adult (USD) | Child (USD) | |
---|---|---|---|
Apr 03, 2023 to Apr 07, 2023 Lowest Tier Price | $1,390£0€0$0$0 | $1,290£0€0$0$0 | BOOK NOW |
Apr 10, 2023 to Apr 14, 2023 Lowest Tier Price | $1,390£0€0$0$0 | $1,290£0€0$0$0 | BOOK NOW |
Apr 17, 2023 to Apr 21, 2023 Lowest Tier Price | $1,390£0€0$0$0 | $1,290£0€0$0$0 | BOOK NOW |
Apr 24, 2023 to Apr 28, 2023 Lowest Tier Price | $1,390£0€0$0$0 | $1,290£0€0$0$0 | BOOK NOW |
May 01, 2023 to May 05, 2023 Lowest Tier Price | $1,390£0€0$0$0 | $1,290£0€0$0$0 | BOOK NOW |
Supplementary Information
Standard Departures for 5-day Espiritu Santos Kayaking Tour are on Monday's
Single Supplement: Solo travelers will always have their own tent during kayaking tours, at no additional cost.
Tour Includes:
- Full services of our Adventure Consultants
- Professional naturalist and bi-lingual guides
- All meals and beverages as indicated on the itinerary
- All transportation while on tour
- All kayaking, camping, and snorkeling equipment
- Panga supported kayaking tour
- Taxes
Tour Does Not Include:
- Airfare
- Transportation to and from the airport
- Hotel before and after the tour (and between activities when dictated by the itinerary)
- $25 National Parks & Biosphere Reserves access fees required by itinerary
- Gratuities
- Items of a personal nature
ALL PRICES IN US DOLLARS. We will do our best to adhere to the itineraries and trip descriptions listed on our website. However, tour itineraries or sub contractors (such as taxi, cruise boats or hotels) may change slightly due to reasons beyond our control including but not limited to Acts of God, wind, waves, inclement weather or other. We always welcome you to call us to clarify any item - often this is the best way to fully clarify expectations - call us collect or on our toll-free number. You will be sent pre-trip email with latest details within a month of your tour - it is your responsibility to check in with us prior to your trip to see if you have all the information you need. We will always do our best to provide you with the best possible tour and to fully meet your expectations to the best of our ability.
FAQ & More
How do I get to La Paz?
Please check out our Transportation Guide for our recommendations on how to get to La Paz.
Are your tour prices in USD?
Yes, all of our tour pricing is in US Dollars.
What’s included in this kayak package? What’s not included?
Included: Skilled professional guide services, ground transportation, motorboat-support to carry gear, hotel nights as indicated on itinerary, snorkeling equipment, camping equipment including tents, sleeping bags, liners, and sleeping pads. Our camping trips include all meals from lunch on the first day to lunch on the last day.
Not Included: Airfare, transportation to and from airport, gratuities, $25 National Parks & Biosphere Reserves access fees required by itinerary, and items of a personal nature.
What kind of kayaks do you use?
For all of our Baja tours we use high quality, fiberglass kayaks, made by Seward. The majority of our fleet is comprised of tandems, as these boats offer the greatest stability, speed, and ease of paddling. There are typically a small number of single kayaks present on the tour, which will be utilized by the guides. Depending on weather conditions, and interest, they may allow guests to rotate into singles; however this will be at the guide's' discretion based on safety and the paddling objectives for the day. We also have a limited number of solo kayaks available to reserve and use throughout the trip (for an additional cost) for paddlers who have ocean kayaking experience.
Are your kayak trips motorboat supported?
Yes, if at any time a guest does not want to paddle they are welcome to ride in the panga instead.
Can I paddle a single kayak?
We have single kayaks available to reserve and use throughout the trip (for an additional cost of $100) for paddlers who have previous ocean paddling experience. If you would like to reserve a single kayak for your trip you will need to contact our Adventure Consultants to add this to your reservation and provide a summary of your ocean paddling experience.
What if I don’t have sea kayaking experience?
Whether you are an avid sea kayaker, or it is your first time, you’ll enjoy these incredible trips, and share in our passion for adventure, commitment to conserving the environment, and relishing unique experiences. For those new to the sport, kayaking is easy to learn in the sheltered waters that we visit, and we provide all of the camping gear, kayaking equipment and guidance needed. In addition, we keep our groups small to allow you to not only travel intimately among nature, but to ensure you receive the necessary attention from our guides.
What are the physical requirements for this trip?
When stopping at shore, you should be able to climb in and out of the kayaks on your own. They will be floating in calf-deep water. Your guides are happy to assist, but balance and limberness are required. When you get to your evening campsite, all group members must to be able to help carry the kayaks above the high tide line, in teams of 6-8, before the group disperses. You will change camp sites almost every night, but may have a layover day. Camp sites are assigned by the National Park Service immediately prior to the tour.
What’s camp like? Are there toilets and showers at camp?
When you get to your evening campsite all group members must be able to help carry the kayaks above the high tide line. You will change campsites almost every night, but may have a layover day. Campsites are assigned by the National Park Service immediately prior to the tour. We endeavor to secure the very best campsites for the natural beauty and amenities of the area. Your guides will give a demonstration of how to set up and take down your provided dome tent. We also will provide you with a sleeping bag, liner sheet, pillow and an inflatable thermarest sleeping pad. There will be a kitchen/dining area and shade tarps where you can sit back and relax.
While kayaking, we can only carry enough fresh water for drinking and cooking. There are no fresh water sources on most of the coastline and islands we visit. You can clean up with saltwater and soap off above the high tide line, or bring disposable shower wipes. A porta potty will fit into a hatch of the kayak or on the panga support boat, and will be transported to each campsite and set into a sheltered area for solid waste. Liquid waste can be expelled below the high tide line, or in a separate porta-potty bucket.
Who will my guides be?
We know your Guide will make the biggest difference on your trip! Which is why we pride ourself on employing only the best local guides for all of the incredible locations that we visit. Part of this is to support our eco-tourism efforts, but we also believe that there is no better way to experience a new destination than through they eyes of a local! We find talented and skilled local guides, train and certify them, and provide a positive and consistent source of income to them and their families.
Most of our guides are with us for the long-term, despite the seasonal nature of the industry. Our top-notch equipment, unique itineraries, and perfected operations attract extraordinary guides, many of whom are highly sought after in the industry. ROW Sea Kayak Adventures guides know their outdoor skills as second nature. Each trip will have 2-4 guides to assist, inform, and lead the way so you get the most out of your adventure. They love to share conservation, knowledge, games and laughter - and they’re great cooks!
When is the best time to go?
Spring and fall are the most ideal times for yoga on the beaches of the Sea of Cortez, as the seasons are characterized by warm days, glassy calm waters for paddling, and endless sunshine. Fall trips enjoy the chance for a desert in bloom and warm water snorkeling, while during spring, many cetaceans migrate into the Sea of Cortez and sightings may include blue, fin, and humpback whales.
What happens if it’s too windy to paddle?
If it’s too windy to paddle your guides will have alternative activities for guests to enjoy. There are opportunities to snorkel, hike or just relax on the beach with a margarita. We plan our itineraries to minimize risks posed by weather, but there is always an element of unpredictability in nature. The risk capsizing is reduced by our stable boats, but exists. All of our kayak guides are certified in kayak rescue.
What are the highlights of this tour?
La Paz offers some unusual highlights, such as swimming with playful sea lion pups and the chance to see Whale Sharks (harmless plankton eaters, and the largest fish on the planet!). Espiritu Santo is stunningly beautiful, with deep coves of turquoise water surrounded by white sand beaches and burnt sienna colored volcanic cliffs. Additionally, because La Paz is only a couple hours from Los Cabos (via a shuttle service from the airport), the city is easily accessible by air. You can also fly directly to La Paz.
Can I fish?
In general, fishing in allowed in La Paz. You would need to obtain a fishing license either before arriving or upon arrival. Our guides will not allow fishing if you are unable to produce a valid license. You will also need to bring all of your own fishing equipment. Along our kayaking routes there are areas where fishing is allowed, the guides will let you know where fishing is prohibited. Also, fishing is only allowed at the guide's discretion, as we have an itinerary, schedule and other group members that we have to take into consideration.
What’s the difference between Loreto & La Paz?
If you are having trouble deciding between the two destinations we suggest reading this Blog detailing the differences between Loreto and LaPaz.
What gear do I need?
Sea Kayak Adventures will provide you with a detailed packing list prior to your trip. We provide all of the necessary camping, paddling and snorkeling equipment, which you will need to fully enjoy your adventure. If you are interested in more specific information, check out our general Baja packing list here! If you have any questions, or need help deciding what to bring, you can call or e-mail one of our friendly Adventure Consultants at any time for some extra advice!
What kind of food will I eat? Do you accommodate dietary restrictions?
Our renowned wilderness meals are prepared daily by our guides using local, fresh, healthy ingredients. In Baja you can expect an authentic dining experience, with savory dishes like chiles rellenos, tostadas, ceviche, and chicken mole. We even serve delicious desserts like brownies and pineapple upside-down cake! Each morning, we serve up freshly brewed coffee or tea. Throughout the day we provide an abundance of local fruits, vegetables, and other snacks. Wine and mixed drinks are served with hors d’oeuvres each evening for happy hour. We do our best to accommodate special dietary requests, working within the parameters of the destinations in which we operate. If you have a very strict diet, we recommend packing extra snacks that you know you can eat.
How many guests per tour?
To keep our group size small and our impact minimal, we typically limit our tours to 14 people or less. Our standard minimum to confirm a departure is 4 guests for our Espiritu Santo kayak tour.
What’s the weather like in Baja?
Please check out this great website Weather Underground for temperature averages in Baja.
Is there a single supplement fee for solo travelers?
Our tour costs are based on double occupancy on any included hotel nights. Solo travelers who would like their own single hotel room can pay a single supplement (see "Dates & Rates" above for the single supplement price for this tour), or can be matched up with another solo traveler of the same gender if one is available and willing to share. If we are unable to pair you with another solo traveler, we must apply the single supplement charge to cover our hotel costs. Solo travelers will always have their own tent during kayaking tours, at no additional cost.
Where can I store my luggage while I’m on your tour?
You can leave your luggage at your tour hotel while you are on tour. We recommend getting a luggage lock if you are leaving any electronics in the bags. We’ve never had any issues with guests leaving their bags at the hotel but it’s always better to be safe just in case.
Is there any extensions I can add to the beginning or end of my trip?
If you will be extending your stay in lovely LaPaz before or after your tour, consider joining us for a day to snorkel with Whale Sharks. La Paz is home to a unique and prolific Whale Shark population. We partner with a local research and non-profit organization to facilitate these tours. Don't miss the adrenaline rush of snorkeling with these gentle giants, while simultaneously learning about this unique species. Please inquire with the office if you would like to add on a Whale Shark tour to your reservation.
Is there a deposit required? Is my deposit refundable?
A deposit of $500 per person is required within 10 days of your reservation to hold your spaces. If the tour you are signing up for is a confirmed departure your deposit is non-refundable. For this reason, we strongly encourage you to purchase travel insurance to protect your vacation investment. US residents may purchase travel insurance directly through ROW Sea Kayak Adventures offered by Travel Insured International.
What is your cancellation policy?
If you find it necessary to cancel your trip, you should notify ROW Sea Kayak Adventures in writing, by e-mail or fax immediately. If written cancellation is received (call to verify) before the final balance is due, you will be given a refund less the amount of deposit. Deposits are not refundable. If cancellations are made on or after the final due date, no money will be refunded. If you are unable to go on the trip, you are welcome to find a replacement for yourself. Please understand that once you've signed up, we are unable to sell your reserved space to other individuals or groups. Therefore, we regret that we cannot make exceptions for personal emergencies. For this reason we strongly recommend you consider purchasing a Travel Protection Plan to protect your vacation investment.
When is payment in full due?
Full payment is due 60 days prior to the launch date, as indicated on your invoice. Due to the high demand for these trips, please be sure to pay your balance on time so as to not jeopardize your reservation. Your final payment must be paid by check or bank draft in US funds. Alternatively, you may pay your final balance with a credit card, but a 3% administrative fee will be added.