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Baja, Mexico – Wildlife and Culture Tour

2550

Dates: 27th January – 8th February 2024 (12 nights, 13 days)

Ability level: beginner +

Minimum age – 16 +

Call us on +353 28 21058 for information or to book this trip!

Adult (18 years+)

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TRIP DESCRIPTION

Welcome to the wild and undeveloped Baja Peninsula in Mexico, a desert environment with rich biodiversity. You will have the opportunity to swim, snorkel and sea kayak in the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific, and interact with grey whales who have just arrived from Canada. You can expect close encounters with migrating grey whales, and possibly humpback, dolphins, orcas and blue whales. You will have the experience of snorkelling with sea lions and if conditions are suitable, with whale sharks as well.

From our hotel base in La Paz, you can explore local Mexican culture in various ways, the markets, street food, restaurants, mariachi bands, art and history. Submerge yourself in the relaxed and happy vibes of a real bona fide Mexican town!

 

HIGHLIGHTS:

SUSTAINABLE WILDLIFE EXPERIENCES…close encounters with grey whales and calves, possible humpback, fin, blue whale sightings, dolphins, snorkelling with sea lions, and a myriad of tropical fish as well as daily experience of the rich biodiversity of this unique environment.

 

MEXICAN CULTURE…..LA PAZ…..the most “Mexican” city in all of Baja….known for its international and Mexican art, old world charm, seafront promenade, wonderful selection of restaurants, cafes, bars and clubs, a delight! We will spend 2 days in La Paz at the start of our trip, 2 days in the middle and one final night before departure.

 

ACCOMODATION….5 hotel nights at the colourful, family run Posada Luna Sol Hotel, breakfast included, in a brilliant location close to the Malecon (10 km seafront promenade) and La Paz city centre.

 

WILDERNESS GLAMPING….( 3 nights in Magdalena Bay and 4 nights on Espiritu Santo Island) roomy tents with cots, delicious Mexican camp cuisine, jaw dropping sunrises and sunsets, an abundance of wildlife, clean, hygienic facilities… opportunity to just be in a striking desert environment!

OUR CAMPSITES…
Espiritu Santo Island…World Heritage Site on the Gulf of California
Magdalena Bay…Marine Reserve and one of two migration spots for the grey whales worldwide.

*Our campsites are one of the very few licenced to be in these remote and magnificent locations.

 

FOOD….you will be delighted by the food on this trip, the variety, freshness and quality of the camp food and the delightful selection of restaurants and cafes in La Paz.

ACTIVITIES… swimming, snorkelling, kayaking, boat trips, stargazing, nature walks, fishing, alfresco card/board games, shopping (yes, definitely an activity!), and a lot of just being!
***Our kayaking outings are as much or as little as you want, we have a support boat near us on all our outings, so you can ditch the kayak and hitch a ride anytime you like! On the other hand, we provide lots of extra learning opportunities for those who wish to improve their skills in the warm waters of Baja.

 

HOSTING AND GUIDES… as hosts, we are committed to your total enjoyment of this holiday. Our experience of 25 years hosting this trip is at your disposal! We want you to relax and let us take care of you, and show you why we are in love with this place….do nothing but enjoy…
Our Mexican guides will entrance you with their knowledge, sustainable practices, and all round loveliness.
Our host company is a founding member of the Baja sea kayak association and works closely with Island conservation groups and Government agencies to preserve and conserve this unique ecosystem. They also own the Posada Luna Sol Hotel.

 

BAJA CALIFORNIA SUR…is the southern half of the Baja Peninsula, on the Pacific West Coast of Mexico. It is undeveloped and starkly beautiful with a desert climate and habitat.
It is an extraordinary place for ocean wildlife, nutrient rich deep water currents provide perfect feeding grounds for everything from grey whales and whale sharks to sea turtles. A dazzling sea that Jacques Coustaeu once called “the world’s aquarium”.

 

COVID INFORMATION: Our host company strictly follows all local and national safety guidelines both in the hotel and at camp.

  • Dates: 27th January – 8th February 2024 (12 nights, 13 days)
  • Price: €2550 p/p sharing

Suitable for groups or individuals.

  • Begins and ends in – La Paz
  • Number of Guides /crew to clients- 1:4
  • Minimum age – 16

No previous kayaking experience necessary. Average fitness level required. Fully supported trip using double kayaks.

Sea Kayak rating and approximate min/max distances per day – Easy to moderate, 4 -10 miles. Extra kayaking is available every day if desired.

Call us on +353 28 21058 for information or to book this trip!

TESTIMONIALS

TESTIMONIALS

 

Experience of a life time!

La Paz was a true “Mexican” experience, a gorgeous charming town with so much to offer.

Breath taking scenery, variety of activities, opportunities to see the magnificent wildlife, and the food (especially the camp food!!) are just a few things this trip has to offer. The kayaking, snorkeling, whale watching trips and camping were just magic!

But by far the best part of this trip was the company. Our Irish & La Paz hosts were absolutely fantastic, they really and truly went above and beyond to ensure everyone was happy. We felt so safe and we were so well looked after at all times. 

This trip should be on everyone’s bucket list!

….. Cliona Lane 2023 tour

 

Traveling with Maria and Jim to Baja Sur California is a trip with new friends eager to show you their beloved whales and all the nature in the region. They take advantage of every spontaneous opportunity that arises to enhance the planned agenda. It was an unforgettable trip!  The food prepared by chefs on the islands is superb and the naturalist guides are enthusiastic spokespersons for the region, the whales, sea lions, and the inhabitants you encounter beneath the wave. 

….. Jackie Frank 2023 tour

 

 

The camping was brilliant, the boat rides were brilliant, the accommodation everywhere was fantastic.   The company was great, the food (and drink) was great.   The organisation was top class !!!!!   The marine info that the two lads gave us out in the boats was brilliant. !!!! They were a tonic.
Holiday of a lifetime…

….Dena O’Donovan 2020 tour

 

Although I had very little experience of kayaking, I thoroughly enjoyed my sea trips and felt totally relaxed….
Being in a boat surrounded by Grey whale Mamas and their calves…totally thrilling…
The atmosphere was welcoming, inclusive, designed to bring people together

….. Anne Marie Telford 2020 tour

 

An absolutely amazing and fantastic holiday. As a single traveler I was a little anxious but I needn’t have worried. Everyone was open and welcoming and the Kennedy’s are probably one of the best tour organizers anywhere! Would go again in a heartbeat!
….Orna Coakley 2020 tour

 

A life- affirming experience and a 5 year dream, realised…Ceviche, tortillas and Pacifico!
This amazing trip with ASK allowed me an unforgettable glimpse into the life of one of my childhood heroes….Jacques Cousteau

…..Anne Minihane 2020 tour

 

Terms & Conditions

DEPOSIT

A €400 per person non-refundable deposit will be payable to secure a place on the trip.

CANCELLATION POLICY

The deposits are non-refundable and there are no refunds for clients cancelling less than 30 days prior to trip departure once final payment has been made.

DELAYS

Atlantic Sea Kayaking is not responsible for any costs incurred due to delays that may occur due to transportation (airline), weather, road conditions, government intervention, sickness or other contingencies for which we are unable to control.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

We recommend that you purchase personal travel insurance.

REGISTRATION FORMS

You will be required to fill out a registration form prior to travel.

Price

TRIP PRICE includes:

  • Five nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in La Paz, seven nights camping including all meals and an evening cocktail, end of tour dinner in La Paz, all activities, all kayaking equipment, all kayaking instruction, guiding and hosting, pick up and drop off at La Paz airport / La Paz bus station

NOT INCLUDED:

  • Airfare,
  • lunches and dinners in La Paz (except for final dinner), sleeping bags, snorkel equipment (all of which can be rented in La Paz),

EXTRA COSTS:

  • Single supplement for a single hotel room and tent at camp €250, single tent at camp only is €125 (limited to two per group),

 

  • Sleeping bag (20 USD), Snorkel equipment (15USD) and wetsuits (15USD) are available for rent in La Paz or you are welcome to bring your own.
  • All tips/gratuities. Recommended tips for guides and all camp personnel cca. 300USD per person. Tips for hotel and restaurant personnel at you own discretion.

CANCELLATION POLICY:

  • The deposits are non-refundable and there are no refunds for clients cancelling less than 30 days prior to trip departure once final payment has been made.

Itinerary

Day 1

The first night we stay in Posada Luna Sol Hotel, a lovely hotel close to the marina on the seafront. We can relax on the rooftop palapa (outdoor room) with a drink and watch the beautiful and exotic Pacific sunset, and then perhaps take a stroll along the Malecon (boardwalk) for a margarita or  a cold beer.

Day 2

This is a day to unwind and shake off the travel fatigue. You can explore the wonderfully Mexican La Paz, be it the beaches, the 10 km long boardwalk, or the town centre with its myriad of different cafes, restaurants and bars.

There will be a possible optional day trip to Todos Santos also on this day.

Todos Santos is a Mission town and oasis on the Pacific coast, about an hour’s drive from La Paz. It is famous as an Artistic and Craft Centre, with many beautiful artisan shops. It also boasts The Hotel California, where you can have a drink and enjoy the  artsy surroundings.

Todos Santos is designated a “pueblo magico”, a place of historic and cultural significance.

Day 3,4,5, 6

We will be camping on the island and the trip is fully supported which means you do not have to carry gear in the kayak. The trip is also fully catered. We will have local guides and cooks with us who will treat us to wonderful Mexican food. We will kayak in some amazing areas and share the seas with dolphins, whales, whale sharks, manta rays, turtles and exotic sea birds and look down on the colorful fish foraging in the blue depths below us. At the tip of the second island, Los Islotes, there is a sea lion colony which is habituated to people, and we will have an opportunity to snorkel amongst them, a truly unforgettable experience.

We begin our wildlife odyssey with a transfer to the Island of Espiritu Santo, an uninhabited volcanic Island about 5 miles from the mainland. We will be based here for the next five days and four nights. Every day we combine our kayaking exploration with a little kayak learning.

By the end of the trip your personal proficiency will certainly have taken giant steps forward.

Day 7

Transfer back to La Paz after breakfast on the island, and some more time with the marine life. We again overnight in the hotel and enjoy a free night in La Paz.

Day 8

If the weather is suitable, we will journey out of the bay to spend some time snorkeling with whale sharks, a truly awesome experience. The rest of the day is free for exploring La Paz. Overnight Posada Luna Sol hotel.

Day 9,10,11

We continue our wildlife odyssey with a transfer to the Pacific coast, across the desert landscape, stopping off for a taco and chilled beer on the way.  A village of osprey nests lets us know that we are approaching the Pacific side of the Peninsula. Here we will be taken by panga (fast boat) out to the whale camp on the sand dune island in Magdalena Bay.  We will have daily trips out in the panga to spend time with the grey whales and play with the calves. We will also be swimming, exploring the mangroves by kayak, and the sculpted sand dunes on the sandbar on foot, as well as beach combing in the Pacific Sunset.

 

Day 12

After breakfast on the island, we will return to La Paz where we again have a night in the Posada Luna Sol hotel.  We will overnight in La Paz, where we will enjoy a farewell dinner together in the evening hosted by Jim and Maria Kennedy, and perhaps have a margarita or two!

Day 13

Airport transfer and departure. Sad goodbyes and promises of “we will be back”!

 

Read More

La Paz

The seaside city of La Paz is the perfect blend of tourism and local culture. Unlike Cabo San Lucas, Xtapa or Cancun, La Paz is NOT just a string of luxury resorts clustered along white sand beaches catering to tourists. In La Paz (population around 250,000) you’ll find Mexican families, Latin lovers, trend setting teens and tourists alike enjoying a stroll along the waterfront boardwalk known as the Malecon. This tiled boardwalk sports a variety of sculptures stretching 2 miles from east to west along the Sea of Cortez.

Our hotel Posada LunaSol and the Mar Y Aventuras office is conveniently located behind the Marina La Paz only two blocks from the west end of this picturesque sea side walk where you’ll find the perfect blend of culture, art, music, food, drink, fun and beauty. On your visit with us don’t miss a stroll, run or bicycle ride under the palm tree lined Malecon.

Whether you’re in La Paz for a day or week there is plenty to see and do in and around this safe, friendly, scenic, bay side city on the edge of the Sea of Cortez.

Magdalena Bay

On the Pacific side of the peninsula is the one of only two mating and calving grounds for the grey whales who make their way from the Berring Sea to the warm waters of Mexico. Once in Mexico’s protected bays, the whales are safe from their predators, the orcas and large sharks. They are also now under the protection of a natural reserve.

Between December and March they can be seen in their hundreds, as they frolic with their calves and breech, coming straight up out of the water. The campsite is on a sandbar between the Bay and the Pacific Ocean and the night time noises consist of whale songs and the odd coyote howling at the moon!

We will also kayak in nearby mangrove estuaries teaming with birdlife. You can see brown and white pelicans, frigate birds, ring-billed gulls, herons, egrets.

Espiritu Santo Island

For four nights and five days we will be on Espiritu Santo, an island in The Sea of Cortez, which is a Marine Nature Reserve.  It is an uninhabited island with possibly one or two other camps. We will be swimming with sea lions, snorkeling with whale sharks as well as exploring coral shelves, hiking the dramatic desert landscape and pristine beaches, and witnessing magnificent sunrises and sunsets. We enjoy the best of Mexican food, fresh fish and fruit, cocktail hour, and much, much more.

FAQs

What makes this tour unique?

We, your group leaders, will facilitate and take care of you in every way possible. We are excited to share 25 years worth of knowledge and experience in this uniquely special place, one of our favourite corners of the Earth. We will also advise you on your kayaking technique. i.e. forward paddling, rescues, correction strokes, so that by the end of an amazing tour, not only will you have had a great adventure but your personal kayaking proficiency will also have reached new levels of excellence.

What weather can I expect?

The temperatures in February/March vary from around 10°C at night to 20°C – 26°C by day. It rarely rains, but can be windy at times. Water temperatures are 15°C – 20°C. The weather in Magdalena Bay on the Pacific Coast can be windy and chilly although calm, sunny days are common.

The sleeping bags provided are warm and extra blanket and pillow are supplied.

Toilet facilities at camp

There are two private tents in camp with portable toilets. Meticulously clean and fresh smelling, they bear no resemblance to typical outhouses.

How physically demanding are the trips?

The physical demands of each trip varies as can the conditions day to day. In general no previous kayaking or camping experience is required for any of our trips because all our guided trips are accompanied by motorized support skiffs. If you get tired OR uncomfortable just hop in the boat and your kayak goes onto the top rack. To ensure a more pleasant experience for yourself we do recommend you have at least some experience in a kayak prior to this trip. We are happy to take you out on “Baja training trips” in West Cork.

What other activities are included in this trip?

You will have opportunities to snorkel, swim, go for beach walks and short desert hikes, do some fishing, bird watching, stargazing, and exploring.

What happens if there is an emergency on the trip?

The guides are certified WFR (Wilderness First Responder) professionals and carry an extensive first aid kit recommended by the Wilderness First Aid Association. All of the trips are accompanied by motorized skiff, so in case of serious injury, evacuation by skiff will be arranged. Patients will be transported to a hospital in La Paz. Guides and crew members have cell phones and marine band radios on hand.

Additional information:

Health Information

The country of Mexico, including Baja, has a high incidence of Hepatitis A, a contagious liver disease. While all precautionary steps are taken at the hotel and on the trips, for complete protection it is recommended get vaccinated for Hepatitis A.. Check with your doctor for more information.

As of November 2016, there have been less than 10 reported cases of Zika in Baja. We always recommend insect repellent or insect repellent clothing. Mosquitoes in Baja are known to carry Dengue fever and we encourage you to take steps to avoid getting bitten, both in town and on the island. Fortunately, mosquitoes aren’t too plentiful most of our winter season or tenacious and deterrents are very effective.

Delays

If you are delayed en-route to Baja please notify Atlantic Sea Kayaking directly through email info@atlanticseakayaking.com, or by phone Jim (0866065973) or Maria (0876556491).

Atlantic Sea Kayaking is not responsible for any costs incurred due to delays that may occur due to transportation (airline), weather, road conditions, government intervention, sickness or other contingencies for which we are unable to control.

Travel Insurance

We recommend that you purchase personal travel insurance.

Reading List

Field Guides

  • *A Field Guide to the Common and Interesting Plants of Baja California – Jeanette Coyle
  • *Field Guide to the Birds of North America, by The National Geographic Society – Jon Dunn and Erik Blom
  • OR, Birds of North America, Golden Guide
  • *Sierra Club Handbook to Cetaceans – Steve Leatherwood
  • *Marine Animals (includes fish and invertebrates) of Baja California – Daniel Gotshall
  • *Fishes of the Pacific Coast – Gar Goodson

Natural History and Travel

  • Almost an Island, Travels in Baja California – Bruce Berger
  • A Desert Country Near the Sea – Ann Zwinger
  • The Log of the Sea of Cortez – John Steinbeck
  • Miraculous Air

Adventure

  • Baja Adventure Book – Walt Peterson
  • Into a Desert Place – Graham Mackintosh
  • *Sea Kayaking in Baja – Andromeda Romano-Lax

Sport Fishing

  • The Baja Catch – Neil Kelly and Gene Kira

Fiction

  • The Pearl – John Steinbeck
  • The Girl of the Sea of Cortez – Peter Benchley

Whale Watching

  • *Field Guide to the Gray Whale – The Oceanic Society
  • Friendly Whales – Roy Nickerson
  • Delicate Art of Whale Watching – Joan McIntyre
  • *Pod of Gray Whales – Francois Gohier
  • Eye of the Whale – Rick Russell

Maps

  • Baja Almanac – Detailed Topographic Maps
  • Sea of Cortez Paddling Charts – For ordering info call us at 1-800-355-7140

For Fun

  • Spanish Lingo for the Savvy Gringo – Reid
  • Mexican Slang Guide – Robinson

*Books included at the camp library.

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