Desert Mountains by the Sea
Paddling Baja California
This is an exciting two week itinerary set within the southern Sea of Cortez amid the most dramatic and intriguing coastline to be found in all of Baja California peninsula. Here the Sierra Giganta mountains rise abruptly out of the sea providing a spectacular skyline and a desert landscape.
Rugged headlands and sea cliffs alternate with small secluded coves and sandy beaches, little hideaways offering ideal campsites. A chain of offshore islands extends along the course of our route, and, although too distant for a visit by kayak, their relative proximity offers an ever-changing vista which adds to the majesty of this ocean and desert wilderness.
Breathtaking vermillion sunrises over these islands are the inspiration for the early-riser, and photographic opportunities abound amidst the richly toned and colourful terrain. Ancient volcanic ash layers, lava flows and columnar basalts present rugged landforms hat are often adorned with seabirds such a brown pelicans, Heermann’s gulls, and the endemic yellow-legged gull.
Silhouettes of ospreys perched on stands of cacti, leaping manta rays, blue-footed boobies plummeting into the sea for small fishes, and schools of fish bounding clear out of the water are some of the classic Baja marvels. With luck we may spy an occasional blue, fin, or humpback whale along our passage, as well as a pod or tow of common dolphins.
While most days are spent on the water paddling-or sailing if blessed with a suitable wind from the north-there is ample time for snorkeling on the rocky reefs when we pull ashore, diving amid encrusting corals and colourful sea fans and in the company of a myriad of tropical fish.
Short exploratory hikes up into the nearby arroyos (dry stream beds) reveal 300 year old Cardon cacti standing amid a profusion of ephemeral wildflowers; on one of our walks we’ll pay a visit to old mission ruins from the 18th century. These are magical shores indeed, and each evening spent by a crackling campfire under the wide carpet of winter stars will be imprinted in your memory forever.
Inclusive Services
- the services of two fully certified expedition guides
- all group equipment including kayaks, paddles, tents, safety gear
- transportation between Loreto and La Paz
- Marine fees
- all meals listed in the itinerary from Dinner Day 1 to Breakfast Day 15
- accommodation Day 1 and Day 14
Non-Inclusive Services
- personal belongings and gear as per the Clothing and Equipment List
- transportation between Loreto/La Paz and your home
- any meals and accommodation in Loreto or La Paz before or after the trip itinerary
- any extra expenses incurred because of delayed departures of chartered or scheduled aircraft
- gratuities for guides
Itineraries
Please note:
- Due to the slight chance of being delayed, we strongly urge you to purchase an airline ticket which allows you to change your departure date with minimal penalty. Moreover, we also recommend that you obtain travel insurance to cover you in case you miss your scheduled flight. Travel insurance may be obtained through the Whitney & Smith office.
- Due to the nature of adventure travel, the itinerary listed below is subject to change.
- Meals included: B=Breakfast; L=Lunch; D=Dinner.
Day 1: Flights to Loreto, Baja California from Los Angeles, CA. Group orientation meeting before dinner. Overnight Loreto. (dinner and accommodation included)
Feb. 14
Day 2: After breakfast, we will make a transfer to our put in where we will load our kayaks and paddle a short distance to our evening camp. (B/L D included)
Feb. 15
Days 3 to 13: You will be travelling by expedition sea kayak, traversing the San Cristobal Mountain chain. Weather permitting, we will travel from from from Loreto to just north of La Paz. Highlights of this expedition include superb campsites on secluded beaches, hiking in the old growth cactii forest, cooking fresh fish over the campfire, snorkeling, and visiting a nearby village and an historical ruin. (B/L/D included)
Feb. 16 to 27
Day 14: We will meet our driver for our transfer into La Paz. Overnight La Paz. (B/L/D and hotel accommodation included)
Feb. 28
Day 15: Flights homeward from La Paz. (B included)
March 1
NOTE: Upon application, further information about equipment, accommodation options, and other details will be forwarded to you. A medical form will be included and must be returned o us at least 90 days before commencement of your trip.
