WEEKLONG ADVENTURE THROUGH THE ISLANDS AND COAST OF BAJA

Join us for  6-day kayaking and camping trip through the islands of Loreto and along the coast of Baja California. You will spend the first half of the trip exploring the isolated islands near Loreto, and miles of pristine wilderness along the coastline. These scenic landscapes are teeming with life above and below the water, and you will have an unprecedented chance to witness the wildlife first-hand. You'll often get to experience the cultural aspects of nearby ranches and fishing villages as well.

21 and over.

Proof of Covid-19 Vaccines required.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Explore Baja’s nearby islands and coastline
• Snorkeling, Hiking, Sea Kayaking
• Local guides with cultural, historical, ecological knowledge of area
• Learn about ranch and village life in Mexico
• Amazing food cooked for you

NO KAYAKING EXPERIENCE NECESSARY.

THIS IS A CAMPING TRIP. YOU WILL BE SLEEPING IN A TENT FOR 5 NIGHTS. HOTEL ACCOMMODATION ONLY ON DAY OF ARRIVAL AND DAY BEFORE DEPARTURE. 

This trip is to give novices and advanced guests a great vacation. We teach basic skills on the first day, and offer help throughout the tour for those who wish to improve technique.

Kayak Tours – Paddling time between campsites is about 2-4 hours or 5-10 miles per day. 

If you'r gaol is to be more active and like to camp and learn about new environments, these are the ideal trips for you. We send you some pre-trip information to help get you prepared ….which, along with your adventurous attitude could make this a ‘trip of a lifetime!

You are expected to interact, we will have guide/s to help us but after the first day, we are expected to pitch/break down our tents and pack our kayak. 

Please note there are currently only 5 spots available on a first come, first serve basis so book ASAP.

TOUR INCLUDES

Professional guides, kayaks and related gear, single or double tents, snorkel equipment and wetsuits, all meals on tour & end of trip group dinner.

We supply everything except your personal clothing gear and sleeping bag and pad. We can rent you a sleeping bag, but we do ask clients to bring their own pad. Most prefer an inflatable type pad to ensure comfortable sleeping on beaches that range from soft sand to light gravel. You'll receive an equipment list in the pre-trip packet we email to you upon making your reservation in order to help you get ready for your tour.

FOOD

We provide great breakfasts and lunches, plus a hearty main meal each evening prepared by our staff. Please note any specific dietary requirements on the reservation form.  Note* Due to the limited nature of the camp kitchen we are not able to accommodate severe Celiac.

WATER

Almost all water in the Loreto area is clean aquifer water that is then run through a sophisticated purification system. Drinking water used on trips will be from a local purified water outlet. We bring along juice mixes, teas, and coffee. We do not provide alcoholic beverages on the trip, but you are welcome to make a purchase in town the day before we leave, and we can pack it in with us. You can discuss with your guides at the orientation meeting, where to purchase, what, and how much would be appropriate to carry in the kayaks.

EQUIPMENT

On expedition style trips such as these double fiberglass kayaks are mainly used for their stability and carrying capacity. We provide tents; one and two person sturdy A frames and domes, first aid and repair kits, and all other camping and commissary equipment. You just bring personal clothing items and sleep gear. We offer sleeping bag rental for $30 each per week. we do ask you to bring your own sleeping pad. Most prefer an inflatable pad as a comfortable cushion on beaches that can range from soft sand to light gravel.

21 and over.

Proof of Covid-19 Vaccines required.

BATHROOMS

We are in a National Marine Park for the 1st day or 2 and we typically take along a small portable toilet system. After the second or third day we leave the park boundaries, and from that point on the toilet system is bsed on digging "cat holes" and burying the waste. Similar to what folks will know from a backpacking type trip. 

For bathing we have people wash in the sea water with a special soap that doesn't leave you feeling salty/sticky and then we have a certain amount of freshwater available for rising faces etc. 

In general the conditions are rustic but always hygienic. As long as folks have an adventuresome spirit and like camping, they'll enjoy this trip.  

Where is Loreto and how do I get there?

Loreto is located 750 miles south of San Diego on the Lower California peninsula in Mexico (the peninsula is comprised of the 2 most northwestern states of Mexico, Baja California, and Baja California Sur). Though Loreto is a more remote destination than other more touristy areas in “Baja”, we do have the service of an international airport with arrivals from major US and Mexican airports.

There are flight options from US cities on Alaskaair.com and American Airlines. 

Refund Policy:

Payments are REFUNDABLE up to 60 days before the trip (March 2,  2022), with the exception of your deposits. DEPOSITS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE.  You must communicate your cancellation via email at alma@almaexplores.com. If you cancel 59 days or less before departure, all payments are non-refundable.   

TRAVEL INSURANCE IS MANDATORY to travel with us. We highly encourage you to purchase travel insurance within 30 days of booking this trip. If you have to cancel after the fully refundable deadline, you can file claim with your travel insurance company and they can reimburse you.  

The Travel insurance we recommend is World Nomads, and can be purchased in the link below:  

https://www.worldnomads.com/

If you''d like us to purchase it for you, we can do it for an additional processing fee and you can add it as an option when checking out.

Click on the photos below for day by day itinerary.

Your adventure begins with a Pre-trip orientation with your guides, on the afternoon before launch day. We will communicate and coordinate in advance with all guests the time and location for a comfortable outside meeting at a convenient location in town. At this orientation session, our guides will explain the trip in more detail, and answer any questions you may have. Afterward, you are free to explore Loreto for a place to get dinner—the guides will be happy to provide some recommendations!

Your guides will host you for breakfast this morning in town, where we will go over last minute needs and details. You’ll have your carefully selected trip items selected, and we’ll take any leftover luggage for safe storage while you are out with us. At our launch spot, after loading our gear and food in our boats, your guides will teach you the basics of kayak safety and ecologically-friendly camping. For the first paddle day it’s off to either Isla Danzante or Isla del Carmen, both of which have excellent camps. We provide high-quality tents, but the lack of rain or bugs makes sleeping under the stars an excellent option.

When you first wake up to the sound of the waves lapping the shore, and the sight of the sun piercing the horizon, you’ll know your trip has truly begun. Guides allocate 3 to 4 hours a day to traveling by kayak, leaving you the rest of the day to explore each campsite. You can hike the arroyos and desert hillsides discovering the rich flora of the Sonoran desert, take your snorkel gear and marvel at the abundant and exotic marine life in the waters, or learn more about all the area has to offer from the complete natural history library we bring along on every trip. Feel free to ask our guides about Baja’s weather, geography, natural history, or anything else. As locals, they know a lot about the area, and are happy to share their knowledge. They are also good at getting you out of camp and into the water early in the day, when the water tends to be calmer and the paddling more pleasant.

After a day or two exploring the coves, bays and beaches of the islands, we'll cross back over to the shores of the peninsula.  The coastal route, with the majestic Giganta mountain range over our right shoulder offers among other attractions, longer hiking trails that reveal the inland wilderness. Your guides, who know the route well, can show you the hidden secrets of the peninsula, including many areas worth exploring by fin, foot, or paddle.

Depending on the weather for the week, and the pace of the trip, we may be ready for a rest/layover day. You can try your hand at line fishing for triggerfish, pargo, or cabrilla, which your guides will make a delicious fresh ceviche out of. Or enjoy a guided nature walk in the desert, learning about our rich local flora and fauna. There is also plenty of time for more paddling and snorkeling for those that wish to explore more…

Around the fifth day, you will camp near a small island hot spring that can be visited by wading across a sand spit at low tide. If the weather permits, you can soak in the warm mineral water, letting your muscles and mind relax after active days of paddling your kayak down the Gulf of California. There is a small local ranch in the area, and our guides have long standing relationships with these independant and self sufficient ranching families. We'll often have a chance to visit, and share a glimpse of this special, remote, and rugged lifestyle.

There’s time for one early morning paddle into the sunrise, and by mid-morning it’s time to load up and head back. Our van arrives at the take-out to bring everyone back to Loreto. A few hours later, you’ll have a taco lunch in the town followed by a well received shower in your hotel room.  That evening we host a farewell dinner at one of our favorite restaurants, and everyone celebrates a fun and successful trip together.

We will also get our Covid test this afternoon before tomorrow's departure.

It's time to go! 

Hotel Check-out is 11am. We will have a local taxi taking you to the Loreto Airport for departure.