Baja, Mexico – Wildlife and Culture Tour

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 45 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, a daytrip to Todos Santos,  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

Our first adventure is a daytrip to Todos Santos. Todos Santos is a “Pueblo Magico”, situated about an hour from La Paz on the Pacific coast. Our visit takes us firstly to Cerritos beach where we can stroll the beach, watch the surfers and have a dip in the Pacific waves. From there we go to the little village of Pescadero to visit the wonderful farm shop and agricultural oasis of Agricole. We will enjoy an exceptionally delicious picnic in their picnic area surrounded by flower fields! We will spend some happy hours exploring the mission, art galleries and cafes of Todos Santos and have at least a beer at the Hotel California. We’ll end this magical day in a restaurant on the beach, lights twinkling above and feet in the sand. A perfect first day in Baja!

Day 3,4,5

We begin our wildlife odyssey with a 4 hour transfer to the Pacific coast, across the desert landscape, with 2 comfort stops 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 our elevated and picturesque campsite on a 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 strolling along the edge of the island to the Pacific waves.

We will enjoy wonderful freshly cooked meals, cocktail hour every evening and lots of fun times together.

Day 6, 7

After breakfast on the island, we will return to La Paz where we have two nights in the Posada Luna Sol hotel. You can explore the wonderfully Mexican city of La Paz, the beaches, the 10 km long boardwalk, and the town centre with its myriad of different cafes, restaurants and bars.

If the weather is suitable, there is an optional extra half day whale shark snorkeling trip available in La Paz bay. We will arrange this on your behalf.

There are many other tours that can be booked in La Paz, ie cooking, graffiti, tequila, diving.

Day 8,9,10,11

We will transfer by panga (fast boat) out 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 camping on the beach. We will kayak in the turquoise sea and enjoy the incredible biodiversity of this marine paradise. Think dolphins, turtles, manta rays, colourful tropical fish and exotic sea birds. At the tip of a 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.

In the early morning, we have the option to go fishing for an hour.

This tour is a multi activity tour, all of our activities, including kayaking are optional. You can always choose to relax on the beach and soak up the surroundings.

If you are interested in kayaking, there will be opportunities to explore by kayak and learn new skills.

Day 12

Transfer back to La Paz after breakfast on the island, and some more time with the marine life on the journey back. 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.