Isla Carmen Circumnavigation, Mexico

Cliffs of red-hued basalt rising sharply out of the sea and the bold outlines of towering cacti provide the backdrop for paddling sea kayaks 60 miles on this little known, classic 9-day circumnavigation of Baja California’s Isla Carmen, the largest island in Loreto Bay National Marine Park in the Sea of Cortez (Gulf of California).  

“Although tour groups visit the southern tip of Carmen, the rest of the island remains mostly wild and untouched,” says Sea Kayak Adventures president Terry Prichard.  “Plus, the marine life blows people away – over 280 species of reef fishes, as well as scores of dolphins, sea lions, and five of the big whale species ply the surrounding waters.  We are the only company to offer this tour.”  You can be among the few to paddle along Carmen’s rocky cliffs through crystal-clear water, coves with sandy beaches, reefs, and sea caves (including Cueva Blanca, where kayakers can explore the cave’s deepest recesses).

The islands of Baja’s Sea of Cortez have been called “Mexico’s Galapagos” with their volcanic ash layers, fabulous rock formations, crystal waters, and teeming wildlife.  The area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers the perfect blend of kayaking, hiking and snorkeling.

Here you’ll snorkel with brilliant king angelfish and lobster, watch plunge-diving blue-footed booties, and search for 60-foot whale sharks – the world’s largest fish.  Pause midway at Salinas Bay to visit an abandoned 19th century salt mine and coral chapel. Afterwards, swim with dolphins in the bay’s 72-degree water.  You will paddle about four hours per day, broken up by lunch and rest stops, during your Baja sea kayak tour.

A two-day paddle rounding the island’s remote north shore leads to Balandra Bay, where you can hike an arroyo into the island’s desert interior past saguaro-like cardon cactus and wild figs in the company of desert iguanas and big-horned sheep.  From your tented camps in sheltered coves, watch vermillion skies as they illuminate the banded layers of the Sierra de la Giganta range, the plume of a whale lingering in the still air, and leaping manta rays flopping back into the glassy water as guides dish out margaritas and tasty chili rellenos.

The expedition begins with your arrival in Loreto and, after an adventurous ten days of paddling, you'll arrive at the take-out site near Puerto Escondido.

Trip Highlight: Close encounter with a 60-foot, 15 ton Whale Shark - the world's largest fish.

Click here to read an article about this trip.  Click here to view a slide show of kayaking in the Sea of Cortez.

"As a biologist who has snorkeled and dived on the Great Barrier Reef and in the kelp forest of the Pacific Northwest, I was astounded at the biological diversity of the Sea of Cortez -- the marine environment compares very favorably to both areas in terms of the number of interesting species of fish, invertebrates, and, well, just about everything." 
--Robin Mittenthal

Call us with any travel questions and to check availability prior to booking flights: 1-800-616-1943 or 1-208-765-3116

Our Baja kayak tours operate out of Loreto, Baja. Travel to this supreme paddling and whale watching destination is surprisingly easy for a world class wilderness adventure. Like many national parks, the Loreto Bay National Marine Park and the islands in the Sea of Cortez UNESCO World Heritage Site remain pristine in part due to their geographic remoteness - and they are just as worthwhile to visit!  Fortunately for travelers, Loreto hosts its own small airport with several flights per week on a US carrier. Additionally, the international hubs of La Paz and Los Cabos ("Cabo") are just a short distance south down the Baja peninsula and offer easy transit to Loreto. The following travel options are well-tested and utilized by Sea Kayak Adventures guests every year.

Air Options:

Loreto (airport code LTO): The airport in Loreto is quite small, but Alaska Airlines still offers 4 flights per week on a 70 passenger prop plane via Los Angeles. Look up flights from LAX to LTO, which run only Sundays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.  Within 3 months of the trip date flights are often full or expensive, so we recommend those who wish to use this direct flight plan well in advance of their tour. Call the carrier directly with any questions as the Alaska Air website has been confusing at times - (Alaska/Horizon Air: 1-800-252-7522)

La Paz (airport code LAP): La Paz is the capitol city of Baja California Sur, and just 4-5 hours south of Loreto. (Make sure you are using LAP as the airport code - you want to go to Baja California Sur, Mexico, not Bolivia!)  We can recommend the La Perla hotel if you will be staying overnight.  A number of airlines fly to La Paz, both American and Mexican, with direct flights from several major airports. Rent a car, taxi, or take a snooze on an easy, comfortable bus up to Loreto (bus stations are next to Hotel La Perla in La Paz and Hotel Hacienda Suites in Loreto - more about these options below).

Cabo (airport code SJD): Los Cabos or "Cabo" has become a prime tourist upscale resort destination for movie stars or just those looking for sunshine in the winter months. Many airlines offer inexpensive flights to this location from all over the world, and our Canadian and overseas guests often utilize this location. Folks in the US can also find great deals and direct flights from major airports. Los Cabos is 8-9 hours drive south of Loreto on the very tip of the Baja peninsula. Car or bus are frequent methods of transport, but there is also a short flight on Aereo Calafia up to the tiny Loreto airport several times per week (approx. $100 or so depending on the exchange rate, usually 4 days/week). Call the SKA office for details on this schedule.  Los Cabos is actually twin cities of Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo.

Taking the bus: The bus in Baja (Transportes Aquila) connects all of the major cities. This method of transportation is nicer than the Greyhound buses we are accustomed to in the US, and a well-established norm for the Mexican middle class. There is no stigma associated with riding the bus here. Most are air conditioned and usually play Hollywood movies (usually with Spanish subtitles). The bus from Cabo to Loreto runs nearly every hour starting at 6am or so, and takes approximately 8-9 hours (around $70). The bus from La Paz to Loreto runs 3-6 times per day, and is about 4-5 hours ($50 or so). The bus station in Loreto is right across the street from our main tour hotel, the Hacienda Suites.

Driving in Baja: Cars are easily rented in both Cabo and La Paz. This may be a more cost effective method if several people are traveling together. Check ahead to make sure you can drop it off in Loreto (to the best of our knowledge, Budget, Hertz and Europcar have Loreto branches). One main highway connects the cities in Baja. You will get a beautiful view of the peninsula on this peaceful country road. Watch for wandering cows at night.

Airport Notes: We highly recommend a 2 HOUR CONNECTION to and from all Mexican flights. Call the airline directly if you don't see flights for your desired travel dates. It has been our experience that seats are sometimes available even if they don't show up online. Sometimes it is as simple as finding the correct days of the week for the flight. Many people flying through Los Angeles find it easier to overnight there rather than traveling straight through - recommended especially if coming from stormy winter climes. We have contract rates ($89/night) with the Hacienda Hotel in Los Angeles. This hotel has a FREE, 24 hour airport shuttle (call upon arrival 800-421-5900). Just call 310-615-0015 and ask for the Sea Kayak Adventures rate (ask for Judith Miller if you have any problems).

Extra hotel nights: We can arrange extra nights at either of our tour hotels for you if you wish to extend your stay in Loreto for $85-95, including tax.  This may allow for cheaper airfare, as simply adjusting the days of your flights can lower rates. We have a number of day tour options as well for you to explore. Please note: all hotel rooms have two double beds.

A note on safety: In all of southern Baja California, we have never encountered any of the crime that makes the headlines for Mexican border towns.  The Baja peninsula is separated from mainland Mexico by the Sea of Cortez/Gulf of California and may as well be a separate country.  Loreto is a rural seaside fishing village a 2-hour drive from the next nearest village.  There is one Catholic Cathedral in Loreto (the "mission") and everyone there has known each other for generations (since the 1697 founding of Loreto).  We drive all our kayaks from Canada to Loreto and back every year (it is 20+ hours drive/700 miles south of the Tijuana border), we reside in Loreto for 7 months a year, and have operated tours and owned property in Loreto for 19 seasons without one incident. (We recommend exercising the same caution that one should practice in any foreign city, however, ie not leaving valuables unattended, etc).

While we cannot book your airfare, if you would like the assistance of a travel agent, we have recommended Robert at Kahala Travel (1-800-852-8338) for a number of years.  Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns. We have helped thousands of happy guests find their way to charming Loreto for their kayak tour.

Entry into Mexico: Passports are required. No visa is necessary, but a tourist card will be issued during your flight (keep the stub and show upon your departure flight to avoid fee).

Health: No immunizations or vaccinations are required for Mexico, but we recommend you speak to your health department or doctor. The University of Washington recommends getting hepatitis A&B, tetanus, flu, typhoid shots. Water on the trip is distilled/filtered for your extra protection. Fresh fruits and vegetables are good and plentiful (peel before eating). The restaurant food in Loreto is good and bottled water is easily available. We recommend good hand washing.

Weather: The weather in Loreto is generally mild in the winter with day-time temperatures averaging 70 to 85 degrees and night-time temperatures averaging 40 to 55 degrees between December and mid-March. Spring day-time temperatures average 75 to 90 degrees and night-time temperatures average 50 to 65 degrees between mid-March and May. Loreto is in a desert where the possibility of rain is very small, but it can happen. Winds can occur anytime but are more frequent from December through February. Magdalena Bay air temperatures are a little cooler than on the Sea of Cortez side of the Baja Peninsula. Water temperatures in the Sea of Cortez range from 65 degrees in December to 73 degrees in May requiring the use of a shorty 3mm wet suit for extended snorkeling. In October and November, air temperatures range from 80 to 90 degrees and water temperatures range from 75 to 80 degrees.

What are typical meals on the trip?
The source of many compliments, our legendary wilderness meals are prepared from fresh, healthy ingredients. Our specialty is Dutch oven cookery with savory main dishes like chicken mole, fresh fish vera cruz style, and chili rellenos; and delicious desserts from brownies to pineapple upside-down cake. We serve fresh ground coffee as well as an abundance of local fruits and vegetables. Vegetarians as well as special dietary requests can easily be accommodated. Each evening, we serve a cocktail and appetizer for "happy hour" so you can enjoy the spectacular Baja sunset while sipping a Margarita!

There's a special emphasis on our meals because we believe you are entitled to gourmet dining in the wilderness as you are at home.


What is the camping like?
Since 1993, we have created a category of travel we call "camping plus". The food served on our trips is on par with what you get in a first-rate restaurant; we provide all camping gear of the best quality: tents, sleeping bags with clean linens, self-inflating foam pads and comfortable camp seats; you get the best beach sites and you don't have to worry about missing the wildlife. We're all about truly "getting away", but not quite "leaving it all behind". It's rugged adventure with some worldly amenities. And best of all, you'll receive unbeatable support and camaraderie from each of our guides.

Because of the dry desert climate, we have few mosquitoes and gnats, no sand flies or ticks.  For bathing, we can provide you with a bucket of warm water.  We’ll have a portable toilet at each campsite.

To give you the opportunity to go hiking, fishing, read a book, etc., we generally arrive in camp no later than 4:00pm. Around 5:30, we serve hors d'oeuvres with dinner following around 7:00pm.


What type of kayaks do you use on this trip?
Our fleet of kayaks on each trip is comprised of mostly double kayaks and one or two single kayaks shared among guests and guides. They are made by SEAWARD KAYAKS of fiberglass construction and ALL are equipped with rudders. Light weight Werner paddles, PFD's (Personal flotation device otherwise known as a lifejacket), nylon spray skirts, paddle floats and bilge pumps are all provided on our expeditions.


Is previous kayaking experience necessary?
No prior sea kayaking or camping experience is necessary for this trip. Anyone in good health with a positive attitude can enjoy these activities. Paddling a sea kayak is easy to learn and your experienced guides will teach you all you need to know to enjoy kayaking.


Are there any physical requirements?
The amount of paddling is a good balance of challenge and ease for most of our participants. Expect a moderate workout every kayaking day. Pre-trip time spent in any activity that uses your upper body will help you enjoy your adventure with us. We do require that anyone over 70 or with any health or weight concerns consult us before signing up to make sure you are up to fully participating.


What is the minimum age limit?
The minimum age for most of our trips is normally 14 and is intended to insure that all our guests are capable of fully participating in the kayaking and other activities involved.  A child must be at least 5 feet tall and 100 lbs in order to participate in our sea kayak tours. We do make exceptions on occasion, so call us if you think your child is physically capable of kayaking and comfortable in an adult setting.

What if I'm by myself?
If this is your first adventure tour, and you are naturally a little apprehensive about going solo, we will support you each step of the way. We get a mixture of singles, couples, families and friends. Please call if you have any concerns.

What about safety?
Your safety, comfort and enjoyment are our priorities. Any concerns about risks and physical abilities are handled with the greatest care by our office staff and trip leaders. Your guides are always in close proximity, well equipped with First Aid kits and specially trained in Wilderness First Aid to handle emergency situations. Your trip leader will provide a comprehensive kayak orientation and safety discussion before you begin paddling. We take your concerns or apprehensions to heart - to make kayaking a positive, fulfilling experience for you.


When is the best time to go?
Spring and fall are the most ideal times for enjoying the Sea of Cortez. The strong northerly winds blow longest and strongest from late November through early March so spring and fall trips are characterized by calmer, warmer days. Fall trips (October & November) offer warm and clear waters for great snorkeling and little chance of strong winds. An added attraction is the opportunity to observe the Baja desert in bloom following the rainy season in August and September. Winter trips (December, January & February) tend to be cooler with more chance of wind. Spring trips (March, April & May) offer warmer waters with warm calm days being common. As an added bonus on spring trips many cetaceans migrate into the Sea of Cortez at this time and sightings may include blue, fin, and humpback whales.


When is the best time to see whales?
We design our wilderness adventures to provide you with the best whale encounters imaginable. Baja California is a whale-watchers' paradise. There are few other places that harbor such a concentration and diversity of whales. The islands of Loreto National Marine Park, located in the Sea of Cortez, are home for 6 different species of whales including Blue, Fin, Sei, Humpback, Bryde's and Pilot whales.

From January through April look for spectacular sightings of Blue, Fin and Humpback whales in the warm, calm waters near Loreto on our Sea of Cortez Islands tours.

Magdalena Bay is the world-renowned winter nursery grounds of the Gray whale.  From late-January to mid-March is the best time to see gray whales.


What should I bring?
We provide the camping equipment so you only need to bring your personal belongings and avoid having to check-in luggage on your flight. Upon signing up, you'll get an informative trip handbook that includes a detailed list of clothing and other recommended items for your kayaking trip.

Do I need a passport to enter Mexico?
Yes, passports are required to enter Mexico.  Click here for the U. S. Department of State’s Passport Requirement page.

What do the trip costs include?
Skilled professional guide services, airport transfer upon arrival, 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.


What is not included?
Pre- and post-trip accommodations and meals, airfare, gratuities, and park fee in Loreto.  Wet suits and snorkeling equipment are available to rent from us in Loreto.

Day 1: Arrival date. You'll be greeted at the Loreto airport by our ground service and transported to the tour hotel. Check into pre-assigned rooms (included in trip cost). Pre-trip meeting at the hotel later in evening.

Day 2: After breakfast the group meets outside the hotel to board the van for the drive south to our launch point near Puerto Escondido. At the beach the guides will give a comprehensive sea kayak instruction and then we'll paddle the loaded kayaks to our first campsite.

Days 3-9: Each day's paddle is 7-8 miles; or 3 to 4 hours of moderately paced paddling, stopping every 2 hours to rest. We'll spend the afternoons exploring by foot and snorkel. Activities include a nature hike up an arroyo, as well as opportunities for beachcombing, wildlife viewing, photography, stargazing, and swimming in crystal clear waters.

Day 10: After a final lunch, we break camp and paddle to our take-out site around 2 PM. Load van and proceed to Loreto. Check into hotel. No host farewell group dinner at a favorite local restaurant.

Day 11: Departure date. Say good-bye to lovely Loreto and head back to the airport to fly home, or Sea Kayak Adventures can arrange to extend your vacation at the tour hotel in this charming village (at our preferred rates). Day tour and add-on options available.

* Note on Itinerary: We will do our best to adhere to the schedule listed above. However, the itinerary may change due to reasons beyond our control such as wind, waves or inclement weather.