Isla Carmen Circumnavigation, Mexico

Baja kayaking in the crown jewel of the Sea of Cortez: Carmen Island. 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

This kayak tour begins and ends in Loreto, Baja. Loreto is easily accessed via a direct flight from Los Angeles, or through other transportation methods on the peninsula.

A complete guide to traveling to Loreto may be found here [.pdf download]

Please call our office at 1-800-616-1943 or 1-208-765-3116 if you have any questions about flights or travel, as we have decades of experience in ensuring our guests have smooth transit to their destinations.  We cannot book flights for you, but a recommendation for a travel agent is located in the guide above.

Please review our FAQ section for general questions and details about our Baja kayak tours. See below for specific questions relating to this particular tour.

Is previous kayaking experience necessary?
Our tours are suitable for novices. However, this particular tour is more-kayak focused than our standard Baja and BC tours, and therefore best suited to those with some prior kayaking experience or a regular fitness program. Call us with any questions! 1-800-616-1943.

When is the best time to go?
Spring and fall are the most ideal times for enjoying the Sea of Cortez. Our Isla Carmen Circumnavigation tours run early fall or late spring to optimize calm paddling days and with the least chance of wind. Fall trips (October & November) offer warm and clear waters for great snorkeling and an added attraction is the opportunity to observe the Baja desert in bloom following the rainy season September. Spring trips (March, April & May) have similar weather, and many cetaceans and other fish, like whale sharks, migrate into the Sea of Cortez at this time. Sightings may include blue, fin, and humpback whales. 

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.