Sea Kayak Espiritu Santo Island

Isla Espiritu Santo, off the coast of La Paz in Baja, features some of the most beautiful beaches in the world coupled with unique wildlife experiences. A snorkeling-friendly colony of sea lions and a nearby population of plankton-eating whale sharks make Espiritu Santo an extraordinary destination for kayakers and wildlife enthusiasts alike. Join us on this spectacular island, and fall in love with Baja's startling beauty.

Sea Kayak Adventures classic Baja kayaking trip blends fun-filled days of sea kayaking in the tranquil waters surrounding Isla Espirito Santo, a National Park and UNESCO Biosphere located just north of La Paz, Baja. The island features numerous deep coves with beautiful white sand beaches hidden between sienna-hued headlands jutting out of turquoise waves. The island hosts spectacular beaches that were voted by the Travel Magazine as some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Espiritu Santo (Holy Spirit) Island is uninhabited unless you count pelicans, parrot fish and dolphins.

One of the trip highlights is snorkeling with friendly sea lions at Los Islotes, volcanic islets where playful sea lion pups dive off the rocks and pirouette below you. Other activities include hiking up colorful arroyos studded with tall cactus, snorkeling amongst hundreds of tropical fish, paddling below fantastic rock formations, and enjoying margaritas on the beach as the sun sets. Our motorized support boat carries all camping gear and the makings for fabulous meals prepared by your guides with a Mexican flair. Your kayaks are light and easy to paddle between camps while the accompanying motorboat provides an additional level of safety.

ADD A DAY TO SNORKEL WITH WHALE SHARKS: Don't miss out on the opportunity to snorkel with these gentle giants during your trip to La Paz. This day tour is specifically designed to add on to either end of your kayaking trip and is the perfect complement to your vacation experience.  La Paz is one of the few places in the World where you will have the opportunity to observe, interact and learn about these docile fish. A local whale shark guide accompanies you on your swim. Their knowledge and passion for whale sharks are obvious as they work to make your time swimming in La Paz educative, meaningful, and memorable.

 

Images & Videos

sea kayaks on baja beach
sea kayaks in LaPaz Baja
beach camping in Baja
beach camp with tents baja
hikers on isla espiritu santo
kayaks in the sea of cortez
sunset on baja beach
flying manta ray baja
sea kayak outside of LaPaz
shade tent on baja beach
clear waters in Sea of Cortez
sea kayaker in mangroves Baja
whale shark sea of cortez
woman snorkeling with sea lion
sea kayaks on baja beach
sea kayaks in LaPaz Baja
beach camping in Baja
beach camp with tents baja
hikers on isla espiritu santo
kayaks in the sea of cortez
sunset on baja beach
flying manta ray baja
sea kayak outside of LaPaz
shade tent on baja beach
clear waters in Sea of Cortez
sea kayaker in mangroves Baja
whale shark sea of cortez
woman snorkeling with sea lion

Itinerary

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Day 0

Arrival in La Paz, Evening Orientation Meeting

Check into rooms (NOT included in trip cost). You're on your own for sightseeing or shopping until eve pre-trip meeting in the 7 Crown Centro hotel lobby, where we'll answer questions and let you know the meeting time for the next day. Dinner is on your own, and we highly recommend a stroll at sunset along the waterfront malecon walkway. There are a variety of restaurants with ocean views, or look up our local restaurant guide for details.

Please see our Baja Travel Guide for full details on travel to and from Baja.

ACCOMMODATION : Not included
MEALS INCLUDED : Not Included

Day 1

Panga Ride to Espiritu Santo Island, Paddling Orientation, Kayak and Camp

You'll board a boat for our shuttle to Espiritu Santo island. Upon arrival to the beach, your guides will teach you the basics of paddling and thoroughly review safety procedures. You won't leave shore until all participants feel comfortable in the boats, and then you will kayak to the first night's campsite. Our motorized support boat carries all the heavy gear, food and water so your kayaks are light and easy to paddle.

ACCOMMODATION : beach camping
MEALS INCLUDED : Lunch, Dinner

Day 2-4

Sea Kayak, Snorkel, Hike, Wildlife Watch and Beach Camping

Awake to freshly brewed coffee and tea as the sunrise spills golden light onto this serene desert island. After a warm breakfast prepared by your guides, you'll pack your belongings into the kayaks for the morning paddle. Expect to kayak about 4 hours per day, including floating rest stops, moving along the coast to a new campsite each night. You'll enjoy a long lunch break between the morning and afternoon paddle, and occasional floating rest stops while kayaking. During lunch and before happy hour, you'll have plenty of opportunity for snorkeling with Baja's plentiful reef fish, hiking the island's arroyo trails, or just relaxing on the sandy beaches. Enjoy stunning landscapes, unique geology, and watch as the subtle nuances of the Baja desert landscape unfolds into a natural masterpiece through interpretive hikes and talks by your highly-educated guides. At night, the lack of light pollution reveals constellations you've never seen! Enjoy the stars through the comfort of your dome-tent, or sleep underneath them on the sand. When the moon hides behind the canyon peaks, you can even see brightly-glowing blue bioluminescence in the water.

ACCOMMODATION : beach camping
MEALS INCLUDED : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5

Snorkel with Sea Lions at Los Islotes, Return to LaPaz

After a final breakfast, you'll take a short motorboat ride to visit the friendly sea lions at Los Islotes. This colony is accustomed to people snorkeling among them, and curious pups are often eager to interact with people. After getting your fill of whiskers and flippers, the panga will drive you back to La Paz and the hotel (ah, showers!). Please note: Most of our tours on Isla Espiritu Santo include a trip on the first or last day of the kayak tour to snorkel with these playful animals. The timing of this day will be determined by your guides and the weather forecast. Due to the length of the boat ride to and from Los Islotes, you likely will not kayak on this day.

You're invited this evening to join your group and guides for a farewell dinner at a delicious local restaurant (not included in the trip cost). Recount your tales and toast your new friends before relaxing into a real bed.

ACCOMMODATION : Not included
MEALS INCLUDED : Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6

OPTIONAL: ADD A DAY TO SNORKEL WITH WHALE SHARKS  

Note: If you are not extending your stay to snorkel with whale sharks, day 6 will be your departure day. 

Extend your stay in La Paz a day before or after your kayak tour for a chance to snorkel with whale sharks. These plankton-eaters are the world's largest fish, and can reach lengths of up to 42' (13 m)! Whale sharks migrate into the bay of La Paz from October through April, where the shallow water of the bay harbors the favorite treats of these filter-feeding animals. Meet your guides bright and early to get a head start on the water in search of these peaceful creatures. The tour is approximately four hours, depending on the number of whale sharks present, so you'll have time to spend the afternoon exploring La Paz's beautiful Malecon. 

ACCOMMODATION : Not included
MEALS INCLUDED : Lunch

Day 7

Return Home 

Visit the hotel cafe or a local restaurant for breakfast before your departure. Depending on your flight arrangements, you may have time for a morning promenade on the malecon of La Paz bay to say your farewells to Baja. If you're flying via San Jose del Cabo, ensure that you have adequate time in your itinerary to shuttle from La Paz to Cabo.

Featured Accommodation

Dates & Rates

DatesAdult (USD)Child (USD)
Mar 18, 2024 to Mar 22, 2024
Lowest Tier Price - High Season
$1,590£0€0$0$0$1,500£0€0$0$0
Mar 25, 2024 to Mar 29, 2024
Lowest Tier Price - High Season
$1,590£0€0$0$0$1,500£0€0$0$0
Apr 01, 2024 to Apr 05, 2024
Lowest Tier Price - High Season
$1,590£0€0$0$0$1,590£0€0$0$0
Apr 08, 2024 to Apr 12, 2024
Lowest Tier Price - Low Season
$1,490£0€0$0$0$1,390£0€0$0$0
Apr 15, 2024 to Apr 19, 2024
Lowest Tier Price - Low Season
$1,490£0€0$0$0$1,390£0€0$0$0
Apr 22, 2024 to Apr 26, 2024
Lowest Tier Price - Low Season
$1,490£0€0$0$0$1,390£0€0$0$0
Apr 29, 2024 to May 03, 2024
Lowest Tier Price - Low Season
$1,490£0€0$0$0$1,390£0€0$0$0

Supplementary Information

DEPARTURE DETAILS:

Standard Departures for 5-day Espiritu Santo Kayaking Tour are on Monday's - October Through April

Low Season October 31, 2023 - January 8, 2024 and April 1 - May 1, 2024

  • 4 - 6 Guests $1690/1605 per person
  • 7 - 13 Guests $1490/1390 per person

High Season is January 22 , 2024 - March 31, 2024

  • 4 - 6 Guests $1780 per person
  • 7 - 13 Guests $1590 per person

*Interested in Family Departure dates to accommodate youth paddlers 9+? Contact us today for Dates: info@seakayakadventures.com or 800-616-1943

Single Supplement:  Solo travelers will always have their own tent during kayaking tours, at no additional cost.

Single Kayaks are available for $100 supplement.  You must have ocean kayaking experience to paddle a single kayak on these trips.

Tour Includes:

  • Full services of our Adventure Consultants
  • Professional naturalist and bi-lingual guides
  • All meals and beverages as indicated on the itinerary
  • All transportation while on tour
  • All kayaking, camping, and snorkeling equipment
  • Panga supported kayaking tour
  • Taxes

Tour Does Not Include:

  • Airfare
  • Transportation to and from the airport
  • Hotel before and after the tour 
  • $30 National Parks & Biosphere Reserves access fees required by itinerary
  • Gratuities
  • Items of a personal nature

WEATHER-CAUSED TRIP ALTERATIONS

Strong winds and/or rough water conditions sometimes prevent our trips from going as scheduled. We are at the mercy of nature, as well as the local Port Captains who determine if ports are open or closed.  In particular, on our La Paz-based trips, winds may prevent us from crossing from the Port to Espiritu Santo Island which may also be reason for the Port Captain to close the port or prohibit crossing.  In these cases there are different solutions.  Sometimes we have to delay the crossing by a day or two, or have to leave Espiritu Santo Island a day or two early.  In these cases we provide a substitute activity for the day(s) we cannot kayak.  If the weather forecast predicts a series of days with strong winds, we also reserve the right to transfer the trip to Magdalena Bay on the Pacific Coast, which is almost always in calm, protected waters.  We recognize this isn't ideal, however we have no control over nature.  Most people prefer to still have a trip going, versus no kayak trip at all.  Decisions to alter trips are not made until the last minute*, since we are basing our decisions on wind and weather forecasts that can change.  Your guides will inform you at the evening orientation meeting if the trip location has changed or the itinerary has been altered. We use apps like Windy or Windfinder Pro to monitor winds and forecasts.  The safety and security of our trips is the primary focus of our decisions.

 If you purchase Trip Insurance and wish to cancel on the day of the trip, the "Trip Interruption" coverage may apply if Mexican authorities have closed the Port.  If you have questions about your coverage, call the toll-free number on your Travel Insurance policy to ask.  Neither our guides nor our office staff can determine if coverage will apply. Sea Kayak Adventures does reserve the right to modify and alter trip itineraries and in these circumstances will not provide any refund of trip monies paid.  

  *Last-minute means no sooner than noon the day prior.  Final information will be provided at the evening orientation meeting.

ALL PRICES IN US DOLLARS. We will do our best to adhere to the itineraries and trip descriptions listed on our website. However, tour itineraries or sub contractors (such as taxi, cruise boats or hotels) may change slightly due to reasons beyond our control including but not limited to Acts of God, wind, waves, inclement weather or other. We always welcome you to call us to clarify any item - often this is the best way to fully clarify expectations - call us collect or on our toll-free number. You will be sent pre-trip email with latest details within a month of your tour - it is your responsibility to check in with us prior to your trip to see if you have all the information you need. We will always do our best to provide you with the best possible tour and to fully meet your expectations to the best of our ability.

Reviews

5
Average: 5 (28 votes)

Reviews

Google Review
5

Amazing experience!

This was my first trip with SKA and first visit to La Paz, Mexico. I loved the beautiful campsites, the delectable food, the paddling, snorkelling, and hiking. It was superbly guided and extremely well organized. Thank you for the amazing experience!

Google Review
5

I would return for a trip like this in a heartbeat

Just finished a Sea Kayak Adventure in early March 2023 to Isla Espíritu, La Paz. I can’t say enough good things about the company and crew. From the on land briefing Sunday night to Friday nights dinner, Guillermo, Tico and Tannia did their utmost to provide a safe, informative and exciting adventure. Each of them had a seasoned understanding of the environment, and we learned much about the sea, life, surrounding area and culture. The food was fabulous. Ceviche from fresh, caught fish, chicken mole, cake every night made on premises! We kayaked to amazing remote beaches, hiked to great views, snorkeled, and swim with the sea lions. I would return for a trip like this in a heartbeat, and join the crew for another adventure!

Google Review
5

This company is a well oiled machine!

THIS COMPANY IS A WELL OILED MACHINE! Sorry for the length of this review but I really want folks to understand how good this trip was. First, I can honestly say they have the best "live" chat team I have ever experienced(Yeah to Molly and Morag!). The chat team not only walked us through everything and got back to us when we missed a few forms that we needed to fill out but also got back to me about my personal concerns about such things as "no see ums" (little annoying bugs I am sensitive to). They checked with the ground crew and found out about the tent screens and if the bugs were around at this time of year(almost non-existent on the trip but the guide brought a special spray for me anyway). Second, the kayak team was amazing!!! Guillermo, Tiko and Tannia(GT&T) were fabulous. They took safety very seriously, teaching us about the environment and what we had to do to be cautious. They were hard working-setting up tents and the best out house you will ever experience. They were amazing cooks with absolutely delicious meals along with coffee and tea before breakfast. They were incredibly knowledgeable about the environment and taught us so many things. And they were FUN! They brought out the beauty of the area and made us comfortable in it.

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FAQ & More

How do I get to La Paz?

Please see our Baja Travel Guide for full details on travel to and from Baja.

What’s included in this kayak package? What’s not included?

Included: Skilled professional guide services, ground transportation, motorboat-support to carry gear, snorkeling equipment, 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.

Not Included: Airfare, transportation to and from airport, hotel nights before and after activities, gratuities, $25 National Parks & Biosphere Reserves access fees required by itinerary, and items of a personal nature.

Are your kayak trips motorboat supported?

Yes, if at any time a guest does not want to paddle they are welcome to ride in the panga instead.

What are the physical requirements for this trip?

When stopping at shore, you should be able to climb in and out of the kayaks on your own. They will be floating in calf-deep water. Your guides are happy to assist, but balance and limberness are required. When you get to your evening campsite, all group members must to be able to help carry the kayaks above the high tide line, in teams of 6-8, before the group disperses. You will change camp sites almost every night, but may have a layover day. Camp sites are assigned by the National Park Service immediately prior to the tour.

What’s camp like? Are there toilets and showers at camp?

When you get to your evening campsite all group members must be able to help carry the kayaks above the high tide line. You will change campsites almost every night, but may have a layover day. Campsites are assigned by the National Park Service immediately prior to the tour. We endeavor to secure the very best campsites for the natural beauty and amenities of the area. Your guides will give a demonstration of how to set up and take down your provided dome tent. We also will provide you with a sleeping bag, liner sheet, pillow and an inflatable thermarest sleeping pad. There will be a kitchen/dining area and shade tarps where you can sit back and relax.

While kayaking, we can only carry enough fresh water for drinking and cooking. There are no fresh water sources on most of the coastline and islands we visit. You can clean up with saltwater and soap off above the high tide line, or bring disposable shower wipes. A porta potty will fit into a hatch of the kayak or on the panga support boat, and will be transported to each campsite and set into a sheltered area for solid waste. Liquid waste can be expelled below the high tide line, or in a separate porta-potty bucket.

When is the best time to go?

Spring and fall are the most ideal times for yoga on the beaches of the Sea of Cortez, as the seasons are characterized by warm days, glassy calm waters for paddling, and endless sunshine. Fall trips enjoy the chance for a desert in bloom and warm water snorkeling, while during spring, many cetaceans migrate into the Sea of Cortez and sightings may include blue, fin, and humpback whales.

What happens if it’s too windy to paddle?

If it’s too windy to paddle your guides will have alternative activities for guests to enjoy. There are opportunities to snorkel, hike or just relax on the beach with a margarita. We plan our itineraries to minimize risks posed by weather, but there is always an element of unpredictability in nature. The risk capsizing is reduced by our stable boats, but exists. All of our kayak guides are certified in kayak rescue.

What are the highlights of this tour?

La Paz offers some unusual highlights, such as swimming with playful sea lion pups and the chance to see Whale Sharks (harmless plankton eaters, and the largest fish on the planet!). Espiritu Santo is stunningly beautiful, with deep coves of turquoise water surrounded by white sand beaches and burnt sienna colored volcanic cliffs. Additionally, because La Paz is only a couple hours from Los Cabos (via a shuttle service from the airport), the city is easily accessible by air. You can also fly directly to La Paz.

Can I fish?

In general, fishing in allowed in La Paz. You would need to obtain a fishing license either before arriving or upon arrival. Our guides will not allow fishing if you are unable to produce a valid license. You will also need to bring all of your own fishing equipment. Along our kayaking routes there are areas where fishing is allowed, the guides will let you know where fishing is prohibited. Also, fishing is only allowed at the guide's discretion, as we have an itinerary, schedule and other group members that we have to take into consideration.

What’s the difference between Loreto & La Paz?

If you are having trouble deciding between the two destinations we suggest reading this Blog detailing the differences between Loreto and LaPaz.

What gear do I need?

Sea Kayak Adventures will provide you with a detailed packing list prior to your trip. We provide all of the necessary camping, paddling and snorkeling equipment, which you will need to fully enjoy your adventure. If you are interested in more specific information, check out our general Baja packing list here! If you have any questions, or need help deciding what to bring, you can call or e-mail one of our friendly Adventure Consultants at any time for some extra advice!

What kind of food will I eat? Do you accommodate dietary restrictions?

Our renowned wilderness meals are prepared daily by our guides using local, fresh, healthy ingredients. In Baja you can expect an authentic dining experience, with savory dishes like chiles rellenos, tostadas, ceviche, and chicken mole. We even serve delicious desserts like brownies and pineapple upside-down cake! Each morning, we serve up freshly brewed coffee or tea. Throughout the day we provide an abundance of local fruits, vegetables, and other snacks. Wine and mixed drinks are served with hors d’oeuvres each evening for happy hour.

We do our best to accommodate special dietary requests, working within the parameters of the destinations in which we operate. If you have a very strict diet, we recommend packing extra snacks that you know you can eat.

What’s the weather like in Baja?

Please check out this great website Weather Underground for temperature averages in Baja.

Where can I store my luggage while I’m on your tour?

You can leave your luggage at your hotel while you are on tour. We recommend getting a luggage lock if you are leaving any electronics in the bags. We’ve never had any issues with guests leaving their bags at the hotel but it’s always better to be safe just in case. Please ensure any details with your hotel upon check in.

Is there any extensions I can add to the beginning or end of my trip?

If you will be extending your stay in lovely LaPaz before or after your tour, consider joining us for a day to snorkel with Whale Sharks. La Paz is home to a unique and prolific Whale Shark population.  Don't miss the adrenaline rush of snorkeling with these gentle giants, while simultaneously learning about this unique species. Please inquire with the office if you would like to add on a Whale Shark tour to your reservation.

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