Loreto to La Paz Expedition, Mexico

Encompassing 65 miles of road-less coastline and offshore islands between Loreto and La Paz on the peninsula's eastern coast, this is Baja's classic sea kayak expedition. This coastline is one of the most remote and sparsely populated areas in all of Baja. There are no villages or towns, and the only access to the occasional fish camp is by sea.

The Sierra Giganta Range plunges into the Sea of Cortez, effectively isolating the area from the rest of the peninsula and creating a stunningly beautiful backdrop the entire trip. We'll make camps on beaches that dot the base of these magnificent mountains. Canyon hikes take us into the desert interior, while kayaking allows an intimate exploration of the many coves and sea caves.

The clear waters of the Sea of Cortez teem with colorful life, and the snorkeling around the shallow reefs and vertical ledges is excellent. We see pods of dolphins, as well as massive whales. You'll paddle past towering volcanic peaks, miles of unexplored beaches and forests of giant cardon cactus. Prehistoric-looking frigate birds circle high above while squadrons of pelicans glide across the glassy water.

The expedition begins with your arrival in Loreto and after an adventurous 10 days of paddling you'll arrive at the take-out site near La Paz.  Click here to view a slide show of kayaking in the Sea of Cortez.

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 is our longest tour and is a bit more-kayak focused than our standard Baja and BC tours. Therefore, the Loreto to La Paz route is 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 Loreto to La Paz 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 migrate into the Sea of Cortez at this time.

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 Agua Verde. At the beach the guides will give a comprehensive sea kayak instruction and then we'll paddle the kayaks down the coast to our first campsite.

Days 3-10: Each day's paddle is 7-10 miles; or 4 to 5 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 and visits to the remains of a Jesuit Mission and to a small fishing village, as well as opportunities for beach combing, wildlife viewing, photography, stargazing, and swimming in crystal clear waters.

Day 11: In the morning we break camp and paddle to our take-out site near Punta Coyote, where we'll be met by vans for transport to La Paz. After checking into the hotel there is time to shower and explore the town. This evening there is a no-host farewell dinner at a local restaurant fronting the yacht harbor, where we'll toast our new kayaking skills, and new found friends.

Day 12: You are on your own for transportation to the airport for your flight homeward. Taxis (Spanish-speaking) are easily found; BUT depart for the airport no later than 2 hours before flight.

* 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.