Baja Sea of Cortez Kayaking Tour & Magdalena Bay Whale Watching Combo, Mexico

Go eye-to-eye with gray whales in a calving lagoon on Baja's Pacific coast and then cross the Baja Peninsula to paddle a kayak alongside dolphins and blue whales in the clear waters of the Sea of Cortez.  Our Sea of Cortez Kayaking and Magdalena Bay Whale Watching Combo tours lets participants get close to whales, explore desert islands by sea kayak and snorkel along isolated coves in warm, turquoise waters.

Magdalena Bay is sheltered from the Pacific Ocean by a barrier of desert islands. The sandy barrier islands protect the lagoons from oceanic currents, creating a fascinating environment of twisting mangrove-lined estuaries, chaotic sand dunes and blooming desert plants. January through March, hundreds of gray whales mate and bear their young in these protected waters after traveling over 5000 miles from the Bering Strait. 

You can watch gray whales and their newly born calves up close from the safety of motorized skiffs in the deeper parts of the bay, where friendly whales swim up to the skiffs for a head rub!  Breaching, spy-hopping and fluking, the whales will captivate your attention with their behavior and we guarantee whale sightings.

You have the option of either a one-day whale watching excursion  from a motorboat or staying three days at our exclusive whale camp located at a remote beach on a barrier island in the heart of gray whale activity.  In addition to whales, the lagoon is home to dolphins, sea lions, pelicans, and thousands of shorebirds. Your guides will introduce you to the desert plants, birds and other wildlife of Mag Bay on our Baja whale watching tour.

Then head back over to Loreto for three- to five-days of Baja sea kayaking and camping on remote islands in Loreto Bay National Marine Park, where the surrounding water is a sanctuary for blue-footed boobies, fin and blue whales, dolphins and sea lions.  The Sea of Cortez is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers the perfect blend of Baja kayaking, hiking and snorkeling. Abundant wildlife, massive whales, sunny weather and warm, crystalline waters make the Sea of Cortez in Loreto Bay National Marine Park one of the best winter adventure destinations in North America and Mexico.

With each of these tours, your first and last nights will be hotel-based in Loreto with an extra hotel night between kayaking and whale watching.  All activities are led by naturalist guides, who dish out tasty chile relleno and margaritas in tented beach camps at days end.  You'll bring home a lifetime of memories.

Click here to read an article about this trip.  Click here to view a video of kayaking in the Sea of Cortez and whale watching in Magdalena Bay.  Click here to view a video of a close encounter with a mother gray whale and calf. Click here to view a slide show of kayaking in the Sea of Cortez.  Click here to view a slide show of whale watching in Magdalena Bay.

In February 2009 while most of the US was freezing, we were enjoying a sea kayaking and whale watching adventure complete with warm breezes, desert scenery, crystal clear waters, whales, hiking, snorkeling, a heaven full of stars, great food, private campsites, competent guides and new friends. SKA’s Sea of Cortez/Mag Bay Combo delivered it all. From the minute we landed in Loreto until the final farewell dinner the adventure exceeded ALL our expectations. SKA offered the BEST vacation ever.
Ben and Karen Little - Sea of Cortez/Mag Bay Combo

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 relatively dry desert climate, we have few mosquitoes and gnats, no sand flies or ticks.  For bathing, we provide a solar shower at our Mag Bay base camp and we can provide you with a bucket of warm water on our Sea of Cortez kayaking tour.  We’ll have a portable toilet at each campsite.

At our Mag Bay base camp we provide larger tents with extra thick sleeping pads and bags, chairs and tables for dining as well as a cooler with ice for cold drinks.  There is a large community dome for inside dining and evening conversations or games.

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.

What are the differences between motorboat-supported and self-supported trips?
In Baja, some of our tours use a motorboat (panga) to carry camping gear, food and supplies ahead of the main group. This allows our kayaks to be lighter.  The panga also carries chairs and tables for dining as well as a cooler with ice for cold drinks.

On our classic self-supported trips, all the gear is carried inside the kayaks allowing for expedition-style paddling without the motorboat.

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 our trips is normally 14 to ensure that all our guests are capable of fully participating in the kayaking and other activities involved.  Also, 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.

Our Gray Whales of Magdalena Bay base camp trips are ideal for families with children as young as 8.

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. You can have your own tent, but you may share a two-person kayak with another single person or one of the guides.  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?
Our kayaking and whale watching combo trip dates are designed to take place during the months of January, February and March when the gray whales are giving birth and nursing their young in Magdalena Bay.

This is also an ideal time of year for enjoying the Sea of Cortez.  As an added bonus, 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.

Can I kayak with the gray whales?
No kayaks or private boats are allowed in the nursery lagoons of Baja’s Pacific Coast including Magdalena Bay.  Only licensed Mexican whale watching boats are allowed in the lagoons when the whales are present.  

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.

Wet suits (3mm shorty) and snorkeling equipment (mask, snorkel and fins) are available to rent from us in Loreto if you do not want to bring your own.

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, whale watching by motorboat, 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. 

Eight-Day, Ten-Day, and 3x3 Combo Itineraries Below

Eight-Day Itinerary

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: Please eat breakfast and be packed by the meeting time.  We'll board a van and drive to the put-in site.  After loading the boats, we'll teach you the basics of paddling and thoroughly review safety procedures.  We won't leave shore until all participants feel comfortable in the boats.  Kayak to our first night's campsite. We’ll be making 50-minute, 2 to 3-mile crossings to the off-shore islands of Carmen and Danzante in Loreto Bay National Marine Park.

Day 3-5: Our days begin with spectacular sunrises and end with delightfully cool evenings enjoying sunsets, stars, moonrise, and even bioluminescence.  We'll spend our time paddling and exploring the scenic cliffs and coves of Danzante and Carmen.  We'll be camping on sandy beaches allowing for superb snorkeling, swimming, tide pooling, and strolling.  During the trip there will be three or four different camps on the islands with one or two layover days (ie we paddle out and back from the same camp).  We’ll generally paddle 4 hours per day (with breaks).  We'll sleep in comfortable and roomy dome tents, although with Baja's lack of insects you may be tempted to sleep out under the stars.  Several campsites have a desert arroyo hike which will give us spectacular views as well as a great opportunity to explore some of the desert flora unique to Baja.

Day 6: After a final breakfast, we break camp and paddle to our take-out site around 2 PM.  At the take-out, we unpack and proceed to our hotel in Loreto to (ah showers!) clean up.  In the evening we go to a favorite local restaurant for a fun dinner (no-host; ie not included in trip price).  Here we toast our new found kayaking skills and friends.

Day 7: Whale-watching day excursion to Magdalena Bay on the Baja California peninsula's west coast - wintering grounds of the California gray whale.  Seafood lunch is included.  Dinner is on your own. PLEASE NOTE that sometimes, this day tour may be switched to Day 2 of the combo trip.

Day 8: You are on your own for transportation to the airport for your flight homeward. You can use C&C English-speaking, air conditioned van transport for $8 each, or taxis (Spanish-speaking) are easily found, approximately $5-6/person; 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.

Ten-Day Itinerary

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: Please eat breakfast and be packed by the meeting time.  We'll board a van and drive to the put-in site.  After loading the boats, we'll teach you the basics of paddling and thoroughly review safety procedures.  We won't leave shore until all participants feel comfortable in the boats.  Kayak to our first night's campsite. We’ll be making 50-minute, 2 to 3-mile crossings to the off-shore islands of Carmen and Danzante in Loreto Bay National Marine Park.

Day 3-5: Our days begin with spectacular sunrises and end with delightfully cool evenings enjoying sunsets, stars, moonrise, and even bioluminescence.  We'll spend our time paddling and exploring the scenic cliffs and coves of Danzante and Carmen.  We'll be camping on sandy beaches allowing for superb snorkeling, swimming, tide pooling, and strolling.  During the trip there will be three or four different camps on the islands with one or two layover days (ie we paddle out and back from the same camp).  We’ll generally paddle 4 hours per day (with breaks).  We'll sleep in comfortable and roomy dome tents, although with Baja's lack of insects you may be tempted to sleep out under the stars.  Several campsites have a desert arroyo hike which will give us spectacular views as well as a great opportunity to explore some of the desert flora unique to Baja.

Day 6: After a final breakfast, we break camp and paddle to our take-out site around 2 PM.  At the take-out, we unpack and proceed to our hotel in Loreto to (ah showers!) clean up.  In the evening we go to a favorite local restaurant for a fun dinner (no-host; ie not included in trip price).  Here we toast our new found kayaking skills and friends.  Hotel included.

Day 7-9: We head to Magdalena Bay on the Baja California peninsula's west coast - wintering grounds of the California gray whale for two nights camping and three days of whale watching.  Meals, camping gear and daily skiff whale watching sessions, marine biologist guides included.  Day 9 hotel included; dinner is on your own.  PLEASE NOTE that sometimes, the gray whale tour may preceed the Sea of Cortez portion.

Day 10: You are on your own for transportation to the airport for your flight homeward. You can use C&C English-speaking, air conditioned van transport for $8 each, or taxis (Spanish-speaking) are easily found, approximately $5-6/person; 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.

3x3 Whale-Watching/Kayaking Combo Itinerary

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: Breakfast on your own. Pack and meet promptly to board a van and drive to the kayak put-in site. After loading the boats, we'll teach you the basics of paddling and thoroughly review safety procedures.  We won't leave shore until all participants feel comfortable in the boats.  Kayak to our first night's campsite. We’ll be making 50-minute, 2 to 3-mile crossings to the off-shore islands of Carmen and Danzante in Loreto Bay National Park (also a unique UNESCO World Heritage Site).

Day 3: Our day begins with spectacular sunrise and ends with delightfully cool evening enjoying sunsets, stars, moonrise, and even bioluminescence.  We'll spend our time paddling and exploring the scenic cliffs and coves of Danzante and Carmen.  We'll be camping on sandy beaches allowing for superb snorkeling, swimming, tide pooling, and strolling.  During the trip there will be one or two different camps on the islands.  We’ll generally paddle 4 hours per day (broken up by lunch stop).  We'll sleep in comfortable and roomy dome tents, although with Baja's lack of insects you may be tempted to sleep out under the stars.  Several campsites have a desert arroyo hike which will give us spectacular views as well as a great opportunity to explore some of the desert flora unique to Baja.

Day 4: After a final breakfast, we break camp and paddle to our take-out site around 2 PM.  At the take-out, we unpack and proceed to our hotel in Loreto to (ah showers!) clean up.  In the evening we go to a favorite local restaurant for a fun dinner (no-host; ie not included in trip price).  Here we toast our new found kayaking skills and friends, and meet our Gray Whales of Magdalena Bay tour guides.

Day 5: Please eat breakfast and be packed by the meeting time.  We'll board a van and drive 2 hours west to Puerto Lopez Mateos in Magdalena Bay and board skiffs for whale watching and transport to our exclusive beach base camp in heart of typical whale congregation.  This is the furthest south of the three lagoons which are the wintering/calving grounds of the California gray whale.  Beach combing, dune exploration and swimming are also activities that can be enjoyed at camp while your naturalist guides whip up fantastic meals and describe the life cycle of the gray whale.

Day 6: Please be prompt for the morning skiff whale watching session, as it is strictly a 2 hour session.  The afternoon we do a long hike over dunes along the Pacific Coast. Or you can elect to buy additional boat time (the boat costs $200 for 2 hours, from 1-6 guests for that same price).  Another sumptuous dinner, amazing stargazing and listening for whales breathing caps off an exquisite day.

Day 7: Another 2-hour whale watching session provided, plus return by boat to our waiting van for transport back to Loreto for a fond farewell no-host dinner and cozy hotel night.  PLEASE NOTE that sometimes, we visit Magdalena Bay before the kayaking portion.

Day 8: 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.