A Baja Bubble JourneyTM
Our Bubble JourneysTM are designed for small groups who want to travel privately. You choose your dates and who you want to travel with. Our trips are led by our friendly and knowledgeable guides who open doors to exclusive and often spontaneous experiences of discovery. These trips are perfect for couples, families, or a group of friends.
Beyond Loreto - Mountain Missions, Cultural Explorations, and Loreto Bay National Marine Park
Baja conjures up images of empty beaches next to a cobalt sea, yet people don’t often picture steep mountains and hidden oasis fringed with palm trees. This tour takes you from the warm waters of the Sea of Cortez to the dramatic mountain range, Sierra la Giganta where small villages are nestled within lush valleys and history emanates from the stones. You visit places that see few other travelers while also relaxing in the radiant Baja sun while exploring the Gulf of California.
Our trip is led by our superb bilingual staff of locals who share their passion for their country. We meet many other locals along the way, opening doors to tradition, culinary delights, and natural splendors.
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Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Loreto, Evening Dinner with Guides
Fly from your home to Loreto, BCS. Nonstop flights are available via Alaska Airlines from Los Angeles, American Airlines from Phoenix and Dallas/Ft Worth, and Westjet from Calgary. Other options are available via the Tijuana Airport using the Cross Border Bridge crossing.
Transfer to the lovely seaside town of Loreto! Settle in before we gather for a welcome dinner with your local guide.
Please see our Baja Travel Guide for full details on travel to and from Baja.
Day 2
Since weather can impact sea-based activities we have some built-in flexibility allowing various options for the next two days. Options include sea kayaking, hiking and snorkeling.
Hiking in Tabor Canyon aka Steinbeck Canyon
A short drive south from Loreto takes us to a narrow canyon that leads west to the Sierra La Giganta mountains. A boulder-strewn canyon, this is a moderate hike where your naturalist guide brings the mysteries of this desert ecosystem to life.
In 1940 the famous author John Steinbeck came to this very place while traveling with his friend and Baja mentor, biologist Edward F. Ricketts (who is best known to readers as “Doc” in Cannery Row and other books). As they sailed aboard the Western Flyer, they stopped at Puerto Escondido, south of Loreto where locals took them into the rugged Sierra la Giganta. Steinbeck wrote: “After a short climb we emerged on a level place in a deep cleft in the granite mountains. In this cleft a tiny stream of water fell hundreds of feet from pool to pool. There were palm trees and wild grapevines and large ferns, and the water was cool and sweet. This little stream, coming from so high up in the mountains and falling so far, never had the final dignity of reaching the ocean.”
We ramble along the same paths, squeezing between boulders at times. We stop for a picnic next to the small creek in the canyon and gaze upon the narrow canyon walls. Later in the afternoon we saunter back downhill to the coast and return to Loreto.
Snorkeling and swimming with optional kayaking - Tour to Isla Coronado
Isla Coronado is one of the islands of the Loreto Bay National Park and rises from the sea like a conical hat, revealing its volcanic past. Depending on how active you want to be, we can travel to Isla Coronado either by kayak (about 1.5 miles each way, or by motor boat (panga). Once we arrive, we play on the delicious white-sand beaches, snorkel with colorful fish and visit a sea lion colony.
Your naturalist guide opens up some of the secrets of this marine sanctuary, and while you snorkel, it’s common to see 25-30 species of fish. At some point during the day we stop for a picnic lunch and after the heat of the day is passed, we return to Loreto.
Kayaking to Punta Coyote
Baja California is famous among sea kayakers from around the world because of the beauty of the transparent waters, the dramatic scenery and rich wildlife. We take you on a day of fun where you are introduced to the wonders of kayaking in the Sea of Cortez.
Just 30 minutes south of Loreto we find our launch point where we have an orientation and kayak safety talk. Soon we are paddling in warm waters with massive mountains rising behind us. We paddle east in the direction of Isla Danzante, another one of the islands included in the Loreto Bay National Marine Park until we reach Punta Coyote, a lovely protected bay with a gravel beach. We take a short hike up the hillside to see cactus and a host of other desert plants. Back on the beach we have some lunch, then snorkel in the clear, shallow waters.
The Gulf of California is home to a vast variety of sea life such as dolphins, rays and many shorebirds. We are likely to see some of these and, if you come during the months of February and March, there is the possibility of also seeing blue and minke whales. We paddle back to our launch point and return to Loreto for the evening.
Day 3
Today we choose one of the activities today that we did not do yesterday. Having some flexibility means we can choose the best weather day for either our kayak tour or the Isla Coronado tour. At the end of the activity return to Loreto for dinner and overnight.
Day 4
San Javier and west to San Miguel de Comondu
From Loreto we ascend from sea level to 1400’ (420 meters) into the mountains and the small town of San Javier. Climbing into the Sierra La Giganta range provides a dramatic scenery change and arriving at the mission town feels a world apart from Loreto. We wander about on foot, visiting the historic 1744 San Javier Mission. After some time exploring the town and church, we drive further inland to see cave paintings from prehistoric time and enjoy lunch at a local ranch.
Continuing into the mountains, we wind our way on bumpy dirt roads, surrounded by rugged and desolate land that has a stark beauty. Growing in the mountains are mesquite, elephant trees, agave, cholla cacti, pitaya, palo verde, and cardón cacti, the saguaro’s giant cousin. After a couple of hours, we arrive at another old mission town founded by the Jesuits, San Miguel de Comondu. This small village sees few visitors, but an enthusiastic local historian has built a small hotel to welcome travelers. We settle into our rooms and meet for dinner when we also meet some of the town locals.
Day 5
San Miguel de Comondu
We spend our day learning from the locals who share with us their way of life, farming methods and take us on some hikes. We may learn about local cheese making, date palms and visit the ruins of the original mission church. It’s a relaxed day enjoy life and share stories with others.
At night we enjoy a culinary treat of local fare made from local farm products. Our host or the hotel shares more stories and if lucky, the village poet will stop by!
Day 6
La Purisimo and Return to Loreto
We leave Comondu heading north to another oasis town in the lush valley of La Purisimo. This is volcanic country with stunning basalt and conical volcano shapes in the terrain. We wander back, making new discoveries along the way and by late afternoon arrive back in Loreto.
We have a farewell dinner and share memories of our time together.
Day 7
Departure
Depart Loreto or continue on for a whale watching or kayaking adventure.
Dates & Rates
Supplementary Information
Daily Departures available for private groups October 1- January 10 and April 1- June 1:
2 guests $2990 per person
3-4 guests $2415 per person
5-8 guests = $2070 per person
* Where there are options for accommodations we have based rates on mid range hotels. Should you wish to look at higher range properties or private vacation rentals for your group we are happy to get a quote for the trip based on this. Please just ask your Adventure Consultant.
Single Supplement: If you are a solo traveler and wish to have your own hotel room an additional single supplement of $300.00 is required. Please inquire at time of booking if you have any questions.
Tour Includes:
- Full services of our Adventure Consultants
- Professional bi-lingual guide
- All meals and beverages as indicated on the itinerary
- Hotel accommodations between activities as dictated by the itinerary
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All transportation while on tour
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All kayaking, camping and snorkeling equipment
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All entrance fees and National Park fees
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Taxes
Tour Does Not Include:
- Airfare
- Transportation to and from the airport
- Hotel accommodations before and after tour
- Gratuities
- Items of a personal nature
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
FAQ & More
How do I get to Loreto?
Please see our Baja Travel Guide for full details on travel to and from Baja. Additionally, please see our Flying to Loreto page for information on flights from various cities across the U.S. and Canada.
Do you provide transportation to and from the airport?
Airport transfers are not included in your tour package price.
Are your tour prices in USD?
Yes, all of our tour pricing is in US Dollars.
What’s included in this tour package? What’s not included?
Packages Include: Hotel accommodations in between activities only, all paddling and camping equipment, all snorkeling gear, all meals and beverages once the tour begins, all National Parks & Biosphere Reserve access fees required by itinerary, bi-lingual certified Guides and the full service of our Adventure Consultants. Dates provided reflect your arrival date; all packages include an arrival and departure day.
Packages do not Include: Airfare, transportation to and from airport, Hotel accommodations before and after tour, gratuities, $25 National Parks & Biosphere Reserves access fees required by itinerary, and items of a personal nature.
When is the best time to go & see whales?
Our Combo tours are offered late January through mid-March, when the gray whales are present in Magdalena Bay to calve. We GUARANTEE gray whale sightings on our combo tours! This time of year in Baja can have cooler days (75-80*F/23-27*C) and a chance of wind, with temperatures rising in late February and March. As an added bonus to spring trips, the islands of Loreto National Marine Park, located in the Sea of Cortez (where you will kayak), are home for 6 different species of whales including Blue, Fin, Sei, Humpback, Bryde's and Pilot whales. They swim up into the Sea of Cortez from late January through April. There are few other places that harbor such a concentration and diversity of whales.
What kind of kayaks do you use?
For all of our Baja tours we use high quality, fiberglass kayaks, made by Seward. The majority of our fleet is comprised of tandems, as these boats offer the greatest stability, speed, and ease of paddling. There are typically a small number of single kayaks present on the tour, which will be utilized by the guides. Depending on weather conditions, and interest, they may allow guests to rotate into singles; however this will be at the guide's' discretion based on safety and the paddling objectives for the day. We also have a limited number of solo kayaks available to reserve and use throughout the trip (for an additional cost) for paddlers who have ocean kayaking experience.
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.
Can I paddle a single kayak?
We have single kayaks available to reserve and use throughout the trip (for an additional cost of $100) for paddlers who have previous ocean paddling experience. If you would like to reserve a single kayak for your trip you will need to contact our Adventure Consultants to add this to your reservation and provide a summary of your ocean paddling experience.
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?
During the kayaking portion of the tour, you will paddle to a new campsite almost every day 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.
While on the whale watching portion of the tour, you will stay at our exclusive base camp located on a sand-dune barriers island. Our whale camp has pre-assembled roomy full-height wall tent with two cots, night stand, rectangular sleeping bag with clean sheet, small pillow, and comfortable self-inflating pad are provided for your convenience at camp. There is also a washroom tent with a portable toilet. We recommend packing biodegradable shower wipes to freshen up with as there is no fresh water at whale camp.
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 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!
Who will my guides be?
We know your Guide will make the biggest difference on your trip! Which is why we pride ourselves on employing only the best local guides for all of the incredible locations that we visit. Part of this is to support our eco-tourism efforts, but we also believe that there is no better way to experience a new destination than through they eyes of a local! We find talented and skilled local guides, train and certify them, and provide a positive and consistent source of income to them and their families. Most of our guides are with us for the long-term, despite the seasonal nature of the industry.
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.
Is there a single supplement fee for solo travelers?
Our tour costs are based on double occupancy on any included hotel nights. Solo travelers who would like their own single hotel room can pay a single supplement or can be matched up with another solo traveler of the same gender if one is available and willing to share. If we are unable to pair you with another solo traveler, we must apply the single supplement charge to cover our hotel costs. Solo travelers will always have their own tent during kayaking tours, and will typically have their own tent at whale camp, both at no additional cost. However, we are unable to guarantee individual tents at whale camp due to limited tent capacity. If you are asked to share a tent at our whale camp, rest assured that tents are very spacious, full-height canvas wall tents, with two cots and plenty of room to stand and maneuver around your tent-mate without difficulty.
What are your Terms and Conditions?
Please see our full Terms & Conditions HERE.
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