Sea Kayak from Loreto to La Paz

This classic sea kayak expedition is great for the adventurous paddler desiring to experience a remote area few people see.  Spanning ten-days this sea kayak expedition journeys along a road-less coastline between Loreto and La Paz.  

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 10 days of paddling you'll arrive at the take-out site near La Paz. We now offer a paddle back from La Paz to Loreto, as well.

Please note that this tour is a panga supported tour to carry the heavier gear to camp so that this tour is more accessible for a variety of paddlers. Your extra luggage can be left behind at the Tour Hotel and will be transfered to your final destination for pick up once you finish your tour.

Images & Videos

sea kayaking baja
tents on sandy beach
dolphins
hiking in baja
islands of loreto bay national park
sea kayak in baja
sea kayaks on tour in baja
kayak group having safety orientation
sea lions baja
panga with sea kayaks on it
sea kayak in sea of cortez
couple in baja
person snorkeling in baja
sea kayaking baja
tents on sandy beach
dolphins
hiking in baja
islands of loreto bay national park
sea kayak in baja
sea kayaks on tour in baja
kayak group having safety orientation
sea lions baja
panga with sea kayaks on it
sea kayak in sea of cortez
couple in baja
person snorkeling in baja

Itinerary

Collapse all days

Day 0

Arrive in Loreto

Upon your arrival in Loreto take a quick cab ride to your hotel and check into your room (not included in trip cost).  Spend your afternoon exploring the beautiful town of Loreto.  You can tour the historic Mission located in the center of town, stroll through the local market and dine on authentic Mexican cuisine before meeting your guides in the hotel lobby for an evening orientation meeting.

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

ACCOMMODATION : not included

Day 1

Kayaking in the Sea of Cortez

After breakfast the group meets outside the hotel to board the van for a 2 1/2 hour drive south to our launch point near Agua Verde. You will leave behind any extra luggage at your tour hotel in Loreto. We will transport your luggage to your meeting hotel in La Paz that you can pick up upon check in to your final hotel after your tour. Once 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.

ACCOMMODATION : beach camping
MEALS INCLUDED : Lunch, Dinner

Day 2-9

Kayaking in the Sea of Cortez

Each day's paddle is 7-12 miles; or 5-6 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.

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

Day 10

Arrive in La Paz

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 your hotel you will grab your extra luggage that was transported from Loreto to La Paz and you will have 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.

ACCOMMODATION : not included
MEALS INCLUDED : Breakfast, Lunch

Day 11

Departure Day

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.  The closest airport is the La Paz Airport (LAP) though you can also fly out of Cabo (SJD).

OPTIONAL: ADD A DAY TO SNORKEL WITH WHALE SHARKS 

Note: If you are not extending your stay to snorkel with whale sharks, day 11 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. 

Featured Accommodation

Dates & Rates

DatesAdult (USD)Child (USD)
Nov 05, 2024 to Nov 14, 2024
Lowest Tier Price
$3,280£0€0$0$0$3,280£0€0$0$0
Nov 19, 2024 to Nov 28, 2024
Lowest Tier Price
$3,280£0€0$0$0$3,280£0€0$0$0
2025
Mar 30, 2025 to Apr 08, 2025
Lowest Tier Price
$3,280£0€0$0$0$3,280£0€0$0$0

Supplementary Information

2025 Season Pricing - $3280

Single Supplement: Solo travelers will always have their own tent during kayaking tours, at no additional cost. Single kayaks are available to reserve and use throughout the trip for an additional cost of $100. Please note, you must have previous ocean paddling experience to reserve a single kayak.

Private Charter Trips

Minimum Number: 9 paid spaces at regular rate. *Or, Pay for 13 at regular rate and the 14th goes free.

*Maximum Trip Size: 14 

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 *For more information on panga support, see here
  • Taxes

Tour Does Not Include:

  • Airfare
  • Transportation to and from the airport
  • Hotels before and after the tour 
  • All National Parks & Biosphere Reserve 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 (8 votes)

Reviews

Google Review
5

Trip of a lifetime

We had a trip of a lifetime with Fabian, Amarata, Tiko, and Lorena. They all were super-friendly, knowledgeable, and fun! We felt so pampered and taken care of and kudos to each of them for being flexible with changing weather conditions and creating fantastic experiences for everyone on our 10-day trip from Loreto and La Paz. We look forward to visiting Baja Sur again and using Sea Kayak Adventures as our guide company. I highly recommend using Sea Kayak Adventures for your adventure!

Google Review
5

What a great trip!

What a great trip. The ROW team really pulled it off again. So well organized. We were totally pampered as we made our way from Loreto to LaPaz on our 10 day expedition. The schedule was flexible and we did have to respect the wind and the waves. Two times we stayed in camp for two nights but those days were fun as well with the option to swim, snorkel, and hike. The guides were knowledgeable, entertaining, kept us very safe, and they were superb cooks. I feel I'm a better kayaker after this trip. It's the most kayaking I've ever done but I always felt safe. Frequent breaks and some lessons thrown in almost painlessly where much appreciated. I loved seeing Mexico through their eyes which makes me love it as well. Interactions with the local towns and people were precious. You can't believe how amazing it is to see camp all set up with a tent waiting for you after a day of paddling, The crew on the support boat was very hard working and fun despite all the long days they put in. Although not as glamorous, the ROW team back at the office were very helpful and answered every question I had, whether big or small. I felt the packing list and advice for travel was spot on. So enjoyed the trip. Thank you .

5

Another great trip with SKA

This was my fifth trip with Sea Kayak Adventures. I love this trip because it is the longest of their trips, so I get to enjoy everything about the Baja. The food is always great and the guides know their business well. I always feel safe with them. When we had a weather day and were confined to shore, they took us on a couple of great hikes with interesting information about the area. They are very flexible about activities. I love this trip.

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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.

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, National Park fees, hotel nights as indicated on itinerary, transportation to and from airport, gratuities, 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. For more information on panga supported tours, see HERE

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.

Watch Now: Camping in Loreto, Baja with Sea Kayak Adventures

Watch Now: Baja Bathroom Facilities

Is it safe to be around whales in sea kayaks?

As with all adventure travel, there is certainly an inherent risk that comes along with this sort of travel, as well as multiple external factors and variables that are outside of our control.  However, we do take every measure to ensure that you and your family are in a safe situation while paddling. We paddle large, expedition style Sea Kayaks. Their size, girth, and weight make them very stable to paddle. We have never experienced a situation in which a whale has harmed a kayaker in the water. The whales are very aware of their surrounding, and we maintain a safe distance at all times.

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.

When is the best time to go to see whales in the Sea of Cortez?

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 and San Ignacio Lagoon, on the opposite side of the peninsula, are both world-renowned winter nursery grounds of the Gray whales. From late-January to mid-March is the best time to see gray whales. We operate both Gray Whale Base Camps and Kayak/Whale Watching Combos during this short season.

Can I fish?

In general, fishing in allowed in Loreto/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 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!

Watch Now: How to pack your gear and kayak in Baja!

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?

Our guides will transport your luggage from Loreto to La Paz while you are kayaking.  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 but it’s always better to be safe than sorry. You will pick up your luggage upon upon arrival in La Paz.

Can I bring a drone on the trip?

Due to Mexican Park regulations, drones can only be operated by special permit.  Because of this, and the potential of impacting others' experiences on our trips, we ask guests not to bring drones.

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