Loreto to La Paz Expedition

Getting to Loreto is simple, with flights available from several U.S. and Canadian cities. For full details on traveling in and out of Baja, check out our Baja Travel Guide, and for specific flight options, see our Flying to Loreto page.

This kayak package comes with everything you’ll need on the water and at camp: expert guides, local transportation, motorboat support for gear, snorkeling gear, tents and sleeping kits, plus all meals from the first day’s lunch through the last.

What you’ll want to plan for separately are flights, National Park fees, certain hotel nights noted in the itinerary, airport transfers, gratuities, and personal expenses.

Yes, this kayaking expedition is supported by a motorized panga. If you’d prefer not to paddle at any point, you’re welcome to ride in the boat instead. You can learn more about how our panga tours work here.

For this Baja kayaking adventure, you’ll need to be comfortable getting in and out of your kayak on your own in calf-deep water. Guides are always nearby to assist, but some balance and flexibility are important. At camp each evening, everyone works together in small teams to carry the kayaks above the high tide line. Campsites change almost nightly, with the occasional layover day, and are assigned by the National Park Service just before the trip.

Camp life on this Baja kayaking trip is simple, scenic, and designed for comfort. Each night the group helps carry kayaks above the tide line before setting up at campsites assigned by the National Park Service. Your guides will show you how to set up your provided dome tent, and you’ll have a sleeping bag, liner, pillow, and inflatable pad ready to go. Shared spaces like the kitchen and shaded dining area make it easy to relax.

As for facilities, fresh water is limited to drinking and cooking, so rinsing off is done with saltwater and biodegradable soap or shower wipes. A portable toilet is carried along and set up at each camp in a private spot for solid waste, while liquid waste can be managed below the tide line or in a designated container.

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.

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 of capsizing is reduced by our stable boats, but exists. All of our kayak guides are trained in kayak rescue.

The Sea of Cortez is an incredible place to spot whales, with Loreto National Marine Park hosting six species including blue, fin, sei, humpback, Bryde’s, and pilot whales. From January through April, the calm waters near Loreto are especially good for seeing blue, fin, and humpbacks on our Sea of Cortez Islands tours.

Across the peninsula, Magdalena Bay and San Ignacio Lagoon are famous gray whale nursery grounds. The peak season for gray whale encounters runs from late January through mid-March, when we offer both Gray Whale Base Camps and kayak/whale watching combo trips.

In general, fishing in allowed in Loreto/La Paz, Baja California Sur. 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.

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!

Meals on our Baja kayak trips are a highlight, prepared daily by guides with fresh, local ingredients. Expect authentic dishes like chiles rellenos, tostadas, ceviche, and chicken mole, along with fresh fruit, veggies, and plenty of snacks. Desserts such as brownies and pineapple upside-down cake often cap the evening, with coffee or tea each morning and happy hour drinks before dinner.

Dietary restrictions are usually accommodated within the limits of what’s available locally. Guests with very strict diets may want to bring along a few personal snacks.

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

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.

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.