What you get on this adventure: An experienced, local guide with extensive knowledge of the area Six days of kayaking and other activities in Baja California Sur All meals and snacks during the adventure Transportation during the adventure Sun shade Natural history books about the area Kayaking equipment Fiberglass doubles and fiberglass/plastic singles Lightweight Werner paddles, PFDs Sprayskirts, pumps, paddle floats and paddling jackets Tents Wetsuits and snorkeling gear First aid kit On expedition style trips such as these, double fiberglass kayaks are mainly used for their stability and carrying capacity. A limited number of fiberglass and plastic singles is available for intermediate to experienced paddlers. If you are interested, please leave a message for the guide during the booking process. What’s not included: Sleeping bag (can be rented from the guide for an additional charge of $30) Hotel accommodations before and after the adventure Transportation to and from Loreto, Mexico Hotel accommodations are not included in the trip package. You will want to book accommodations for at least the night before the first day of the trip and again for the night of the last day of the trip.

How fit do I need to be?

The kayaking adventure in Baja California Sur is suitable for most people in fairly good physical condition. You don’t need any prior experience in kayaking and hiking to go on this trip, but you should be comfortable with 2 to 4 hours of paddling and a few hours of hiking each day (with breaks in between). The trip is not designed to be overly physically intense, but you will probably feel tired after a few days of daily physical activities—for that reason, there will be a possibility of taking a rest day during the adventure. The guides will adjust the daily amount of physical activity to meet your group’s desires and fitness levels.

What do I need to bring?

Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring: 1 medium clothing bag or two small bags (max 20 L) 1 sleeping bag and pad 1 daypack (10 L) Small day pack or belt pack Sleeping bag Sleeping pad Tennis shoes, sport sandals, or dive boots 1 pair of sturdy walking shoes (or hiking shoes if you are planning to hike a lot during the adventure) Synthetic long underwear, top and bottom Waterproof jacket and pants Warm layer (fleece, sweater or jacket) A pair of long pants Lightweight long-sleeve shirt Quick-dry shorts T-shirts Socks (1 pair synthetic or wool) Underclothes Bathing suit Towel, medium size Bandana Cap Sunscreen and lip balm Insect repellent Biodegradable soap Personal medications, seasick medication Wipes Headlamp or flashlight Water bottle per person Toothpaste and toothbrush If you don’t have a sleeping bag, you can rent it for $30 per week. Please bring your own sleeping pad. Most travelers prefer an inflatable pad as a comfortable cushion on beaches that can range from soft sand to light gravel. Your guides will provide sturdy one and two person tents (A frames and domes), first aid and repair kits, and all other camping and commissary equipment. A medium size zippered nylon duffel, approx. 20 x 12 should be about the size of your largest bag, or two small duffels half that size. They work great with a plastic garbage bag stuffed inside for waterproofing, or you can use small or medium size dry bags. Two 20 litre and one 10 litre are ideal. Nothing larger than 20 – 30 litre please.) A small day or belt pack with plastic bag liner will allow you to keep notebook, camera, sunglasses, sunscreen, etc. handy while we’re traveling. Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

What will the food be like?

Your guide will provide a creative menu each day, consisting of a great breakfast sand lunch, plus a hearty main meal each evening prepared by your staff. Snack selection typically consists of fruit and nut mixes, trail mixes and “Locals energy bars” such as peanut and amaranth bars. They can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten free and other diets, but due to the nature of camps and kitchens, they can’t guarantee an environment completely free of cross contamination, and as such, can’t accommodate those with Celiac disease. Almost all water in the Loreto area is clean aquifer water that is then run through a sophisticated purification system. Drinking water used on trips will be from a local purified water outlet. Your guides will also bring along juice mixes, teas, and coffee. Alcoholic beverages are not provided, but you are welcome to make a purchase in town the day before and we can pack it.

Group sizes and age requirements

Group sizes and prices: For the private adventures, the usual client to guide ratio is 4:1. It takes at least 2 persons for this tour to run. The maximum number of people for this adventure is 14. The cost is per person and doesn’t decrease as the group grows. Kayaking in Baja California Sur can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements. Min. age requirements: If you are older than 12, you’re good to go. Children younger than 12 may be permitted to join the hike on a case-by-case basis If your group has children under the age of 12 , contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

Getting there and meeting location

To get to Loreto, Baja California Sur most people fly into Loreto International Airport. Your guides will suggest the best place to meet, usually somewhere in the town center. If you are driving to Loreto, you may store your vehicle at a campground where it will be secure during the trip. Be sure to notify your guides of your driving plans in advance. It is also a good idea to purchase Mexican auto insurance. Please, to secure best experience possible, arrive at Loreto a day before “Day 1” of your tour itinerary. Upon arrival at the Loreto International Airport after clearing customs, look for a “Paddling South” sign held up by your guide. You and your luggage will be transferred to your hotel along with the rest of the arriving group guests. This transfer is included in your Baja trip cost only if you arrive in Loreto on the day before “Day One” of your trip itinerary. If you are arriving prior to this, please arrange your own transportation to your extra nights lodging choice. Transportation is not provided to the airport on your “Fly Out” day. You will typically have the morning to mid-day to yourself in town, and we suggest arranging with the taxi drivers who are usually in front of our hotel for your on time delivery to the airport ahead of time.

There is no need to buy pesos before your arrival, as most merchants will accept U.S. dollars. Change will be given to you in pesos, however, so it’s best to have small bills for easy exchange and to avoid leaving with excess pesos. In town, you will be able to charge your devices with standard (US/Canadian) electrical outlets. On the trip, try to limit the usage of electronics. If you want to recharge your electronics on the trip, please bring a battery or solar based travel charger sufficient to recharge your electronics for the number of days you will not be in town.

Covid measures in Baja California Sur, Mexico

57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity. We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, guides and the communities they’re traveling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in Baja California Sur please refer to the US Embassy’s COVID-19 information site for Mexico . Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!

Baja California Sur | Mexico

Baja Kayaking Adventure in the Sea of Cortez

5.00

View of the Sea of Cortez from the Sonoran Desert with a cacti in the front part of the picture and sea and mountains in the background.

A couple kayaking in the Sea of Cortez in Baja California Sur with mountains in the background and out of focus.

A person on the front part of the photo is out of focus and taking a picture of a whale as it breaches, which is in focus. There are steep rugged coastal mountains in the distance.

View of the shores of Isla del Carmen with a sand beach, azure sea, and desert terrain with cacti with mountains in the distance.

A group of people are in the boat close to the coast and are watching a whale breaching.

A silhouette of a cactus seen against the backdrop of a starry sky.

View of the rugged coastline in Baja California Sur with hilly terrain with sparse vegetation in the front and blue sea in the background. The coastline is full of bays.

From $1,795 ()

Duration

6 days

Season

October through May

Book a call

Intro
Itinerary
Brochure
Reviews
Things to know

In Baja’s Sea of Cortez, it’s all about the interplay between azure waters, arid deserts and isolated islands. Add kayaking to the mix and you’ve got a recipe for a perfect holiday! Each day you’ll paddle these calm waters between hidden coves, secluded bays, and remote beaches. Along with unforgettable paddling over crystal clear water, you’ll also have time to snorkel amid abundant marine wildlife and hike into the surrounding Sonoran Desert, a hiking wonderland packed with rich flora—most notably the giant Cardon cactus. When the day is over, survey the night sky untouched by light pollution and discharge as you listen to the waves crashing against the shores—there is more to explore tomorrow.

Adventure highlights

Explore Baja’s coastline, islands, desert, and mountain wilderness
Astonishing biodiversity makes this a natural aquarium
See more by snorkeling and hiking during your downtime

Available itineraries

Download itineraries

Kayaking Adventure in Baja California Sur

Get in touch with nature with an active holiday on the balmy coast of Baja Sur. Spend your days kayaking and snorkeling in the calm Sea of Cortez and hiking in the Sonoran desert and the Giganta mountain. Camp on islands devoid of crowds and enjoy their unspoiled beauty. Sleep under the stars and wake up to the sound of waves on remote beaches. Find an escape from everyday life in Mexico.

Your adventure starts in Loreto, a charming town in the southeastern part of the Baja California peninsula. In the afternoon, you will have a pre-trip orientation with the guides where you will go over the itinerary in more detail. Afterward, you can explore the town with its many historical sites and go out for dinner.
Your guides will pick you up at your hotel in Loreto in the morning. They will take your luggage and valuable possessions for safekeeping while you are on your adventure. Before loading the gear and food onto the boats, the guides will teach you the basics of kayak safety and ecologically-friendly camping. For the first couple of days you will be based on the del Carmen and Danzante islands, both of which feature excellent camps. While on the islands, you will paddle for 2 to 4 hours each day. Apart from that, you will also get familiar with the area’s vegetation and wildlife through hiking and snorkeling. The best thing about camping in the wilderness is the chance to connect with nature away from civilization.
After exploring the islands and its bays and beaches, it’s time to get back to the peninsula. You will kayak along the coast of the Gulf of California with the Giganta mountain range as your backdrop. The mountain provides a chance to go on longer hikes, apart from usual kayaking and snorkeling. Day 4 is usually a good time to take a rest day during which you can go on leisurely walks through the desert or try fishing! The next day you will visit a small self-sustainable ranch where you can get a glimpse of the lifestyle in remote areas.
In the morning, you will get the last opportunity to kayak or snorkel before you leave the wilderness and go back to Loreto. Once you are in town, grab lunch with your guides and the rest of the group and celebrate your successful 6-day expedition in Baja. Say goodbye to Mexico or continue touring on your own.

Kayaking and Whale Watching in Baja California Sur

This adventure gives you a unique opportunity to combine kayaking with whale watching! Due to specific dates of this tour, there is a chance that you will encounter these magnificent creatures during your daily sea activities, but this adventure also includes an excursion that ensures it. It will take you to the Magdalena Bay on the Pacific side of Baja California Sur, where you will get a chance to view blue and gray whales as they migrate for calving season.

Your adventure starts in Loreto, a charming town in the southeastern part of the Baja California peninsula. In the afternoon, you will have a pre-trip orientation with the guides where you will go over the itinerary in more detail. Afterward, you can explore the town with its many historical sites and go out for dinner.
Your guides will pick you up at your hotel in Loreto in the morning. They will take your luggage and valuable possessions for safekeeping while you are on your adventure. Before loading the gear and food onto the boats, the guides will teach you the basics of kayak safety and ecologically-friendly camping. For the first couple of days you will be based on the del Carmen and Danzante islands, both of which feature excellent camps. While on the islands, you will paddle for 2 to 4 hours each day. Apart from that, you will also get familiar with the area’s vegetation and wildlife through hiking and snorkeling. The best thing about camping in the wilderness is the chance to connect with nature away from civilization.
After exploring the islands and its bays and beaches, it’s time to get back to the peninsula. You will kayak along the coast of the Gulf of California with the Giganta mountain range as your backdrop. The mountain provides a chance to go on longer hikes, apart from usual kayaking and snorkeling. Day 4 is usually a good time to take a rest day during which you can go on leisurely walks through the desert or try fishing! The next day you will visit a small self-sustainable ranch where you can get a glimpse of the lifestyle in remote areas.
In the morning, you will get the last opportunity to kayak or snorkel before you leave the wilderness and go back to Loreto. Once you are in town, grab lunch with your guides and the rest of the group and celebrate your successful 6-day expedition in Baja. Say goodbye to Mexico or continue touring on your own.

Baja Kayaking Adventure in the Sea of Cortez

Adventure Brochure

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If you have questions or need help with planning a trip, schedule a call with one of our adventure experts.

Meet your guide

5.00

Paddling South

Paddling South has organized adventures in the Baja Peninsula since 1983. Their guides are passionate about combining experiences in wilderness with expert knowledge of the area’s natural history, flora, and fauna by providing sustainable and memorable tours to their guests.

5.00(5 reviews)

Scott F

An epic kayak trip in one of the most beautiful places

We had a fantastic experience on our 6 day kayak trip in El Golfo de California south of Loreto. Everything was perfect . Our guide David was an excellent guide and an all around good person. Many nights we dined on the fish he caught , sitting on a deserted beach at the sunset , the dolphins playing in the surf. Wow ! Gracias , David !

Mary S

Amazing adventure

Our experience over the 5 day kayak trip was truly outstanding. Helena and Jorge were great guides: friendly, funny, knowledgeable (local culture and history, local flora and fauna (plants, whales ,etc), great camp cooks, high energy and, foremost, focused on client safety and enjoyment throughout the trip. The paddling was perfect and just the right amount. Organization of the logistics by the guides worked very well. We would love to return to Loreto and find the blue whales.

Gina C

The perfect honeymoon!

Our guide, David, was amazing! I felt very safe in his capable hands. He was knowledgeable, fun to talk to, and set a great, relaxed mood for the trip. He was clearly very experienced and had great recommendations for walks to go on and good places for snorkeling on the islands. He was also an excellent cook!

Show all reviews

Scott F

An epic kayak trip in one of the most beautiful places

Mary S

Amazing adventure

Gina C

The perfect honeymoon!

sm91

Hidden Gem

This was an outstanding experience. Our guides were fantastic – they were attentive, knowledgeable, friendly, etc. The scenery and pace were great – we were able to enjoy the scenery and never felt rushed. The kayaking wasn’t hard at all. We did some great snorkeling. We are hoping to go back and explore further.

John

Venturing forth from Loreto

Our group of 8 mature males spent 6 days in the Sea of Cortez in March of 2019. The weather was perfect and the quality of the guided kayaking experience was four star. The equipment, the training for kayaking, and the goodnatured professionalism of our guides was exemplary. We were treated to intimate encounters with dolphins, pelicans, turtles, a wide variety of bird life, and a blue whale. The snorkelling was as good as I have had anywhere. We also had a lot of pure relaxation and good food. I would go again in a heartbeat.

Things to know

What you get on this adventure:
- - An experienced, local guide with extensive knowledge of the area
  - Six days of kayaking and other activities in Baja California Sur
  - All meals and snacks during the adventure
  - Transportation during the adventure
  - Sun shade
  - Natural history books about the area
  - Kayaking equipment
    
    Fiberglass doubles and fiberglass/plastic singles
    
    Lightweight Werner paddles,
    
    PFDs
    
    Sprayskirts, pumps, paddle floats and paddling jackets
  - Tents
  - Wetsuits and snorkeling gear
  - First aid kit
On expedition style trips such as these, double fiberglass kayaks are mainly used for their stability and carrying capacity. A limited number of fiberglass and plastic singles is available for intermediate to experienced paddlers. If you are interested, please leave a message for the guide during the booking process.

What’s not included:
- - Sleeping bag (can be rented from the guide for an additional charge of $30)
  - Hotel accommodations before and after the adventure
  - Transportation to and from Loreto, Mexico
Hotel accommodations are not included in the trip package. You will want to book accommodations for at least the night before the first day of the trip and again for the night of the last day of the trip.
The kayaking adventure in Baja California Sur is suitable for most people in fairly good physical condition. You don’t need any prior experience in kayaking and hiking to go on this trip, but you should be comfortable with 2 to 4 hours of paddling and a few hours of hiking each day (with breaks in between).

The trip is not designed to be overly physically intense, but you will probably feel tired after a few days of daily physical activities—for that reason, there will be a possibility of taking a rest day during the adventure. The guides will adjust the daily amount of physical activity to meet your group’s desires and fitness levels.
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
- - 1 medium clothing bag or two small bags (max 20 L)
  - 1 sleeping bag and pad
  - 1 daypack (10 L)
  - Small day pack or belt pack
  - Sleeping bag
  - Sleeping pad
  - Tennis shoes, sport sandals, or dive boots
  - 1 pair of sturdy walking shoes (or hiking shoes if you are planning to hike a lot during the adventure)
  - Synthetic long underwear, top and bottom
  - Waterproof jacket and pants
  - Warm layer (fleece, sweater or jacket)
  - A pair of long pants
  - Lightweight long-sleeve shirt
  - Quick-dry shorts
  - T-shirts
  - Socks (1 pair synthetic or wool)
  - Underclothes
  - Bathing suit
  - Towel, medium size
  - Bandana
  - Cap
  - Sunscreen and lip balm
  - Insect repellent
  - Biodegradable soap
  - Personal medications, seasick medication
  - Wipes
  - Headlamp or flashlight
  - Water bottle per person
  - Toothpaste and toothbrush
If you don’t have a sleeping bag, you can rent it for $30 per week. Please bring your own sleeping pad. Most travelers prefer an inflatable pad as a comfortable cushion on beaches that can range from soft sand to light gravel. Your guides will provide sturdy one and two person tents (A frames and domes), first aid and repair kits, and all other camping and commissary equipment.

A medium size zippered nylon duffel, approx. 20 x 12 should be about the size of your largest bag, or two small duffels half that size. They work great with a plastic garbage bag stuffed inside for waterproofing, or you can use small or medium size dry bags. Two 20 litre and one 10 litre are ideal. Nothing larger than 20 – 30 litre please.) A small day or belt pack with plastic bag liner will allow you to keep notebook, camera, sunglasses, sunscreen, etc. handy while we’re traveling.

Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
Your guide will provide a creative menu each day, consisting of a great breakfast sand lunch, plus a hearty main meal each evening prepared by your staff. Snack selection typically consists of fruit and nut mixes, trail mixes and “Locals energy bars” such as peanut and amaranth bars.

They can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten free and other diets, but due to the nature of camps and kitchens, they can’t guarantee an environment completely free of cross contamination, and as such, can’t accommodate those with Celiac disease.

Almost all water in the Loreto area is clean aquifer water that is then run through a sophisticated purification system. Drinking water used on trips will be from a local purified water outlet. Your guides will also bring along juice mixes, teas, and coffee. Alcoholic beverages are not provided, but you are welcome to make a purchase in town the day before and we can pack it.
Group sizes and prices:
- - For the private adventures, the usual client to guide ratio is 4:1.
  - It takes at least 2 persons for this tour to run.
  - The maximum number of people for this adventure is 14.
  - The cost is per person and doesn’t decrease as the group grows.
Kayaking in Baja California Sur can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

Min. age requirements:
- - If you are older than 12, you’re good to go.
  - Children younger than 12 may be permitted to join the hike on a case-by-case basis
If your group has children under the age of 12, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
To get to Loreto, Baja California Sur most people fly into Loreto International Airport. Your guides will suggest the best place to meet, usually somewhere in the town center.

If you are driving to Loreto, you may store your vehicle at a campground where it will be secure during the trip. Be sure to notify your guides of your driving plans in advance. It is also a good idea to purchase Mexican auto insurance.

Please, to secure best experience possible, arrive at Loreto a day before “Day 1” of your tour itinerary.

Upon arrival at the Loreto International Airport after clearing customs, look for a “Paddling South” sign held up by your guide. You and your luggage will be transferred to your hotel along with the rest of the arriving group guests. This transfer is included in your Baja trip cost only if you arrive in Loreto on the day before “Day One” of your trip itinerary. If you are arriving prior to this, please arrange your own transportation to your extra nights lodging choice.

Transportation is not provided to the airport on your “Fly Out” day. You will typically have the morning to mid-day to yourself in town, and we suggest arranging with the taxi drivers who are usually in front of our hotel for your on time delivery to the airport ahead of time.
There is no need to buy pesos before your arrival, as most merchants will accept U.S. dollars. Change will be given to you in pesos, however, so it’s best to have small bills for easy exchange and to avoid leaving with excess pesos.

In town, you will be able to charge your devices with standard (US/Canadian) electrical outlets. On the trip, try to limit the usage of electronics. If you want to recharge your electronics on the trip, please bring a battery or solar based travel charger sufficient to recharge your electronics for the number of days you will not be in town.
57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity.

We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, guides and the communities they’re traveling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in Baja California Sur please refer to the US Embassy’s COVID-19 information site for Mexico.

Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!
Secure your spot today with a 20% non-refundable deposit. Balance of payment is due 60 days prior to your departure date, after which the cancellation policy below applies.
- All cancellations must be made in writing.
- All trip payments are non-refundable.
- If a Guest is unable to enter a country or state in which their trip is taking place due to required vaccines, mandates or quarantine requirements, governmental regulations, or any changes in these requirements from the time of deposit to the date of departure these restrictions will allow Paddling South to cancel the attendance by the Guest.
- If the trip is cancelled due to local events beyond the control of Guest, a full refund will be issued.
Once you’ve signed up, your guides lose the right to sell your reserved space to other individuals or groups. Therefore, it is strongly recommend that you consider purchasing a travel insurance plan.