What you get on this adventure : Professional naturalist and bilingual guides 5-day Isla Espiritu Santo kayaking tour Beach camping for 4 nights Single or double tents set up for you each night Private bathroom tent (set up and taken down each day) Tables and chairs Appetizer table with snacks, fresh water, and drinks available at camp at all times Designated kitchen area where guides prepare fresh meals each day Sleeping bag with liner Inflatable sleeping pad Pillow with pillowcase Necessary dry bags Tents with rain fly All meals and beverages as indicated in the itinerary All transportation during the tour All kayaking, camping, and snorkeling equipment Panga-supported kayaking tour Taxes What’s not included : Transportation to and from the starting/end point (La Paz) Accommodations before and after the tour $30 National Parks & Biosphere Reserves access fees required by itinerary Meals not listed in the itinerary Guide gratuities — optional Travel and medical insurance — optional

How fit do I need to be?

Good fitness is required for this Isla Espiritu Santo kayak tour. 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 be able to help carry the kayaks above the high tide line, in teams of 6-8, before the group disperses. You will change campsites almost every night, but may have a layover day. Camp sites are assigned by the National Park Service immediately prior to the tour. Kayaking trips are motorboat-supported, so in case you get very tired or don’t want to paddle anymore, you’re welcome to ride in the panga instead!

What do I need to bring?

This adventure is best enjoyed if you travel light. It’s best to have everything essential in your carry-on, and it’s also recommended to bring a small daypack. All kayaking and snorkeling equipment will be provided. If you decide to bring your own sleeping bag, pad, etc., please inform your guides to ensure they do not overpack gear as space in kayaks is limited. Essential items Passport, a photo of your passport on your phone, a photocopy of your passport Copy of your air tickets with ticket numbers Credit and/or Debit/ATM card that works internationally Cash (pesos) & USD, CAD or Euros for guide gratuities at the end of your trip Watch or small travel clock with alarm Money belt or concealed passport carrier TSA-accessible lock for luggage security when not on your person (optional—can buy these at any travel or outdoor recreation store) Active clothing We highly suggest that all of your kayak clothing is synthetic or wool, not cotton. One – three pair long, lightweight, nylon pants with zipper pockets (zip off legs give you more options) One pair of nylon shorts Swimsuit Rashguard — great for use as sun-protection and extra warmth when snorkeling Sarong (optional, but super handy for changing clothes, laying on the ground, etc.) One – three short sleeve button-up shirt(s) or t-shirt(s) (synthetic is best) One – three long sleeve shirts, ideally with SPF protection One light-weight bottom layer like a long-sleeve synthetic shirt or merino wool t-shirt One medium-weight layer of fleece – synthetic or merino wool for warmth One heavier-weight layer of fleece OR a “puffy jacket” of synthetic down One windbreaker or light raincoat (better) Underwear One wide-brim, tie-on hat Three pair light synthetic or merino wool socks One pair sturdy trail shoes, or running shoes, to use for hiking and for casual camp time. They will get sandy at camp One pair of sandals with ankle straps to wear while kayaking, on the beaches, walking around towns, etc. One buff – for sun protection as well as wind protection on cold days One warm beanie cap or ski cap (especially important on trips from November to March when cooler winds can be present) Casual clothing One – two other comfortable pairs of bottoms: pants, shorts, skirts, dresses, etc. One pair other lightweight shoes for time in town One – two tops: short sleeve, long sleeve and/or button up shirt(s) One light sweater or jacket for warmth in the evenings and mornings One pair pajamas Additional gear Retaining strap for glasses and sunglasses Flashlight or headlamp One pair of paddling gloves One pair of light wool gloves if you get cold easily Small day pack or fanny pack for hikes One wide-mouth water bottle, 1 liter or larger One carabiner (this is optional but useful for clipping your water bottle to your kayak) Camp towel (small lightweight towel, backpacking style works great) Camera and appropriate charging mechanism Back up battery pack for electronic devices Waterproof camera or valuables case Binoculars or monocular Glasses or contacts if needed Polarized sunglasses Reusable dirty/clean gear bags for wet or soiled items Small reusable, leak-proof bags for liquid or spillable personal items Books or E-reader, pen and notepad, headphones, etc. If you want to listen to music, please do it privately with earbuds or headphones Toiletries and first aid Standard toiletry kit including general hygiene products, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, etc. (keep liquids under 3.38 oz.(100ml) for carry-on) Insect repellent Reef-safe sunscreen (we highly recommend Stream2Sea) Lip balm with SPF 30-50 Pre-moistened toilette packets or disposable shower wipes to refresh Prescriptions and any necessary personal medicines (please be sure to bring necessary prescriptions and any needed emergency medicine such as an EpiPen, Benadryl, etc) Heavy duty skin lotion for dry, sun-baked, and salted skin Small squeeze bottle of hand-sanitizer gel Shampoo and soap (we recommend biodegradable, multi-purpose options) *Optional female urinary device (allows women to urinate standing up without removing clothing). Silicon or hard plastic ones work great. Popular name brands include Gogirl and Shewee

Opportunity to go swimming with whale sharks

There are a few places in the world where you can observe whale sharks in the wild, even less where you can actually get in the water and experience them up close and personal! This day-long tour departs from a designated marina in La Paz at a specified time, which is determined when your guides get the Park permit*. Usually this is early in the morning, but you will be informed the day before of the exact time. The trip takes about 4-5 hours, depending on a variety of factors. Snacks are included in your outing as well as the full services of talented interpretive guides. Make sure to sign up early! Due to Baja Park authorities, permits to swim with whale sharks are highly restricted and limited. You’ll depart from La Paz marina and travel about 45 minutes to the whale shark swimming zone, a designated area where the whale sharks are feeding and swimming. You’ll prepare by putting on a wetsuit, fins, mask, and snorkel. Once a whale shark is spotted, you slide off the skiff under the direction of your guide. This is your chance to swim alongside the ocean’s gentle giants! Watch their gaping mouths engulf mass amounts of plankton as they slowly glide along. The juvenile whale sharks in La Paz are a whopping 4-8 meters (12-24 feet) long with mouths that yawn open over 4-5 feet, yet they’re no Moby Dick with their mild disposition. It’s rare to experience something as awe-inspiring as swimming alongside these mammoth, polka-dotted creatures that course the Gulf of California. A talented local, National Park-certified whale shark guide accompanies you on your swim. Their knowledge and passion for whale sharks is obvious as they work to make your time swimming in La Paz educative, meaningful, and memorable. *Note that this activity is very well managed by the Park and marine authorities of Mexico. There has to be a minimum number of whale sharks in the area before it is opened for swimming with them. There is a strict limit to the number of boats that can enter the whale shark-protected zone. These regulations have changed every year in the past few years and are generally getting more and more restrictive. Therefore, it’s of paramount importance that you sign up as well in advance as possible.

What about bad weather?

Strong winds and/or rough water conditions sometimes prevent the tour from going as scheduled. Port Captains are the ones who determine if ports are open or closed. Winds may prevent you from crossing from the Port to Espiritu Santo Island, which is why a port Captain may have to close the port or prohibit crossing. In this case, there are different solutions: The crossing may have to be delayed by a day or two, or you’ll have to leave Espiritu Santo Island a day or two early. If that happens, substitute activities are provided for the day(s) that you cannot kayak. If the weather forecast predicts a series of days with strong winds, your guides 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, but sometimes there’s really no other option. Decisions to alter trips are not made until the last minute, since decisions are based on the forecast. Your guides will inform you at the evening orientation meeting if the trip location has changed or the itinerary has been altered. The safety and security of the trips is the primary focus of any alterations . At any rate, there will always be an alternative activity for you to enjoy! There are opportunities to snorkel, hike, or just relax on the beach with a margarita.

Group sizes and age requirements

Group sizes and pricing For this Isla Espiritu Santo kayak tour, the minimum number of people is set at 4 participants. With 4 to 5 guests, there will be 3 guides (1 kayak, 1 panguero, 1 assistant panga). With 6 to 12 guests, there will be 4 guides, and with 13 to 14 guests, 5 guides. The tour can be booked up to 21 to 28 days prior to the trip departure. Isla Espiritu Santo kayak tours can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements. Min. age requirements If you are older than 18, you’re good to go. Minors older than 12 may be permitted to join the Isla Espiritu Santo kayak tour on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian. 9-year-olds may join if it’s a private trip. If your group has kayakers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

Getting there and meeting location

The starting point of your Isla Espiritu Santo kayak tour is La Paz in Baja California Sur, Mexico. To get there, most people fly into San Jose del Cabo Airport (SJD) or La Paz Airport (LAP) . If you land at La Paz Airport, it’s only a 15-minute drive to La Paz. If you land at San Jose del Cabo Airport, you can either rent a car to reach La Paz or take a shuttle—it will take you anywhere between 2 and 3 hours. Make sure to arrive a day prior to Day 1 of the tour. Accommodation for the night before the tour is up to you and you can spend the day at your leisure. You’ll meet your guides for a pre-trip meeting on Day 0 where they’ll answer any questions you may have and you’ll settle on the meeting time for the following day. The meeting place is the designated tour hotel, which is where you will meet your guide at 6pm MST and go over the upcoming trip.

Safety measures and insurance

We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection . To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible , simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner ! Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered. Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!

Sunset and kayaks on Isla Espiritu Santo

Resting and beach camping on Espiritu Santo

Sunset stroll kayaking on Espiritu Santo

Aerial view of kayaking on Espiritu Santo

ISLA ESPIRITU SANTO | MEXICO

Isla Espiritu Santo Kayaking Adventure, Baja

5.00 ()

Season

November through April

Duration

5 days

Accommodation

Beach camping

Difficulty

Guides

Alfredo (Tiko) Murillo, Amaranta Uribe, Mario Alberto Escalera Gómez, Sea Kayak Adventures

Questions, additional dates, private groups

Book a call

From $1,580 () / 5 days

Intro
Itinerary
Brochure
Guides
Beach camping & food
Reviews
Things to know

Kayaking along some of the most beautiful beaches in the world AND snorkeling with sea lions?! We’re ready to dive in, literally, and we’re sure you are too. That’s what’s in store if you join us on this 5-day kayaking adventure, with Isla Espiritu Santo as our base. With countless deep coves, white sand beaches, and sienna-hued headlands, this gorgeous island off the coast of La Paz in Baja is the typical tropical paradise you’ve been dreaming of. We’ll get a good exercise by paddling, taste delicious local dishes, and then spend our nights on stunning beaches under starry skies.

Amaranta Uribe

Baja Sea Kayaking & Whale Watching Guide

Adventure highlights

Snorkel with friendly sea lions

Los Islotes, volcanic islets where playful sea lion pups dive off the rocks and pirouette below you, is one of the highlights of the trip
Beach camping on an uninhabited island

Espiritu Santo (Holy Spirit) Island is uninhabited—unless you count pelicans, parrot fish, and dolphins, and we’ll spend our nights on lovely beaches
Active vacation in tropical paradise

Other activities include hiking up colorful arroyos studded with tall cactus, snorkeling amongst hundreds of tropical fish, and enjoying margaritas on the beach

Itinerary

Join us for five unforgettable days on Isla Espiritu Santo, an island just off the coast of La Paz in Baja. We will paddle along this beautiful island and its world-class beaches, but this is far more than just a kayaking adventure—we’ll get to snorkel with sea lions, explore the island by hiking, and rest on isolated beaches in the evening. Everything is included, all you have to do is get to La Paz—tents and all camping equipment, all transfers, excellent guides, all meals, it’s all arranged. This trip will make you fall in love with Baja’s startling beauty!

Make sure to reach La Paz a day prior to the start of the adventure. The meeting place is the designated tour hotel, which is where you will meet your guide at 6pm MST and go over the upcoming trip.
From La Paz, we will take a boat shuttle to Espiritu Santo island. Upon arrival, guides will teach you paddling basics and do a safety briefing. We won’t depart until everyone feels comfortable. Then, we will kayak to our first campsite. Our motorized support boat carries all heavy gear, food, and water, ensuring your kayaks are light and easy to paddle. We will spend all four nights of this tour camping on a beach.

Meals: Lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Beach camping
Wake up each morning to the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and tea as the sunrise bathes this peaceful desert island in golden light. After breakfast, we’ll pack our gear and set out for a 4-hour paddle along the coastline, arriving at a new campsite each evening. Along the way, we’ll take breaks to enjoy lunch, snorkel, hike, or simply relax before happy hour. Immerse yourself in Baja’s breathtaking landscapes and clear night skies with guided hikes, stargazing, and possibly even witnessing the enchanting glow of bioluminescence in the water!

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Beach camping
After breakfast, we’ll take a short motorboat ride to Los Islotes to visit the playful sea lions*. Snorkel alongside these curious creatures and other stunning marine wildlife. Afterwards, we will return by panga to La Paz, probably around 5pm MST. Spend the evening exploring La Paz on your own or with new friends from the tour. You’re invited to a farewell dinner at a local restaurant (not included), where you can relax and share stories with your group! Please keep in mind that accommodation for tonight is not included in the tour.

*Most tours include the sea lion visit on the first or last day, depending on the weather.

Meals: Breakfast and lunch

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Meet your guides

5.00

Known to most as “Tiko”, Alfredo Murillo was born in Puerto San Carlos near Magdalen Bay. Alfredo is a graduate of the Alternative Tourism Program at the University of Baja California Sur in Loreto. He loves to play soccer. Alfredo values his work in the outdoors and recently attended a course to improve his kayaking skills at NOLS. He spends his time fishing during the summer.

5.00

Amaranta Uribe

Amaranta’s early adventures to the seashore ignited a lifelong love for the ocean. As a young girl, she became passionate about the sea and the creatures that call it home, eventually pursuing university studies in biology. This passion led her to relocate to Playa del Carmen to live by the water. Her journey perfectly prepared her to become a guide, and in 2016, she joined Sea Kayak Adventures. Amaranta now leads kayak tours and serves as a naturalist guide at the whale camp in Magdalena Bay. During the off-season, she enjoys spending time with family, creating culinary delights, practicing yoga, climbing, and camping whenever possible.

5.00

Originally from Mexico City, Mario saw his first whale at the age of six, sparking a lifelong passion for marine biology. Now a graduate of the University of Baja California Sur, he works in environmental education and leads sustainable development workshops with a group of young teens he co-founded in La Paz. Mario firmly believes that proper education is the cornerstone for building sustainable societies and ensuring the responsible use of our natural resources.

5.00

Sea Kayak Adventures is the world’s leading sea kayaking company. Founded in 1993, their mission was born from a passion to experience the world by kayak—with each stroke and glide, kayaking allows time to observe the world. For over three decades, Sea Kayak Adventures has been providing high-quality kayak tours for active, curious travelers taking people to world-renowned sea kayaking and whale watching destinations, often also combining hiking and cultural exploration. They offer life-changing travel experiences around the world that have a positive impact on guests, their staff, and the people and places they visit.

Beach camping & food

Beach camping

You will change campsites almost every night, but may have a layover day. Your guides will try to secure the very best campsites for the natural beauty and amenities of the area. They will give a demonstration of how to set up and take down your provided dome tent. A sleeping bag, liner sheet, pillow, and an inflatable thermarest sleeping pad are also provided. There will be a kitchen/dining area and shade tarps where you can sit back and relax.

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 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.

At camp there will be activities such as frisbee, playing cards and volleyball nets, along with a small library of books about flora and fauna of the area that you are welcome to at all times.

Food

Renowned wilderness meals are prepared daily by your guides using local, fresh, and healthy ingredients. In Baja, you can expect an authentic dining experience, with savory dishes like chiles rellenos, tostadas, ceviche, and chicken mole. Your guides even serve delicious desserts like brownies and pineapple upside-down cake! Each morning, freshly brewed coffee or tea is served. Throughout the day, an abundance of local fruits, vegetables, and other snacks is provided. Wine and mixed drinks are served with hors d’oeuvres each evening for happy hour.

Your guides will do their best to accommodate special dietary requests, working within the parameters of the destinations in which they operate. Please inform us about your dietary requirements upon booking. If you have a very strict diet, your guides recommend packing extra snacks that you know you can eat.

5.00 (5 reviews)

Anne Swenson (source: Google Reviews)

We had an amazing trip to Espiritu Santo with Sea Kayak adventures. We stayed on beautiful beaches each night, the food was amazing, and we got to do a variety of great activities (e.g., hiking, snorkeling, kayaking) each day. The guides (Amarata, Tico, Mario, Nathan, Piro) were fantastic. They shared great knowledge about the area, always ensured we were safe, answered tons of questions, and were always warm and welcoming. Two people in our party needed a gluten free diet and another guest was vegetarian. They made amazing meals with options for everyone. The administrative and booking side was also great and the customer service overall was excellent. I’d highly recommend this company and this trip.

Christine Penn (source: Google Reviews)

Shared an incredible 5 days on Isla Espíritu Santo with guides, Ruben, Tanya, Tico, and Mario. They shared so much knowledge with us about botany, geology, astrology, zoology, along the way. Their ability to surprise us with gourmet meals and desserts never failed. We saw so much wildlife and Sea-life thanks to their sharp eyes. I would 100% recommend this trip.

Louis Beaupre (source: Google Reviews)

Awesome trip for anyone who loves small adventures. Very approachable for those experienced and inexperienced with kayaking. Our guides were fantastic. The food, drinks and support exceeded expectations.

Cathy McLennan (source: Google Reviews)

What an amazing experience. It was so peaceful and relaxing. From coffee first thing in the morning to a glass of red wine in the evening and everything in between. I could not have asked for more. All the guides/staff were friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. I can not say enough about Ruben, Mario, Tico and Tannia. Whether we were kayaking, snorkeling, hiking or eating coco flan they were always making sure everything was perfect. Don’t wait….DO IT. You will not regret it.

Veronique Burke (source: Google Reviews)

Great kayaking, snorkeling, hiking trip with Sea Kayak Adventures on Isla Espiritu Santo. Our guides were fantastic and made great effort to share their knowledge and love of the place. This is a very special place, totally worth exploring!

Things to know

What you get on this adventure:
- - Professional naturalist and bilingual guides
  - 5-day Isla Espiritu Santo kayaking tour
  - Beach camping for 4 nights
    
    Single or double tents set up for you each night
    
    Private bathroom tent (set up and taken down each day)
    
    Tables and chairs
    
    Appetizer table with snacks, fresh water, and drinks available at camp at all times
    
    Designated kitchen area where guides prepare fresh meals each day
    
    Sleeping bag with liner
    
    Inflatable sleeping pad
    
    Pillow with pillowcase
    
    Necessary dry bags
    
    Tents with rain fly
  - All meals and beverages as indicated in the itinerary
  - All transportation during the tour
  - All kayaking, camping, and snorkeling equipment
  - Panga-supported kayaking tour
  - Taxes
What’s not included:
- - Transportation to and from the starting/end point (La Paz)
  - Accommodations before and after the tour
  - $30 National Parks & Biosphere Reserves access fees required by itinerary
  - Meals not listed in the itinerary
  - Guide gratuities — optional
  - Travel and medical insurance — optional
Good fitness is required for this Isla Espiritu Santo kayak tour. 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 be able to help carry the kayaks above the high tide line, in teams of 6-8, before the group disperses. You will change campsites almost every night, but may have a layover day. Camp sites are assigned by the National Park Service immediately prior to the tour.

Kayaking trips are motorboat-supported, so in case you get very tired or don’t want to paddle anymore, you’re welcome to ride in the panga instead!
This adventure is best enjoyed if you travel light. It’s best to have everything essential in your carry-on, and it’s also recommended to bring a small daypack.

All kayaking and snorkeling equipment will be provided. If you decide to bring your own sleeping bag, pad, etc., please inform your guides to ensure they do not overpack gear as space in kayaks is limited.

Essential items
- - Passport, a photo of your passport on your phone, a photocopy of your passport
  - Copy of your air tickets with ticket numbers
  - Credit and/or Debit/ATM card that works internationally
  - Cash (pesos) & USD, CAD or Euros for guide gratuities at the end of your trip
  - Watch or small travel clock with alarm
  - Money belt or concealed passport carrier
  - TSA-accessible lock for luggage security when not on your person (optional—can buy these at any travel or outdoor recreation store)
Active clothing
We highly suggest that all of your kayak clothing is synthetic or wool, not cotton.
- - One – three pair long, lightweight, nylon pants with zipper pockets (zip off legs give you more options)
  - One pair of nylon shorts
  - Swimsuit
  - Rashguard — great for use as sun-protection and extra warmth when snorkeling
  - Sarong (optional, but super handy for changing clothes, laying on the ground, etc.)
  - One – three short sleeve button-up shirt(s) or t-shirt(s) (synthetic is best)
  - One – three long sleeve shirts, ideally with SPF protection
  - One light-weight bottom layer like a long-sleeve synthetic shirt or merino wool t-shirt
  - One medium-weight layer of fleece – synthetic or merino wool for warmth
  - One heavier-weight layer of fleece OR a “puffy jacket” of synthetic down
  - One windbreaker or light raincoat (better)
  - Underwear
  - One wide-brim, tie-on hat
  - Three pair light synthetic or merino wool socks
  - One pair sturdy trail shoes, or running shoes, to use for hiking and for casual camp time. They will get sandy at camp
  - One pair of sandals with ankle straps to wear while kayaking, on the beaches, walking around towns, etc.
  - One buff – for sun protection as well as wind protection on cold days
  - One warm beanie cap or ski cap (especially important on trips from November to March when cooler winds can be present)
Casual clothing
- - One – two other comfortable pairs of bottoms: pants, shorts, skirts, dresses, etc.
  - One pair other lightweight shoes for time in town
  - One – two tops: short sleeve, long sleeve and/or button up shirt(s)
  - One light sweater or jacket for warmth in the evenings and mornings
  - One pair pajamas
Additional gear
- - Retaining strap for glasses and sunglasses
  - Flashlight or headlamp
  - One pair of paddling gloves
  - One pair of light wool gloves if you get cold easily
  - Small day pack or fanny pack for hikes
  - One wide-mouth water bottle, 1 liter or larger
  - One carabiner (this is optional but useful for clipping your water bottle to your kayak)
  - Camp towel (small lightweight towel, backpacking style works great)
  - Camera and appropriate charging mechanism
  - Back up battery pack for electronic devices
  - Waterproof camera or valuables case
  - Binoculars or monocular
  - Glasses or contacts if needed
  - Polarized sunglasses
  - Reusable dirty/clean gear bags for wet or soiled items
  - Small reusable, leak-proof bags for liquid or spillable personal items
  - Books or E-reader, pen and notepad, headphones, etc. If you want to listen to music, please do it privately with earbuds or headphones
Toiletries and first aid
- - Standard toiletry kit including general hygiene products, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, etc. (keep liquids under 3.38 oz.(100ml) for carry-on)
  - Insect repellent
  - Reef-safe sunscreen (we highly recommend Stream2Sea)
  - Lip balm with SPF 30-50
  - Pre-moistened toilette packets or disposable shower wipes to refresh
  - Prescriptions and any necessary personal medicines (please be sure to bring necessary prescriptions and any needed emergency medicine such as an EpiPen, Benadryl, etc)
  - Heavy duty skin lotion for dry, sun-baked, and salted skin
  - Small squeeze bottle of hand-sanitizer gel
  - Shampoo and soap (we recommend biodegradable, multi-purpose options)
  - *Optional female urinary device (allows women to urinate standing up without removing clothing). Silicon or hard plastic ones work great. Popular name brands include Gogirl and Shewee
There are a few places in the world where you can observe whale sharks in the wild, even less where you can actually get in the water and experience them up close and personal! This day-long tour departs from a designated marina in La Paz at a specified time, which is determined when your guides get the Park permit*. Usually this is early in the morning, but you will be informed the day before of the exact time. The trip takes about 4-5 hours, depending on a variety of factors. Snacks are included in your outing as well as the full services of talented interpretive guides. Make sure to sign up early! Due to Baja Park authorities, permits to swim with whale sharks are highly restricted and limited.

You’ll depart from La Paz marina and travel about 45 minutes to the whale shark swimming zone, a designated area where the whale sharks are feeding and swimming. You’ll prepare by putting on a wetsuit, fins, mask, and snorkel. Once a whale shark is spotted, you slide off the skiff under the direction of your guide. This is your chance to swim alongside the ocean’s gentle giants! Watch their gaping mouths engulf mass amounts of plankton as they slowly glide along. The juvenile whale sharks in La Paz are a whopping 4-8 meters (12-24 feet) long with mouths that yawn open over 4-5 feet, yet they’re no Moby Dick with their mild disposition. It’s rare to experience something as awe-inspiring as swimming alongside these mammoth, polka-dotted creatures that course the Gulf of California. A talented local, National Park-certified whale shark guide accompanies you on your swim. Their knowledge and passion for whale sharks is obvious as they work to make your time swimming in La Paz educative, meaningful, and memorable.

*Note that this activity is very well managed by the Park and marine authorities of Mexico. There has to be a minimum number of whale sharks in the area before it is opened for swimming with them. There is a strict limit to the number of boats that can enter the whale shark-protected zone. These regulations have changed every year in the past few years and are generally getting more and more restrictive. Therefore, it’s of paramount importance that you sign up as well in advance as possible.
Strong winds and/or rough water conditions sometimes prevent the tour from going as scheduled. Port Captains are the ones who determine if ports are open or closed. Winds may prevent you from crossing from the Port to Espiritu Santo Island, which is why a port Captain may have to close the port or prohibit crossing.

In this case, there are different solutions:
- - The crossing may have to be delayed by a day or two, or you’ll have to leave Espiritu Santo Island a day or two early. If that happens, substitute activities are provided for the day(s) that you cannot kayak.
  - If the weather forecast predicts a series of days with strong winds, your guides 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, but sometimes there’s really no other option. Decisions to alter trips are not made until the last minute, since decisions are based on the forecast. Your guides will inform you at the evening orientation meeting if the trip location has changed or the itinerary has been altered. The safety and security of the trips is the primary focus of any alterations.
At any rate, there will always be an alternative activity for you to enjoy! There are opportunities to snorkel, hike, or just relax on the beach with a margarita.
Group sizes and pricing
- - For this Isla Espiritu Santo kayak tour, the minimum number of people is set at 4 participants.
  - With 4 to 5 guests, there will be 3 guides (1 kayak, 1 panguero, 1 assistant panga). With 6 to 12 guests, there will be 4 guides, and with 13 to 14 guests, 5 guides.
  - The tour can be booked up to 21 to 28 days prior to the trip departure.
Isla Espiritu Santo kayak tours can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

Min. age requirements
- - If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
  - Minors older than 12 may be permitted to join the Isla Espiritu Santo kayak tour on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian. 9-year-olds may join if it’s a private trip.
If your group has kayakers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
The starting point of your Isla Espiritu Santo kayak tour is La Paz in Baja California Sur, Mexico. To get there, most people fly into San Jose del Cabo Airport (SJD) or La Paz Airport (LAP). If you land at La Paz Airport, it’s only a 15-minute drive to La Paz. If you land at San Jose del Cabo Airport, you can either rent a car to reach La Paz or take a shuttle—it will take you anywhere between 2 and 3 hours.

Make sure to arrive a day prior to Day 1 of the tour. Accommodation for the night before the tour is up to you and you can spend the day at your leisure. You’ll meet your guides for a pre-trip meeting on Day 0 where they’ll answer any questions you may have and you’ll settle on the meeting time for the following day. The meeting place is the designated tour hotel, which is where you will meet your guide at 6pm MST and go over the upcoming trip.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!

Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.

Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!
Deposits

You can secure one of the set dates with a 30% deposit upon booking. The remaining 70% of the trip price is to be paid 90 days prior to departure, at the latest.

Cancellations

Booking fees are non-refundable in all cases. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options:

Basic
- - In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
  - For cancellations 90 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a 70% refund of the trip price.
  - For cancellations 0-89 days before the trip, there is no refund.
Flexible
- - In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
  - For cancellations 90 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a full refund of the trip price.
  - For cancellations 60-89 days before the trip, you are eligible for a 50% refund of the trip price.
  - For cancellations 0-59 days before the trip, there is no refund.
Super Flexible
- - In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
  - For cancellations 60 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a full refund of the trip price.
    For cancellations 0-59 days before the trip, you are eligible for a 50% refund of the trip price.