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Oh to be cruising on sparkling blue waters when it’s the dead of winter where you live! Sounds like a dream? It doesn’t have to be—this winter, come join us for a five-day kayaking tour in the warm Sea of Cortez and let’s explore the desert islands of Loreto Bay together! This place has everything. A gorgeous backdrop including towering volcanic escarpments while paddling? Check. A thriving wildlife that included dolphins, sea lions, whales, and more? Check. Gorgeously warm weather, ideal for kayaking, snorkeling, kayaking, and spending the night on the beach? Check. The tropical paradise you’ve been searching for is right here.

Diego Vega Romero
Diego Vega Romero
Baja & BC Kayak Naturalist Guide

Adventure highlights

  • Spot dolphins, sea lions, and whales
    The warm crystalline waters of Sea of Cortez host abundant wildlife—apart from these, spot tropical fish, pelicans, and more
  • Explosion of colors
    Turquoise waters perfectly clash with red-hued desert colors of the volcanic Sierra Giganta mountains & desert islands
  • Retreat to secluded beaches
    We’ll spend our nights under starlit skies on the beaches in Loreto Bay, taste local food, and sip on delicious cocktails

Itinerary

The islands of Loreto Bay showcase breathtaking natural gems in a stunning landscape shaped by rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and the striking contrast of desert reflections against turquoise waters! And this is exactly where we will spend our 5-day adventure, kayaking, snorkeling, hiking, and more! Everything is included in this tour, which has been thoughtfully put together to give you a totally carefree experience in Mexico’s Baja—all camping equipment, all meals, kayaks, it’s all arranged. Just come to Loreto and embark on a trip of a lifetime.

  • Start your kayaking adventure with breakfast before meeting your guides for a short ride to the launch site. After a paddling and safety briefing, begin your journey paddling on the Sea of Cortez. We’ll paddle across the bay to our first stop for lunch, snorkeling, and hiking. After lunch we’ll get back in our kayaks to continue on to our campsite for the evening where we’ll enjoy appetizers, a Mexican dinner, and sleep under the stars. Accommodations include beach camping. Lunch and dinner are included on day 1.

    Meals: Lunch and dinner
    Accommodation: Beach camping

    Honeymoon bay, Loreto
  • After waking up to a vibrant sunrise, we’ll enjoy freshly brewed coffee, tea, and a hearty breakfast before a day of adventure. You can expect to paddle for about 4 hours daily, with breaks for lunch and floating rest stops. Enjoy snorkeling, hiking, swimming, or relaxing. Encounter whales, dolphins, manta rays, and birds in the beautiful Sea of Cortez! Evenings feature delicious meals, margaritas, and bioluminescence on dark nights.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
    Accommodation: Beach camping

    Two people kayaking Loreto Bay
  • Start your final day with coffee or tea at sunrise. After saying goodbye to our final campsite, we’ll venture off onto the crystal clear waters of the Gulf of California. Spend the morning kayaking along the shorelines and spotting marine life. After lunch, we’ll paddle to the take-out site and arrive around 2 p.m. From the take out, unload the kayaks and drive back to Loreto. Check into your hotel, enjoy a hot shower, and join your guides and fellow guests for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

    Meals: Breakfast and lunch

    Cliffs at sunset in Loreto Bay
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Meet your guides

Diego Vega Romero
5.00
Diego Vega Romero
Baja & BC Kayak Naturalist Guide
Baja & BC Kayak Naturalist Guide
Diego, a La Paz native, grew up in a family of biologists, which ignited his passion for nature from an early age. Along with being a skilled sea kayaker, he’s an avid basketball player for a local team and enjoys drawing, traveling, and indulging in good food. Armed with a bachelor's degree in Biology and a master’s in Arid Land Ecology, Diego has been part of the Sea Kayak Adventures team since 2017. His deep knowledge of Baja’s natural history, paired with his sense of humor, makes him a guest favorite and a fantastic guide!
Jennifer Eutebach
5.00
Jennifer Eutebach
Baja Sea Kayaking & Whale Watching Guide
Baja Sea Kayaking & Whale Watching Guide
Originally from Germany, Jennifer moved to Oaxaca for a year of volunteering but never left. After years in Oaxaca and craving change, she found herself in Baja, where her background in General Biology and Conservation Biology sparked a new interest in whales. Now, after more than two years of guiding for Sea Kayak Adventures, Jennifer has become a true jack of all trades—she can tell you almost anything about gray whales, lead yoga lessons on the beach, and skillfully navigate the waters. In the off-season, she’s either teaching yoga or working on her sailboat in Puerto Vallarta, dreaming of sailing it across the Pacific.
Rafael (Rafa) Escalante
5.00
Rafael (Rafa) Escalante
Rafael (Rafa) Escalante
Baja Sea Kayaking & Whale Watching Guide
Baja Sea Kayaking & Whale Watching Guide
Born in Guadalajara, Rafael, or “Rafa,” holds a bachelor’s degree in biology and has worked extensively on projects involving both marine and terrestrial species. Guests appreciate his quiet, joyful demeanor and benefit from his vast knowledge of local flora and fauna. In his spare time, Rafa enjoys climbing, surfing, snorkeling, camping, and cycling, though fishing might be his true passion. A keen traveler, he’s always eager to explore new places and connect with people along the way.
Sea Kayak Adventures
5.00
Sea Kayak Adventures
Sea Kayak Adventures
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

5.00 (5 reviews)
Elizabeth Robillard (source: Google Reviews)

The Loreto islands tour trip was absolutely EPIC. This was my second time doing it (did it 10 years ago) and had to go back. This time I brought 6 girlfriends and they all had an absolute blast. The islands are magical. The sea life is abundant – we saw whales, dolphins, manta rays, turtles and so many fish. And the guides are amazing. Sherman was an amazing head guide. he was so knowledgeable and entertaining. Jennifer, Damian, Vicki, Tania and Rodolfo were also fantastic. the food was delicious, the guide team were there for everything, including snorkeling, baking cakes, sharing drinks with us and the whole group had a trip of a lifetime. I’ll be back! Highly highly recommend.

Kate Koffman (source: Google Reviews)

Incredible experience. Sherman, Jenny & Damien were simply incredible. They took care of our bodies & our spirits. The entire crew was truly amazing. I was a novice kayaker, had never camped in my life & was medically complicated. I felt completely taken care of & able to simply enjoy the adventure. Thanks guys!!

Jenn Hutchinson (source: Google Reviews)

The sights, the sea, the friends, the food, the laughs, the guides, and the CAKES! Sherman, Jennifer, Damian, Tannia, Rodolfo, and Vicky were the absolute best. The knowledge and care they showed made our 5-day Loreto Bay kayak tour one of a kind.

Maysha Sperry (source: Google Reviews)

Our guides were awesome and always available. The food for the kayak portion was nothing short of amazing… cooked to perfection by our guides! Very bonding trip for our small group. The area is beautiful and full of life! THe guides were the difference … went above and beyond to entertain a small child that was part of our group, were constantly showing us things, and were there for us every step of the way. Primitive camping but it didn’t matter… food and alcohol was flowing almost constantly . Hard working, fun- loving folk! Highly recommend. Our guides were Mario and Damien for the kayak portion, and Mario and Terry ( former owner of the company filling in…awesome!) for the whale watching portion.

Quincy Shoff (source: Google Reviews)

Our guides Diego, Rafa, and Jennifer were phenomenal. This trip was so enjoyable, and it was so much fun talking to all of the guides about the biology of the place and all of the sea animals. This was my second time doing this trip with sea kayak adventures and both were lots of fun.

Things to know

  • What you get on this adventure:

      • Professional naturalist and bilingual guides
      • 5-day Loreto Bay in Baja 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 (Loreto)
      • 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 Loreto Bay in Baja kayaking 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
  • 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. Your guides plan their itineraries to minimize risks posed by weather, but there is always an element of unpredictability in nature. The risk of capsizing is reduced by the stable boats, but still exists. All their kayak guides are certified in kayak rescue.

  • Your guides take every measure to ensure that you and your family are in a safe situation while paddling. You will paddle large, expedition-style sea kayaks. Their size, girth, and weight make them very stable to paddle! But still, as with all adventure travel, there is 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.

    Your guides have never experienced a situation in which a whale has harmed a kayaker in the water. The whales are very aware of their surroundings, and you will maintain a safe distance at all times.

  • Group sizes and pricing

      • For this Loreto Bay in Baja kayaking 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.

    Loreto Bay in Baja kayaking 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 Loreto Bay in Baja 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 Loreto Bay kayaking tour is Loreto, a town on Mexico’s Baja California peninsula. To get there, most people fly into Loreto International Airport (LTO). The airport is just 10 minutes away from the center of Loreto. Alternatively, you could fly into Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) and take a bus, but the journey takes around 9 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, which is when they’ll answer any questions you may have and you’ll settle on the meeting time for the following day.

  • 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.
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