Yucatan Explorer

SEA KAYAKING SEA OF CORTEZ – SNORKELING WITH SEA LIONS – HIKING – FISHING – VISITING LOCAL VILLAGES – WHALE WATCHI NG (SPRING TRIPS)

Have you ever dreamed of exploring the desert islands that dot the Sea of Cortez? Exploring their uninhabited shores and wildlife-rich waters? Well this trip can take you there! We'll camp on five and visit more than 10 different islands as we travel between La Paz and Loreto. Travel from island to island will be via motorized boats while exploration of the islands will be by kayak, snorkel and on foot.

Expect to see dolphins by the hundreds, sea lions sunning on rocky pinnacles, mantas leaping from the water's surface and on spring trips very possibly blue, humpback, sperm or fin whales as we cruise from island to island. Upon arrival at each island camp, we'll launch our kayaks, don our masks and snorkels or hike to a pinnacle for a look at each extraordinary new island. Espiritu Santo, Los Islotes, San Francisco, Pardito, San Jose, Puerto Gato, Santa Catalina, Monserrat and Danzante are just a few of our destinations.

Explore the giant barrel cactus of Santa Catalina and the fossilized shell beach of Monserrat, snorkel with the playful sea lions of Los Islotes, kayak below the smooth, red sandstone cliffs of San Jose and into the hidden coves and white sand beaches of San Francisco. Visit the tranquil fishing villages of Pardito and Tembabichi. On this trip you'll see it all so don't miss this unique opportunity to explore the magic of the islands in the Sea of Cortez.

Category	Adventure
Length	9 Days - 8 Nights / 6 Nights Camping, 2 Nights Hotel
Type	Guided
Group	4 - 16
Rating	Easy to Moderate
Start / End	La Paz / Loreto
Cost	Guided - $1250
Single Supplement	$ 95 (Hotel and Tent) $25 (Tent Only)

Dates: 2008

Mar 8-16 Apr 19-27, May 3-11, October 4-12, Oct 25-Nov. 2, Nov 8-16

Brief Itinerary:

Day 1-2 Arrive La Paz on day 1 and transfer to Espiritu Santo Island on day 2 for camp orientation and kayak.

Days 3-7 5 incredible days of sea kayaking, hiking, snorkeling and fishing as we paddle from island to island towards our takeout point in Laredo.

Days 8-9 Last chance to paddle or snorkel before we transfer to Laredo and our farewell dinner. Overnight Laredo and departure on day 9

Detailed Itinerary

. Day 1: Arrive in La Paz. Taxi to the hotel. Evening on your own to explore La Paz.

Day 2: Early breakfast at hotel. You will be picked up at the hotel and transferred to Espiritu Santo Island via boat (1 to 2 hours). Lunch upon arrival at camp. Afternoon orientation of the camp and kayaking followed by a short paddle, snorkel or swim. B/L/D

Days 3-7: Moving from island to island via motorized boat each day, with kayaking, snorkeling, fishing or hiking upon arrival. From Espiritu Santo to San Francisco we will anchor at Los Islotes, a sea lion rookery, for a fantastic snorkel with these friendly, playful critters. From here we travel to the islands of San Francisco, San Jose, the beautiful beach of Puerto Gato on the coastline of Baja, visit Santa Catalina Island and continue on to camp on Monserrat and Danzante Islands. B/L/D

Day 8: Morning options of paddling or snorkeling. After lunch, transfer from Danzante to Loreto via boat and van (1 hour). Check into the hotel. Afternoon on your own to shower and explore the tranquil town of Loreto before the evening farewell dinner at a local restaurant. B/L/D

Day 9: Morning on your own then transfer from hotel to airport for afternoon flight home.

· Professional English and Spanish speaking sea kayaking guide, trained with ACA certification, Wilderness First Responder and CPR.

· Trip equipment, including all sea kayaking gear and tents. Fishing rod and reel ( must bring own lures )

· All meals and beverages (including fruit juices, soda, beer and “happy hour” drinks while at camp and farewell dinner. Other meals as indicated in the itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch,