Yucatan Explorer

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

This is the perfect escape for the enthusiastic sea kayaker seeking the pace and feel of a true vacation. This remote section of the Baja coastline is a paddlers’ dream, offering unique scenic beauty combined with abundant wildlife viewed from above and below the water's surface. The Sea of Cortez presents optimal paddling conditions in the fall and spring. Enjoy the warm (80 degrees F) waters in fall for snorkeling to your heart's content. Spring trips are characterized by warm, calm days and possible encounters with migrating whales.

Kayaking along this section of Baja coastline allows us the opportunity to explore a region accessible only by water. This remote road less area offers isolated beaches, canyons, arroyos filled with palm trees dotted with small fishing villages and ranches. Most of our crew grew up in this area which adds a unique insight into the local culture as we visit their relatives and learn about the regional history when exploring the seaside ranching and fishing villages of Tembabichi, Nopolo and Los Dolores.

Our flexible itinerary and skiff support facilitate a variety of activities including side trips for fishing, snorkeling, hiking and possible whale watching. Our motorized support skiffs make for a safe and luxurious sea kayaking excursion. The skiffs are available for emergencies and to carry heavy equipment from camp to camp so your kayaks are light and easy to paddle. One skiff will accompany the kayakers for safety yet remains out of ear shot so that you'll forget it's even there while enjoying the serenity of the Baja coastline.

Day 1: Arrive in Loreto, B.C.S., Mexico. Transfer to the hotel in Loreto, afternoon on your own to explore this tranquil seaside town, overnight hotel.

Day 2: After breakfast at the hotel, transfer by van and boat south of Loreto to our put in site at Aqua Verde. Kayak orientation on the beach including the dunk test or wet exit. After lunch, paddle to our first night's camp at Santa Marta, approximately 2 hours (6 miles). B/L/D

Days 3-7: Kayaking south along the Baja peninsula coastline from 8 to 20 miles per day. Overnight at camps on isolated beaches along the way at locations such as Puerto Gato, Punta Cobre, Punta Colorada, and Isla San Jose. Taking a break from paddling we'll hike up canyons, go snorkeling to explore the fascinating underwater world of the Sea of Cortez or jump in the skiff for an occasional evening of fishing. Of course, there's always the option of relaxing at camp with a good book on the enchanted Baja coast. Breaks at Tembabichi, Los Dolores and/or Punta Alta give us a chance to visit the friendly Mexican families living on the coast and interpret the rich history of the area from stories passed on from their ancestors who have pearled, farmed, ranched and fished this coast since the 1800's. B/L/D

Day 8: Depart our last camp on Isla San Jose and transfer by boat and van to La Paz (approximately 4 hours) with lunch en route. Check into the hotel with the afternoon free to shower and take a walk into downtown La Paz before meeting for our farewell dinner that evening. B/L/D

Day 9: Transfer to the airport from the hotel for departure home. The taxi ride to the airport takes approximately 20 minutes. You should arrive at the airport 2 hours prior to your flight departure.

· 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,