Baja Sea Kayaking and Whale-Watching

Trip Description:

Baja California extends 1,100 km from the U.S. border to the southern tip of the peninsula and the Sea of Cortez (Gulf of California) separates Baja from the mainland. Baja has a long, varied coastline on both sides; the interior is desert or mountains; and its widest point is approximately 230 km. The climate is dry, tropical in most of Baja Sur. Our trip begins in the charming sea-side city of La Paz and the experience is guaranteed to be a more typical Mexican experience than what tourists experience at the trendy frenetic Cabo scene.

The first portion of our trip will be an excellent introduction to sea kayaking that enables us to get out and enjoy the Gulf of California's most beautiful island. We will paddle for 3-4 hours daily, discovering a new beach to set up our camp each afternoon. This should leave plenty of free time to hike into the interior of the island to explore canyons with amazing rock formations and fascinating plant life. We will also have time to snorkel each day and marvel at one of the world's most diverse 'natural aquariums.' The kayaking portion of the trip includes a certified bilingual naturalist guide, single and/or double kayaks, all kayaking gear, camping equipment, and transportation to and from the island (no open sea crossings in kayak).

This will be followed by whale-watching off the shores of the Pacific lagoons of Magdalena Bay - the breeding grounds for the great Gray Whale. The group will be onto Magdelena Bay at two locations for several hours. Close contact with whales is expected, indeed we may even get to pet a baby again. Those who join us can expect awe-inspiring experiences.

Originates @ La Paz, Baja, Mexico.


Getting Ready

Petting Baby

Trip Reports from Quarterly Newsletters:

In the fall of 2006 we drove down the West Coast of Mexico and took the Ferry from Topolobampo to La Paz. After scouting the Magdelena Bay whale watching areas and talking to outfitters in La Paz, we decided to arrange a group trip for the spring of 2007. Everyone enjoyed the trip, the only problems being no one wanted to stop sea kayaking, or go home at the end of the trip. With that in mind we increased the length of the sea kayaking portion by a day for our planned 2008 trip. A detailed report of the 2007 trip was posted on our website.

* Seakayaking & Whale-Watching in Baja (3/4/07-3/10/07)

The three books listed below seem to be the most helpful for planning travel in Baja Sur. We've had the Peterson Book for some time and purchased the other two for more up to date information.

Updated on Monday, October 29, 2007 @ 4:30 MST
© 1995-2007 by Robert R. Marley