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        (Motorized Skiff) Trip

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Sea of Cortez Pangas
(Motorized Skiff) Trip

One Week Camping in Baja, Mexico
Motorized Skiff between Islands
Kayak and snorkel the Sea of Cortez

Baja Ocean Adventure

Similar to the more active sea kayaking trip from Loreto to La Paz, the pangas trips from Laz Paz to Loreto cross the same remote, wildlife abundant waters but the main mode of transportation is motorized skiff between islands. Upon reaching each destination, camp is set up, sea kayaks are deployed with opportunities to snorkel and hike as well.

People prefer this trip and the Baja Espiritu Santo Basecamp because both do not require the committing for 4 to 6 hours of paddling per day.

The World’s Aquarium

Jacques Cousteau called these waters “The World’s Aquarium” since they provide habitat for over 900 species of fish and nearly 32 types of marine mammals that gather to mate and feed. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for being the richest body of water on the planet, the Sea of Cortez provides a must-see destination for ocean lovers.

Trip routinely see hundred-dolphin packs, sea lions, and mantas leaping from the water. Pilot whales roam the waters and on spring trips blue, humpback, Brydes or fin whales may be spotted while cruising between islands.

Trip Overview

Trips motor island-to-island in boats specifically designed for Sea of Cortez travel. These boats, called pangas, use 4-stroke outboard motors to transport everyone and the gear including kayaks on roof racks. Transfers from camp to camp takes 1 to 3 hours depending on the winds, wildlife encounters and milage, 8 to 20 per day. Once settled in camp there’s plenty of time for kayaking, hikes, snorkel spots, and quiet coves with 80 degree water.

Trips use 4 to 5 camps allowing for a layover day or two. No two trips are ever the same as the itinerary and camps often vary due to weather, a possible wildlife encounters causing delays, avoidance of certain beaches following the rainy season in the fall due to an abundance of bugs or other unpredictable circumstances.

Baja Wildlife

The Sea of Cortez is famous for its wildlife. Grey whales, dolphins, orcas, humpback whales, mobula rays, sea lions, and sperm whales make this area rich in wildlife viewing. Our outfitter has been leading expeditions for over 25 years and has a history of environmentally responsible expeditions in Baja. Their knowledgeable guides will share the cultural and natural history of the Baja region and you’ll enjoy authentic cuisine while on your adventure.

Check out our favorite summer time sea kayaking trip to British Columbia.

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$1,750 - $2,100 per person

Get More Information
Call us: 928-526-4575

Quick Facts

Length: 9 days, nights (6 camping  2 hotels)
Price: $1,750 – $1,850 per person
includes two nights hotel accommodation, all meals from breakfast day 2 through lunch on day 8, tents, motorized skiffs
Optional Rentals: Wetsuit $15, Snorkel Gear $15, Sleep Kit $20
Single accommodation fee: approximately $125 (hotel) and $150 (tent)
Season: March – April &
October – November
Min. Age: 12 years
Activity: Sea Kayaking, snorkeling (including friendly sea lions), hiking, fishing, visiting local fishing villages, possible whale watching (spring trips only)
Meeting Place: Loreto, Mexico
Ending Return: La Paz, Mexico
**(or reverse direction by sea kayak)
baja-sea-kayaking-map-2
Click Map for Expanded View
  • sea kayakers paddling in baja's sea of cortez
  • Espiritu Santo camp on baja sea kayaking trip in Mexico
  • view of the sea-of-cortz-baja-mexico
  • sunset-sea-kayaking-baja-mexico
  • sea-lions-baja

SEA OF CORTEZ PANGAS TRIP DETAILS

Your Baja sea kayaking adventure will begin in La Paz, Mexico. You will need to arrange a taxi ride to your hotel where reservations will be provided as part of the trip. The rest of the day is yours to explore La Paz and enjoy some local flavor. Early the next morning, you will meet your group and guides in the hotel lobby, where a shuttle will transport you to a warehouse to fetch gear.

A boat transfer on the Pez Sapo will take you from La Paz to the island of Espiritu Santo. The next 7 days will be spent exploring a variety of islands between La Paz and Loreto, including remote coves of several UNESCO Natural Protected Areas. On day 9, a boat ride on Pez Sapo will transfer you to Loreto, Mexico where your adventure will conclude. Your final night’s accommodation is at the locally owned Hacienda Suites and is included in the trip price. On day 10, you will need to arrange a taxi ride to the Loreto airport for your departure home.

Video: Sea of Cortez Pangas Trips

Please note that the baby turtle release and whale fish swim shown in the video are currently offered as part of the Espiritu Santo Basecamp Trip.

Day 1

Arrive La Paz International Airport (IATA), Mexico. Transfer to hotel Posada LunaSol where you will receive a welcome letter with information about equipment rentals and the procedure for the following morning. Evening on your own to explore La Paz. Consult the in-room notebook for restaurant ideas.

Day 2

A group breakfast (start of included meals) in the morning provides the opportunity for an orientation with your guides at the Posada LunaSol Cafe. Afterwards, transfer to the first camp on Espiritu Santo Island via motorized boats (1.5 to 2.5 hours). The beautiful island of Espiritu Santo contains memorable white sand beaches and turquoise bays. Lunch takes place upon arrival at camp. Enjoy the afternoon camp and kayak orientation followed by time for a short paddle, snorkel or swim.

Days 3-7

From Espiritu Santo you travel north visiting the sea lion rookery of Los Islotes to snorkel with these playful creatures.

Continuing north stops and camps may include: San Francisquito Island, the fishing village of El Pardito, Isla San Jose, the red sandstone beach of Puerto Gato on the Baja coast, the small ranching and fishing village of Tembabichi. Continuing trips typically visit Santa Catalina and/or Monserrate Islands (weather permitting).

Trips camp the last night on Danzante or Carmen Island in the National Marine Park of Loreto.

Day 8

Get one last morning of paddling or snorkeling at the last last camp. After lunch (the last meal included in the trip), transfer to Puerto Escondido via boat (30 min) and take a van (45 min) to Loreto. Check into the hotel then explore the tranquil town and cobble stone streets of Loreto. This evening you can enjoy a fine meal at one of Loreto’s many excellent restaurants of your choice.

Day 9

Morning on your own, transfer from hotel to airport for flights or stay on in Loreto.
***Although guides do their best to adhere to the above itinerary, it is subject to change in order to provide the best experience possible based upon current conditions including weather.

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Flexible Itinerary

Although you may set out with a general itinerary, your group and guides have the freedom to change course. Weather, kayaking and snorkeling conditions, as well as seasons of marine life in the area will shape the days and make each one optimal, showcasing the best of Baja.

Packing

It is of utmost importance to pack light for this trip! Too much weight causes the boats to be overloaded. Bring only what you will use. If you have extra gear you will not need on the trip the re-supply truck can transfer your gear between Loreto and La Paz and have it waiting at the hotel.

Bring a small to mid-sized duffle (approximately 14x14x24inches or 35x35x60cm) for clothing and personal items. If bringing your own sleeping gear bring another duffle of similar size for your sleeping bag, pad and pillow OR you can combine them into one larger duffle approximately 18x18x35inches or 45x45x90cm. Plus you will want to bring a day-pack for extra clothing, water bottle, sunscreen and camera to have with you daily. Snorkel gear and a wetsuit is yet another bag you may have while on the trip.

What’s Included

Two nights hotel accommodation based on double occupancy, all meals from breakfast day 2 through lunch on day 8, purified drinking water with powder drink mixes and an evening cocktail. Transportation to all camps, national park fees, community camp equipment including kayaks and associated equipment, tents, motorized skiffs, captains, guides and crew/cooks.

What’s Not Included

Airfare, airport / hotel transfers, meals on travel days to and from Baja, beer or soft drinks (there will be an option to purchase these and we will provide coolers with ice for storing them at camp), personal gear such as sleeping bags, pads, pillow, snorkel gear and wet suits (available for rent in Baja) and guide gratuities.

Weather & Water Temperature

Trips run in October, March, and April. October is the end of the summer season with temperatures averaging 88°F and water temperatures around 80°F. March through April bring temperatures in the high 60’s with water temperatures in the same range.

Group Size

Trip sizes are intimate and usually run between 8 and 16 people. There is one guide for every 8 guests.

Camp Life

You will enjoy settling into a variety of different campsites along the coastline, offering a change of scenery and a chance to see something new. Camp conditions are comfortable with with fresh water showers and a soft bed. A clean, private camp toilet is set up first thing upon arrival at camp and it is the last thing to be dismantled the next morning. The crew handles most camp chores and prepares all meals, leaving you free to explore these unique and wondrous islands.

Meals

Meals are prepared daily by the camp chef. A tantalizing mix of local ingredients and Mexican flair combine to make delicious meals such as freshly caught fish prepared Veracruz style, chicken in mole sauce, and traditional Mexican Carne Asada. Plenty of cold refreshment and snacks are offered throughout the day. Our outfitter is able to accommodate most special dietary requirements.

Adventure Specialists

We’ve been connecting our clients to water adventures around the world since 1987. We partner with select outfitters who share our values and are pros at creating exceptional experiences. There is no fee for our service; we earn our commission from the outfitters we represent, and the cost of your expedition is the same as booking direct.

Trip Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)

Snorkeling with Sea Lions in Baja

January 26, 2021

We had a fantastic day trip and overall experience on Isla de Espiritu Santo, a National Marine Park and home to Mexico’s third largest sea lion colony. Rivers & Oceans set us up with a local outfitter in the area, and we had a blast snorkeling with the sea lions. Their guides were knowledgeable and fun, and the boat experience felt safe and well organized. After snorkeling with these playful animals at a beautiful protected reef, we went to a secluded beach where they had a delicious, fresh lunch waiting for us under a canopy. We enjoyed cold drinks and authentic food and then cruised back to La Paz as the sun was setting. Overall a great day, and would highly recommend booking through Rivers & Oceans for your adventure travel there in the future. Gracias por todo!

Austin
Verified

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