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north america: baja california

Z-Islands & Whales: Kayak and Camping

Explore the extraordinary nature and wildlife of Mexico’s Sea of Cortez and Baja Peninsula in style on this active adventure. Enjoy three days of hiking, kayaking, snorkeling and relaxing on the tranquil beaches of Isla Espiritu Santo combined with three full days of watching Grey Whales in Magdalena Bay. Our activities are designed to access and appreciate remote wilderness full of unusual plants and extraordinary wildlife. Expert guides ensure your safety and comfort while interpreting endemic plants and whale behavior. Accommodations include beach camps and boutique hotels. Explore beyond the resorts among one of North America’s most pristine wilderness areas.

Day 1 - Arrive La Paz
Arrive in the friendly seaside town of La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico. This evening is on your own to explore La Paz and dine at one of its many fine restaurants. Overnight at our quaint inn close to the scenic waterfront and historic downtown.

Accommodations: Posada Luna Sol

Included Meals: n/a

Day 2 - Isla Espiritu Santo
After breakfast at the hotel pick up your rental gear (if necessary) and transfer by boat to our base camp on Espiritu Santo Island (approximately 2 hours). Lunch is followed by a camp orientation and sea kayak instruction where our guides illustrate paddling technique and safety guidelines. The sea kayak orientation includes a mandatory wet exit or "dunk test." So get ready to have some fun as we all take the plunge! It's a piece of cake!

Accommodations: Isla Espiritu Santo Camp

Included Meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Days 3-4 - Sea of Cortez Kayaking
Mexico’s Sea of Cortez, also known as the Gulf of California, is one of the world’s richest seas and home to abundant wildlife including sea lions, dolphins, whales, countless birds and spectacular undersea life. The sea is dotted by hundreds of isolated islands locally known as the “Mexican Galapagos because many support distinct endemic species found nowhere else on earth. Explore the rugged cliffs and golden beaches of this magnificent archipelago by kayak, snorkel and on foot. Guides will lead daily excursions while leaving plenty of time to find the perfect beach for an afternoon siesta. Kayak excursions range from one to four hours and skiff excursions to lead nearby snorkeling "hot spots" including a sea lion rookery. Join these graceful creatures, swimming alongside them while enjoying their playful and curious nature first hand. Additional activities include hiking into canyons draped with fig trees or fishing for a dinner of sea bass and red snapper. Overnights at camp on Isla Espiritu Santos.

Accommodations: Isla Espiritu Santo Camp

Included Meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Day 5 - Return to La Paz
One final morning of island exploration before the return boat ride to La Paz. Enjoy nice hot shower and dinner. Overnight in hotel.

Accommodations: Posada Luna Sol
Included Meals: breakfast and lunch

Day 6 - Magdalena Bay
After breakfast at the hotel transfer overland by van to Magdalena Bay (approximately 4 hours). Upon arrival on the Pacific Coast a 1/2 hour skiff ride leads to our whale camp. If time and conditions permit we may whale watch this afternoon.

Accommodations: Magdalena Bay Camp

Included Meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Days 7-8 - Grey Whale Watching
Small pangas (local word for motorized skiffs) take us into Magdalena Bay for close encounters with magnificent gray whales. Each year these magnificent creatures migrate to these shallow lagoons to mate and give birth to their calves. Two to four hours per day are spent observing and photographing whales from the skiffs. (Active whale watching by kayak is prohibited in Magdalena Bay) Other activities include bird watching and mangrove exploration by skiff or kayak and beach combing along miles of pristine Pacific coastline. Each evening our knowledgeable naturalists present slide shows on gray whale natural history, behavior and birds of the area.

Accommodations: Magdalena Bay Camp

Included Meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Day 9 - Return to La Paz
A final morning of whale watching before the transfer back to your hotel in La Paz. Afternoon free to shop and wander through downtown La Paz before meeting for a farewell dinner.

Accommodations: Posada Luna Sol
Included Meals: breakfast and dinner

Day 10 - Depart
Transfer from hotel to airport (approximately 20 minutes) for return flight home.

Accommodations: n/a
Included Meals: breakfast

Group size - Min.4, Max. 18
Number of Guides/crew- 3-6
Minimum age - 8
Single supplement - $120 hotel and tent
Sea kayak rating and approximate min/max distances per day - Easy, Beginner to intermediate, 4-6 miles

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For additional information and reservations, please contact us:

800-728-2875 | 530-583-1775 | fax 530-583-1711 | travel@AdventureSmithExplorations.com