Sea Kayaking in Baja, Mexico

The islands in the Sea of Cortez in the Baja Peninsula offer a treasure trove of marine activities and some of the most beautiful scenery in the Northern Hemisphere - a great way to tour them is by kayak, staying in a mix of luxury campsites and hotels in the town of Loreto.

There are almost 100 islands in the Californian Gulf, with half of them protected as ultra bio diverse reserve sites and all of them surrounded by crystal blue seas. The weather is temperate all year round and enjoys calmer seas thanks to its shielding by the peninsula itself. This tour sees you paddling in Loreto Bay National Marine Park which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the only one of its kind in Baja.

The tour is well designed to show off the amazing marine animals that visit this secluded paradise, all the while kayaking through easy-going and clear waters and marvelling at the enchanting backdrops of the lush islands. For three nights of the tour you’ll return after a day on the water to a luxury campsite, sipping on cocktails as the sun sets on the horizon and talking about the day’s adventure.

This six day tour is a great introduction to the Sea of Cortez and the myriad of things to see in the region. Aside from the kayaking integral to the itinerary, high on the list of recommendations is the snorkelling - due to the great conservation rules that have been implemented in the last few years, the region is now seeing a return to its unique biodiversity which was once threatened due to over fishing. Hiking is also a worthwhile activity, since there are large colonies of birds endemic to the region as well as a staggering number of rare plant species - some 3,500 in total, many of them found nowhere else on Earth.

There are a few limitations imposed on the trip with regards to physicality. Ideally you are over 14 and under 70, physically fit and not overweight. Although you don’t need previous kayak experience (it‘s an easy and fun skill to learn), you’ll find the tour easier if you have a degree of upper body fitness.

This trip is supported by a motorboat, meaning that all of your gear will be transported ahead by boat so your kayak will be lighter.