Sun, sand, sea, stars—what more you could possibly ask for to jump-start your life? Baja California, a wilderness of ochre desert lapped by aquamarine seas, is one of the best getaway destinations we know of. On this fun, active (yet entirely relaxing) vacation, you’ll learn to paddle a sea kayak in the protected waters around Isla Espiritu Santo in the Sea of Cortez. Expert guides teach you the easy-to-master kayak skills, and soon you’ll be paddling the clear-as-crystal waters, feeling your cares trickle away like water drops off your paddle blade. Besides kayaking, you’ll swim and snorkel with friendly sea lions and tropical fish, hike in the island’s arid canyons, and happily become a prisoner of the island’s magic. While relaxing in style at our island camp, you’ll dine on tasty Mexican food (yummy fish tacos!), quench your thirst with plenty of frosty drinks (margaritas on the beach give a whole new meaning to the term “happy hour”), and enjoy a paradise of glorious sunny days capped by fiery gold-and-crimson sunsets and a luminous sky full of stars.

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• Learn to sea kayak with expert guides in a remote, undeveloped island conservation area
• Snorkel with playful sea lions and colorful tropical fish
• Camp on an uninhabited island facing the spectacular Baja sunset─true paradise! (We’re the only company to offer a base camp trip—perfect for families and beginners!)

Itinerary: Kayaking the Sea of Cortez

Days 1 - Arrive in La Paz, Mexico, on the Bay of La Paz.

Day 2 - Take a motorboat transfer to a comfortable beach camp on Isla Espiritu Santo, designated a global conservation priority by The Nature Conservancy because of its unique biological diversity. After instruction in sea kayaking basics, you’ll begin to paddle on your own, exploring nearby turquoise lagoons and deserted beaches. Tonight you’ll enjoy a beautiful sunset over the Sea of Cortez while the staff prepares a delicious welcome dinner.

Days 3-5 - From camp, you'll kayak along the shoreline to explore hidden coves and pristine beaches, snorkel among dazzling fish, head to Los Islotes to swim and snorkel with the sea lions (an experience you'll never forget!), try your hand at fishing, and hike through gorgeous canyons and up to high ridges for inspiring views. With luck, you may spot pods of sleek dolphins, see manta rays soaring into the air and doing back flips into the water, and on spring trips, possibly see blue or finback whales wintering in the Sea of Cortez. At evening "happy hours" you'll sip drinks and enjoy an appetizer while watching a spectacular Baja sunset, then feast on a delicious dinner made with fresh local ingredients.

Day 6 - Morning to kayak, swim, or snorkel, and savor the last moments of this incredible getaway. Afternoon return to La Paz by boat and enjoy a festive farewell dinner with the group.

Day 7 - Depart La Paz.

Please note: Getting to Baja just got easier!
Delta Airlines began nonstop daily service between Los Angeles International Airport and La Paz, Mexico.
Alaska Airlines also offers nonstop service between Los Angeles and La Paz on select days each week