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We've done our best to provide you with a comprehensive list of what to bring with you from travel documents to binoculars to underwear.
Travel
Documents
Proof of citizenship is required to enter Mexico; you will need a
valid passport. If you are a citizen of any country other than the U.S.
or Canada, please check with a local consulate or tourist office for the
necessary requirements. A free tourist card will be issued to you on the
flight to Loreto. Half of this will be collected by immigration officials
upon arrival. The other half must be presented when you leave the country;
keep this document with your passport. (Note: A valid passport is the
best way to go.)
Money
and Additional Costs
There is no need to buy pesos before your arrival. Usually you can
find merchants who will accept dollars and hence it's best to have small
bills for easy exchange and to avoid leaving with excess pesos. Keep in
mind that usually there's an ATM machine available for quick cash, but
there are no guarantees. Some places of business do accept traveler's
checks and Vissa/Master Card for payments, but not all. You'll need cash
for three meals in Loreto...dinner the night you arrive, breakfast the
next morning, and breakfast the day you fly home. Also, bring some cash
for any of those special souvenirs you might find etc.
Tipping
If you would like to express your appreciation to the guides through
a gratuity, please know that such recognition would be enthusiastically
received. The industry standard for tipping is approximately 10 percent
of the trip cost. All tips received will be collected and equally disbursed
amongst your guides by the trip leader.
Insurance
and Medical
We strongly recommend that you protect your vacation through the purchase
of a short-term traveler's insurance policy, covering baggage loss, accident
and trip cancellation. Trip cancellation insurance can reimburse you for
any non-refundable air and land expenses should you have to cancel your
space due to family illness, as well as cover any emergency evacuation
expenses should you become ill during the trip. Sea Trek accepts no responsibility
for lost, damaged or delayed property.
Sea Trek has an unblemished safety record. Although every effort is made
to ensure a safe trip, you should realize that in the event of illness
or injury, evacuation can be expensive. Please check your medical coverage
and be sure it is adequate. Everyone is required to sign an Acknowledgement
of Risk and Liability Release before the trip, acknowledgin their awareness
that some risks are associated with ocean kayaking and wilderness travel.
Medical
and Health
It is vital that trip members with any medical problems or disabilities
make them known to Sea Trek by completely filling out our Confidential
Health Questionnaire and returning it well before departure.
All our guides have C.P.R. and advanced first-aid training. We have a well-equipped first-aid kit for emergencies and common problems. The conditions are those found on any long wilderness trip: inaccessibility to civilization and vulnerability to the elements. Immediate evacuation to the U.S. can be prolonged and difficult, so medical emergencies must be handled in the field. Sea Trek assumes no liability regarding provision of health care. Please review your medical insurance and the insurance options/additional coverage offerings in the travel insurance brochure.
Baja
Sea Kayaking Clothing and Equipment
During
March and April, daytime air temperatures along the Baja coast will range
from 75 to 85 degrees, with light afternoon breezes; because of the aridity,
nights can drop to the 50's. During mid-day, we may erect shade tarps
but light cotton clothing also provides comfort and protection from the
strong Baja sun. Water temperature is 70-75 degrees, and we have light
wetsuits available for extended snorkeling. Although we expect beautiful
balmy weather, stormy winds occasionally intrude into the usually gracious
Sea of Cortez.
Follow the list closely and you will be comfortable throughout the trip. Feel free to adapt the list according to previous camping and kayaking experience. SEA TREK provides all commissary, kayaking gear, 3 dry bags (1 large, 2 small), a large duffel bag, and a roomy two-person tent. Our tents are for double occupancy. If you want to be assured of single occupancy you may bring your own tent. Participants need to bring their own sleeping bag, sleeping pad, clothing, snorkeling equipment, and items of a personal nature.
Packing Guidelines
Extra baggage, clothing, etc., that you don't need during the Baja kayaking
trip will remain behind in Loreto, stored with the hotel; include a small
padlock for your bags.
Here’s an example of how things will be packed for the kayaking
portion of the trip. You’ll use Sea Trek’s large dry bag for
most of your clothes and items you wish to keep dry. One of the two small
dry bags (14-15”) can be used as a deck bag while kayaking (holding
sunscreen, camera, windbreaker etc.), the other dry bag for additional
items. Finally, the duffel bag is a great way to carry snorkel/mask, sleeping
bag, tent, sleeping pad, water bottle, etc. from your kayak to your campsite
and visa-versa.
Clothing
Tops
__ 2 t-shirts plus 1 thin polypro shirt for paddling
__ 1 long sleeve shirt: light cotton for sun protection
__ warm sweater and pile jacket (the desert gets chilly at night)
__ 1 wind-jacket/paddling jacket (water resistant)Bottoms
__ 2 pairs shorts: quick-drying nylon for kayaking and hiking
__ 2 pair socks plus 1 lightweight pair for sandals for sun protection
__ 1 pair lightweight pants for daytime sun protection if needed.
(nylon windbreaker type pants work well)
__ 1 pair warm pants(pile pants work great) for nighttime warmth
__ swimsuit
__ underwearFootwear
__ 1 pair for walking (e.g. running shoes or light hiking shoes)
__ 1 pair for kayaking (e.g. Teva-type sport sandals; neoprene
__ booties or water shoes—sturdy enough to walk over some rocks)
Town Clothes
__ casual clothes for 2 travel days and last evening in Loreto.Miscellaneous
__ 1 pair paddling gloves (biking gloves OK)
__ 2 one-quart plastic water bottles
__ 1 bandanna to clean sunglasses, etc.
__ sun hat with tie-down strap (for wind) secured via a barrel lock
__ sunglasses with retention strap (e.g. Chums or Croakies)
__ waterproof sun-screen (including lip screen)
__ toiletries: toothbrush, etc.
__ saltwater shampoo and soap (Camp Suds works well)
__ 1 medium size towel
__ personal first aid kit: medications (anti-inflammatory-ibuprofen, anti- allergies, any favorite remedies for stomach/bowel related issues, sea sickness pills), lotions,
vitamins, band-aids, bug repellant (not much to worry about), hand wipes
__ ditty bag to hold your personal toiletries
__ day pack or fanny pack for hikes
__ extra stuff-sacks to help organize clothes and smaller items
__ flashlight, or head lamp + extra batteries
__ pocketknife
__ earplugs (hey, those airplanes are noisy and the dogs are barking in town)Skin-diving
__ snorkel, mask, finsEquipment
__ lightweight compactable sleeping bag with stuff sack (Those who "sleep cold" should bring a bag rated to approximately 32° Fahrenheit.)
__ compact sleeping pad (self-inflating Therma-rest or ensolite foam)
Optional
__ compressor sack for sleeping bag
__ camera (in waterproof box or bag and extra batteries)
__ binoculars
__ fishing gear (lightweight collapsible)
__ reading material
__ pen and paper for journal
Additional comments: Ideally, on the water you are wearing quick drying clothes. At night it does get chilly so bring layers and don’t forget a windbreaker.
For
questions please give us a call anytime at
(415) 488-1000 or email us at
paddle@seatrekkayak.com
Copyright © 2000 Sea Trek Kayaks. All Rights Reserved.