WHALE WATCHING AND KAYAK CLASSIC ISLANDS – SKIFF SUPPORTED
Sea Kayaking and Whale Watching in the Sea of Cortez
ADVENTURE TYPE
KayakWhales
EXPERIENCE NECESSARY
Beginner
AGE MINIMUM
14
DESTINATION/LOCATION
Loreto, Baja California Sur
Trip Dates
2023
Feb 18-23
Duration
6 days
Cost
$1,995
Highlights
- Kayaking around Isla Danzante and Isla del Carmen
- Day trip to Magdalena Bay to view the “friendly” Gray whales and calves.
- Regular panga excursions to the Blue Whale Triangle
- Base camps provide helpful central location
- Experienced guides know good times/places for sightings
- Beautiful campsites and delicious food
KAYAKING WITH WHALE EXCURSIONS
In February and early March of each year, the whale migration comes to Baja California Sur. Humpback whales, blue whales, gray whales, sperm whales, fin whales, and other species have been seen in the Sea of Cortez. Near Loreto, the most common sightings are blue and humpback whales. In fact, a triangular section of water just south of Isla del Carmen is known as the Blue Whale Triangle owing to the large numbers of blue whale sightings there.
At Sea Trek, we combine our Classic Islands kayaking trip with daily excursions in our panga (motorized support boat) that can get us into the Blue Whale Triangle in a short time. These majestic creatures are the largest animal on earth and viewing them close-up is a breathtaking experience.
To greatly increase our range and viewing opportunities, as well as our chances of seeing whales while we paddle, we’ll utilize the panga throughout the week for regular motorized small-group excursions.
ITINERARY
Your adventure begins with a pre-trip orientation with your guides in the afternoon before launch day. We will communicate and coordinate in advance with all guests the time and location for a comfortable outside meeting at a convenient location in town. At this orientation session, our guides will explain the trip logistics in more detail and answer any questions you may have. Afterward, you are free to explore Loreto’s 300+ year old history and enjoy the charming shops and rich selection of restaurants.
Depending on the weather forecast for the week, we may go to Magdalena Bay*, located on the Pacific side of the Baja Peninsula. We board our panga, and for the next 2-3 hours watch mother gray whales and their young swimming together under the guidance of our boat captain and guide. The whales often get close enough to touch or look you in the eye. Lunch at a local restaurant in the fishing village of Puerto Lopez Mateo is included, and afterwards we head back to the Sea of Cortez to begin our kayak adventure. We will be transported to our first night’s island camp. (
*If the forecast calls for good paddling early in the week, we will likely save our Magdalena Bay adventure for the end of the week on Day 6.
The sun rising over the Sea of Cortez and casting its light on the jagged promontories of Isla Danzante and the Giganta range to the West is a sight to behold. Your guides will point out Los Candeleros Islands, small rocks jutting above the water that serve as a home to cormorants, boobies, and ospreys. Blue whales and pods of dolphins have been spotted in the channel between the two islands, so on our shakedown paddle this morning we’ll be sure to keep a good look out! The afternoon can be spent snorkeling teeming reefs and shorelines, enjoying more paddling, or going out in our panga for more extended whale watching.
Today we’ll cross over to Isla Carmen. We make camp on the southwestern tip of the island, and we’ll have plenty of time in the afternoon for hiking, snorkeling, stand up paddle boarding, or a trip into the Blue Whale Triangle.
After a delicious breakfast of Mexican eggs, tortillas, fresh fruit, and fresh coffee, we’ll go on a day trip to the coves of Isla del Carmen, then return to the campsite for more activities. You’ll have another opportunity to go see whales.
We have spent two nights at the Isla del Carmen campsite, so it’s time to cross back to Isla Danzante for a new campsite surrounded by massive rock formations. We’ll spend some time exploring Danzante’s shoreline with its many tranquil coves until we finally reach the cove where our camp is located.
The sun rises over the Sea of Cortez one last time, making fiery colors briefly appear on the turquoise-hued water. Bid goodbye to this magnificent piece of the planet. We’ll have breakfast, pack up, and paddle back to Puerto Escondido for the take-out where a van will be waiting to take us back to Loreto*. Once we’ve all enjoyed a final seaside lunch or snack, it’s back to your hotel or the airport, your head filled with the past week’s experiences your heart looking forward to your next adventure.
*Depending on the weather for the week, we may have chosen to make this our Magdalena Bay/Grey Whales day.
This morning you’ll enjoy exploring our warm and magical pueblo of Loreto on your own time. Perhaps enjoy a delicious breakfast of Huevos Rancheros and fresh local fruit juices at one of the many outside cafes. Don’t miss visiting the 300+ year old Mision Nuestra Senora de Loreto and her museum right off the central plaza. Most flights home are mid day or later, so you’ll have plenty of time for discoveries and creating a list of things to see and do on your next visit.
For now, it is not goodbye…but rather Hasta Pronto!
Destination
All Sea Trek Baja trips start in the quaint little town of Loreto, located on the Baja peninsula about 600 miles south of San Diego. In most cases there is only one inbound and outbound flight a day, so our afternoon/evening meeting on day 1, and our end of trip logistics are built around that timing.
Some people choose to drive to Loreto down Federal Highway 1, but the easiest way to get there is to fly into the international airport. Direct flights are available from Los Angeles and Tijuana, or you can fly through one of the nearby Mexican cities. Talk to us for more information on traveling to Loreto.
More Info
Accommodations Hotel accommodations are not included in the trip package. You will want to book accommodations for at least the night before the first published day of the trip, and then again for the night of the last published day of the trip. On some trips you are welcome to fly out on the same afternoon that the trip ends, as long as the flight departs at 4 pm or later. For our confirmed clients, we are pleased to offer the services of our preferred Travel Planners, to assist with all of your flight and hotel needs. Although limited in number, visitors to Loreto have lodging choices that range from Luxury to budget. Our travel planner will assist you in determining lodging that fits your preferences. Our Travel planners are seasoned Baja veterans, and will help you find the best flight arrangements as well, so that your trip planning is smooth and efficient. Packing List You’ll be provided a detailed, official packing list upon reserving a trip with Sea Trek, but you may wish to keep the following list in mind while you prepare:
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JOIN THE ADVENTURE
Ages 14 years old and up. Please call for questions about kids under 14 years old.
If you have any questions feel free to contact us.+
READ SOME OF OUR REVIEWS
This was my 3rd trip with Sea Trek in Baja. My wife and I have gone twice and I went once by myself. I love this place. Beautiful water, desert mountains, cool wildlife and it is in Mexico, a warm and charming culture. Steve, the Baja Big Cheese, has a knack for picking awesome staff. These are the kind of people I wish I had here at home to hang out with. My only complaint is that the trip is too short.
- Trip Advisor
Our kayaking camping trip from Loreto Mexico was an amazing nature experience. Sea Trek did a great job with answering all the pre-trip questions from my wife and I. The trip itself from Loreto to the islands of Danzante and Carmen was rich in marine and bird life and seeing the blue whales (again and again!) was life altering. The guides were truly experts and a pleasure to be with whether in the water or on a day hike. The meals were yummy, often including a fresh catch of the day. And then there is that celestial night sky…..We want to go back!
- Trip Advisor
Words cannot express how wonderful this experience was. I went on the paddleboarding excursion with a friend in November. The weather was perfect! The paddling was amazing. The guides were helpful, knowledgeable professional and made sure that every camper got what they were expecting from the trip. We camped on the most beautiful beaches, snorkeled some beautiful spots, went fishing and diving and hiking. Such a full featured experience. I am changed forever. Can’t wIt to go back and do it again!!! Worth every penny!!!!
- Trip Advisor
We took the SUP option for paddling out to and around these beautiful islands in the Sea of Cortez. I was very glad we did, as SUPing is what we’re used to when paddling at home, and it provides a great vantage down through the clear water, a full-body workout, and for me more comfort than sitting. We definitely weren’t slowing down the group, and several others wanted to try it out from camp. It was easy to hop on the SUPs just to get a little morning exercise, to find the best snorkeling, and for an absolutely amazing Bioluminescence paddle.
This was a wonderful trip. And a side benefit was how pretty, friendly and easy Loreto is.
- Trip Advisor
Three friends and I were dazzled by this group of professional, safety minded people. Advice is freely given by all and it is good advice. Amazing food – think fish caught and made into scrumptious meals like clams on the half shell and ceviche. Star gazing with stories about the constellations, going to sleep with the sounds of blue whales, jumping into the boats and racing to get in the middle of a school of dolphins who played in the wake. Kayak trips at different levels for those of us who are not as skilled but still want the adventure. It was all fabulous. I would recommend this trip to anyone who enjoys paddling, sleeping on the beach, and good company. As a group of over sixties, we felt well taken care of and safe. Keep up the good work, Sea Trek. You are a jewel.
- Trip Advisor
Excellent food, excellent guides, excellent experience, excellent gear, excellent camping, excellent snorkeling, excellent camaraderie — everything was wonderful!
I had a great time! I feel like a new person! The whale watching was great, we also saw dolphins, pelicans and a variety of other animals. I highly recommend Sea Trek Baja trips for solo, couples and families — you will be thrilled that you did it.
- Trip Advisor
I did a sea trek meditation retreat in Baja this season. From the very start all communication was timely, friendly and organised. Once I arrived in Loreto they were very accommodating. The kayaks were good kayaks and the guides incomparable. Cannot recommend Sea Trek and Baja enough. Thank you for helping making this experience the trip of a life time for me.
- Trip Advisor
The Classic Island and Whale Watch tour was an incredible experience. The guides were pleasant, organized, knowledgeable, accommodating, and excellent chefs! Each individual in our group was asked what they were most interested in doing/seeing during the tour and our guides delivered. We have already recommended Sea Trek to friends and family.
- Trip Advisor
Sea Trek makes you feel welcomed and cared for as soon as you arrive in Loretto. Actually, as soon as you call them months in advance to ask about trip details. The kayaking is beautiful, the sea life swimming beside and below you – whales, dolphins, eels…. The food fresh and tasty, changing each day. An incredible, experience; easy to make the trip what you want… adventurous or relaxing, you choose… they make it happen.
- Trip Advisor
The guides were amazing; the scenery breathtaking; the food outstanding. Can’t say enough good things – I HIGHLY recommend it!!
- Trip Advisor
Seatrek provided a memorable experience! Joey Heusler, our guide, was extremely knowledgeable about whales and with the Seatrek staff, took us to Magdalena Bay, where we had two trips out to see the Gray whales with their calves, and then on to the Sea of Cortez for a four day kayaking and camping trip on the islands. We saw eight Blue Whales, including one passing right by our island camp! A first time for most of us. The food prepared by the staff was wonderful and everything was done for our safety and comfort. Could not recommend this trip more highly!
- Trip Advisor