MORE INFORMATION
Detailed Itinerary
DOWNLOAD THIS ITINERARY (pdf) (2008 Sample Itinerary)
Please note that this is a typical itinerary, and actual activities may vary to take advantage of weather conditions, local events, and to allow serendipity to play a hand in your experience. Accommodations are as outlined in the itinerary, although we reserve the right to change these should the need arise.
DAY 1
La Paz
Arrival day – on your own to explore La Paz.
Upon your arrival in La Paz you are greeted at the airport by your guide who provides you with information about the week ahead, and transports you to your hotel overlooking La Paz Bay. At Hotel Los Arcos, La Paz’s finest accommodation, you find yourself with quiet gardens and two private pools, beach access right outside your door and downtown La Paz only two blocks away. Today is yours to explore the capital city of Baja California Sur, or simply to relax on the sandy beach. For dinner, you are free to choose from among the many fine restaurants in the area.
Hotel Los Arcos, La Paz
DAY 2
Espiritu Santo Island
Kayaking – introduction to sea kayaking, easy paddling with instruction, 2-3 hours in the afternoon.
After breakfast at Los Arcos, our sea kayaking adventure begins as we meet our guides in the lobby of Hotel Los Arcos, packed and ready to go. We are fitted with equipment, and briefed on the logistics of our five days in the Sea of Cortez. Soon after we are on our way, transported from La Paz by motorized skiff to Espiritu Santo Island, four miles away. Once there, we are oriented to the amenities of our island base camp before taking to the water for an introduction to paddling. Our guides provide us with safety instruction and, for those who are new to sea kayaking, the basics of paddling technique. For more experienced paddlers, guides help fine tune strokes for better efficiency in the water. By afternoon, our quiet water exploration of this remarkable sea and landscape begins.
For the next four days we have the opportunity to choose our own activities from among the many adventurous or relaxing options available to us on the island.
Espiritu Santo Island Camp
DAY 3
Espiritu Santo Island
Kayaking – easy to moderate, 2-4 hours. Afternoon hiking from camp, time and distance variable.
With a steaming cup of coffee and a fresh breakfast to get us started, we begin our first full day of island life. By taking advantage of morning’s ideal paddling conditions, we explore the island’s varied shoreline with its volcanic rock cliffs separating secluded white sand beaches tucked into shallow turquoise bays. From the comfort of our kayaks we drift over sea cucumbers and urchins, purple and gold cushion stars and the thin-limbed and delicate brittle starfish. You will quickly appreciate why Baja is a world-class sea kayaking destination.
In the afternoon, after indulging in a catered midday meal, we may choose to explore the inland canyons, draped with wild fig and plum trees, or hike to higher ground for an expansive view over the bays of Espiritu Santo and its island neighbors.
We return to camp in time for a dinner cooked by our guides, Baja locals who are expert handlers of the native ingredients. While we wait for the main course, we are treated to cocktails, appetizers, and no doubt a spectacular Baja sunset.
Espiritu Santo Island Camp
DAY 4
Espiritu Santo Island
Kayaking – easy to moderate, 2-4 hours. Snorkeling in bays or offshore at Los Islotes.
Today we continue our exploration of the island from the cockpit of our kayaks and by the power of our fins. With snorkeling gear close at hand we stop wherever we like for an impromptu exploration of underwater reefs and marine life.
For a slightly more remote snorkeling experience, today may be the day we elect to take the skiffs to Los Islotes to swim with the sea lions. Los Islotes, a small cluster of volcanic rock islets and underwater pinnacles off the northern tip of Isla Partida (neighbor to Espiritu Santo), is home to a sizable sea lion rookery. Graceful swimmers with playful personalities, the sea lions are as curious about us as we are about them! It is truly rare to experience wildlife in this intimate way and inevitably this will be a highlight of our Baja adventure.
Espiritu Santo Island Camp
DAY 5
Espiritu Santo Island
Kayaking – easy to moderate, 2-4 hours. Optional skiff supported fishing.
This morning we may decide to dedicate ourselves to an entire day of paddling in and out of the picturesque bays, or we may wake early to take advantage of Baja’s renowned fishing before breakfast. Trolling behind the skiff, our guides take us to some of their favorite spots. While they provide us with rod and reel, we should bring our own lures (small minnow-type lures are suggested).
For dinner we enjoy another fully catered meal of favorite local recipes, and we toast the marvels of the Sea of Cortez.
Espiritu Santo Island Camp
DAY 6
La Paz
Kayaking – easy to moderate. Motorized skiff transport to La Paz.
This morning is our last opportunity to enjoy paddling and hiking from our island camp before we return to the mainland in the afternoon. The luxury and amenities of Hotel Los Arcos await us, ready to help soothe paddling muscles and newly-sunned skin. Relax by the pool, schedule a massage, or take in the downtown marketplace.
Dinner this evening is at a local restaurant, chosen for its fine food and service—a place ideal for a final celebration.
Hotel Los Arcos, La Paz
DAY 7
Return Home
For breakfast you are free to dine on your own, and a shuttle service from the hotel to the airport will be available for you. Your guides will assist you with scheduling a departure time.