Sea Kayaking Espiritu Santo Island
This multi-activity “best of” island adventure is all about experiencing the incredible biodiversity and scenic beauty that Baja’s Espiritu Santo has to offer.
Sea kayaking and camping on Espiritu Santo Island in the Sea of Cortez in Baja, Mexico provides the opportunity to explore the beautiful white sand beaches of this national park and World Heritage Site. Wander canyons adorned with hanging fig trees, boulder up arroyos, kayak to hidden coves, and snorkel the crystal clear waters of this pristine national park and World Heritage Site in Mexico. This flexible Baja sea kayaking itinerary facilitates a selection of activities for a variety of interests from nature walks, fishing, and daily paddling opportunities to side excursions on our motorized skiff for snorkeling or a visit to a sea lion rookery where you can swim with these graceful creatures and enjoy their playful nature first-hand. Some trips, depending on the season, may also have the option to travel to Todos Santos to experience a sea turtle hatchling release. True to the laid-back Baja vibe, time in camp provides plenty of time for relaxation, and evenings are capped up with a festive “happy hour,” authentic Mexican cuisine, and fiery sunsets that never seem to disappoint.
Trip Highlights
What to Expect
Itinerary & Map
Itinerary at a Glance
We pride ourselves in running a relaxed and flexible schedule. Every Espiritu Santo Island sea kayaking trip is different depending upon the group, other trips on the water, camp locations, and sometimes the weather. The following is a sample of what your trip might be like:
Day 1
Arrive in La Paz, Mexico
Fly directly to La Paz or to San Jose del Cabo and make your way to La Paz where you’ll check in to the hotel accommodations provided on night one. This evening you’re on your own to explore La Paz and dine at one of its many fine restaurants.
Day 2
Espiritu Santo Island
Enjoy an early breakfast and orientation with our guides at the hotel’s cafe. You’ll collect any rental gear you may have requested, then the group will transfer by motorized boat to the island of Espiritu Santo (approximately 2 hours). Lunch will be served upon arrival at camp. After lunch, we will go through a camp and kayak orientation, then depart for a short paddle, snorkel, or swim in the azul waters of this paradise. Please note that our basecamp may relocate at some point during your trip. (B, L, D)
Days 3 – 5
Espiritu Santo Island
Enjoy kayaking, snorkeling, fishing, and relaxing along the shores of the enchanted island of Espiritu Santo. Guided kayak excursions of 1-8 miles are offered daily. Our basecamp is located in a protected bay along the west side of Espiritu Santo Island. Other guided activities include exploring canyons draped with fig trees, fishing for sea bass, or skiff excursions to nearby snorkeling “hot spots” including a sea lion rookery where we join these graceful creatures, swimming alongside them while enjoying their playful and curious nature first-hand. (B, L, D)
Day 6
La Paz
After an early lunch, we transfer back to La Paz by motorized boat and check-in to the hotel. This afternoon you’re free to relax or explore the town. Dinner is on your own.
For trips from November through January, you can opt for a side trip to Todos Santos on the Pacific coast (about a 1.5-hour drive) for the sea turtle release at sunset. There is an additional cost paid locally for this excursion and requires a group of 4 or more. You’ll return to La Paz for dinner on your own. (B, L)
Day 7
Depart From La Paz
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before starting your travels home or on to your next destination in Baja. (B)
Meeting Time & Place
Location
La Paz, Mexico
Meeting time
Anytime on Day 1
Return
Anytime on Day 7 or 8 (depending on trip length)
Trip Map
Itinerary at a Glance
We pride ourselves in running a relaxed and flexible schedule. Every Espiritu Santo Island sea kayaking trip is different depending upon the group, other trips on the water, camp locations, and sometimes the weather. The following is a sample of what your trip might be like:
Day 1
Arrive in La Paz, Mexico
Fly directly to La Paz or to San Jose del Cabo and make your way to La Paz where you’ll check-in to the hotel accommodations provided night one. This evening you’re on your own to explore La Paz and dine at one of its many fine restaurants.
Day 2
Espiritu Santo Island
Enjoy an early breakfast and orientation with our guides at the hotel’s cafe. You’ll collect any rental gear you may have requested, then the group will transfer by motorized boat to the island of Espiritu Santo (approximately 2 hours). Lunch will be served upon arrival at camp. After lunch we will go through a camp and kayak orientation, then depart for a short paddle, snorkel or swim in the azul waters of this paradise. (B, L, D)
Days 3 – 6
Espiritu Santo Island
Guided kayaking, snorkeling, nature walks, and fishing excursions are offered daily as the guides and crew choose the best activities each day in accordance with your desires, abilities, and the weather. They will choose the optimal days for snorkeling with the sea lions, interspersed with paddling camp to camp and short nature walks.
You will camp on 2-3 different beaches and attempt paddling the island’s east coast and, calm seas permitting, possibly circumnavigating the island. Please note this itinerary can vary and is dependent on the winds, time of year, and group size. During the fall months of October and November, following the rainy season, some beaches are less desirable for camping due to bugs but fine for spring trips. Other beaches have limited space and can only accommodate smaller groups of 6-10 people.
Fishing excursions by boat will be offered each morning and some evenings for those interested. Our support boats are used for a snorkeling excursion to the sea lion rookery where we can snorkel alongside these amazing marine animals for an experience of a lifetime. (B, L, D)
Day 7
Morning Excursion and Return to La Paz
Enjoy a pleasant paddle or morning nature walk with the guides, early lunch at camp then transfer back to La Paz by boat, arriving mid-day. This afternoon you’re free to relax or explore the town. Dinner is on your own.
For trips from November through January, you can opt for a side trip to Todos Santos on the Pacific coast (about a 1.5-hour drive) for the sea turtle release at sunset. There is an additional cost paid locally for this excursion and requires a group of 4 or more. You’ll return to La Paz for dinner on your own. (B, L)
Day 8
Depart From La Paz
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before starting your travels home or on to your next destination in Baja. (B)
Meeting Time & Place
Location
La Paz, Mexico
Meeting time
Anytime on Day 1
Return
Anytime on Day 7 or 8 (depending on trip length)
Trip Map
Dates & Prices
2023 Departures | Adult Price | Youth Price |
---|---|---|
December 18, 23, 28 | $1,200 | $1,080 |
2024 Departures | Adult Price | Youth Price |
---|---|---|
January 2, 7, 14 | $1,200 | $1,080 |
March 2, 17 | $1,350 | $1,215 |
April 7, 21 | $1,350 | $1,215 |
2023 Departures | Adult Price | Youth Price |
---|---|---|
October 21, 29 | $1,450 | $1,305 |
November 18, 26 | $1,450 | $1,305 |
Deposit
$500
Additional Costs
• Mandatory emergency medical & evacuation coverage
Single Supplement
• 7 Days: $250 hotel + walk-in tent; $150 single hotel + shared walk-in tent; $125 shared hotel + single walk-in tent
• 8 Days: $120 hotel+ tent, $95 single hotel + shared tent, $50 single tent + shared hotel
Optional rentals
• Wetsuit $15
• Snorkel Gear $15
• Sleep Kit $30 | Tent included
The Need-to-Know Info
Trip Details
Included in Your Trip Cost
Single Hotel Room & Single Tent Supplement
Single supplements must be prepaid. If you are a single traveler and willing to share we will waive the single supplement if we’re able to pair you with another traveler of the same gender.
Not Included in Your Trip Cost
- Flights to and from La Paz or San Jose del Cabo, Mexico
- Roundtrip ground transportation between San Jose del Cabo and La Paz
- Airport transfers
- Single hotel room supplement and/or single tent supplement
- Sleeping bag & pad for camping (available for rent, pillow not included)
- Snorkeling equipment and a wetsuit (available for rent)
- Single sea kayak (for exclusive use of a single kayak, inquire with your OARS Adventure Consultant)
- Optional trip to Todos Santos for sea turtle release (paid locally in La Paz)
- Insurance of any kind, including a travel protection plan or mandatory emergency medical & evacuation coverage
- Alcoholic beverages (other than happy hour) or sodas
- Gratuities
Rentals
- Sleep kit: $30 (includes a sleeping bag, sheet liner & pad; a pillow is not provided)
- Sleeping bag only or sleeping pad only: $15 individually
- Snorkel gear: $15 (includes mask, snorkel & fins)
- Mask & snorkel or fins: $10 individually
- Wetsuit: $15 (3mm with short legs & long sleeves; highly recommended for trips late November through April)
Our fleet of sea kayaks are primarily doubles (tandems). One or two single kayaks may be brought along to be used on a shared basis. The kayaks are made by Seda and by Seaward and are of fiberglass construction with rudders. Based upon your experience, size, and group composition, your guide will help determine what kayak you will paddle. We encourage the group to rotate kayak seats so everyone has a chance to paddle to their desire.
A lightweight Swift or Nimbus paddle, PFD (personal flotation device), and a nylon spray skirt are provided to each paddler, while each guide also carries a paddle float and bilge pump. If you’re of short stature (under 5’5″ tall), you may want to bring a seat pad that adds a couple inches of height while sitting in the kayak seat, as this may improve your paddling experience. If you are over 6’2″and/or over 200 pounds, please let us know in advance and we will arrange a kayak with a large cockpit.
We offer exclusive use of a single kayak on most trips for a fee of $50 per kayak. You must be fit and experienced in kayaking and screened in advance by our office. Inquire with your OARS Adventure Consultant to learn more.
Hotel Accommodations
The first and last nights of your trip are spent at Posada LunaSol – a charming hotel in La Paz with a fountain pool, breakfast cafe, and rooftop terrace with views of La Paz Bay. Located in a safe neighborhood, Posada LunaSol is within convenient walking distance to the malecon (seaside walk) where restaurants, shops, and bars abound.
La Paz is a bustling town and true to Mexico’s spirited lifestyle, sounds of the surrounding residences and streets may be heard at night.
Camp Life
Depending on which itinerary you choose, you will either stay at our basecamp situated on a beach along the west coast of Espiritu Santo Island (7-day trip), or camp on beaches along the shores of Espiritu Santo Island (8-day trip).
In camp, a large tent is set up by our staff and used for cooking. Meals are taken outside while enjoying the spectacular views. An additional shade tarp provides protected outdoor seating and relief from the noonday sun. Our staff does the cooking and you are welcome to lend a hand at any time. It’s a great way to practice your Spanish!
Large walk-in tents with cots and a small solar light are provided based on double occupancy. Sleeping bag, pad, and sheet liner available for rent (pillow not included).
Meals & Beverages
We serve a combination of the best of American and Mexican traditions prepared with local fresh ingredients. Barbecued chicken, fresh fish Vera Cruz style, grilled steak tacos accompanied by guacamole and a variety of Mexican salsas, plus fresh soups and salads prepared for lunch are just a few examples of our tasty menu. The skiffs allow us to bring large blocks of ice to store fresh produce and chill canned beverages you bring on the trip. Each evening, we serve a cocktail and appetizer for “happy hour” so you can enjoy the spectacular Baja sunset while sipping an ice-cold margarita!
We need to know as soon as possible about any dietary restrictions we must consider in planning your trip. If you have food allergies or necessary restrictions, we will do our best to accommodate your needs.
Spring and fall are the most ideal times for enjoying the Sea of Cortez. The strong northerly winds blow longest and strongest from late November through early March so spring and fall trips are characterized by calmer, warmer days.
Fall trips (Oct & Nov) offer warm and clear waters for great snorkeling and little chance of strong winds. An added attraction is the opportunity to observe the Baja desert in bloom following the rainy season in August and September.
Winter trips (Dec & Jan) tend to be cooler with a more likely chance of heavy winds. Daytime highs may be in the 70s but with the wind, it will feel cooler.
Spring trips (Mar, Apr & May) offer warmer waters with warm calm days being common. As an added bonus on spring trips, many cetaceans migrate into the Sea of Cortez at this time and sightings may include blue, fin, sperm, and humpback whales.
Average Air & Water Temperatures
Average Air Temp (°F) | Average Water Temp (F°) | |
---|---|---|
October | 80-95 | 80 |
November | 70-80 | 73 |
December | 60-80 | 63 |
January | 60-80 | 60 |
March | 70-85 | 65 |
April | 75-90 | 68 |
May | 80-95 | 70 |
Before booking your trip with OARS, there are a few important considerations we’d like you to know about.
Reservations and Deposit
A $500/person deposit is required at the time of reservation. Deposits may be made by check, money order, or Visa/Mastercard (American Express and Discover incur a 3% processing fee). Prices are in US Dollars and all payments must be made in US Dollars. Payment of the deposit establishes your acceptance of our complete Terms and Conditions. Individual departures and trip capacity are strictly limited by the managing agency.
Canceling your trip after your deposit is processed will incur cancellation fees because OARS has absorbed costs on your behalf and will turn others away who would like to book the spaces we’re holding for you. Final payment is due 90 days before departure. Accounts on which final payment has not been received 80 days before the departure date will be canceled without exception.
Cancellations and Refunds
Your deposit is fully refundable, less a 3% processing fee, for 7 days after you book when you submit a deposit 7 days or more before the final payment due date.
If you must cancel your reservation after the rescission period described above, your cancellation fee will be determined according to the schedule below. We regret we cannot make exceptions to the cancellation policy for any reason, including foul weather, poor air quality, wildfire activity, acts of terrorism, civil unrest, or personal emergencies. There is no refund for arriving late or leaving a trip early. For these reasons, we strongly urge you to consider purchasing a travel protection plan.
Date of Cancellation | Cancellation Fee |
---|---|
90 or more days before your trip | $300/person |
89 to 60 days before your trip | $500/person |
59 to 0 days before your trip | 100% of the trip price/person |
Requests to transfer a date will be treated as a cancellation, per the terms above.
Canceled Trips
OARS International and the outfitter Sea & Adventures, Inc. reserve the right to cancel any trip due to insufficient registration or other factors that make the trip impractical to operate. Do not make nonrefundable travel arrangements unless you have spoken to your Adventure Consultant regarding the status of your trip.
If a trip must be canceled or postponed due to force majeure (factors outside the control of OARS), OARS will provide full credit for payments made toward future travel, or a refund less a 5% service fee plus any nonrefundable payments made on your behalf to 3rd-party suppliers. OARS will make good faith efforts to recover deposits made on your behalf to 3rd-party suppliers, however, we can’t guarantee recovery of any or all of the advance payments made. OARS is not responsible for expenses incurred by participants in preparation for a canceled trip.
Our Baja trips are run by an affiliate company and arranged through O.A.R.S. International, Inc.
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