Before You Go: Baja Sea Kayaking and Whale Watching

Overview

Sample Itinerary

We pride ourselves in running a relaxed and flexible schedule. Every trip is different depending upon the group, other trips on the water and sometimes the weather. The following is a sample of what your trip might be like:

Please be advised that the Espiritu Santo Island and the Magdalena Bay portions of your trip may be reversed.

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. Upon arrival in La Paz, take a taxi to our hotel. This evening you’re on your own to explore La Paz and dine at one of its many fine restaurants.

Posada LunaSol or similar

Day 2: Espiritu Santo Island

Enjoy an early breakfast and orientation with our guides at the hotel’s cafe.  Any rental items you’ve requested can be collected and paid for this morning. We then transfer by 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.

Island base camp (B, L, D)

Days 3-5: Espiritu Santo Island

We’ll spend the days kayaking, snorkeling, fishing, exploring on foot and relaxing along the shores of the enchanted island of Espiritu Santo. Guided kayak excursions from 1-4 hours are offered both days along the coast and to outlying islands. Camp is located in a large protected bay, allowing guests additional kayaking time right from camp to explore the sheltered bay. Other guided activities from camp include 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. Nature walks into canyons draped with fig trees and fishing for sea bass and red snapper are other attractions.

Island base camp (B, L, D)

Day 6: Espiritu Santo Island and Return to La Paz

After a casual morning and breakfast on the island, we’ll return by skiff to La Paz where we’ll indulge in a hot shower and lunch.   The remainder of the day is free to explore town. The guides and hotel staff are able to offer suggestions for destinations and restaurants for dinner.

Posada LunaSol or similar (B, L)

Day 7: Magdalena Bay

After an early breakfast at the hotel, we’ll transfer by van to the Pacific side of the Baja Peninsula (approximately 4 hours). Upon arrival at the embarcadero in Lopez Mateos, we’ll enjoy lunch before boarding the boats to go to our camp. En route, we whale watch for about 2 hours, arriving at camp later this afternoon.

Base camp (B, L, D)

Day 8-9: Whale Watching

Motorized skiffs take us into the bay to view the magnificent gray whales. Two hours or more per day may be spent observing whales (whale watching by kayak is prohibited). Other activities include bird watching by skiff, easy kayaking in mangrove estuaries and walking the coast and dunes of the barrier island. Each evening our knowledgeable naturalists present slide shows on gray whale natural history, behavior, and birds of the area.

Base camp (B, L, D)

Day 10: Whale Watch and Return to La Paz

Enjoy early morning coffee with a continental breakfast before preparing your gear to leave camp. Around 10:00 a hearty brunch will be served prior to leaving camp for whale watching. This approximately 2-hour whale watch session will return us to Lopez Mateos where we’ll board the vans for the return ride to La Paz. Arrive and check in to our hotel at about 5-5:30 pm and enjoy dinner at one of the many fine establishments La Paz has to offer.

Posada LunaSol or similar (B, L)

Day 11: Depart

Transfer to the La Paz Airport or to the malecon for ground transport to the San Jose del Cabo Airport. The ride to the airport in La Paz takes approximately 20 minutes; the ride to San Jose del Cabo takes about 3 hours. You should arrive at the airport 2 hours prior to your flight departure time. (B)

Included in Your Trip Cost

• Skilled, professional guide service provided by our affiliate operator
• 7 nights catered camping
• 3 nights hotel accommodation (based on double occupancy)
• Double (tandem) sea kayak, paddle & PFD
• All meals as outlined in the itinerary (B-breakfast, L-lunch, D-dinner)
• 2-person walk-in tent on a shared basis (there is an additional charge for a private tent)
• Sleeping cot with pad and pillow
• Personal flotation device (PFD) which must be worn at all times in compliance with safety regulations
• Camp chairs
• Eating utensils, cups and plates
• Highest quality sea kayaks and related equipment
• Transfers as listed in the itinerary
• 27-oz Klean Kanteen water bottle

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 for camping (sleeping cot, pad and pillow are provided)
• Snorkeling equipment (mask, snorkel & fins and wetsuit)
• Single sea kayak (for exclusive use of a single kayak, inquire with your OARS Adventure Consultant)
• Insurance of any kind, including a travel protection plan or mandatory emergency medical & evacuation coverage
• Alcoholic beverages (other than happy hour) or sodas
• Items of a personal nature (see suggested packing list below)
• Gratuities

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.

Rentals

• Sleeping bag: $20  (walk-in tents include a cot with pad & pillow)
• 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)

Rental items can be collected and are paid for the morning of itinerary day 2. Please plan ahead and have U.S. dollars for the rental cost, as credit card transactions may not be available at times.

TRIP PREPARATION CHECKLIST

☐ Consider Purchasing Travel Protection: For complete details and to purchase the plan we highly recommend, visit:  www.oars.com/tpp

In order to take part in this trip, each participant must have a minimum of Emergency Medical Evacuation coverage in place for the dates of the trip.  This can be purchased as stand-alone coverage, independent of a comprehensive travel protection plan.  You can get a quote for this type of policy by entering a Trip Cost amount of $0 when getting a quote here:  www.oars.com/tpp

Please note: By entering a Trip Cost amount of $0, the plan will not include Trip Cancellation coverage and you may not be eligible for Emergency Medical Expense benefits relating to any pre-existing conditions.

☐ Trip Forms (online): Each participant will need to complete the required trip forms within two weeks of making a booking. Refer to your confirmation e-mail for the link to the online forms. If you prefer to fill out paper forms, please let us know right away. If you are reserving within 90 days of departure, your forms must be completed immediately to ensure we can properly plan for your trip.

☐ Reserve flights, shuttles and lodging: Verify with your Adventure Consultant that your trip has met minimum numbers prior to booking flights and/or reserving overnight lodging for the night before and after your trip, if applicable.

☐ Physical Requirements: Your outdoor adventure will be an active participatory trip. Please inform us of any physical limitation you may have as soon as possible.  Make sure you are exercising frequently in the months leading up to your trip and can meet our essential eligibility requirements.

☐ Payments: Final payment is due in our office 90 days prior to your trip (refer to your invoice for final payment date). Please let us know if you would like us to automatically charge your credit card on file when final payment is due.

Travel Arrangements

Essential Travel Documents

Passports
If you don’t have a passport, apply for one immediately because the process can be lengthy. If you do have a passport, find it and check the expiration date to see that it is valid for at least the duration of your planned stay in Mexico. Make a photocopy of the photo page of your passport and carry it separately from your passport. It is also a good idea to leave a copy with your emergency contact at home. If your passport is lost or stolen, a photocopy will help the local consulate speed up authorization for replacement. Also check your passport for blank pages. If you do not have at least two blank pages in your passport, we recommend that you apply to have extra pages added.

Do not pack your passport in your checked luggage. You may be asked for your papers at various times during the trip. If you are carrying a customs form, please keep it in a safe place at all times (we do not recommend carrying it in the passport because you often must submit the passport at hotels, where reception clerks can easily lose the form).

Visas / Tourist Card

Visas are not required for U.S. citizens to enter Mexico. For non-U.S. citizens, please check with the consulate.

Your airline will give you a tourist card to complete while on your flight. Be sure that you have signed both copies of this form. Please have this document and your passport available for the customs officer. Keep your copy of this form in a safe place; you will need it to exit Mexico.

Mandatory Evacuation Insurance

We require that you purchase a minimum of $100,000 of emergency medical evacuation insurance to participate in this expedition. This can be purchased as stand-alone coverage, independent of a comprehensive travel protection plan.  You can get a quote for this type of policy by entering a Trip Cost amount of $0 when getting a quote here:  www.oars.com/tpp

Please note: By entering a Trip Cost amount of $0, the plan will not include Trip Cancellation coverage and you may not be eligible for Emergency Medical Expense benefits relating to any pre-existing conditions.

Because there are costs that you will incur if you cancel the spaces on this trip that we’re now holding for you, or in the event you need to be evacuated during the trip due to an unforeseen illness or injury, we strongly encourage our guests to purchase an optional travel protection plan.  A travel protection plan may help reimburse the cost of your pre-paid, non-refundable payments in the event you are prevented from taking your trip for a covered reason. Trip participants must understand that in the event of an illness or injury on a wilderness trip, evacuation can be prolonged, difficult and expensive.  For complete details and to purchase the plan we highly recommend, visit:  www.oars.com/tpp

Please note: To be eligible for coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, you must purchase the plan within 21 days of your initial trip payment and you must be medically fit to travel at the time you pay for the plan.

Trip Description

Camp Life

While at Magdalena Bay, a barrier island on the Pacific coast of the Baja Peninsula, we camp on the leeward side. Nestled in sand dunes, our camp faces the bay and often provides a great view of whales and dolphins as they swim by. A small mangrove estuary is a short paddle from camp and provides a peaceful kayaking experience while you observe its abundant bird life. The Pacific Ocean is a 20-minute walk across the majestic windswept sand dunes and provides the lovely sound of waves caressing the beach 24 hours a day. The kitchen and dining area is comprised of large MASH-style wall tents that offer protection from the sun and the wind. The tents are furnished with tables and chairs for eating or relaxing, and feature solar-powered lighting in the evenings.

Our guides give presentations here on the local ecology and the biology of the gray whale. Some chaise lounges offer the opportunity for sun bathing on the beach. Solar sun showers are available for showering in private shower stalls. Large (10’x12′) walk-in tents are provided for sleeping accommodations, each complete with two cots, sleeping pads, pillow and table with light. These tents are provided for double occupancy, while smaller backpacking-style tents may be used for singles. The toilets are self-contained porta-potties that flush with water. They are set up in private stalls behind camp and emptied daily.

On Espiritu Santo Island, we camp on a white sand beach sandwiched between a shallow, protected bay and the towering cactus of the Southern Sonoran Desert. Large kitchen and dining tents are provided complete with dining tables and chairs for protection from the sun and wind and feature solar-powered lighting in the evenings. A large tarp provides additional shade on the beach. Walk-in tents are provided for sleeping accommodations, each complete with two cots, sleeping pads, pillow and table with small solar light. These tents are provided for double occupancy, while smaller backpacking-style tents may be used for singles. A private solar shower area is set up for rinsing off salt after you bathe in the sea with biodegradable soap. The toilets are self-contained porta-potties that flush with water. They are set up in private stalls behind camp and emptied daily.

Hotel Accommodation

We include accommodation the first, middle and last nights of your trip in La Paz at Posada LunaSol – a charming hotel with a fountain pool, breakfast cafe and roof top 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.  (Please note: 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, sometimes loudly.)

Meals & Beverages

We serve a combination of the best of American and Mexican tradition 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!

Drinking Water

We carry sufficient drinking water along with us to provide for your needs throughout the trip. Water is accessible in camp and before excursions for filling personal water bottles. Fresh drinking water is also available at your hotel. We recommend when you are out and about on your own that you drink bottled water.

Dietary Restrictions

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 restrictions, we will do our best to accommodate your needs.

Beyond our standard menu, we can provide options for vegetarian, vegan and many allergy-restricted diets.  However, we cannot always provide the same diversity or sophistication for restricted diets as we do for our regular menu.

We cannot guarantee that cross-contamination from allergens will not occur during meal prep, and reserve the right to refuse service to anyone as it relates to safety, including the potential for a medical emergency caused by a severe food allergy. Also, due to the constraints of cooking for a large group in a wilderness setting, availability of ingredients or specialty items in remote locations, and limited packing space, we are unable to cater to dietary preferences (likes or dislikes).

Beverages / Alcohol

You will have the opportunity to purchase your own favorite soft drinks or alcohol prior to leaving for Magdalena Bay and Espiritu Santo Island. Our crew will ice your daily choice of beverage in the drink cooler each day during the trip. Sunset each evening is celebrated with happy hour, in which a cocktail is provided. You might have ice-cold, freshly squeezed lime margaritas made with 100% agave tequila or fresh pineapple and coconut laden piña coladas.

Kayaks & Equipment

Our fleet of kayaks is comprised primarily of doubles (tandems). On Espiritu Santo Island only, 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.

While on Espiritu Santo Island only, 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.

Fishing

We offer fishing as a side activity on the Sea of Cortez portion, not on the Magdalena Bay whale watching excursion.  Fishing on our kayak trips is done by trolling behind a motorized skiff (two rods at a time) from one to two hours before breakfast on certain mornings or from your kayak. If you want to fish, please come prepared with your own lures. We can supply a rod & reel, but you may prefer your own. Medium to small minnow-type, sinking lures are suggested such as a Rebel jointed Fastrac or mid-size Rapala Magnums (4.5 to 5 inches or 9-12cm in length). Suggested colors include: blue/silver, black/silver, black/gold, green mackerel/gold or blue mackerel/silver.

The best fishing season in Baja is summer through fall. Therefore the best months for fishing on our sea kayak trips are October and November. Typical catches during these months include tuna, dorado and sea bass. During winter months sierra mackerel are commonly caught. Spring provides varied options for catching a variety of fish depending on where you are and what lures you use.

Fishing permits are required for anyone age 13 or older who plans to fish. This includes fishing from our motorized skiff or your kayak. You can obtain a fishing permit in La Paz or can arrange it in advance by going online at: https://www.sportfishingbcs.gob.mx/
Be sure you print your license and carry it with you.

The Portable Toilet

While the idea of a camping trip is appealing to most people, many are inhibited or reluctant because of modesty or uncertainty. To minimize our impacts, we carry out all solid human waste and use a portable toilet system. It is basically a small self-contained toilet basin that even uses water to flush. It is placed in a secluded spot a discrete distance from tent sites at each camp and is available from the time you arrive until you depart. Toilet paper and a convenient hand-washing station are provided.

Bathing

On Espiritu Santo Island, a solar shower is set up on the beach at camp for rinsing off the salt after you bathe in the sea with a biodegradable soap.  At Magdalena Bay, solar sun showers are available for showering in private shower stalls.

Electricity

Mexico’s electrical system is the same as in the U.S. and uses the same type of plugs.

Cameras

In addition to your regular camera case, we recommend using extra protection such as zip-lock plastic bags, a waterproof camera case or a small day dry bag in the kayak, with padding. Water and dust can be a problem—so clean your camera every night with tissue, a brush and lens paper. We strongly recommend you take out a rider on your homeowner’s policy to cover your camera—especially if it’s fine equipment. Make sure to bring additional memory cards, batteries and any other extras you will need.

Electronics & Technology

The use of electronic devices, especially music players and flying drones, on your trip may represent an intrusion into the wilderness experience of your fellow guests. We ask that you please be mindful of the impacts to others and respect the wilderness nature of the trip. Please bring headphones if you intend to listen to music during the trip and leave your drone at home.

Many of our guests travel with their smartphone even though there is limited or no cell service. On a trip like this, there is always the risk of water damage to smartphones and other electronic devices, even when they are stowed in a dry bag. If you intend to take your phone with you on the trip, consider investing in a small, waterproof case just for your phone.

Power Sources

On most trips, we are able to provide charging for your electronics on our skiffs with a standard power strip (for use only in the daytime), and/or at camp in the common area using our solar panels or generators. You may want to consider bringing your own personal sources of power, but it isn’t necessary. We advise cell phones be kept on airplane mode to conserve battery life as there isn’t reliable cell reception.

Communication

Once you are on the trip there is limited communication with the “outside world.” Cell phone service is not always available. Our guides are able to use cell phones in many places for emergency service and in other situations communicate by marine band radio on the boats. If you have someone that needs to contact you about an emergency at home, they should call our office (800-346-6277) and we will relay the message to you. Keep in mind the message may not reach you immediately. For your family at home you should define for them what you consider an emergency and provide them with instructions to call our office in the event one occurs during your vacation.

Money Matters

ATM’s are available around La Paz but can be unreliable. Many shops and restaurants accept U.S. dollars but this can vary depending on where you are. Once in La Paz, you may want some pesos for purchases around town. You can change your dollars into pesos at the airport and banks (closed on weekends and holidays). Please note, no more than US$300 can be changed into pesos per month at the banks.

The closest ATM to our hotel in La Paz is about seven blocks away. Therefore, you may want to use an ATM or exchange money at the airport prior to your arrival.

The amount of cash you bring is subject to how much you plan to spend on meals (note those not included), services in town, shopping and for tipping. We recommend bringing a minimum of at least $300 cash. Please keep in mind you might want to bring twice that much if you plan to generously tip your guides, as well as spend money on equipment rentals at our office, meals, drinks and souvenirs in town. Travelers checks are not recommended as they are difficult to cash.

Time Zone

Baja is located in the same international time zone as the U.S. Mountain Time. (UTC/GMT -7 hours)

Health and Medical Information

Although we do not require any immunizations to participate, it is important that you be up-to-date on several standard immunizations and that you check with your physician prior to departure. The CDC is a good resource for recommendations pertaining to international travel immunizations.

The country of Mexico, including Baja, has a high incidence of Hepatitis A, a contagious liver disease. While we take all precautionary steps to prevent the spread of Hepatitis A at our hotel and on our trips, for complete protection we recommend our clients get vaccinated for Hepatitis A.

Menstrual Cycle

Even if you aren’t anticipating your menstrual period, come prepared for it. We recommend you bring some sandwich-size Ziploc™ bags. These bags can be used to store products during the day while you are on the water. Used pads or tampons can be disposed of in the trash at lunch or at camp. We provide some menstrual products on most trips for emergencies.

CPAP Machine

If you require the use of a CPAP machine and intend to bring one with you, be sure to alert your OARS Adventure Consultant prior to your trip to let us know the dimensions of the machine, description of battery(s), and any protective case(s). Travel-sized CPAP’s are readily available and often come with a battery kit. You must assess the power needs of your CPAP and bring the battery(s) needed to operate it for each night of your travels.  We’re typically able to accommodate the transportation of your machine and accessories on the trip; however, please understand that despite efforts to protect your equipment we can’t guarantee your machine and accessories won’t suffer water or impact damage and therefore we recommend additional protective case(s) for your machine & accessories.

Weather

You may want to check one week prior to your trip for an up-to-date weather forecast. We recommend the following website: www.wunderground.com for weather in Baja.

The weather during the whale watching season (late January through early March) tends to be cool with a chance of wind and some rain. Water temperatures are in the mid 60’s °F and daytime air temps range from the 60’s to 80’s °F. The weather at Magdalena Bay on the Pacific coast can be windy and chilly, although calm sunny days are common, while conditions at Espiritu Santo Island, on the Sea of Cortez, are typically calmer.

Average Air Temperatures

Getting Ready

Traveler Responsibility Code

1. Read the pre-trip literature and arrive at the meeting place on time.

2. Understand the risks: your safety is ultimately your responsibility.

3. Treat your fellow guests and guides with respect and courtesy; harassment of any kind will not be tolerated.

4. Wear clothing and personal protective equipment suitable for the current conditions.

5. Listen to and follow the guides’ instructions.

6. Abide by the managing agency’s rules.

7. No drugs or alcohol during the day; alcohol is allowed in moderation in camp.

8. Minimize your impact on the environment.

9. Wear the issued and properly–fitted Personal Flotation Device (PFD) at all times when in the boats or swimming.

10. Your children are your responsibility!

Packing for Your Trip

The information below is subject to when your trip takes place. The need for warm weather or cold weather items should be based on a reliable weather forecast leading up to your trip.

Clothing

During the day – Start with a swimsuit and/or swim trunks and synthetic or merino wool shirt as a base layer if temperatures are cool. Additional layers for sun protection or insulation can be added and subtracted depending on the weather and temperature.

In camp – When the weather is warm, lightweight cotton pants/skirt or shorts and shirt make great camp wear. Anytime the forecast calls for cool evenings and cold nights, a dry set of long underwear is the perfect base layer under long pants and a fleece sweater.

Footwear

During the day —The best all-around choice is a sport sandal with a heel strap or an amphibious sport shoe. Sand and small pebbles will get into whatever shoe you wear. Sand in aqua shoes and semi-closed water shoes is difficult to remove and your feet remain wet inside, so most of us prefer open water/river sandals with no siding. When worn loosely, sand and pebbles are easily removed by rinsing your feet in the sea. Find professional-grade options made by Chaco®, the official footwear sponsor of OARS guides.

In camp —We recommend footwear with a sturdy sole due to risk of kicking a rock buried in the sand or stepping on a sharp stick. Athletic shoes or light hikers you bring for hiking can double as your camp shoes. Flip flops or slip-on sandals or OK, but provide less protection.

Please note: If you buy new shoes or sandals for the trip, make sure you break them in first!

Headwear

During the day —Wide-brimmed hats are a good choice for sun protection. You may prefer a ball cap to wear.

In camp —When the weather is cool, you’ll want a beanie-style hat to wear in camp. They are the perfect remedy for bed-head as you rise from your sleeping bag to secure your morning cup of coffee or tea, or for retaining warmth in the evening hours after the sun sets.

To Avoid Being Cold

Synthetic or merino wool long underwear is a must-have on winter (Dec-early Mar) kayak trips. It can be worn under shorts, rain gear, T-shirts, etc., then stripped off when the chill of the morning has worn off. It keeps you warm even if it’s wet (which can happen easily), dries quickly, and it’s compact enough to be stuffed into your small waterproof bag or daypack after you take it off. It can be layered under your waterproof rain jacket and pants. Be aware that cotton items, once wet, do not insulate; only synthetic and wool materials will keep you warm during cool, wet weather.

Rain Gear

Rain gear protects you from rain, wind and the splash while kayaking. It is one of the essential items that all passengers should have no matter what time of year you are traveling. Look for jacket and pants that are 100% waterproof, not just water resistant. A hooded jacket is recommended as well as good secure closures around your head, neck, wrists and ankles. Do not bring a rain poncho as it cannot be worn under your PFD.

Sun Protection

Protecting yourself from the sun should be taken very seriously! In many cases, a long-sleeve shirt is the best method for preventing sunburn on your upper body. Light-weight long pants may also be appropriate to protect your legs.

A hat, sunscreen, lip balm and sunglasses are also a must. Rheos, the official sunglasses sponsor of OARS guides, offers polarized floatable nautical eyewear with 100% UV protection. Use promo code OARS15 to save 15% on any purchase from The Nautical Eyewear Collection.

Please consider using reef friendly sunscreen (sunscreens containing oxybenzone, Octinoxate, or octocrylene kill corals in even tiny doses). Please check the ingredients and respect Baja’s corals.

Bugs & Mosquitoes

Bugs and mosquitoes vary depending on location and time of year. Due to the dry desert nature of Baja, it does not tend to be buggy. However, some years have sufficient precipitation to support mosquitoes, gnats and no-see-ums. It’s a good idea to come prepared with insect repellent just in case.

Sleeping Gear

You can bring your own sleeping bag or you can rent one from us. A cot with pad & pillow is provided for walk-in tents, a pad is provided for the backpacking-style single tents.

Suggested Packing List

Equipment and Personal Items:

☐ Sleeping bag (available for rent)
☐ Day pack or small dry bag (for hikes and/or keeping items in your kayak)
☐ A water bottle: durable and reusable (if you bring two you can keep one cold in a cooler)
☐ Headlamp or flashlight (consider bringing spare batteries)
☐ Sunglasses (preferably polarized such as Rheos floatable eyewear www.rheosgear.com) with securing strap (consider bringing a spare)
☐ Quick-drying towel and washcloth
☐ Beach towel
☐ Toiletries
☐ Sunscreen and lip protection: waterproof & SPF 30 or higher (aerosol sprays not recommended)
☐ Moisturizing lotion or cream
☐ Insect repellent: Mosquitoes are generally not a problem, but it’s always best to be prepared.
☐ Personal first aid kit (Band-aids, antibiotic ointment, ibuprofen, moleskin, eye drops, etc.)
☐ Spare pair of glasses and/or contacts
☐ Cash for gratuities

Footwear:

☐ Amphibious shoes or sandals with a heel strap (such as those made by Chaco®) or aqua socks
☐ Athletic shoes or light hikers
☐ Hiking socks

Clothing:

☐ Long-sleeved shirts: lightweight; for sun protection
☐ Long pants: lightweight; for sun protection
☐ Shade hat and/or visor or ball cap with securing strap
☐ Rain jacket & pants
☐ Swimwear; a two-piece is recommended for women for changing and using the restroom. Tankinis and board shorts are a great option.
☐ Underwear
☐ Shorts: 2-3 pair
☐ T-shirts/tops: 4
☐ Lightweight fleece jacket and/or sweatshirt
☐ Casual town clothes

Additional Essentials (December through early March trips):

☐ Set of lightweight synthetic or merino wool long underwear, top and bottom
☐ Heavy fleece top or insulate jacket
☐ Warm hat

Optional Items:

☐ Snorkel gear (available for rent)
☐ Wetsuit (available for rent)
☐ Small, day-use dry bag (for personal items in your kayak)
☐ Paddling gloves (for sun protection and warmth)
☐ Kayak seat pad (particularly for shorter individuals, to increase height in the cockpit)
☐ Sarong or sundress: useful for sun protection, evaporative cooling, changing clothes, etc.
☐ Bathing wipes: pre-moistened disposable towels
☐ Small bags: stuff sacs, zip locks or similar for organizing items in your travel bag
☐ Binoculars
☐ Camera and accessories
☐ Sketchbook, notebook and pen, paperback book
☐ Bandana
☐ Earplugs (for the nights in La Paz, to reduce noise coming from town)

Find all the gear you need for your trip online in the OARStore + 15% of your purchase helps provide under-resourced youth with outdoor adventure experiences.

Packing Your Gear

Pack light! We prefer not to overload our boats with lots of excess baggage. For example, bring a small to mid-sized duffel (approximately 14″x14″x24″) for clothing and personal items. If bringing your own sleeping gear bring another duffel of similar size for your sleeping bag, pad and pillow OR you can combine them into one larger duffel (approximately 18″x18″x35″). Plus you will want to bring a small day pack or dry bag for extra clothing, water bottle, sunscreen and camera to have with you daily. If you bring your own snorkel gear and wetsuit, that may be yet another bag you have while on the trip.

Extra Luggage

Items you do not want to bring to Espiritu Santo Island or to Magdalena Bay may be left at the hotel in La Paz.

Valuables

We recommend that you leave your valuables at home. While on the trip you can store your passport, wallet and other items in your duffel or at the hotel in La Paz.

Gratuities

Tipping is optional, but appreciated by our staff.  If you are wondering how much to tip, you may consider that we operate in a service industry with a host of behind-the-scenes contributors in addition to the guides on your trip.  In general, we suggest a gratuity based on 10 – 15% of the trip cost.  It is customary for gratuities to be given to the Trip Leader, who will then distribute appropriately amongst all the guides and support staff.  If you plan to tip, remember to have cash – either US Dollars or Mexican Pesos.

Something Voluntary

In reviewing your statement, you’ll note a $1 per person per day donation to Waterkeeper Alliance, a non-profit conservation organization dedicated to fishable, swimmable and drinkable waterways worldwide. One-hundred percent of these funds go directly to worldwide watershed protection, and your contribution is tax-deductible. Please notify our office if you would prefer to delete the donation from your balance.

Helpful Links

Gear up in the OARStore where 15% of all purchases help fund outdoor adventures for under-resourced youth
www.oars.com/OARStore

Shop for the latest in top-quality clothing, footwear & outdoor gear
www.rei.com

Recommended Reading List
www.oars.com/blog/best-baja-books

Terms & Conditions

Reservations and Deposits

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.

Cancelling 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 prior to departure. Accounts on which final payment has not been received 80 days prior to the departure date will be cancelled 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 prior to 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 (see Travel Protection below).

Requests to transfer a date will be treated as a cancellation, per the terms above.

Cancelled 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 cancelled 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 3^rd-party suppliers.  OARS will make good faith efforts to recover deposits made on your behalf to 3^rd-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 cancelled trip.

Medical

Under most circumstances, if you are of an adventurous spirit and in reasonably good health, you should have no problem enjoying an O.A.R.S. International, Inc. People with medical conditions, including pregnancy, should have a physician’s approval before taking an adventure travel trip.

Travel Protection

Because there are costs that you will incur if you cancel the spaces on this trip that we’re now holding for you, or in the event you need to be evacuated during the trip due to an unforeseen illness or injury, we strongly encourage our guests to purchase an optional travel protection plan.  A travel protection plan may help reimburse the cost of your pre-paid, non-refundable payments in the event you are prevented from taking your trip for a covered reason. Trip participants must understand that in the event of an illness or injury on a wilderness trip, evacuation can be prolonged, difficult and expensive.  For complete details and to purchase the plan we highly recommend, visit:  www.oars.com/tpp

Please note: To be eligible for coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, you must purchase the plan within 21 days of your initial trip payment and you must be medically fit to travel at the time you pay for the plan.

In order to take part in this trip, each participant must have a minimum of Emergency Medical Evacuation coverage in place for the dates of the trip.  This can be purchased as stand-alone coverage, independent of a comprehensive travel protection plan.  You can get a quote for this type of policy by entering a Trip Cost amount of $0 when getting a quote here:  www.oars.com/tpp

Please note: By entering a Trip Cost amount of $0, the plan will not include Trip Cancellation coverage and you may not be eligible for Emergency Medical Expense benefits relating to any pre-existing conditions.

Liability Release / Assumption of Risk

Everyone is required to sign a standard liability release/assumption of risk form before the trip, confirming awareness that there are inherent risks associated with the trip. Due to the nature of the activities, a condition of your participation is that you will sign this form and return it to our office before the trip begins. Anyone who refuses to sign the form will not be allowed to participate, and consistent with OARS International cancellation policy, there will be no refund of the trip fees at that time.

Responsibility – An Important Notice

O.A.R.S. International, Inc., Sea & Adventures, Inc. and cooperating agencies act only in the capacity of agent for the participants in all matters relating to transportation and/or all other related travel services, and assume no responsibility however caused for injury, loss or damage to person or property in connection with any service, including but not limited to that resulting directly or indirectly from acts of God, detention, annoyance, delays, and expenses arising from quarantine, pandemics, strikes, theft, pilferage, force majeure, failure of any means of conveyance to arrive or depart as scheduled, civil disturbances, government restrictions or regulations, and discrepancies or change in transit over which they have no control. Reasonable changes in itinerary may be made where deemed advisable for the comfort and well-being of the participants, including cancellation due to water fluctuation, insufficient bookings (this trip requires a minimum of 4 guests), and other factors. There is risk in sea kayaking, particularly during rough water conditions. Sea kayaks, skiffs, or other boats do capsize. You could be swept overboard. Your guide will make every attempt to assist, but you must be strong and agile enough to “self-help” without further endangering yourself or others. We reserve the right not to accept passengers weighing more than 260 pounds or with a waist/chest size exceeding 56 inches.  We are experienced at accommodating people with various disabilities. Please give us an opportunity to make you feel welcome. However, we need to discuss any special requirements ahead of time. We may decide, at any time, to exclude any person or group for any reason we feel is related to the safety of our trips.

OARS trips occur in areas where unpredictable environmental conditions are to be expected.  To moderate dangerous situations for our guests and guides, all travelers must obey the rules and regulations as determined by the managing agencies and the Trip Leader and demonstrate reasonable consideration for other guests and OARS employees.  We reserve the right to remove any guest from a trip if, in our opinion, that guest’s actions or behaviors pose a threat to the safety of her/himself or others, or if those actions or behaviors compromise the enjoyment of the trip for others.  Should a guest be asked to leave a trip, there will be no refund for the unused portion, nor will OARS be responsible for additional expenses incurred by the guest for accommodations, return transport, change fees, etc. Prices subject to change without notice.  OARS is an equal opportunity provider.

Sea & Adventures, Inc.

Sea & Adventures, Inc., a travel partner of OARS. International, is the operator of this trip. A representative will meet you at the start of the trip and escort you throughout the program. These staff members are the very best and will strive to ensure your complete satisfaction.