For those who want to do it all! Both sea kayaking and snorkeling in a Sea of Cortez marine park off the coast of Loreto, we take you to another side of Baja bliss, whale watching. Witness Pacific Gray Whales as they arrive from icy Arctic waters to breed and give birth in the warmer waters of the Baja Pacific, then experience the pure joy and reverence. The safari-style base camp is nestled in the dunes on a remote barrier island from here a motorized skiff skillfully and sensitively provides daily excursions for up-close-and-personal whale watching encounters with these magnificently curious and gentle creatures. You really can't imagine this Baja serenity until you experience it for yourself.

Rates and Dates

Best of Baja - Sea Kayaking & Whale Watching
10 Days
Minimum Age: 8

Trip	Days	2010 Departure Dates	Meeting Place	Cost	Cost (Group/Youth)	Deposit
	10	Jan. 30-Feb.8 Feb. 6-15 Feb. 13-22 Feb. 20-March 1 Feb. 26-March 7	La Paz, Mexico	$1,400	N/A	$500.00

**PLEASE NOTE: the above rates do not include any air transportation

Trip Details

COMBINATION TRIP: SEA KAYAKING ESPIRITU SANTO ISLAND & WHALE WATCHING MAGDALENA BAY
10 Days

The kayaking portion of this trip is spent exploring the beautiful island of Espiritu Santo in the Sea of Cortez. The other half of the trip offers close encounters with the Pacific gray whales in Magdalena Bay on the Pacific coast of Baja.

Kayaking from our base camp on Espiritu Santo Island allows us the opportunity to explore beautiful white sand beaches, canyons adorned with hanging fig trees, boulder up arroyos, and snorkel among friendly sea lions and tropical fish.

In Magdalena Bay, daily excursions into the bay provide close encounters with the magnificent and friendly gray whale. The whales migrate here every winter from their feeding grounds north of Alaska to court, breed, give birth and simply frolic in the warm, calm waters of Baja's Pacific bays. Motorized skiffs, skillfully and sensitively operated by local boatmen, are used for whale watching excursions. Other activiites may include exploring the dunes and coast in search of whalebones, bird watching, kayaking the mangrove estuaries, or playing beach volleyball.

Meals are a combination of the best of American and Mexican traditions prepared with fresh local 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 are just a few examples of our tasty menus. The skiffs allow us to bring large blocks of ice to store fresh produce and indulge in luxuries such as cold sodas, juice and beer. 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! Special diets are easily accommodated due to the variety of foods we are able to store with a skiff-supported trip.

This trip provides the experience of a lifetime for avid kayakers, wildlife lovers, whale watchers and outdoor enthusiasts as they encounter the magnificent gray whale and the wonders of the Sea of Cortez.

SAMPLE ITINERARY: One of the advantages of a whale watching trip is the flexibility of the daily itinerary. It can vary widely from one trip to the next based on group desires and Mother Nature.

DAY 1: Fly to La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico. Evening on your own to explore La Paz and dine at one of its many fine restaurants.

DAY 2: Breakfast at hotel. Pick up rental gear and transfer by boat to our base camp on Espiritu Santo Island (approximately 2 hours). Lunch upon arrival at camp. During lunch we will give a camp orientation followed by sea kayak instruction and paddling. The sea kayak orientation includes a mandatory wet exit or "dunk test". So, get ready to have some fun as we all take the plunge! It's a piece of cake!

DAY 3-5: Kayaking, snorkeling, hiking, fishing and relaxing along the shores of the enchanted island of Espiritu Santo. Guided kayak excursions from 1 1/2 - 4 hours are offered daily along the coast and to outlying islands. Camp is located in a large protected bay, allowing folks additional kayaking time to explore the large 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. Hiking into canyons draped with fig trees or fishing for sea bass and red snapper are other side attractions.

DAY 5: After lunch, return boat ride to La Paz for a nice hot shower and and a no-host dinner in town on your own (our La Paz office will be happy to give some recommendations). Overnight hotel.

DAY 6: Breakfast at hotel. Transfer to Magdalena Bay by van (approximately 4 hours) and 1/2 hour skiff ride to our whale camp. Lunch and camp orientation. Possible afternoon whale watch.

DAY 7-8: Motorized skiffs take us into the bay for close encounters of the magnificent gray whales. From 2-4 hours per day may be spent observing whales from the skiffs. Active whale watching by kayak is prohibited in Magdalena Bay. Other activities include bird watching by skiff or kayak and beach combing along miles of pristine Pacific coastline. Each evening our knowledgeable naturalists present slide shows on gray whale natural history, behavior and birds of the area.

Day 9: After morning whale watch, transfer back to your hotel in La Paz. Afternoon free to shower, shop and wander through downtown La Paz before meeting for the farewell dinner that evening.

Day 10: Transfer from hotel to airport (approximately 20 minutes) for flights home.

*PLEASE NOTE: Some trips will go to Magdalena Bay first and Espiritu Santo second. All activities remain the same, only reversed.