Mexico Baja Sea of Cortez Multi-Adventure Tour
Kayak, Snorkel & Camp on Isla Espiritu Santo
- Available: January, February, March, April, November, December
- Activity: Level 2
- Accommodations: Deluxe Camping, Comfortable Hotels
We're proud to support Alianza Cero Basura in its mission to create a more sustainable Baja California Sur. By championing waste reduction, recycling, and environmental education, this initiative empowers communities with the knowledge and tools to act. Through collaboration and eco-friendly practices, it's driving meaningful progress toward a zero-waste future.
Highlights
- Paddle to pristine beaches and snorkel hidden coves on this blissful island adventure-a favorite winter escape!
- Get up close to a variety of marine life including playful sea lions and whale sharks
- Camp in plush comfort beneath starry night skies and bookend your adventure in a stylish boutique hotel in Todos Santos
Itinerary
Arrive in San Jose del Cabo
Day 1
Arrive in San Jose del Cabo. Meet your guide and transfer to the Pacific coast beach town of Todos Santos. Get settled into your room at a lovely boutique hotel with ocean views, then join your guide for a welcome dinner, followed by a trip briefing, outlining the adventures to come.
Accommodation: Los Colibris Casitas-Todos Santos, Mexico
Transportation: 90-minute private van transfer
Meals: Dinner
Cruise to Isla Espiritu Santo & Snorkel in a National Marine Park
Day 2
Today you will travel to UNESCO-protected Isla Espiritu Santo, one of the best marine life destinations in the world. Transfer to La Paz and board a panga (skiff) out to the island, stopping at La Gaviota to check out a blue-footed booby colony. Arrive at your beachfront glamping camp in time for lunch, then slip into clear waters for your first Sea of Cortez snorkel. Relax or explore until your guide leads a sunset hike above lava cliffs for coastal views and a close look at the island's desert-meets-sea ecosystem. Whales, dolphins, whale sharks, sea turtles, manta rays and tropical fish frequent these waters, while blue-footed boobies, reddish egrets, great blue herons, and magnificent frigatebirds soar above. End the day with a chef-prepared dinner under the stars.
Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp-Isla Espiritu Santo
Activity: 1-1.5 hours/1.5-2 miles of moderate hiking plus snorkeling
Transportation: 90-minute private van transfer, 1-hour motorized boat ride
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Play with Sea Lions at Los Islotes & Kayak Scenic Bays
Day 3
Cruise by panga to Los Islotes, keeping an eye out for dolphins, whales, mantas, sea turtles, and coastal birds, commonly seen in this area. Arriving at the island, you'll have the chance to swim and snorkel with some of the resident colony of 600 sea lions—the pups are curious and playful underwater. Back at camp, your guides will give a kayaking demonstration, then set off for your first paddle! Espiritu Santo is a world-class sea kayaking destination, with scenic bays, inlets, lava cliffs and a rich variety of wildlife. Paddleboarding is also an option. Close out the day with another joyful happy hour and fantastic dinner by your camp chef.
Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp-Isla Espiritu Santo
Activity: Snorkeling and 1-2 hours kayaking (adjustable according to guest interest)
Transportation: 30- to 40-minute motorized boat ride each way
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Snorkel, Kayak & Hike at Isla Espiritu Santo
Day 4
Today is filled with island adventure! Let your expert guide shape the activities according to the conditions and group interests, revealing hidden corners of Isla Espiritu Santo. Cruise by panga into secluded bays where sea turtles glide and manta rays drift below the surface, snorkeling in clear waters teeming with life. From camp, paddle along rugged coastline, exploring quiet inlets framed by golden beaches and volcanic cliffs, hike above the Sea of Cortez, where sweeping island views reward your efforts, or spend more time snorkeling with beautiful tropical fish. Always be on the lookout for dolphins and whales offshore, and the blue-footed boobies, reddish egrets, yellow-footed gulls, and herons that animate the shoreline.
Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp-Isla Espiritu Santo
Activity: 1-1.5 hours/1.5-2 miles of moderate hiking plus snorkeling and 1-2 hours kayaking (adjustable according to guest interest)
Transportation: 30- to 40-minute motorized boat ride each way
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Swim with Whale Sharks & Journey Back to Todos Santos
Day 5
Depart Isla Espiritu Santo by panga and return to La Paz, where—conditions permitting—you set out in search of the ocean’s gentle giant: the whale shark. Neither a whale nor a shark, it is the world’s largest fish. Slip into the clear waters of the bay for the rare chance to swim alongside these immense, plankton-feeding fish—an unforgettable encounter. Note that sightings are regulated, and if conditions aren’t right, your guide will craft a rewarding alternate wildlife or nature experience. Continue on to Todos Santos for a celebratory hands-on cooking class experience with chef-in-residence Iker Algorri. Shake the perfect margarita, prepare fresh Baja flavors, and enjoy music, laughter, and a festive atmosphere that often ends in dancing—an unforgettable finale to your journey.
Accommodation: Los Colibris Casitas-Todos Santos, Mexico
Transportation: Half-day motorized boat ride; 90-minute private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Depart San Jose del Cabo
Day 6
Transfer from Todos Santos to San Jose del Cabo for departure.
Transportation: 90-minute private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast
Why Travel With Us?
MT Sobek has been leading active adventures in Baja since 1997, always working closely with local experts on Isla Espiritu Santo to tread carefully and maintain the pristine environment.
This expertly crafted 6-day adventure blends snorkeling, kayaking and short island hikes with ample opportunities for rest and relaxation. It's perfect for the short-on-time traveler.
You can join a variety of activities on Isla Espiritu Santo, a national marine park and part of a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site.
Dates & Prices
Price is per person, double occupancy in USD.
The earlier you book, the more choice of available dates you’ll have and once you book, your price is guaranteed.
Your Guides
The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.
Manuel R.
Born and raised in Baja California Sur, Manuel is a true sudcaliforniano. Although he took a degree in electromechanical engineering, the amazing natural habitats of his home state always pulled him and he has spent the last 20 years working as a naturalist and expedition guide throughout the state. In the Sea of Cortez he has led kayaking expeditions from Loreto to La Paz, and spent extensive time as a naturalist and kayak guide on Isla Espiritu Santo and Isla San Jose. In the Pacific Ocean he has led numerous trips to the whale sanctuaries in Magdalena Bay, and for many years he has worked with Grupo Tortugueros de las Californias on the conservation of sea turtles. Manuel leant his expertise to the BBC on a book titled Unforgettable Things to Do Before You Die and to John Farnsworth for his book Coves of Departure: Field Notes from the Sea of Cortez. Manuel is a Wilderness First Responder and a 3-star British Canoe Union paddler. When not guiding Manuel performs in a heavy metal band at night and goes free diving, fishing, hiking and kayaking during the day.
Octavio M.
There is really nothing about Octavio's background to suggest that he would become a wonderful naturalist guide in Baja California Sur. He is originally from Guadalajara, studied computer systems, and - until he moved to Baja - his main past times were playing video games and skate boarding. That all changed when his family moved to Baja 10 years ago, and now he is an accomplished kayaker and snorkeler, is extremely knowledgeable about local flora and fauna, and loves to go spear fishing, kite boarding and wind surfing. Octavio is married and officially has the two most adorable daughters on the planet.
Andrea H.
Andrea fell in love with Baja's ocean and desert while a student at the prestigious Autonomous University of Baja California Sur in La Paz. Born in the Mexican state of Queretaro, she was fascinated with nature from a young age, exploring her surroundings on horseback. When she graduated university, she began working as a guide and quickly gained a reputation for her deep knowledge of and passion for the flora and fauna of Baja. When she's not guiding or exploring Baja, she is a roller derby champion, recently named MVP in the Cactus Cup against American, Canadian and Mexican teams.
Activity Level
This trip is rated activity level 2. This trip includes snorkeling, short hikes, and 1-2 hours of sea kayaking on each of three days. Also a chance to swim with sea lions and whale sharks, plus optional paddleboarding.
Learn more about activity levels here.
Activity Snapshot
Day 2
1-1.5 hours/1.5-2 miles of moderate hiking plus snorkeling
Day 3
Snorkeling and 1-2 hours kayaking (adjustable according to guest interest)
Day 4
1-1.5 hours/1.5-2 miles of moderate hiking plus snorkeling and 1-2 hours kayaking (adjustable according to guest interest)
*Mileage and elevation change information is approximate and may vary slightly depending on trail conditions, weather, and route adjustments, and the guide’s discretion.
Accommodations
Three nights beach glamping on Isla Espiritu Santo in the Sea of Cortez, and two comfy nights at a boutique hotel in the Pacific Coast beach town of Todos Santos.
Los Colibris Casitas-Todos Santos, Mexico
Tucked away just a 10-minute walk from Todos Santos' pristine beaches, Los Colibris Casitas is a secluded boutique hideaway that features casitas with magnificent views of the ocean, a freshwater estuary, a palm grove oasis, and the Sierra de la Laguna mountains. The delightful restaurants, art galleries and shops of Todos Santos are a 5-minute drive away.
MT Sobek Camp-Isla Espiritu Santo
In 2005 Espiritu Santo was named a UNESCO World Heritage site. Because of its protected status, no permanent structures of any sort are allowed in Isla Espiritu Santo, aside from the camps of the local fishermen. You'll sleep in high quality dome tents with mattresses, linens, pillows, comforters, and rugs for your comfort.
Weather
Baja experiences hot summers and mild winters. Temperatures in Mexico surpass 120°F in summer, but cool to the 80°s in late autumn.
FAQs
All United States citizens visiting Mexico must have a valid US passport book to enter the country by air. You can't use a US passport card to board a plane at the airport.
If you want to know when to visit Baja for perfect weather, November through April is generally ideal, and this is the peak season. Expect highs during the day in the mid to upper 70s and lows at night in the upper 50s to mid-60s. Winds are also common in this season. Note that in the event of stormy conditions or particularly high winds, your guides may need to change or omit parts of the itinerary without prior notice, in order to preserve the well-being and safety of passengers.
We recommend that you prepare physically for kayaking in the Sea of Cortez. The pace will be easy, but strong headwinds will require more upper body strength.
The waters around Isla Espíritu Santo and the Sea of Cortez are well-suited for paddling. You will kayak in calm waters, close to shore and with expert guides. The group will not kayak if conditions are unsafe.
Yes! You are likely to see sea turtles, reef fish, and other marine wildlife. And if you're lucky, octopuses and whales! One of the top experiences in Baja is swimming with sea lions! There is also the possibility of swimming with whale sharks in the Sea of Cortez. Note that the whale shark season is strictly regulated, and local authorities may suspend this activity if numbers in the Bay of La Paz drop below a certain threshold. If suspended and the whale shark activity is not possible for your departure, we will work with your guide to create a fun alternate activity to explore the beauty and wildlife of Baja. Note that even when the whale shark activity is permitted, we are not able to guarantee sightings of whale sharks since there are a number of factors that determine their migratory patterns.
Your hotel in Todos Santos has Wi-Fi. There is no internet or phone service available at our beach camp on Isla Espiritu Santo, allowing more time to sit back and enjoy Baja island camping under the stars.
The standard minimum age for our Baja Sea of Cortez multi-adventure is 18 but check out our private trip options for groups with younger guests (minimum age 6).