Considered the jewel of the Sea of Cortez, Isla Espiritu Santo is an unspoiled island paradise, home only to an abundance of spectacular wildlife. Discover this UNESCO-protected idyll on our multi-sport adventure, with two half-days of kayaking through sparkling water rich with marine life along the island's beautiful coastline, plus time to snorkel, swim, hike and unwind. Camp evenings feature delicious meals and stargazing. Bookend the island adventure with time to enjoy the pristine beaches and world-class surf breaks in the Pacific beach town of Todos Santos. This trip showcases Baja at its very best!
Considered the jewel of the Sea of Cortez, Isla Espiritu Santo is an unspoiled island paradise, home only to an abundance of spectacular wildlife. Discover this UNESCO-protected idyll on our multi-sport adventure, with two half-days of kayaking through sparkling water rich with marine life along the island's beautiful coastline, plus time to snorkel, swim, hike and unwind. Camp evenings feature delicious meals and stargazing. Bookend the island adventure with time to enjoy the pristine beaches and world-class surf breaks in the Pacific beach town of Todos Santos. This trip showcases Baja at its very best!
Paddle to pristine beaches and hidden coves on this blissful kayaking adventure-a favorite winter escape!
[Description] => Paddle to pristine beaches and hidden coves on this blissful kayaking adventure-a favorite winter escape!
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Get up close to a variety of marine life including playful sea lions and whale sharks
[Description] => Get up close to a variety of marine life including playful sea lions and whale sharks
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Camp in plush comfort beneath starry night skies and bookend your adventure in a stylish boutique hotel in Todos Santos
Arrive in San Jose del Cabo. Meet your guides 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 and Paddle in a National Marine Park
Day 2
Start the day with a delicious Mexican breakfast, then transfer from Todos Santos to the Sea of Cortez port of La Paz to gear up with snorkeling equipment and wet suits at the bodega. Then it's into a private "panga" (a small motorized boat with seats and shade) and out into the Sea of Cortez! Arrive at Isla Espiritu Santo where the guides will lead a kayaking demonstration and safety class. After a quick lunch, set off for your first paddle!
Isla Espiritu Santo is in a National Marine Park, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is one of the best marine life viewing destinations in the world. Whales, dolphins, whale sharks, sea turtles, manta rays and plenty of beautiful tropical fish call the surrounding waters home, while a terrific range of bird species including Blue-footed Boobies, Reddish Egrets, Great Blue Herons and Magnificent Frigatebirds frequent the island's skies and shores. The island itself is stunning, with magnificent towering cliffs, spectacular sandy bays, amazing lava rock formations, and rock art left by the now-extinct Guaycura and Pericu Indians. There's even an endemic ring-tailed cat, the babisuri. Plan to explore both above and below the ocean's surface and see some of the many marvels of land and sea.
In the afternoon, arrive at camp and enjoy a happy hour and wonderful dinner prepared by our camp chef.
Transportation: 90-minute private van transfer, 1-hour motorized boat ride
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Play with Sea Lions at Los Islotes
Day 3
Today will be a great day! Cruise by panga to Los Islotes, the permanent sea lion colony, and then set out on active explorations. Los Islotes is a very successful colony of about 600 individuals. Playing with the sea lion pups is truly one of life's great joys. Los Islotes doubles as a Blue-footed Booby colony as well. After the journey to Los Islotes, spend the balance of the day paddling in many of the beautiful bays and inlets of the island, and/or hike up from one of the beautiful beaches to get some spectacular views. Close out the day with another joyful happy hour and fantastic dinner by our camp chef.
Transportation: 30-minute motorized boat ride each way
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Swim with Whale Sharks and Journey Back to Todos Santos
Day 4
Depart from Isla Espiritu Santo this morning and head back to La Paz. Then, conditions permitting, set out in a special permitted boat to seek out and swim with the largest fish in the world - the whale shark! Of course, you may be asking yourself: is it a whale or is it a shark? Hint: whales are mammals and sharks are fish. These gentle giants feed on plankton in the Bay of La Paz (so all human flesh is safe), and it is here that you may have the remarkable experience of observing and swimming with them. 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 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. Return to shore in the early afternoon and on to Todos Santos. Get settled back into your room at your boutique hotel, rest up, then head out for a terrific dinner in town. n
Accommodation: Los Colibris Casitas-Todos Santos, Mexico
Transportation: Half-day motorized boat ride, 90-minute private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Catch a Wave at Todos Santos
Day 5
Enjoy a terrific Mexican breakfast then head to Los Cerritos, widely considered one of the best surf breaks in Baja. No experience? No problem! Our instructors guarantee that you'll ride the waves - at least for a moment - during your first hour of instruction. Bring a picnic lunch and spend the balance of the day simply enjoying the beach. There will be time in the afternoon to walk into town to check out the shops and art galleries of Todos Santos.
This evening local lawyer turned chef Iker Algorri, author of Cooking Adventures in Baja California Sur and chef-in-residence at Los Colibris Casitas, will lead a wonderful Mexican Survival Cooking Class. The emphasis is on having as much fun as possible, learning to make the perfect margarita, and gaining the skill to make some truly delicious Mexican dishes following Chef Iker's cooking philosophy, the Magnificence of Simplicity. Listen to and learn about some great Latin music you may never have heard before. Be warned - dancing is often known to follow this class!
Accommodation: Los Colibris Casitas-Todos Santos, Mexico
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Depart San Jose del Cabo
Day 6
Transfer from Todos Santos to San Jose del Cabo for departure.
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 kayaking and island exploration 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.
Dreaming of an adventure designed exclusively for you? With insider access and decades of experience, our travel experts create custom tailored adventures that are perfect for families, couples, and large groups. MT Sobek's custom adventures are designed to our exacting standards and led by our award-winning adventure guides.
When to start planning? Earlier is always better when designing a custom trip. More time allows for better availability of preferred accommodations, guides and your desired activities. Ideally, start the conversation with us at least 6 months before you want to travel. If you are looking for a custom trip that departs within three months, chances are greatly diminished in securing requested accommodations and the best guides.
*Custom trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit once an itinerary is agreed upon.
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.
Axel H.
Born and raised in Mexico City, Axel moved to Baja in 2001 to study marine biology and did his thesis on bottlenose dolphin acoustics. Axel is a great lover of marine mammals and the ocean, and his career has reflected that passion. He is a PADI Divemaster, a Sea Kayaking Coach with British Canoeing, and a Professional Sea Kayak Guide and Instructor with the Norwegian Sea Kayak Guide Instructor Association. He has guided throughout Mexico, Canada, New Zealand, Norway, and Chile. Aside from his love of the ocean, Axel works to make money for traveling and takes epic trips to different parts of the globe most summers. When not guiding Axel can be usually be found enjoying home-brewed beer and wine and listening to good music.
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Arrive in San Jose del Cabo. Meet your guides 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.
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Start the day with a delicious Mexican breakfast, then transfer from Todos Santos to the Sea of Cortez port of La Paz to gear up with snorkeling equipment and wet suits at the bodega. Then it\'s into a private \"panga\" (a small motorized boat with seats and shade) and out into the Sea of Cortez! Arrive at Isla Espiritu Santo where the guides will lead a kayaking demonstration and safety class. After a quick lunch, set off for your first paddle!
Isla Espiritu Santo is in a National Marine Park, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is one of the best marine life viewing destinations in the world. Whales, dolphins, whale sharks, sea turtles, manta rays and plenty of beautiful tropical fish call the surrounding waters home, while a terrific range of bird species including Blue-footed Boobies, Reddish Egrets, Great Blue Herons and Magnificent Frigatebirds frequent the island\'s skies and shores. The island itself is stunning, with magnificent towering cliffs, spectacular sandy bays, amazing lava rock formations, and rock art left by the now-extinct Guaycura and Pericu Indians. There\'s even an endemic ring-tailed cat, the babisuri. Plan to explore both above and below the ocean\'s surface and see some of the many marvels of land and sea.
In the afternoon, arrive at camp and enjoy a happy hour and wonderful dinner prepared by our camp chef.
Today will be a great day! Cruise by panga to Los Islotes, the permanent sea lion colony, and then set out on active explorations. Los Islotes is a very successful colony of about 600 individuals. Playing with the sea lion pups is truly one of life\'s great joys. Los Islotes doubles as a Blue-footed Booby colony as well. After the journey to Los Islotes, spend the balance of the day paddling in many of the beautiful bays and inlets of the island, and/or hike up from one of the beautiful beaches to get some spectacular views. Close out the day with another joyful happy hour and fantastic dinner by our camp chef.
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Depart from Isla Espiritu Santo this morning and head back to La Paz. Then, conditions permitting, set out in a special permitted boat to seek out and swim with the largest fish in the world - the whale shark! Of course, you may be asking yourself: is it a whale or is it a shark? Hint: whales are mammals and sharks are fish. These gentle giants feed on plankton in the Bay of La Paz (so all human flesh is safe), and it is here that you may have the remarkable experience of observing and swimming with them. 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 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. Return to shore in the early afternoon and on to Todos Santos. Get settled back into your room at your boutique hotel, rest up, then head out for a terrific dinner in town. \n
Enjoy a terrific Mexican breakfast then head to Los Cerritos, widely considered one of the best surf breaks in Baja. No experience? No problem! Our instructors guarantee that you\'ll ride the waves - at least for a moment - during your first hour of instruction. Bring a picnic lunch and spend the balance of the day simply enjoying the beach. There will be time in the afternoon to walk into town to check out the shops and art galleries of Todos Santos.
This evening local lawyer turned chef Iker Algorri, author of Cooking Adventures in Baja California Sur and chef-in-residence at Los Colibris Casitas, will lead a wonderful Mexican Survival Cooking Class. The emphasis is on having as much fun as possible, learning to make the perfect margarita, and gaining the skill to make some truly delicious Mexican dishes following Chef Iker\'s cooking philosophy, the Magnificence of Simplicity. Listen to and learn about some great Latin music you may never have heard before. Be warned - dancing is often known to follow this class!
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Activity Level
This trip is rated activity level 3. This trip includes a moderate amount of sea kayaking with up to 3 hours on each of two days. Also a chance to swim with whale sharks, plus optional surfing, snorkeling, and easy hiking. Learn more about activity levels here.
Activity Snapshot
Day 2
Estimated 3 hours / 4 miles kayaking (actual distances vary)
Day 3
Estimated 3 hours / 4 miles kayaking (actual distances vary)
Accommodations
Two nights beach camping on Isla Espiritu Santo in the Sea of Cortez, and three comfy nights at a boutique hotel in the Pacific Coast beach town of Todos Santos.
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.
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. We'll sleep in high quality REI 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.
Jan
Mar
Apr
Dec
Isla Espiritu Santo
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
Isla Espiritu Santo
86
72
86
72
85
72
85
71
San Jose del Cabo
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
San Jose del Cabo
80
61
83
63
87
67
81
62
FAQs
Is Sea Kayaking safe in Baja?
We will kayak in calm waters, close to shore. We will not kayak if conditions are unsafe.
Do I need to get in shape for the kayaking trip?
Our pace will be easy, but strong headwinds will require more upper body strength. We recommend that you prepare physically for this adventure.
Will we see wildlife?
Yes! You are likely to see sea lions, sea turtles, reef fish, and other marine wildlife. And if you're lucky, octopuses and whales! There is also the possibility of swimming with whale sharks. 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 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.
What is the weather like in Baja?
The weather from November through April is generally perfect, and this is the peak season to visit, with 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, we may need to change or omit parts of the itinerary without prior notice, in order to preserve the well-being and safety of passengers.
What do U.S. citizens need to enter Mexico?
All United States citizens and permanent residents visiting Mexico must have a valid US passport and/or permanent residency card to enter the country.
Will there be Wi-Fi during the trip?
Our hotel in Todos Santos has Wi-Fi. There is no internet or phone service available at our beach camp on Isla Espiritu Santo.
What is the minimum age for this trip?
The standard minimum age for this trip is 18, but check out our family friendly departures and private trip options for groups with younger guests.
"I've taken six MTS trips and they have all exceeded my expectations. The staff, the food, the logistics and the communications have always been exceptional. Thank you for being my "go to" adventure travel company!"
Margaret I. MT Sobek Guest
"The island was beautiful and the glamping luxurious. Meals were creative and delicious. The guides were exceptional in their knowledge of the area and understanding of the conditions. We had a blast in Todos Santos, learning to make margaritas and guacamole the right way! I would highly recommend this trip."
Pamela B. MT Sobek Guest, Mexico Baja Sea of Cortez Multi-Adventure
