Mexico Baja Sea of Cortez Multi-Adventure Tour
Kayak, Snorkel & Camp on Isla Espiritu Santo
- Available: January, February, March, April, December
- Activity: Level 3
- Accommodations: Deluxe Camping, Comfortable Hotels
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Group Size:
4-10 Guests
Min Age: 14
Highlights
- Paddle to pristine beaches and hidden coves on this blissful kayaking adventure-a favorite winter escape!
- Get up close to a variety of marine life including playful sea lions and whale sharks
- Camp comfortably on mattresses in dome tents, be dazzled by azure waters and starry night skies, and bookend your adventure in a stylish boutique hotel
Itinerary
Arrive in San Jose del Cabo
Day 1
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 picnic 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.Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp-Isla Espiritu Santo
Activity: Estimated 3 hours / 4 miles kayaking (actual distances vary)
Transportation: 90-minute private van transfer, 1-hour motorized boat ride
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Paddle at Los Islotes
Day 3
Today will be a great day! Cruise by private 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. Paddle to many of the beautiful bays and inlets of the island, look for a Magnificent Frigatebird colony, 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.
Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp-Isla Espiritu Santo
Activity: Estimated 4 hours / 6 miles kayaking (actual distances vary)
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.
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.
Transportation: 90-minute private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast
Dates & Prices
- 2023
- 2024
- Go Private
- Go Custom
- Inclusions
2023
Scheduled Dates
The earlier you book, the more choice of available dates you’ll have and once you book, your price is guaranteed.
- $2,895 price per person dbl occ+$900 single supplementAvailable
- $2,895 price per person dbl occ+$900 single supplementAvailable
2024
Scheduled Dates
The earlier you book, the more choice of available dates you’ll have and once you book, your price is guaranteed.
- $2,895 price per person dbl occ+$900 single supplementAvailable
- $2,895 price per person dbl occ+$900 single supplementAvailable
- $2,895 price per person dbl occ+$900 single supplementAvailable
- $2,895 price per person dbl occ+$900 single supplementAvailable
Go Private
Go Private
Gather your favorite travel companions to share an MT Sobek adventure on an easy-to-book Private departure.
Call or email us to get the ball rolling.
*Private trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit.
Private Trip Pricing:
2023 Pricing
8 to 10 guests from $2,895 per person double occupancy
6 to 7 guests from $2,995 per person double occupancy
4 to 5 guests from $3,095 per person double occupancy
2024 Pricing
8 to 10 guests from $2,895 per person double occupancy
6 to 7 guests from $2,995 per person double occupancy
4 to 5 guests from $3,095 per person double occupancy
Additional Costs:
Private pricing excludes potential additional costs such as internal airfare, single supplement, or any park fees that may be required for the trip.
*Private trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit.
Make Your Own Dates in These Months
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January, February, March, April, December
Go Custom
Create Your Very Own Adventure
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.
Start PlanningInclusions
Price Includes
- Expertise and services of our experienced adventure guides
- All accommodations as noted in the itinerary
- All breakfasts, almost all lunches and dinners as noted in the itinerary
- Snacks and water between meals
- Additional regional guides and experts on many trips
- Comprehensive Trip Planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Private guided tours at historic sites, museums, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the itinerary
- Special events and other select attractions as mentioned in the itinerary
- All gratuities to drivers, and at hotels and restaurants
- Equipment and experienced guides for activities as described in the itinerary
- Park and other entry fees (unless otherwise noted)
- Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the itinerary
- Select transfers as mentioned in the itinerary
- Baggage transfers and porterage
Price Does Not Include
- International airfare, airport taxes, and excess baggage fees
- Alcoholic beverages (MT Sobek provides wine at select events)
- Gratuities for MT Sobek guides and camp staff
- Travel Protection Program
- Personal expenses
Need help picking your next adventure? Call us to answer your questions.
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 Rodriguez
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 4 hours / 6 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.
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. 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.
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.
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Guest Reviews
"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