Baja kayaking in the crown jewel of the Sea of Cortez: Carmen Island. Cliffs of red-hued basalt rising sharply out of the sea and the bold outlines of towering cacti provide the backdrop for paddling sea kayaks 60 miles on this little known, classic 9-day circumnavigation of Baja California’s Isla Carmen, the largest island in Loreto Bay National Marine Park in the Sea of Cortez (Gulf of California).
While visitors frequent the southern tip of Isla Carmen, the northern part of the island is a place few humans will ever set foot. On this unique paddle, you'll have a chance to snorkel with brilliant king angelfish and lobster, watch plunge-diving blue-footed booties, and search for 60-foot whale sharks – the world’s largest fish.
You'll even find a historic element on this wildlife and nature tour. Mid-way around the island, you'll make a brief stop at Salinas Bay to visit an abandoned 19th century salt mine and coral chapel.
A two-day paddle rounding the island’s remote north shore leads to Balandra Bay, where you can hike an arroyo into the island’s desert interior past saguaro-like cardon cactus and wild figs in the company of desert iguanas and big-horned sheep.
From your tented camps in sheltered coves, watch vermillion skies as they illuminate the banded layers of the Sierra de la Giganta range, the plume of a whale lingering in the still air, and leaping manta rays flopping back into the glassy water as guides dish out margaritas and tasty chili rellenos.
Themes
Nature & Wildlife, Hiking & Walking, Birding, National Parks, Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing
What travelers are saying
"When my partner and I went on a whale watching trip with Sea Kayak Adventures five years ago, we concluded that it was one of the best things we had ever done - especially the encounters with the grey whales in Magdalena Bay. I decided that I wanted an excuse to visit the whales again and I found this in a plan to go back with my family so that we could introduce them to my family and share their joy in this trip. As always, when organising such a treat, I was desperate that it would be as good a second time. I need not have worried, under the expert guidance of Monica (who amazingly had been a guide on our first trip) and Fabian our family group were wowed by whales that swam close, sky-hopped, breached and swam to our boat, rubbed against it, looked us in the eye mammal-to-mammal and then let us rub their skin. Wow oh wow! My niece even discovered that one whale had shared two of its sealice with her! Simply amazing and thanks to Monica and Fabian for sharing their knowledge, enthusiasm and expertise with us, and to Vicky for the excellent food."
