11-day Isla Carmen Circumnavigation
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Overview
Highlights
- 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.
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Trip includes
- Full services of our Adventure Consultants
- Professional naturalist and bi-lingual guides
- All meals and beverages as indicated on the itinerary
- Hotel before and after the tour (and between activities when dictated by the itinerary)
- All transportation while on tour
- All kayaking, camping and snorkeling equipment
- Panga supported kayking tour
- Taxes
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Itinerary
Accommodation: La Mision Hotel
Upon your arrival in Loreto take a quick cab ride to the tour hotel and check into your pre-assigned room (included in trip cost). Spend your afternoon exploring the beautiful town of Loreto. You can tour the historic Mission lo...
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
After breakfast the group meets outside the hotel to board the van for the drive south to our launch point near Puerto Escondido. At the beach the guides will give a comprehensive sea kayak instruction and then we'll paddle the loaded kayaks to our first campsite.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Each day's paddle is 7-8 miles; or 4-5 hours of moderately paced paddling, stopping every 2 hours to rest. We'll spend the afternoons exploring by foot and snorkel. Activities include a nature hike up an arroyo, as well as opportunities for beachcombing, wildlife viewing, photography, stargazing, and swimming in crystal clear waters.
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Accommodation: La Mision Hotel
After a final lunch, we break camp and paddle to our take-out site around 2 PM. Load van and proceed to Loreto. Check into hotel. No host farewell group dinner at a favorite local restaurant.
Departure date. Say good-bye to lovely Loreto and head back to the airport to fly home, or Sea Kayak Adventures can arrange to extend your vacation at the tour hotel in this charming village (at our preferred rates). Day tour and add-on options available.
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Dates & Availability
We will do our best to adhere to the itineraries and trip descriptions listed on our website. However, tour itineraries or sub contractors (such as taxi, cruise boats or hotels) may change slightly due to reasons beyond our control including but not limited to Acts of God, wind, waves, inclement weather or other. We always welcome you to call us to clarify any item - often this is the best way to fully clarify expectations - call us collect or on our toll-free number. You will be sent pre-trip email with latest details within a month of your tour - it is your responsibility to check in with us prior to your trip to see if you have all the information you need. We will always do our best to provide you with the best possible tour and to fully meet your expectations to the best of our ability.
Single Supplement: If you are a solo traveler and wish to have your own hotel room in Loreto (or if we are unable to pair you up with another solo traveler), an additional single supplement of $120 USD is required. Solo travelers will always have their own tent during kayaking tours, at no additional cost.
Check Current Availability, prices, specials with ROW Sea Kayak Adventures.
The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
ROW Sea Kayak Adventures Reviews & Ratings
The one that started it all
Two years ago, I was looking for a kayak trip in Baja with a company that was respectful of the area and the locals. After much looking on the world wide web, I cam...
Other ROW Sea Kayak Adventures Reviews
Karen
Mar 2020
one of the best things we had ever done
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 - espe...
This was a very magical trip!
This was a very magical trip! Sherman, Edgar, Amaranta, and Monica were so passionate about the whales, birds, flora, and kayaking it was contagious. We so enjoyed s...
had an amazing time
I was recently on a trip with your company from Mag Bay on the Gray Whale tour 2/10-2/15 and had an amazing time. I was on this trip with my 9 year old granddaughter...
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Logistics
What's excluded
- Airfare
- Transportation to and from the airport
- $25 National Park fee
- Gratuities
- Items of a personal nature
Accommodation
All cancellations must be received in writing. All monies are non-refundable 75 days or less prior to trip departure. You are welcome to find a suitable replacement for yourself, who would then reimburse you, and send us their own reservation, health and assumption of risk forms well in advance of the trip. Please strongly consider purchasing travel insurance upon booking as every year someone regrets not doing so. Please Note: Deposits are never refundable.
8 Breakfasts, 9 Lunches and 8 Dinners
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