"Kayaking in the Sea of Cortez" Top 5 Page for this destination Estado de Baja California Sur Travelogue by windsorgirl

Estado de Baja California Sur Travel Guide: 1,495 reviews and 2,498 photos

Setting off for the first time - Estado de Baja California Sur

Day One

I will summarize here, my 8 day Kayaking Trip with Tofino Expeditions. The trip is advertised as 8 days, but actually, you only paddle for 6 days and camp overnight for 5. You are put up in a hotel for the other 2 nights.

On our first day we were picked up very early from the hotel and driven to our launch site about 20kms south of Loreto. Here we had a lesson on kayaking before we headed off to Isla Danzante which was only 2.5 miles away. You can see our destination in the photograph. It took us about an 1hr and 20 min to make the crossing. An easy start for our first time out!

First Campsite

Isla Danzante

Once on the island, we set up our tents, had lunch, explored the beach and collected many large and beautiful shells. However, the shells had to remain behind since Isla Danzante is a National Park.

We spent 2 nights at this campsite. We had great views from our beach looking west toward the Baja Peninsula and the Sierra Giganta Mountain Range.

Turkey Vulture

We saw alot of bird life on the island including sea gulls, pelicans, turkey vultures, orioles, hummingbirds and even cardinals.

Be forewarned that the camping is primitive. That is, no fresh water for bathing, just the sea. Bring your own biodegradable salt water soap. There are also no toilet facilities, so be prepared to squat at the water's edge.....be sure to check for scorpions or rattlesnakes first!

The Arch, Isla Danzante

After a siesta, our guides took us on a hike to a viewpoint on Isla Danzante that looked down on the east side of the island and a natural rock formation called The Arch. You can see it in the bottom of the photo.

Back at camp we feasted on fish tacos and a freshly baked pineapple upside down cake before retiring to our tents early. It gets pretty windy and chilly in the evenings. I recommend bringing a polar fleece, a good water resistant wind breaker and a touque.

Day Two

Break Time, Isla Danzante

After a hearty breakfast we headed out in our kayaks to circumnavigate the island. It's a 9 mile trip around.

The water was like glass that day and we stopped on the east side of the island at The Aquarium for lunch and a snorkel. The water is a bit chilly, so I recommend bringing a wetsuit if you have one.

Day Three

sunrise, Isla Danzante

During the night, from our tents we heard a whale blowing not far off shore, it was very cool. We all rushed out to see, but could barely make anything out in the dark.

The next morning we had a very early start and paddled 9 miles that day to our next campsite. We could see pods of dolphins jumping in the distance and also whales, but also from quite a distance.

We stopped for lunch and a snorkel at Puerte Citos. The water here was very clear and shallow and we saw many fish and especially starfish.

Second Campsite

Camp at Driunfo

This campsite was back on the Baja peninsula, at Driunfo. You can barely make out our yellow tent at the base of this mountain (on the right hand side of the photo). We stayed here for 2 nights, I appreciate that we didn't have to pack up and relocate every day of our tour.

Day Four

Cactus Closeup

On this day, we had a break from paddling and instead took a 5 mile hike to a canyon and back. We walked along an arroyo and saw many birds and cactus along the way.

Later that day the boys dove for clams and we enjoyed fresh clams as appetizers that night.

Page Updated Mar 11, 2004
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Reviews (15)

Comments (13)

ViajesdelMundo Sep 15, 2009 at 12:21 PM Report Abuse

Looks like a FAB time in BCS! unfortunately, Mulege and Santa Rosalia right now are suffering badly fr the recent hurricane Jimena. If you wish to return, let me know; and I can show you some dif sides.
PALLINA Mar 11, 2008 at 4:16 AM Report Abuse

great tips about Baja California Sur! thanks for sharing
Hermanater Jan 10, 2006 at 11:15 AM Report Abuse

Hi Windsorgirl.....great pages on Estado de Baja California Sur....
jamiesno Dec 9, 2004 at 2:39 PM Report Abuse

Planning your trip to coincide with the migration of whales!!! You are a very good planner, hehehe. And more more cheap boat rides!!! I love whales tails, your pics are great. I really have to email you some of Battle Harbour, Labrador. You'll be amazed.
JetlagCity Nov 24, 2004 at 1:37 PM Report Abuse

What a fantastic trip, seeing the whales up close like that! I'd always heard sea lions were aggressive, but obviously that must not have been your experience if you snorkelled with them?
Sandi-2004 Oct 25, 2004 at 8:48 PM Report Abuse

Good comments and excellent photos. Thanks for the thorough info on Baja.
mtncorg Sep 20, 2004 at 10:57 AM Report Abuse

Very nice tips and pictures from Baja Sur! A grand place to kayak and your explorations demonstrate a strong independent spirit capable of the occasional mayday;-]
Stephen-KarenConn Sep 11, 2004 at 7:32 AM Report Abuse

WOW! What a fantastic set of pages. Whales, sea lions, birds, glassy seas, a sinking boat and an adventure to remember. I've always wanted to visit Baja - and now even more so than ever.
alloquisha Aug 12, 2004 at 8:22 AM Report Abuse

I've been looking around for some good information on Baja - and found it on your page! Great photos and descriptions, the kayaking trip looks awesome. Thanks!
Bwana_Brown Apr 1, 2004 at 9:27 PM Report Abuse

What an excellent account of your trip! Great information and photos of your Baja experience! This is also the first time that I have seen Osprey nests on the ground!