BAJA, MEXICO
Sea Kayak Expedition
10 days paddling - £3500pp
Baja is the ultimate winter destination for the intermediate sea kayaker looking to escape for some winter sun and incredible paddling. This 10 day Isla Carmen Circumnavigation trip in the Sea of Cortez allows you to experience the very best paddling the area has to offer!
We offer one of the best comprhensive packages, with as few extra costs to you as possible as soon as you step off the plane in Loreto. #justsangriamoney
2026 Dates: 1st to 12th February
A fully comprehensive expedition for the paddler who is looking to explore this amazing destination, with a 10 day circumnavigation trip
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​Led by highly qualified and experienced Paddle International guides, partnering with an expert local Spanish and English speaking guide who will show you the very best of this incredible sea kayak destination, ensuring you get the full experience.
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All Airport and hotel transfers once in Loreto
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Hotel accommodation at the start and end of the expedition
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Top quality boat and equipment hire from our experienced in-country outfitter​
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All expedition meals - made with local, quality ingredients which cater for all dietary requirements. Including a motorboat resupply of fresh food mid way through the expedition
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Includes snorkeling gear to enjoy the views above and beneath the turquoise water
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February generally offering the best time to see whales and cetaceans
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Pre-expedition online sessions and extensive preparation schedule
About the Trip
This is an expedition for Intermediate sea kayakers who are keen to escape those cold days and dark nights of winter and swap it for a world class sea kayaking destination of Baja, Mexico. We have put together a high quality comprehensive package, arranging everything from the moment you step off the plane in Loreto.
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Our route plan and aim is to circumnavigate Isla Carmen - the crown jewel of the Sea of Cortez. It's a 110km / 60nm journey which takes in a UNESCO world protected area, and part of the Loreto National Park. Stunningly beautiful white sand beaches line the coast alongside impressive rock formations of red-hued basalt, and towering cacti.
Marine life is teaming in The Sea of Cortez (also known as "The Aquarium of the World) including vibrant tropical fish, majestic sea turtles, playful sea lions, jumping manta rays, and migrating fin, humpback and blue whales (which are most likely to be seen in February).
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The various facets of Isla Carmen offer a stunningly varied experience, from the remote north coast were few people venture on foot, to the eastern shores with views out to the vast open Gulf and the awe inspiring Baja sunrise, and the west coast which offers impressive vistas of Sierra la Giganta, a sheer mountain range rising from the sea nearly a mile high. The island is also steeped in history with the culture of salt mining, and a rich Mexican heritage.
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We will paddle around 5 hours each day, stopping every couple of hours, wild camping as we go on the many white sand beaches and in sheltered remote coves. With snorkeling gear included, or options to explore on foot, there are some excellent pre-dinner options to truly explore and enjoy every moment of this expedition.
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Led by two highly experienced Paddle International Guides, we will also be supported by a local Spanish and English speaking sea kayak guide from our superb in-country outfitter and partner, ensuring you get the very best experience - seeing, sharing and learning about everything the area has to offer. Our partners will also furnish us with top quality equipment, kayaks and paddles, together with some camping equipment.​​​​​​​
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All meals whilst on expedition are provided for, with a menu with local, Mexican quality produce, with all dietary requirements catered for. A motorboat re-supply halfway along will ensure we are well stocked with quality ingredients and plenty of water.
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Outline Itinerary
​Day 1:
Travel/Arrival Day, flying into Loreto. There are various flight options from the UK, and we will co-ordinate travel with you (cost of flights extra).
On arrival in Loreto, we have arranged an airport transfer to our hotel accommodation for night 1 (included in cost)
We will meet for a pre-expedition briefing together with our in-country partners and guide.
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Day 2:
Collection from our hotel, we will head to our outfitter partner for kayak fitting, and begin packing for our expedition, departing in the afternoon.
Day 2-9
For the rest of the trip we will be on expedition, wild camping as we go, with all food and meals included
A motorboat re-supply part way will ensure we are restocked with plenty of fresh food and water.
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Day 10:
We arrive back at our outfitter/partner's base (collection and shuttle if required), de-gunge and head back to our hotel in Loreto for our final night (included). We will enjoy an end of trip meal in Loreto reflecting on the fantastic adventure we have.
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Day 11:
Airport transfer (included) and flights home
Who the trip is for
​This is an Intermediate Expedition for the sea kayaker who is/has:
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Reasonably comfortable paddling in Force 4 winds and 1 metre swell, with plenty of coastal journey experince
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Well practiced ability to get back in your kayak with assistance in the event of a deep water rescue
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Experienced at wild camping and living out of a sea kayak on a multi-day expedition
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A good level of fitness for days on the water, with the ability to paddle up to a possible 5 hours a day.
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A comprehensive pre-expedition programmewith the opportunity for discounted places on our coaching courses, and bespoke coaching opportunities will allow you to feel confident and ready for the trip.
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If you are at all unsure about whether this trip is right for you, then please do not hesitate to get in touch.
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Low ratios: We are purposefully keeping numbers very small and the team well selected for the enjoyment and success of the expedition.
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Pre-Expedition Programme
WhatsApp group membership and regular contact with Paddle International staff will ensure we can co-ordinate everything before our arrival in Mexico, with "any question answered." We will also be in regular contact with our in-country outfitter and partner, to ensure we can make the most of this fantastic trip.
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There will be a series of 4 online sessions in the run up to the trip, which will include: Introductions and Route Planning, Equipment, Campcraft and Cooking and final preparations. These sessions will all be about developing a team decision making process with regards to these topic areas, rather than teaching you to suck eggs.
What's Included
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Guiding by highly qualified and experienced Paddle International guides, but also with an expert local Spanish and English speaking guide who will show you the very best of this incredible sea kayak destination, ensuring you get the full experience.
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All paddling equipment including use of good quality sea kayaks from our specialist outfitter in Mexico.​
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Tent provided (but you'll need to bring additional camping equipment: rollmat, sleeping bag)
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All airport and hotel transfers once arrived in Loreto
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Hotel accommodation in Loreto before and after the expedition
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All expedition meals prepared by out in-country partners - made with local, quality ingredients which cater for all dietary requirements.
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A motorboat resupply of fresh food and water mid way through the expedition
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Full snorkeling gear
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A programme of online meet ups in the build up to the trip
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Coaching, guiding and involvement in our risk management process
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WhatsApp group membership, with contact readily available pre and post trip to ask questions and chat with other team members
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Emergency equipment, Satellite mapping and communications
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Complimentary Paddle International Sun hoody
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Access to discounts on some gear and clothing
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Additional Costs
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International Airfare and baggage fees.
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Travel Insurance.
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Any extra costs due to unforeseen circumstances.
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Bar bills
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Some personal clothing and equipment
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Meals whilst travelling to/from Mexico
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Optional trips and sightseeing tours
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Tips