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Serving Pacific Northwest Paddlers Since 1991
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Portland, OR 97239
503-459-4050
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Downtown Portland, Oregon





                                                      Kayaking in Baja

 

 

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"Both Karen and I thought the trip was tremendous - exceeding our expectations! BOA is an excellent group - the guides especially were outstanding. Having done other guided trips I was very impressed with the attention to detail - safety, communication, inclusiveness, feedback - all the things that make a difference." Steve

Join us for a spectacular sea kayaking vacation to Baja, Mexico.  Just off shore from La Paz, in south Baja on the Sea of Cortez, lies one of the finest sea kayaking destinations in the world...Isla Espiritu Santo!  Pristine white sand beaches, crystal clear water, deeply indented bays protected by intriguing rock formations, abundant marine life and numerous neighboring islets...these are some of the characteristics that bring many of our guests back to this enchanting island year after year.

In partnership with our sister company BOA, headquartered in La Paz, we offer four and seven day trips kayaking along Isla Espiritu Santo.  The seven day trips circumnavigate the entire island while four days is a perfect time-frame to paddle the length of the island one way.  Group sizes range from four to fourteen  guests.  Guide to guest ratio is one to six.  BOA guides are bilingual, knowledgeable, extremely safety conscious, environmentally aware, friendly and fun to be with...we feel they are the finest, most qualified kayak guides in Baja.

Two different trip styles are offered: 1) cooperative expeditions and 2) fully catered motor-skiff supported expeditions.

1) Cooperative trips are styled after a true expedition and involve guests in all aspects of the trip, including packing gear into their kayaks, setting and breaking camp and helping the guides with meal preparation and clean-up.

2) Fully catered trips allow for gear and coolers to be carried in a panga (motor skiff) which travels ahead of the group to set up camp. The panga driver prepares fabulous meals, takes care of all kitchen duties and is able to keep cold beverages throughout the trip.

Typically we paddle two to four hours in the mornings and fill our afternoons snorkeling and hiking or just relaxing and soaking up the glorious Baja sun. Every day is different and there is always a surprise around the next headland; perhaps a huge manta ray leaping out of the water or dolphin and whale sightings! Each trip allows for the unforgettable experience of swimming with sea lion pups at Los Islotes - a small islet harboring a huge population of sea lions.

BOA provides quality sea kayaks, camping gear and all meals during the expedition.  Our guests just need to bring their own sleeping bag and personal items.  The sea is quite warm in the spring and fall (low 80's) but dips down to about 70 degrees in mid winter - this is a comfortable swimming temperature, however a bit chilly for extended snorkeling.  Therefore, shorty wetsuits are recommended December - March.  Wetsuits and snorkel gear may be rented from BOA.

Daily flights are available directly to La Paz or you may fly into Los Cabos.  Buses depart once an hour between San Jose Del Cabo and La Paz (three hours).
     

Espiritu Santo Quick Escape - 4 days/3 nights:  $420-$650
schedule
October - May.  We'll explore about half of the island, paddling to a new camp each day.  There is plenty of time to hike, snorkel, and relax at camp.  We will also visit Los Islotes to swim with sea lion pups and snorkel amongst thousands of tropical fish.  You will marvel at one of the worlds most diverse natural aquariums. All meals during the expedition are included in the trip price.  Accommodations in La Paz are not included in the trip price, however we are happy to make your reservations locally or recommend several options. 

Espiritu Santo Circumnavigated - 7 days/8 nights:  $750-$1090
schedule

October - May.  Paddling in paradise - seven days kayaking, snorkeling, hiking, and relaxing on one of the most beautiful islands in the entire Sea of Cortez.  We'll circumnavigate the island, exploring the rugged shoreline, off-shore islands, headlands and deeply indented bays, making each day a new adventure.  The west coast of Espiritu Santo is studded with some of the most spectacular white, sandy bays you can imagine while the east coast has enormous towering cliffs, bizarre rock formations and alluring sea caves.  We'll visit Los Islotes to swim with sea lion pups and tropical fish.  There is an excellent chance that we'll encounter dolphins and perhaps see cruising whales and giant manta rays breaching from the sea.  Halfway through our journey, a BOA panga (motor skiff) will visit one of our camps, bringing  fresh supplies and cold beverages for the second half of the trip. Accommodations in La Paz the first and last night, along with all meals during the expedition and a farewell dinner in La Paz are included in the trip price.      

Espiritu Santo/Magdalena Bay Whalewatch              $990
schedule
January - February.  This trip combines the four day "Quick Escape", kayaking along Espiritu Santo as described above, with a two day excursion across the peninsula to Magdalena Bay where we will encounter the world's most prolific breeding grounds for gray whales.  Our two days at Magdalena Bay will be hotel based in the small fishing village of Lopez Mateos.  Each day we'll venture out in pangas to tranquil lagoons teeming with gray whales.  There is no description that can portray the experience of being so close to so many of the sea's most magnificent creatures.  Included in the trip price are accommodations in La Paz the first night, the transition day, and the last night, as well as two nights accommodations in Lopez Mateos, all meals while camping and a farewell dinner in La Paz.  

Sea Kayak Baja Pacific Lagoons                                   $790
schedule
This is an exceptional adventure in a remote and spectacular part of Baja virtually untouched by human impact.  This trip is geared towards paddlers with some previous experience.  You will paddle approximately three hours a day, with some longer days, along a narrow channel protected from the turbulent ocean by Isla Magdalena. The  mangroves along the Baja coastline are home to a prolific number of exotic birds and the bay is the winter home of the Gray whales.  Amazing sand dues line the shores of Isla Magdalena.  This trip includes two nights hotel accommodations in La Paz and five nights of camping amongst the sand dunes.

Ten Day Epic Coastal Expeditition                             $1090
schedule

Offered twice each year, November and April.  This kayak expedition will have us paddling along the most rugged and remote stretch of coastline in Baja.  We'll cover approximately 100 miles, paddling beneath the Sierra De La Giganta - an impressive mountain range that plunges right into the sea.  With very few signs of civilization along our route between La Paz and Loreto, we are consumed with a sense of being immersed in a true exploratory expedition.  Some prior kayaking experience is required.  Accommodations in La Paz the first and last night are included in the trip price, along with all meals during the expedition and a farewell dinner in La Paz.

Isla Espiritu Santo Yoga/Kayaking Combination      $1050
2 nights hotel, 6 nights camping
This trip offers all the best of our regular kayaking trips with the addition of daily yoga practice. Start your day on a serene white sand beach with a two hour pranayama and asana practice.  Spend the day kayaking, snorkeling, hiking or  relaxing. Take part in a restorative yoga session each evening while our cooks prepare your dinner.












2007/2008 Schedule

Key:  cc=cooperative; fc=fully catered; circ=7 days paddling, 6 nights camping, 2 nights hotel accommodation; quick escape=4 days paddling, 3 nights camping

2007

October, 2007

10/20-28 Sea Kayak Isla Espiritu Santo, Baja - circumnavigation cc  $750
10/21-24 Sea Kayaking Isla Espiritu Santo, Baja - quick escape    cc  $450
10/24-27 Sea Kayaking Isla Espiritu Santo, Baja - quick escape     cc  $450
10/24-11/4 10 Day Epic - coastal expedition between La Paz and Loreto cc  $1090
10/27-11/4 Sea Kayak Isla Espiritu Santo, Baja - circumnavigation    fc   $990
10/28-31 Sea Kayaking Isla Espiritu Santo, Baja - quick escape     fc   $590
November, 2007
10/31-11/3 Sea Kayaking Isla Espiritu Santo, Baja - quick escape     fc   $590
11/3-11 Sea Kayak Isla Espiritu Santo, Baja - circumnavigation cc  $750
11/4-7 Sea Kayaking Isla Espiritu Santo, Baja - quick escape cc  $450
11/7-10 Sea Kayaking Isla Espiritu Santo, Baja - quick escape cc  $450
11/10-18 Sea Kayak Isla Espiritu Santo, Baja - circumnavigation    fc   $990
11/11-14 Sea Kayaking Isla Espiritu Santo, Baja - quick escape     fc   $590
11/14-17 Sea Kayaking Isla Espiritu Santo, Baja - quick escape     fc   $590
11/17-25 Sea Kayak Isla Espiritu Santo, Baja - circumnavigation  fc   $1090
11/17-25 Sea Kayak Isla Espiritu Santo, Baja - circumnavigation cc  $790
11/18-21 Sea Kayaking Isla Espiritu Santo, Baja - quick escape    fc   $590
11/21-24 Sea Kayaking Isla Espiritu Santo, Baja - quick escape  Family Trip fc   $650
11/24-12/2 Sea Kayak Isla Espiritu Santo, Baja - circumnavigation    fc  $990
11/25-28 Sea Kayaking Isla Espiritu Santo, Baja - quick escape     fc  $590
11/28-12/1 Sea Kayaking Isla Espiritu Santo, Baja - quick escape     fc  $590
December, 2007
12/8-16 Sea Kayak Isla Espiritu Santo, Baja - circumnavigation  fc   $990
12/9-12 Sea Kayaking Isla Espiritu Santo, Baja - quick escape    fc   $590
12/12-15 Sea Kayaking Isla Espiritu Santo, Baja - quick escape    fc   $590
12/15-23 Sea Kayak Isla Espiritu Santo, Baja - circumnavigation cc  $750
12/16-19 Sea Kayaking Isla Espiritu Santo, Baja - quick escape cc  $420
12/19-22 Sea Kayaking Isla Espiritu Santo, Baja - quick escape    cc  $420
12/22-30 Sea Kayak Isla Espiritu Santo, Baja - circumnavigation  fc   $990
12/22-30 Sea Kayak Isla Espiritu Santo, Baja - circumnavigation cc  $790
12/23-26 Sea Kayaking Isla Espiritu Santo, Baja - quick escape fc   $590
12/26-29 Sea Kayaking Isla Espiritu Santo, Baja - quick escape   Family Trip fc   $590
12/29-1/6 Sea Kayak Isla Espiritu Santo, Baja - circumnavigation  cc  $790
12/29-1/6 Sea Kayak Isla Espiritu Santo, Baja - circumnavigation  fc  $990
12/30-1/2 Sea Kayaking Isla Espiritu Santo, Baja - quick escape   fc   $590

2008

January, 2008
1/2-5 Sea Kayaking Isla Espiritu Santo, Baja - quick escape  fc  $590
1/5-13 Sea Kayak Isla Espiritu Santo, Baja - circumnavigation fc  $990
1/6-9 Sea Kayaking Isla Espiritu Santo, Baja - quick escape fc  $590
1/9-12 Sea Kayaking Isla Espiritu Santo, Baja - quick escape fc  $590
1/12-20 Sea Kayak Isla Espiritu Santo, Baja - circumnavigation  cc  $790
1/13-16 Sea Kayaking Isla Espiritu Santo, Baja - quick escape   cc  $490
1/16-19 Sea Kayaking Isla Espiritu Santo, Baja - quick escape   cc  $490
1/19-27 Sea Kayak Isla Espiritu Santo, Baja - circumnavigation  fc  $990
1/20-27 Sea Kayaking Baja Pacific Lagoons - week long trip cc  $790
1/20-23 Sea Kayaking Isla Espiritu Santo, Baja - quick escape fc  $590
1/23-26 Sea Kayaking Isla Espiritu Santo, Baja - quick escape fc  $590
1/26-2/3 Sea Kayaking/Magdalena Bay Whalewatch - combo fc   $990
1/27-30 Sea Kayaking Isla Espiritu Santo, Baja - quick escape   fc   $590
1/30-2/2 Sea Kayaking Isla Espiritu Santo, Baja - quick escape fc  $590
February, 2008
2/2-10 Sea Kayak Isla Espiritu Santo, Baja - circumnavigation   fc  $990
2/3-6 Sea Kayaking Isla Espiritu Santo, Baja - quick escape fc  $590
2/6-9 Sea Kayaking Isla Espiritu Santo, Baja - quick escape fc  $590
2/9-17 Sea Kayaking/Magdalena Bay Whalewatch - combo fc  $990
2/10-13 Sea Kayaking Isla Espiritu Santo, Baja - quick escape     fc  $590
2/13-16 Sea Kayaking Isla Espiritu Santo, Baja - quick escape cc $420
2/16-24 Sea Kayaking/Magdalena Bay Whalewatch - combo fc $990
2/16-24 Sea Kayak Isla Espiritu Santo, Baja - circumnavigation   fc  $990
2/20-23 Sea Kayaking Isla Espiritu Santo, Baja - quick escape     fc  $590
2/23-3/2 Sea Kayaking/Magdalena Bay Whalewatch - combo fc  $990
2/23-3/2 Sea Kayak Isla Espiritu Santo, Baja - circumnavigation fc  $990
2/27-3/1 Sea Kayaking Isla Espiritu Santo, Baja - quick escape     fc  $590
March, 2008
3/1-9 Sea Kayak Isla Espiritu Santo, Baja - circumnavigation cc  $790
3/2-5 Sea Kayaking Isla Espiritu Santo, Baja - quick escape cc $490
3/5-8 Sea Kayaking Isla Espiritu Santo, Baja - quick escape cc $490
3/8-16 Sea Kayak Isla Espiritu Santo, Baja - circumnavigation   fc  $990
3/9-12 Sea Kayaking Isla Espiritu Santo, Baja - quick escape     fc  $590
3/12-15 Sea Kayaking Isla Espiritu Santo, Baja - quick escape     fc  $590
3/15-23 Sea Kayak Isla Espiritu Santo, Baja - circumnavigation cc  $790
3/16-19 Sea Kayaking Isla Espiritu Santo, Baja - quick escape cc $490
3/19-22 Sea Kayaking Isla Espiritu Santo, Baja - quick escape cc $490
3/22-30 Sea Kayak Isla Espiritu Santo, Baja - circumnavigation   fc  $990
3/23-26 Sea Kayaking Isla Espiritu Santo, Baja - quick escape     fc  $590
3/26-29 Sea Kayaking Isla Espiritu Santo, Baja - quick escape     fc  $590
3/29-4/6 Sea Kayak Isla Espiritu Santo, Baja - circumnavigation cc  $790
3/30-4/2 Sea Kayaking Isla Espiritu Santo, Baja - quick escape cc $490
April, 2008
4/2-5 Sea Kayaking Isla Espiritu Santo, Baja - quick escape cc $490
4/5-13 Sea Kayak Isla Espiritu Santo, Baja - circumnavigation   fc  $990
4/6-9 Sea Kayaking Isla Espiritu Santo, Baja - quick escape     fc  $590
4/9-12 Sea Kayaking Isla Espiritu Santo, Baja - quick escape     fc  $590
4/12-20 Sea Kayak Isla Espiritu Santo, Baja - circumnavigation cc  $790
4/13-24 10 Day Epic - coastal expedition between La Paz and Loreto cc  $1090
4/13-16 Sea Kayaking Isla Espiritu Santo, Baja - quick escape cc $490
4/16-19 Sea Kayaking Isla Espiritu Santo, Baja - quick escape cc $490
4/19-27 Sea Kayak Isla Espiritu Santo, Baja - circumnavigation   fc  $990
4/20-23 Sea Kayaking Isla Espiritu Santo, Baja - quick escape     fc  $590
4/23-26 Sea Kayaking Isla Espiritu Santo, Baja - quick escape     fc  $590
4/26-5/4 Sea Kayak Isla Espiritu Santo, Baja - circumnavigation cc  $790
4/27-30 Sea Kayaking Isla Espiritu Santo, Baja - quick escape cc $490
4/30-5/3 Sea Kayaking Isla Espiritu Santo, Baja - quick escape cc $490
May, 2008
5/3-11 Sea Kayak Isla Espiritu Santo, Baja - circumnavigation   fc  $990
5/4-7 Sea Kayaking Isla Espiritu Santo, Baja - quick escape     fc  $590
5/7-10 Sea Kayaking Isla Espiritu Santo, Baja - quick escape     fc  $590

 

Portland Kayak Company
6320 SW Macadam Avenue
Portland, OR 97239
paddle@portlandkayak.com

503-459-4050 / 888-238-2059