Many of the tour operators in the southern half of the Baja peninsula, in the state of Baja California Sur, Mexico base out of Loreto or La Paz; coastal communities on the Sea of Cortes side of the peninsula. Most of the tours visit uninhabited islands and coastlines near those two starting points. The speculate no multi-day tours go out of Cabo San Lucas is because there are no colse to islands to paddle to and the sea is much more exposed there.
Loreto & La Paz comparison
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Loreto is a sleepy Mexican fishing settlement about 8 hours by car from Cabo San Lucas. It was the primary capital of the peninsula until 1828 when a hurricane leveled the town and the capital was constantly moved to La Paz. La Paz, a city of 250,000, is the main ferry terminus to mainland Mexico, and is located practically half way in the middle of Loreto and Cabo.
Loreto has petite flights arriving daily from Los Angeles or San Diego on Aero Mexico, Alaska and Aero California. La Paz has more options of flights in and out on those carriers and others. Loreto is a 2-day drive south from San Diego in California, Usa. Some guests elect to fly into Cabo San Lucas to take advantage of cheap flights, and take an air-conditioned bus to either Loreto or La Paz for a fraction of what it would cost in Usa.
Both Loreto and La Paz have some large uninhabited islands colse to that are exquisite for paddling and exploring. Both Loreto and La Paz are within reach of Magdalena Bay, the gray whale lagoon on the Pacific side of the peninsula. All the islands in the Sea of Cortez and all three gray whale lagoons on the Pacific Coast have Mexican national park status, and all outfitters and secret parties must have the proper permits. Be sure to go with an outfitter than has the proper operating permits, or if you are in a secret party do collect the proper permits from the national park office in both communities, as federal officers do regular site inspections in the park areas.
Private parties are not permitted at all in Magdalena Bay, although they are allowed with permits in the Sea of Cortez. Permitted outfitters are committed to preserving the laws and environment in which they control and must pay all appropriate taxes to Mexico, must hire and train locals to be sea kayak guides and logistics managers, and have proper liability guarnatee and security procedures/training.
Self-supported vs. Motorboat supported tours
Most sea kayak tour operators fall into either of these two camps, so be sure you request about what kind of tour the enterprise runs, and what they contain in the tour price. Most tour outfitters have mostly double kayaks since the majority of guests are fairly new to kayaking, but some will have singular kayaks along, too, for folks to rotate into. So this is other issue to explore.
Weather in Baja California Sur
Daytime temperatures late December through February range from the 70's to 80's (degrees F), and night temperatures can dip to the 40's, requiring a warm sweater and hat. March idea early May they range from the mid-80's to mid-90's during the day, and 55-60 at night. While rain is infrequent on the Baja peninsula, it does occur December - February. Bring artificial and cotton clothes, in layers to provide for weather extremes (your outfitter will provide an equipment list).
Water temperatures range from 68 to72 degrees F (some find a wet suit a good idea December through March for snorkeling). Spf clothing, light-colored, long-sleeved shirt and long pants & hats are rapidly gaining in popularity and are great for outdoor voyage in sunny climes. Periods of strong winds for up to 2-3 days at a time can occur in this part of the world from November through March, although they start tapering off in February and March. Hurricane season is August through November. Temperatures soar above 110 degrees F in June, July and August, thus most outfitters don't control tours then.
Whales in Baja California Sur
The rare blue whale/ largest loving vertebrate in the world today, and the fin whale frequent the Sea of Cortez February through mid April, as well as the occasional humpback. The once endangered California gray whale, whose habitancy now numbers about 28,000, migrates each fall and winter down the Pacific coast from Alaska to spend the month of February and first consolidate weeks of March in the three large lagoon/inner waterways of Baja California peninsula's Pacific coast. There they rest, give birth and mate before heading beck toward Alaska in late March.
Mexico strictly protects the California gray whale lagoons, thus one can only go into the lagoons with a licensed kayak tour operator or motorized tour operator. Tasteless dolphins/ bottle nose dolphins and California sea lions are commonly seen throughout the waters of Baja. A Tasteless myth is that one can pet a whale from a kayak - this has never been known to happen. They move much faster than a kayak can paddle, and have never shown curiosity in kayaks.
However, it is becoming more and more Tasteless for gray whales in the lagoons of the Pacific coast to advent motorized boats and even occasionally be petted by humans. The boat operators licensed by the Mexican government are quite master at knowing how to let the whales advent them, and on ways to avoid stressing the whales.
Why go with an outfitter
The seas and winds can be quite absorbing at times, and destinations remote, thus seasoned guides are an invaluable asset unless you are very experienced in self supported tours in this kind of environment -and even then, there are weather patterns unique to the Sea of Cortez. A permitted outfitter will have the knowledge; experience, sound equipment, and the commitment to security and aid that can allow you to relax and enjoy your vacation in Baja California. Also, due to the remoteness of the southern part of the Baja peninsula, the weather, and liability issues, looking expedition kayaks to rent in Loreto or La Paz is very difficult (outfitters don't want to rent out their touring boats since they need them to run their tours).
Why Sea Kayaking
It is a magical, quiet sport quickly and in fact learned; the craft are stable and seaworthy. Wildlife is less threatened by a someone quietly drifting by in a kayak than any other approach. It is a great way to spend time with new friends in a wilderness setting. Kayaks can carry more gear than backpacks so many previous hikers are turning to sea kayaking. Come see why sea kayaking is exploding in popularity, by going on a guided sea kayak tour in a beautiful setting.
choosing a Guided Sea Kayak Tour in Baja California, Mexico
