This experience explores the varied landscapes of Espiritu Santo Island - an oasis in the Sea of Cortez and a location renowned for close encounters with sealions and other marine and coastal wildlife.

An Eco Tented Camp acts as your base, with expert kayaking guides on hand to help you master your paddling skills so that you can safely explore the island’s many caves, rock gardens, hidden lagoons and peaceful beaches. Whilst on the water, keep an eye out for breaching mobula rays and leaping dolphins which are frequently seen from the skiffs on route to the island’s best snorkelling spots.

Perhaps one of the most memorable moments on this trip are the opportunities to snorkel with playful sea lions who twist effortlessly thought the water thanks to there extremely flexible spines. The waters are also home to hundreds of tropical fish and during the spring, whales migrate here in large numbers.

Above the water you have opportunities to discover cave art in the depths ochre coloured creeks and trek amongst some of Mexico’s iconic cacti and highly adaptive other plants. In the skies you can see gliding pelicans and pterodactyl looking frigate birds to excite the twitcher in you.

Other optional activities include SCUBA diving, Mexican cooking classes as well as yoga and massage sessions. Please note that this itinerary is extremely flexible and can be adapted to your own interests and ability with none of the activities being compulsory so you can be as active or relaxed as you choose.

Your accommodation is in cabin-style tents or single and double raised platform beds, comfortable bedding, and Jicara-style showers. Your meals will be tasty Mexican food such as traditional quesadillas. After your evening meal, the skies will darken allowing stunning unobstructed views of the stars in the night sky.

Photographs kindly provided by: Tim Means, Jose Juan Puebla, Neil Ever Osborne, Michael Calderwood, Bajaex, Willem Schalkwijk, Thomas Vignaud and Rafael Carballo

Responsible Travel - Explore - Wildlife and Kayaking Holiday tours vacations - Adventure Kayak Travel -– Nautilus shell – Mexico holidays – Baja California holiday – La Paz - Desert Trek Hiking & Trekking Vacation Holiday Travel – Responsible Travel ecolodge

Price
6 days from £765 per person based on 2 sharing
(La Paz airport - La Paz airport)

Valid to June 2013

This trip can also be arranged starting / ending Los Cabos airport or Cabo San Lucas.

Single supplements
x 1.85 the price

Price includes
All accommodation and transfers
Guided activities including sea kayaking
Meals as specified in itineraries (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)
All meals and snacks

Price excludes
Diving, Mexican cooking classes or massages payable locally
International and domestic flights
Insurance
US$25 conservation passport (payable locally)

Diving  A 2 tank dive in the Sea of Cortez can be pre-arranged for £70 / $110. Full dive kit rental $35 / day or $15 per item.

Activity Level: Medium.

Standard of Accommodation: Camping

Photographs kindly provided by: Tim Means, Jose Juan Puebla, Neil Ever Osborne, Michael Calderwood, Bajaex, Willem Schalkwijk, Thomas Vignaud and Rafael Carballo

 

 

Day 1  Arrive La Paz airport where you will be met and transferred to your hotel in La Paz. Day 2     (B,L,D) Your guide will pick you up from your hotel. You will receive an orientation and be fitted out with your snorkelling gear. A morning boat ride takes you to Espiritu Santo Island, designated a global conservation priority by The Nature Conservancy because of its unique biological diversity. Once you arrive at camp, you'll have an orientation to your eco-camp based and provided with a safety briefing. Tonight you'll enjoy a beautiful sunset over the Sea of Cortez while the staff will prepare a delicious welcome dinner. Days 3 - 4   (B,L,D) After some instruction in sea kayaking basics (and a dunk test) you'll begin to paddle, exploring nearby turquoise lagoons and deserted beaches. From camp, you'll kayak along the shoreline to explore hidden coves, snorkel among dazzling fish, head to Los Islotes to swim and snorkel with the sea lions. You will visit a fresh water well for a rinse and hike through stunning canyons up to high ridges for inspiring views. At evening "happy hours" you'll sip drinks and enjoy appetizers while watching a spectacular Baja sunset before feasting on a delicious dinner made with fresh local ingredients. Day 5    (B,L) The morning finds you kayaking, swimming, hiking or snorkelling to savour the last moments of this incredible getaway. We return to La Paz by boat at midday. After lunch for check in to your hotel. Day 6    Your driver and vehicle will collect you from your hotel and take you to La Paz airport for your return flight.