A kayaking trip to Baja, Mexico is a fantastic way to enjoy the outdoors in winter. I love the consistent sunshine, the blue skies and the stark landscape that the Baja area is famous for. Some of the best weeks of my life have been spent on kayaking trips out of Loreto.
15 reasons you’ll love kayaking in Baja, Mexico
Easy to access
Baja, Mexico is easily accessible via flights from Los Angeles. It’s only a two hour flight to reach Loreto and a little longer to arrive in La Paz – the two gateway cities for kayakers. In fact now there are direct flights from Calgary to Loreto on West Jet.
Best time to go kayaking in Baja, Mexico
The best time to go kayaking is during the winter months in the northern hemisphere, particularly November through April. It starts getting very hot by late March. Wind can be a problem at any time and you can become island bound in a bad blow. December and January are the windier months.
Where to go kayaking in Baja Mexico
There are three primary areas to kayak in the Baja – in and around Loreto Bay National Marine Park, the Magdalena Bay area, and the islands of Espiritu Santo and Isla Partida near La Paz. Each area is appealing in it’s own way.
Choose a kayaking trip in the Baja that fits who you are
You can choose a trip that suits your style – paddle a few hours at a leisurely pace or make the journey from Loreto to La Paz kayaking hard for 10 days.
Who doesn’t love a beautiful beach?
Beaches are beautiful. Often secluded. On kayaking trips I’ve done in the Baja, I’ve camped on beaches where there wasn’t another soul.
Marine life
Are you wild about whales? Head to Magdalena Bay for exceptional experiences. In the Sea of Cortez you can also expect to see whales.
Want to swim with sea lions? Then head to the Espiritu Santos area.
Chances are you’ll see dolphins while you’re kayaking in Baja, Mexico – regularly and up close.
Watch out for flying manta rays. These giants burst out of the ocean at regular intervals and are truly a sight to behold.
Excellent hiking on the islands
Hiking is fantastic on some of the islands – particularly Carmen and Coronado. Don’t forget to pack a pair of running shoes.
Sunsets
Sunsets are sublime, especially with all the red rock around. They are one of the highlights of kayaking in Baja, Mexico.
Birdlife in the Baja
The bird life is fantastic and entertaining at the same time. Spend hours watching the brown pelicans and blue and brown-footed boobies drop out of the sky. Other birds you might see include the magnificent frigatebird, white ibis, blue, tri-colored, black-crowned, yellow and green herons, Heerman’s gulls, egrets, least grebes, varied bunting and many more.
Another UNESCO site to visit
Add another UNESCO World Heritage Site to your list; the Loreto Bay Marine Park covers 2065 square kilometres in the Sea of Cortez. It includes Coronado Island in the north through to Catalana Island in the south.
Cold beers and guacamole
Dine on guacamole (a food group when I’m kayaking in the Baja) and throw back a cold Mexican beer – with a fresh lime.
Go swimming and snorkeling
Swim (with a wetsuit much of the time) and snorkel. Schools of colourful fish are your reward.
Lots of options for kayaking trips in Baja, Mexico
There are no shortage of kayaking companies offering adventure tours to the area. Some itineraries are as short as three days but do yourself a favour and book a week in this enchanted part of Mexico.
Would you do a kayaking trip to the Baja?