Kayaking in Baja Mexico in the Sea of Cortez
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, Mexico area is famous for. Some of the best weeks of my life have been spent on kayaking trips out of Loreto.
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15 reasons you’ll love kayaking in Baja, Mexico
Easy to access
Baja, Mexico is easily accessible via direct flights from Calgary on WestJet, Phoenix via American Airlines, Los Angeles via Alaska Airlines, and Tijuana via Colaris. Even from Calgary it’s only a 3.5 hour flight to reach Loreto To get to La Paz – one of the other gateway cities for kayakers. you may have to take a bus.
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 when kayaking in Baja, Mexico and you can become island bound in a bad blow. December and January are the windier months. Once though on a trip in early April, the harbour was closed in Loreto because the wind gusts were so strong.
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, including blue whales.
Want to swim with sea lions? Then head to the Espiritu Santos area though you can see them also on Coronados Island.
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 Coronados. Don’t forget to pack a pair of running shoes as there are a lot of spiny plants and sharp volcanic rock.
Sunsets
Sunsets are sublime, especially with all the red rock around. They are one of the daily 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 2,065 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, octopi, rays and sharks 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?
I would like brochures to be sent to me if possible?
I’m interested in kayaking, hiking in warm weather this year. 5 to 10 days?
Hi Cecily, Unfortunately I write about kayaking and outdoor adventures but I don’t run a tour company. There are lots of kayaking companies that run out of Loreto and La Paz.
Another great area in Baja for sea kayaking is Cabo Pulmo, a national marine park, about a 90-minute drive northeast of Cabo San Lucas. And now (October and November) are about the best months to go! You can read our post on Cabo Pulmo here: http://www.sandinmysuitcase.com/cabo-pulmo-where-the-wild-things-are/
@SandinMySuitcase Thanks for that great suggestion. I would love to be going to the Baja this fall!
I have visited Mexico twice yet and I love this country. There so many amazing tourist spots in Mexico and I just love them all. In my both trips I have visited Mexico City, Cancun, Guadalajara and Chihuahua. But I have never heard about the place Baja.
I am fond of kayaking and I would definitely love to visit this place. The beach Photos which you have posted are really so beautiful and I hope it would be more thrilling to perform kayaking here. I will plan my trip as early as possible. Thanks for posting.
@Armida Kayaking in the Baja is one of my most favourite things to do. Hope you get a chance to go.