Baja - Mexico

Kayaking Isla Carmen and the Sierra Giganta Coast

When Maria and I first explored the Baja’s Isla Carmen by kayak in 1989, we were mesmerized by its white sand beaches, and protected bays, and the every changing palette of colors on the mainland’s towering mountains. In this new Hidden Places adventure we wend our way along Isla Carmen’s serpentine shorelines and down part of the Sierra Giganta coast. Paddling through the turquoise Sea of Cortez, we watch out for flying fish, dolphins, and Blue and Fin whales. Fearless brown pelicans dive beak first into the water close to our kayaks and we hope to spot ospreys, frigate birds and blue footed boobies. This is a place to savor, and we take breaks to hike through the desert or snorkel in crystal-clear water. Each night in camp, after enjoying good food and company we gaze into the star filled sky and listen for the gentle breath of a passing whale…...

Itinerary

Day 1. We arrive in Loreto and settle into our hotel. After some free time to explore this historic town, we meet before dinner for a trip orientation.

Day. 2 We transfer by bus to Puerto Escondido, where our kayaks are waiting. After a safety briefing and some kayak instruction, we paddle across to the sou the rn coast of Isla Carmen to our home for next two nights, an idyllic beach campsite on the channel between Isla Carmen and Isla Danzante.

Day 3

Paddling, swimming, snorkeling and hiking, we spent the day exploring the beaches, shorelines and arroyo canyons of the Isla Carmen’s eastern coast. If we catch sight of plumes offshore, we paddle out in hope of some whale watching from our kayaks!

Day 4

Crossing to Isla Danzante, we reach our campsite with its breathtaking views of the Sierra Giganta mountains. We have an early night and set our alarms for daybreak, because sunrise over the se dramatic shouldn’t be missed!

Day 5.

As the sun climbs up into the sky, we paddle towards the Sierra Giganta, and make camp on a white sand beach at the ir feet.

Day 6. Time to really stretch our legs with a good hike into El Triumfo Canyon. We arrive back in time to swim, relax and get ready for happy hour and a dinner to celebrate our Baja adventure!

Day 7. After a final swim, we paddle to Ensanada Blanca, to meet the vans that will transport us and our gear back to Loreto.

Day 8. Fly home.