Sea Kayaking Camp

Espíritu Santo Island – 7 days, 6 nights. 

*This sample itinerary is based on a real past trip. Your experience could vary significantly due to weather conditions, guest ages, moon phase, etc. Please, consider this an informative example, not a rigid plan to be followed.

Highlights

• Swim with whale shark.
• Snorkel with sea lions at Los Islotes.
• Explore and spend time on Espíritu Santo Island, a stunning island which is part of the Sonoran Desert, yet lies on the sea, leading to a Galapagos-like environment.

Day 1 

Travel to La Paz. Arrive at the lovely Cathedral Hotel, located in the very heart of La Paz, near all the best restaurants and shops in the city.

Day 2 

Enjoy the complimentary breakfast at the Cathedral Hotel, and then we are off to our adventure. Meet at the Eco Migrations office to gear up, and then we board the skiff and set off for Espíritu Santo Island. We arrive at Bonanza Beach in time for the camp intro and lunch. 

In the afternoon, we snorkel around the rocky reef right in front of camp to get everyone used to their gear and ready for tomorrow at Los Islotes. There’s a chance to see Stone Scorpionfish less than 10 meters from camp, lobsters, moray eels, and lots of fish. 

Then it’s sun showers and a change of clothes for happy hour (margaritas and guacamole with chips), and dinner (BBQ chicken, scalloped potatoes and Cole slaw). Sometimes, if it’s dark enough, we do some star gazing. Jupiter’s moons are usually visible through binoculars and the stars can be amazing.

Day 3

Get up early for the sunrise and coffee, then it’s free time until breakfast at 8 (egg, pancakes and sausage). We’re going to need energy today because we’re going to Los Islotes. At about 9 we set off from camp towards the sea lion rookery. Once we arrive, we all get ready and slip into the water. It’s full of fish and lots of playful sea lion cubs. After the group has had their fill, we get back in the skiff, dry off and find a beach to warm up and eat lunch (chicken salad, tostadas and fruit for desert)

After lunch, we continue exploring and arrive at the frigate bird colony and the tidal pools. We spend some time exploring and walking around, then we get back to camp for happy hour (ceviche and beer), and dinner while we watch the sunset. We sit around for a while chatting, then head off to bed nice and early. 

Day 4

After breakfast and the morning routine, we prepare for our kayak introduction. We spend a while getting everyone acquainted with the equipment, and how best to manage our sea kayaks, and then we set off for a two-hour paddle. We arrive at the southern tip of the island in time for lunch (tuna salad sandwiches, fruit and nuts) and if everyone is in the mood, we continue for another hour until we reach the beautiful beach of La Despensa. 

Then, we load up the kayaks and head back to camp. After a bit of rest we have happy hour and dinner. After an active day and a relaxing afternoon, everyone is ready for bed early and the group breaks up around 9.

Day 5

We rise early and gather for coffee and sunrise, and after breakfast, head off for our final day of kayaking. We head to The Split, where Espíritu Santo and La Partida Islands separate. It’s beautiful and shallow, full of turtles and turquoise waters. We head north, kayaking around the edge of the island, watching the seabirds above and fish below. We arrive at a tiny little beach a few hours later, where our crew has already prepared lunch. Today its sandwiches, which taste like glory after our paddle. 

We rest for a while, combing the beach and talking about all the little interesting tidbits we find. Then we head back to camp so everyone can have some free time. Some read, others walk the beach, meditate, take a nap or a swim… We gather for a final happy hour and dinner.

Day 6

We seize the morning to pack up our gear to load the skiffs after breakfast. We enjoy coffee and the sunrise, and then head off to our tasks until breakfast (chilaquiles, a fried egg and some beans). We all get ready and leave camp around 9:30. We have saved the best for last, and are heading to the whale shark viewing area for our 11:00am reservation. 

Once we enter Whale Shark Refuge, we start navigating very slowly while searching for the animals from the skiff. We are looking for a faint shadow in the water, and depending on the conditions, it can be very tricky to spot. But we finally find one, and swiftly get the group organized and in the water. We do our best to ensure everyone sees the animal well, and if it’s possible we swim alongside it. It’s a stunningly beautiful animal as it moves effortlessly through the water while we gasp to keep up. It’s great fun and the group is in high spirits as we eventually make our way back to La Paz. It’s been great traveling together.

Night at Cathedral Hotel.

Day 7

Travel home or onward to further adventures. Safe travels!

Day 1

We will meet at 8pm on Day 1 at Hotel Catedral to welcome you to La Paz. We will also give you some large red dry-bags. Please pack whatever you will need at camp in these red bags. They are much more convenient to transport than your luggage, and  your luggage remains sand-free.

Day 2

On Day 2, we will meet at 9am at Eco Migrations HQ

Paseo Alvaro Obregón 774
La Paz, B.C.S.
23000, México
Find us @ Google Maps