Trip Overview
Departures
Click for Dates + Prices
Duration
9 Days
Activities
Camping
Kayaking
Snorkeling
Wildlife Viewing
Physical Rating
Moderate–Challenging
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A Floating Introduction
Launching from Loreto, Baja California Sur, this sea kayaking expedition is a floating introduction to one of Mexico’s most important reserves, Loreto National Marine Park. Discover the history and architecture of the first Spanish colonial city on the Baja Peninsula and jump from cobblestones to skipping stones on the surrounding islands of the marine park. Loreto is an official Magical Town. “Pueblo Mágico” is a Mexican government designation that recognizes towns that are rich in tradition, culture and history. The magic status is also a commitment to preserving and sharing the cultural and natural heritage of towns like Loreto.
Visit an Official “Magic Town”
Experience the Sea of Cortez
This trip offers lots of playtime—in the water, on foot and by sea kayak. On Isla Coronado, walk across the talcum-white beach and follow the switchback hiking trail to the top of Volcan Coronado for panoramic views of the rolling desert hills and cobalt Sea of Cortez. It’s a balance of camping and relaxed oceanfront hotel stays with an authentic Mexican menu to spice everything up in between.
Itinerary
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Day 1
Arrival
Feel the Baja Vibe
Flights to Loreto International Airport (LTO) in Baja California Sur state typically arrive mid-afternoon. There’s time to unwind and get in the proper groove before gathering with your fellow paddlers for a welcome dinner and trip orientation.
The historic Mission of Our Lady of Loreto is located in the center of town (as is the Jesuit Missions of Loreto Museum) and the local market is always fun to poke around. You can also fill the hunger gap with some authentic local Mexican eats before dinner or feel the sea’s embrace on a walk along the malecón. Don’t miss out on the chocolate clams—they’re a local specialty.
Tonight, we gather and get to know each other at the beautiful Dory Luz. This unique dining experience is a memorable one; it’s menu-free, with the restaurant serving a delightful combination of tasty Mexican fare, including flautas, guacamole and fajitas.
Included Meals
Dinner
Accommodations
Hotel Oasis
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Day 2
San Javier
Cave Art Class
We leave Loreto mid-morning and drive one hour across the canyons and parched arroyos (seasonal waterways that only fill and flow after sufficient rainfall) to San Javier. We walk around the tiny town (population: 130) and visit the Mission of San Javier, established in 1744.
Next, we stop at a nearby ranch to pick up our local guide for an interpretive tour of the cave paintings hidden in the Sierra Madre mountains. They are a ghostly reminder of the Indigenous population that left their indelible mark over 7,000 years ago (according to carbon dating on the paintings).
We follow a rocky trail upwards for 30 minutes, bouldering as we go—the views across the cacti-peppered valley and distant mountains steal the art show.
Over a simple, homemade lunch at the ranch, we learn about the life of our hosts before returning to Loreto late in the afternoon.
Included Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodations
Hotel Oasis
Travel
3 hours total by shuttle van
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Days 3–6
Island Time
Camping on Cortez
On this sea kayaking expedition, we paddle for two to four hours each day. We have lingering lunch breaks, floating rest stops and time to hike, snorkel, swim and snooze on the beach. Snorkelers will love the rainbow array of bi-colour parrotfish, convict tangs, yellowtail snapper, porcupinefish, balloonfish and moray eels that are found in the shallow waters and reefs.
Thriving populations of whales, dolphins (bottlenose, common and spinner) and flying manta rays are always a thrill to witness. Maybe a sailfish or marlin will give us an acrobatic flip.
At day’s end, we linger over hors-d’oeuvre hour and hyper local fresh food at our campsite. Before retreating to our tents, we must check for the captivating glow of bioluminescence in the sea!
Included Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodations
Beach camping on Isla Carmen (two nights) and Isla Danzante (two nights), depending on sea conditions and weather
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Day 7
Back to the Magic Town
Alakazam!
We absorb every inch of today’s sunrise over a hot coffee or strong tea before our final day of kayaking. After breakfast, we spend the morning paddling the shorelines in search of more marine life above and below.
We break camp after lunch and paddle to our take-out site around 2 p.m. Here, we unload our kayaks and jump in a van shuttle back to Loreto to check into our hotel and shower off all the sand and salt from our awesome expedition.
Later, we gather for dinner at a local restaurant and reflect on our expedition highlights so far.
Included Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodations
Hotel Oasis
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Day 8
Isla Coronado
Hike High or Low
After breakfast, we meet in the lobby at 8 a.m. and transfer to the marina where we board our boat. Today is dedicated to exploring Isla Coronado, the second smallest island of the Loreto chain.
There are two optional hikes: The out-and-back three-hour, 3.6 mile (6 km) hike up Volcan Coronado offers a panorama of the undulating desert hills of Baja California Sur and the expansive Gulf of California. For those who would like to ease into the day at a gentler, flatter pace, the interpretive desert plants eco-walk is one mile long (1.6 km).
We have lunch together in a shaded picnic shelter at the beach before circumnavigating the island (by boat) to snorkel and swim near a small, curious colony of sea lions.
We gather for dinner tonight at Caniopole, a small, eclectically decorated house that doubles as a family-run restaurant. Sophia and her daughters will introduce us to the basics of Baja cuisine (love is always a key ingredient). It’s time to share stories of what brought us all magically together!
Included Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodations
Hotel Oasis
Travel
Van shuttle (20 minutes), boat (45 minutes)
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Day 9
Departure
Extending the Magic
You can book your departure flight for any time today. Breakfast will be provided at the hotel, but we are required to travel to the airport independently.
If you wish to spend more time in the Magic Town, abracadabra–alakazam! You should! Hug your Wild Women expedition crew goodbye…for now. Where should you paddle together next? The Galápagos? Italy?
Included Meals
Breakfast
What’s Included
- Four nights oceanfront hotel accommodation in Loreto, four nights camping
- Meals as outlined in the trip itinerary
- Professional naturalist and expert bilingual guides
- All transportation while on tour (van shuttle and motorboat)
- Fibreglass Seaward brand tandem kayaks
- All kayaking, camping and snorkeling equipment
- All entry fees to national parks and biosphere reserves
- Activities as outlined in the trip itinerary
What’s Excluded
Tips for your Wild Women and kayak guide are not included
Please Note:
All applicable taxes are included in the trip price.
Optional single private upgrade, subject to availability.
Itineraries may be subject to change without notice due to weather and other environmental conditions. Please review our Booking Terms.
Trip Details
Know Before You Go
Click HERE for all of the logistical details you’ll need to know prior to departure—including the packing list, arrival and departure details and suggested tipping information.
This trip starts in Loreto, Mexico (airport code: LTO), and finishes in Los Cabos, Mexico.
Day 2 Hike
This walk begins on a boardwalk and then shifts to a well-traveled path. The trail then becomes more technical with lava rock and boulders with cairns marking the way. Curving ever upwards on switchbacks, the last 15 minutes are steep and the most challenging as the terrain becomes sandy with loose stones underfoot.
The Volcan Coronado hike is rated moderately difficult. Walking sticks or poles are recommended. You may turn around at any point on this hike if you are uncomfortable. Please wear proper footwear for this hike, it ain’t no walk in the park!
Paddling
Ultimately, Mother Nature determines the route and itinerary with her voting power. Winds and park permits can influence the order of daily activities, so the paddling portion of this expedition must be read with a grain of sea salt. We will be supported by a motorized panga boat that will carry our camping gear, food and water, which means the sea kayaks will be lighter and faster.
On expedition, have your biceps ready to paddle around 2–4 hours a day. Distances will vary but expect crossings that are 2–2.5 miles long (3–4 km) with potentially windy conditions.
Sanitation
Head’s up: On expedition, there are no showers! Fresh water is reserved for drinking and cooking only. You can use saltwater and soap off above the high tide line, or use disposable shower wipes if you wish. A porta potty will be transported to each campsite for solid waste. You can urinate above the high tide line or in a separate porta-potty bucket—your guide will cover all of this in a campsite orientation.
The Wild Women Way
If you’re wondering how we roll, it’s together. The Wild Women Way is our modus operandi, our mantra and our rock solid foundation. You can learn more about our Wild Ways HERE.
How We Support You
Ready for a big adventure? We’re in it together. On this trip, we sea kayak for hours at a time, snorkel and spend several nights camping. It’s a trip for advanced beginner sea kayakers, meaning you must have sea kayaking experience and be extremely comfortable in various, changing conditions on the water. Yes, it’s a challenge, but you’re never alone. Like thousands of women before you, you’ll draw on strength you didn’t know you had and come out feeling like the goddess you are.
Like all our trips, this trip can be scaled to suit different abilities and comfort levels. If you have concerns or reservations about your ability to complete or enjoy this trip due to any physical or medical reasons, please contact us and let’s talk about it.
What the Trip Entails
This is an active, multi-activity adventure. We would like you to be comfortable with the following:
- Padding in a tandem sea kayak for 4–5 hours per day
- Camping in a tent (4 nights)
- Being in and on the water, as there may be unexpected swims and snorkeling is a big part of the trip
- Not comfortable swimming? Please let us know!
- Physical Rating: Moderate – Challenging (Be prepared for active physical activity. Trips average 5 to 8 hours of physical activity most days, and depending on the shape you are in, they typically require activity specific training ahead of the trip.)
