We pride ourselves on the quality of our guides and crew. They are talented, knowledgeable, enthusiastic individuals who, most importantly, are locals that live in Baja. The most repeated comments on our evaluation forms are about how our guides and crew contributed to making the trip so special.

Carlos Gajon Bermudez is one of the most charismatic, professional and knowledgeable guides you'll ever meet. A La Paz native who grew up fishing with his grandfather on the Sea of Cortez, Carlos began guiding sea kayak trips in Baja in 1998. An avid surfer Carlos became a natural in a kayak and became an ACA certified sea kayak instructor and wilderness first responder soon after assisting on kayak trips. At one time a student of international law at the University of Baja California Sur, La Paz, Carlos is now on "sabbatical" from his studies to pursue his love of the outdoors by working as a sea kayak guide and he's a natural. Lucky us! Carlos is our most requested guide ever!

"I simply cannot say enough about Carlos. His knowledge of the Peninsula is extensive and he is a great teacher, whether he knows it or not! You come away from a trip with so much information about Baja (from whales and dolphins, and other wildlife, to the formation of the islands and the different types of cactus), all of which is seamlessly woven into his talks as we are hiking or kayaking or whale watching. I always sound much smarter when I come home!

Carlos handles the sometimes enormous responsibility associated with his position with such grace and good humor. The more trips I take with Mar y Aventuras, and with Carlos, the more I appreciate his ability to accomplish all of the duties of his job on a daily basis and still have fun. He never seems to lose the sense of wonder and joy that being in Baja can bring. He is also that rare individual who has something to offer each and every person on a trip - guests and crew alike. By the end of a trip, everyone feels they have a new friend in Carlos. "-Katherine Holton, Combo trip

"Miguel is the absolutely perfect host, trip leader, teacher, smile producer and traveling companion! His passion for Espiritu Santo is tangible -- he obviously loves sharing this special place with everyone who wants to learn about its wonders. He had such a nice, easy-going style -- but I never doubted that he was a careful and reliable professional. We noticed several times how he was always thinking ahead to make sure everything was taken care of. We so enjoyed our time with him." -Jo Ann Soker, Combo

"Miguel has that keen sense of knowing when to get involved and direct, and when to pull back and allow the group to develop things on their own. His knowledge of the area; fish and bird life as well as the history made for a very enjoyable and informed trip. But, most of all, his cooking and his personality made for a great time. He made sure everyone was having a good time and he did a great job of making a connection with each person on the trip. What a relief to have him and Jesus so that all of us were able to sit back and enjoy our vacation time without having to set up base camp and do the cooking. I've already recommended the trip to several friends. Thanks again." -John, Espiritu Santo Self-Supported

Edgardo Cortés Nares has been guiding folks on sea kayaking trips in Baja since 2000. Originally from Mexico City Edgardo traveled to La Paz for vacation and never returned. He has studied engineering, theater and obtained a postgraduate diploma in human development. His love of Mexico and knowledge of its rich culture and history become apparent immediately upon knowing him. Edgardo has completed two ACA sea kayaking training courses in Baja and is a talented head guide with a playful disposition who just might get you up for some salsa dancing after dinner.

"Edgardo was one of the very best I have had on any type of trip." --Cheryl Johnson & Richard Sanders

Roman Cahero - Born in Mexico City Roman has traveled extensively through out most of his country especially along Mexico's east coast. His time spent around the marine life of the Mexican Caribbean sparked an interest in marine biology so in 2000 he moved to La Paz to study marine biology at the University. He is now on "sabbitical" so he can guide for Mar Y Aventuras and experience the rich marine environment of the Sea of Cortez first hand. Roman completed two ACA courses and in 2006 got certified as a Wilderness First Responder in Seattle. He has been guiding sea kayaking trips with Mar Y Aventuras since February 2003. You will find Roman's love of the ocean and his country infectious.

" I just wanted to let you know what a great trip we had kayaking from Loreto to La Paz last week. Roman was our guide, ably assisted by Angel, Chuy, Martin, and Alberto, and I can't imagine a better crew. The scenery is of course always fantastic, but the crew was helpful, totally engaged, funny, and exceptionally competant. We would recommend this trip to anyone. Thank you."
-Jill Cornwell, Baja Coast

"Your Mexico tour staff did an outstanding job: Roman was a very knowledgeable and amiable guide (great with kids, too, by the way), and the camp and boating staff were also excellent. We're all still daydreaming about the trip. We'd love to go back for another trip, hopefully soon." -Bobby, Espiritu Santo Getaway

"We had the most awesome time-the group loved it and is saying we should do a yearly trip, like the Irish! Thanks again- Carlos and Roman were wonderful, attentive and knowledgeable guides- everyone and everything was perfect! Every day was full of whale petting (and we went out again to the sea lions the day we were leaving- and lots of baby sea lion nibbles!) Thanks again and we will highly recommend the trip!"--Jenna, Whale Watching Getaway

Jesus "Chuy" Alvarez Encinas - Born in the small fishing village of Los Burros Chuy knows the Sea of Cortez like the back of his hand. With Mar Y Aventuras since our beginning in 1993 he has become chief cook and camp boss. A father of 2 Chuy's great sense of humor and ability to run a first class camp makes him our most requested crew member for trips from repeat clientele.

Ramon Leon Alvarez - With us since 1994 Ramon is one of our best chefs. Born in the small village of Nopolo and now a father of 2 Ramon's talents don't end with his cooking. He is an excellent fisherman and skiff driver not to mention his beautiful voice which resonates from the kitchen before each meal as he sings while cooking.

"Native Guides! Great cooking - thanks Chuy! Roberto and Carlos were excellent, thoughtful, caring leaders. We learned lots and want to come back." -Clark & Rusmore

"The food on the trip was fantastic - as always. Jarocho and Ramon have their own styles but each consistently creates excellent meals while catering the diverse dietary needs of the guests. Jarocho even went out of his way to make shrimp ceviche for me when I mentioned how much I had enjoyed it on a previous trip. It probably messed with his menu plans for the week, but it was such a sweet thing to have done. (It is the very best ceviche I have ever had, by the way!)

The crews on both sides were terrific. Your crew members are very competent and very kind. They are always willing to join in the after-dinner festivities or a heated volleyball game! They take very good care of all of us and never seem to lose their humor in the process. Spending time catching up with Angel and Alejandro, and the others, is always a highlight of any trip I take with Mar y Aventuras." -Kathy Holton

Angel Leon Alvarez - A premier fisherman, Angel was born a few feet from the shores of the Sea of Cortez in the small fishing village of Nopolo opposite San Jose Island. From a family of 16 he began fishing as soon as he was big enough to accompany his father in the panga. Now a father of 4, Angel can handle a skiff and find the best fishing spots like no other.

Alberto "Jarocho" Tejeda Lile - Jarocho is originally from the state of Vera Cruz, Mexico and is now one of our top chefs. He made his way to La Paz working on yachts as a chef and began working for us in 1996. He has brought some mouth watering recipes to our tables the most note worthy being his fresh fish Vera Cruz style from his hometown.

"We were delighted to have such great food as well. There was an abundance of fruits and vegetables, which I really appreciated, and the crew made a point of finding out and accommodating all food issues. Again, we can't get over what a great trip it was, start to finish, and we may just do it again! Thank you."
-Jill Cornwell, Baja Coast

"It was great to see and have employees from previous trips. Angel does a terrific job! Everything was great. Mar Y Aventuras does a terrific job. We love your spirit, sense of responsibility and fun."
-Dave and Nan Berliner, Magdalena Bay

Martin Amador Leon - Born and raised in Nopolo Martin began working with Mar Y Aventuras in 1998 at just 18 years old. A bright young man he learned quickly the secrets of great tasting outdoor cooking and is now one of our head chefs.

Manuel Romero Higuera - Otherwise known as "Manolo", Manuel works as captain of our larger skiffs. Manolo has 23 years experience working in Baja for the department of fisheries as a fishing inspector and entertains clients with his great sense of humor and limited English. A graduate of the NOLS Baja sea kayaking course for leaders in 1994 Manolo has a broad range of knowledge to share with folks.

"Panga drivers, Jorge in the gulf and Angel in Mag Bay were great. We got a kick out of Jorge, driving us around to places we had planned to kayak to had the weather been better. He could have beat everyone up on a couple of choppy afternoons, but had the finesse and sense to feather the boat so we didn't get too wet."
-Jim King, Kayaking and Whale Watching Magdalena Bay

"Lucero went above and beyond and truly showed us she cared. Outstanding customer service! (She deserves much kudos, or more, for her actions.) Incidentally, ALL of the employees at Mar y Aventuras and Posada Luna Sol proved themselves to be excellent with customer service, and we would recommend both Mar y Aventuras, and Posada Luna Sol to anyone we know that would like to take a kayak trip and/or stay in La Paz. We had a great time and that is due in part to your great employees. Thanks to all who made this such an amazing experience for us!"
Sincerely, Nanette Brown and company

Sergio Mariscal, Client Services Coordinator for Mar Y Aventuras. Born in la Paz in 1985 Sergio is the oldest of three brothers. Since an early age Sergio has had a keen interest in tourism and began working in Eco-tourism in 2005 as a guide and in sales through internships with other tourist agencies. He has learned to speak English with classes from school and University and from practicing with his father who teaches English. Sergio continues his education with classes at the University in the evenings and will receive a degree in tourism in May of 2008 with a speciality in planing and marketing. He loves this profession because he gets to meet many people from different countries and his position allows him to work in the office one day and in the field the next. He especially likes planing and marketing because with these skills one can make the difference in the development of an organization, city and even state in a positive way with respect to the environment and sustainability.

Lucero Arcadia, Client Services for Hotel Posada LunaSol. Born in Mexico City, Lucero studied in a British-Canadian school for 5 years and learned to speak English. She arrived in La Paz in 1982 looking for new horizons and has been working in tourism ever since either in hotels or in eco-tourism. Married since 1977, to a talented artist whose work you will see adorning the walls of our hotel, Lucero has two sons and one grandson. She loves working with tourists because she enjoys meeting new people while giving them insight into the warm and attentive nature of Mexico and it's people. Lucero will go the extra mile to help you during your stay with us.