Camps, Meals & Equipment - Sea & Adventures/Mar Y Aventuras

Camp Descriptions

Mobile Camps

All Spring and Fall trips (including Island Hopping, Baja Coast & Islands and Espiritu Santo Circumnavigation, Espiritu Santo West Coast and Spring/Fall Quick Getaways)

We camp on gravel and sand beaches (white sand beaches only on Espiritu Santo trips) on the waters edge along the coast and islands of Baja with the mountains and flora of the Southern Sonoran Desert as backdrop.

A large kitchen tent is set up by our staff and used for cooking. A shade tarp is set up for taking breaks from the sun. Chairs are provided, but no dining tables. Quality 3-person crawl-in nylon dome tents are provided for double occupancy.

A solar shower is set up on the beach at each camp for rinsing off the salt after you bathe in the sea with biodegradable soap. The toilet is a self-contained porta-potty that uses water to flush. It is placed in a secluded spot at each camp. It is available from when you arrive until you depart and is emptied daily.

Luxury Base Camps

Espiritu Santo Quick Getaways (December through early March)

We camp on Candelero Beach in a large protected bay about mid-way up on the lee side of Espiritu Santo Island. Our camp faces west, perfect for witnessing Baja’s beautiful sunsets! Just a short walk from camp is a fresh water well in a beautiful box canyon adorned with hanging fig trees complete with humming birds and cliff hanging lizards. Meanwhile the large bay provides a protected area with small rocky islands to explore by kayak, mask and snorkel and/or by SUP (provided at camp).

The kitchen and dining area is comprised of large MASH-style wall tents that offer protection from the sun and the wind. The tents are furnished with tables and chairs for eating or relaxing, and feature solar-powered lighting in the evenings. Some chaise lounges offer the opportunity for sun bathing on the beach. Solar sun showers are available for showering in private shower stalls.

Ten large (10’x12′) walk-in canvas tents are provided for sleeping accommodations, each complete with two cots, sleeping pads, pillow and tables. These tents are provided for double occupancy with limited single occupancy. Smaller backpacking-style crawl-in tents may be used for singles as well.

The toilets are self-contained porta-potties that flush with water. They are set up in private stalls behind camp and emptied daily.

Magdalena Bay Whale Watching (late January through early March)

We camp on the lee side of Santo Domingo Island on the Pacific Coast in the southern part of the Baja Peninsula. Nestled in sand dunes, our camp faces the bay and often provides a great view of whales and dolphins as they frolic in the bay.

Just across from camp are extensive mangrove estuaries that provide a peaceful kayaking experience while observing the abundant bird life. The Pacific Ocean is a short walk across the majestic wind sculptured sand dunes and provides the lovely sound of waves caressing the shore 24 hours a day.

The kitchen and dining area is comprised of large MASH-style wall tents that offer protection from the sun and the wind. The tents are furnished with tables and chairs for eating or relaxing, and feature solar-powered lighting in the evenings. Our guides give presentations here on the local ecology and the biology of the gray whale. Some chaise lounges offer the opportunity for sun bathing on the beach. Solar sun showers are available for showering in private shower stalls.

Ten large (10’x12′) walk-in canvas tents are provided for sleeping accommodations, each complete with two cots, sleeping pads, pillows and tables. These tents are provided for double occupancy with limited single occupancy. Smaller backpacking-style crawl-in tents may be used for singles.

The toilets are self-contained porta-potties that flush with water. They are set up in private stalls behind camp and emptied daily.

Meals

Our talented staff does the cooking but you are welcome to lend a hand at any time. It’s a great way to practice your Spanish and learn some Mexican cooking secrets!

Meals are a combination of the best of Mexican and American traditions using fresh local ingredients.

Breakfasts start with rich Mexican coffee, juice and tea. A typical breakfast might include fresh fruit with yogurt, eggs a la Mexicana with tortillas and beans, banana pancakes and bacon, or chilaquiles (corn tortillas in a rich, mild salsa with cheese and beans).

Lunches include homemade soups, fresh salads or deli sandwiches all served with whole wheat bread or tostadas and cookies.

Sunset each evening is celebrated with “happy hour.” One evening, you might have ice cold freshly squeezed lime margaritas made with 100% agave tequila, or fresh pineapple and coconut laden piña coladas accompanied by guacamole or salsa with chips, popcorn or freshly caught “catch of the day” ceviche. Our typical dinners might include handmade tamales, fresh fish Veracruz style (in fresh tomato sauce with garlic, onion, black olives and mild local green chile), chicken mole or fajitas, fish, shrimp and/or grilled steak tacos accompanied by guacamole and a variety of salsas served with salad, rice, potatoes or beans and fresh, warm tortillas. Dinners are completed with home made flan, Baja lime pie or a cake baked in a dutch oven surrounded by hot coals nestled in the sand.

The skiffs allow us to bring large blocks of ice so we’re able to store fresh produce, dairy products and meats and indulge in luxuries such as ice cold drinks. You will have the opportunity to purchase your own favorite beer or soft drink prior to leaving for camp and our crew will ice your daily choice of beverage in the drink cooler each day during the trip. We also bring plenty of purified fresh water and powdered energy drink mixes for staying well hydrated.

Special diets, within reason, can be accommodated as we stock a wide variety of produce, dairy products, beans, grains and meats. Please let us know of any serious food restrictions you may have in advance on your registration form.

Kayak Equipment

Our fleet of kayaks on each trip is comprised of approximately 2/3 double kayaks and 1/3 single kayaks. Most are made by SEDA products of fiberglass construction and all are equipped with rudders. Based on your experience, size and the group composition, your guide will help determine what kayak you will paddle, double or single. We also encourage paddlers to rotate kayak seats so everyone has a chance to paddle to their desire. If you are particularly tall (over 6’2″) or large (over 200 pounds) please let us know well in advance as we may have to arrange a special kayak to be brought to camp.

We offer exclusive use of a single kayak for a fee of $50 per kayak on all trips except our Magdalena Bay trips. You must be fit and experienced in kayaking and screened in advance by our office. Please keep in mind that the option of exclusive use of a single kayak may be limited to a first-come situation, especially on the Island Hopping trip.

We provide lightweight Nimbus and Werner paddles, Kokatat paddling PFD’s (personal flotation devices – also known as lifejackets), nylon spray skirts, paddle floats, and bilge pumps on our expeditions.

Technology & Electronics

Cell phones can be useful while in town for keeping in touch with loved ones back home. There is none to very little coverage from our camps while on the islands and coast so we encourage you to put your cell phones away once you embark on our trip. We have the capacity to charge camera and other electronic device batteries during all our trips using solar power and a 110 converter. You can bring your regular battery charger with 110 plug in for charging. We encourage everyone to unplug while on our trips! You’ll be amazed how easy it is.