Camp Descriptions

Sea of Cortez Kayak Camps

We camp on remote beaches on the waters edge along the coast and islands in the Sea of Cortez between La Paz and Loreto. The sea, rocky cliffs, mountains, cactus and bright starry nights of the Southern Sonoran Desert present a beautiful backdrop to each camp. Beaches are usually in protected bays with sweeping views of the Sea of Cortez as well as distant mountains.

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. Dining chairs and tables are provided for eating meals as well as additional beach chairs for relaxing near your tent.

Nylon walk-in tents are provided for double occupancy sleeping accommodations at camp; each complete with two cots, sleeping pads and pillows. You’ll need to bring or rent a sleeping bag (available for a modest fee at our office in La Paz and laundered between each rental). A limited supply of single occupancy walk-in tents (slightly smaller than the double tents) with one cot, pad and pillow are available for an extra fee.

A fresh water solar shower is set up on the beach at each camp for rinsing off the salt after bathing in the sea with a biodegradable soap. The toilet is a self-contained porta-potty set up in a private tent that uses water to flush (photo below). It is available from when you arrive until you depart and is emptied daily.

Magdalena Bay Whale Camp

Magdalena Bay Whale Watching for Best of Baja and Magdalena Quick Getaway trips (late January through early March)

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

A short distance across the bay 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 around the southern tip of Santo Domingo Island where the ocean and majestic wind sculptured sand dunes provide 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 dining tent is 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.

Nine large (10’x12′) walk-in canvas tents are provided for sleeping accommodations, each complete with two cots, sleeping pads, pillows and tables as well as solar lighting for night time. These tents are provided for double occupancy with limited single occupancy available for an extra fee.

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 of three meals PLUS a happy hour snack and cocktail each day. Meals are a combination of the best of Mexican and American traditions using fresh, local ingredients.

Breakfasts always start with a rich Mexican coffee, accompanied by concentrated milk and sugar as well as juice and tea and feature fresh local fruit and yogurt. The main meal might include 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 may include homemade soups, fresh salads or deli sandwiches served with fresh bread or tostadas and cookies with peanut butter and jelly always on the side.

Sunset each evening is celebrated with “happy hour.” One evening, you might have freshly squeezed, iced, lime margaritas made with 100% agave tequila, or fresh pineapple and coconut laden piña coladas. Enjoy your cocktail while the sun sets accompanied with a snack such as hand crafted guacamole and 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, fresh fish, shrimp and/or grilled steak tacos accompanied by guacamole and a variety of salsas served with salad, rice, potatoes and/or beans and fresh, warm locally sourced tortillas. Dinners are completed with artisan candied fruit, home made flan, Baja lime pie or a cake baked in a dutch oven for desert.

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, wine or soft drink prior to leaving for camp. Our crew will ice your daily choice of beverage each day in the drink cooler during the trip. We also bring plenty of purified fresh water and powdered energy drink mixes for staying well hydrated.

Special dietary needs, within reason, can be accommodated as we stock a wide variety of fresh produce, dairy products, beans, grains and meats. However, please realize our cooks are preparing meals for up to 16 different people with potentially different dietary preferences and restrictions in the outdoors in a camp kitchen. While we can accommodate special diet preferences such as vegan and/or vegetarian these meals may be simple and repetitive but always with fresh ingredients. Once booked on a trip you can inform us of a special diet, a serious food restriction and/or allergy that you have in advance (but PLEASE not necessarily your food preferences) on your registration form.

Kayak Equipment

Our fleet of kayaks on Sea of Cortez trips is comprised of approximately 3/4 double kayaks and 1/4 single kayaks. At our Magdalena Base Camp we have a mix of plastic and fiber glass double kayaks for client use. On our Sea of Cortez trips we have a variety of fiberglass boats with rudders made by SEDA products and Seaward Kayaks. Based on your experience, size and the group composition, your guide will help determine what type (single or double) and model kayak you will paddle and when. This will likely change daily in accordance with the winds and particular paddling excursions as our guides learn your abilities. We 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 the duration of a trip for a fee of $50 per single kayak. This service is available on all trips except our Magdalena Bay whale watching trips. You must be fit and experienced in kayaking and screened in advance by our office. If exclusive use of a single kayak interests you, please solicit your request to our Montana office and we will send you a list of questions and hope you answer honestly. This screening is for your own safety as well as to ensure the safety and cohesiveness of the group. Please keep in mind that the option for exclusive use of a single kayak may be limited in number per trip and therefore subject to a first-come, first-serve basis. Please note, this exclusive single kayak use fee has no relation to the single accommodation fee which is a separate charge.

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

Technology, Electronics & Drones

Cell phones can be useful while in town for staying connected and taking photos. There is none to very little coverage from our camps while on the islands and coast in the Sea of Cortez so we encourage you to put your cell phones away (or use for photos and videos only) once you embark any of these trips. Our Magdalena Bay Whale Watching camp does have cell phone reception so you are welcome to use your phones there. If using your cell phone at whale camp please consider other guests that may NOT want to hear you talking on your cell phone.

At all camps we have the capacity to charge phones, cameras and other electronic device batteries during the 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 and rewarding it is.

No Drones are allowed in the National Parks including Espiritu Santo Island and Magdalena Bay