Camp Descriptions

Mobile Camps

All Spring and Fall trips (including Island Hopping, Baja Coast & Islands, Island Kayaking & Marine Wildlife and Espiritu Santo non-luxury camp 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, cactus and bright starry nights 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 a biodegradable soap. The toilet is a self-contained porta-potty that uses water to flush (photo below). 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 any one of the island’s beautiful white sand beaches in a protected bay with sweeping views of the Sea of Cortez. The large bays provide protected areas to explore by kayak, mask and snorkel.

The kitchen and dining area is comprised of large 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.

Large nylon tents are provided for sleeping accommodations, each complete with two cots, sleeping pads and pillows. These tents are provided for double occupancy with limited single occupancy.

The toilets are self-contained porta-potties that flush with water. Two 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. Perched high 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 always start with rich Mexican coffee, juice and tea and feature fresh local fruit with 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 include homemade soups, fresh salads or deli sandwiches served with whole wheat 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 ice cold freshly squeezed lime margaritas made with 100% agave tequila, or fresh pineapple and coconut laden piña coladas. Enjoy your cocktail while the sun sets accompanied with fresh 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, 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 local 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 diets, within reason, can be accommodated as we stock a wide variety of fresh 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 Sea of Cortez trips is comprised of approximately 2/3 double kayaks and 1/3 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) 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, Magdalena Bay and while snorkeling with whale sharks.