Trip Details:
Duration - 9 Days 8 Nights / 6 nights camping, 2 nights hotel
Activities - Kayaking, snorkeling (including friendly sea lions), hiking, fishing, visiting local fishing villages, whale watching (spring trips only)
Cost - $1,350
Begins in - La Paz
Ends in - Loreto
For current trip dates and prices, check our calendar page or expeditions page
Group size - Min. 4, Max. 16
Number of Guides/crew- 3-5
Minimum age - 8
Single supplement fee - $115 hotel and tent, $25 for tent only
Sea Kayak rating and approximate min/max distances per day - Easy to moderate, Beginner to intermediate, 4-10 miles

Have you ever dreamed of exploring the desert islands that dot the Sea of Cortez? Exploring their uninhabited shores and wildlife-rich waters? Well this trip can take you there! We'll camp on five and visit more than 10 different islands as we travel between La Paz and Loreto. Travel from island to island will be via motorized boats while exploration of the islands will be by kayak, snorkel and on foot.

Expect to see dolphins by the hundreds, sea lions sunning on rocky pinnacles, mantas leaping from the water's surface and on spring trips very possibly blue, humpback, sperm or fin whales as we cruise from island to island. Upon arrival at each island camp, we'll launch our kayaks, don our masks and snorkels or hike to a pinnacle for a look at each extraordinary new island. Espiritu Santo, Los Islotes, San Francisco, Pardito, San Jose, Puerto Gato, Santa Catalina, Monserrat and Danzante are just a few of our destinations.

Meals are a combination of the best of American and Mexican traditions prepared with fresh local ingredients. Barbecued chicken, fresh fish Vera Cruz style, grilled steak tacos accompanied by guacamole and a variety of Mexican salsas, plus fresh soups and salads are just a few examples of our tasty menus. The skiffs allow us to bring large blocks of ice to store fresh produce and indulge in luxuries such as cold sodas, juice and beer. Each evening we serve a cocktail and appetizer for "happy hour" so you can enjoy the spectacular Baja sunset while sipping an ice cold Margarita! Special diets are easily accommodated due to the variety of foods we are able to store on a skiff-supported trip.

Explore the giant barrel cactus of Santa Catalina and the fossilized shell beach of Monserrat, snorkel with the playful sea lions of Los Islotes, kayak below the smooth, red sandstone cliffs of San Jose and into the hidden coves and white sand beaches of San Francisco. Visit the tranquil fishing villages of Pardito and Tembabichi. On this trip you'll see it all so don't miss this unique opportunity to explore the magic of the islands in the Sea of Cortez with your local Baja experts, Mar Y Aventuras.

"We just returned from our week Island Hopping with Carlos and Roman. We travelled with our children, ages 11 and 14, and we all agree that it was the best trip we have taken together -- perhaps ever! We saw SO much marine life, thanks to our guide Carlos and his "eagle eye", we loved singing and playing music into the night with Roman, and the entire group was delightful. The trip flowed very smoothly, and the food was DELICIOUS! Thank you thank you. Everyone here in Alaska says we look like we are glowing--and it is more than the suntan that they notice. We will be sending our friends your way. Thanks!"
Sharon Smith, Tom, Tyler and Taryn

• Day 1: Leave USA and fly to La Paz, B.C.S., Mexico. Taxi to the hotel. Evening on your own to explore La Paz.
  

• Day 2: Early breakfast at hotel. You will be picked up at the hotel and transferred to Espiritu Santo Island via boat (1 to 2 hours). Lunch upon arrival at camp. Afternoon orientation of the camp and kayaking followed by a short paddle, snorkel or swim. B/L/D

• Days 3-7: Moving from island to island via motorized boat each day, with kayaking, snorkeling, fishing or hiking upon arrival. From Espiritu Santo to San Francisco we will anchor at Los Islotes, a sea lion rookery, for a fantastic snorkel with these friendly, playful critters. From here we travel to the islands of San Francisco, San Jose, the beautiful beach of Puerto Gato on the coastline of Baja, visit Santa Catalina Island and continue on to camp on Monserrat and Danzante Islands. B/L/D

• Day 8: Morning options of paddling or snorkeling. After lunch, transfer from Danzante to Loreto via boat and van (1 hour). Check into the hotel. Afternoon on your own to shower and explore the tranquil town of Loreto before the evening farewell dinner at a local restaurant. B/L/D

• Day 9: Morning on your own then transfer from hotel to airport for afternoon flight to the USA.

B/L/D indicates meals included with trip cost.

"What an incredible trip! It's hard not to speak in superlatives about our experience--fantastic planning, wonderful meals, great staff, warm weather, clear turquoise waters, and spectacular sightings of wildlife. This is our second trip with your company. The first time we were delighted with your company. Now we are ecstatic. We have shared this with friends and acquaintances--and many have wanted to replicate our experience, so get ready to get lots more business. Now we would like to commend you most of all on your choices for staff--Carlos was the best guide (and friend) anyone could ask for. Jarocho was a superb cook who helped us gain more pounds than we care to mention. Alejandro was an all-around one-man support crew who was always quick with a smile and a joke and Chuy was the best panga driver in all of Baja. They all worked as a team to make this the best vacation ever. We especially appreciated the special things they did (singing, cake, etc.) to make Richard's birthday one of the most enjoyable of his many long years. You can be sure we will be back again. Please thank Carlos and crew once again for us--they really made a difference. The trip was faultless, effortless, stressless, and a truly remarkable adventure due to their genuine care and concern for our safety, well-being, and happiness. We can go on and on about how much they contributed to our wonderful experience. And, before we leave you out, thanks to both Renee and Mary for all their hard work and thoughtfulness."
--Richard and Leanne Krieger, Islands Hopping