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A world of deserted islands, inquisitive sea lions, and translucent water

Sea kayaking in Baja, Mexico: Frequently-Asked Questions about Paddles

Paddle and explore the remote islands in the Sea of Cortez. By day, kayak along the uninhabited shorelines, snorkel with sea lions, and hike over islands rich with rare flora and fauna. In the evenings, enjoy gourmet meals at our remote campsites, as you enjoy the natural beauty around you.

This FAQ page is intended to accompany other pages about this trip and about our company (see links at left). Some of the answers below may include links to other other sites; please use the BACK key of your browser to return to this page.

Contents:

• When does the trip start and end?
  
• What's the best way to fly into La Paz and home from Loreto?
  
• How do I access the special fares which Alaska Airlines is offering Alyson Adventures travelers for this tour?
  
• What are the kayaks like that we use on the Sea of Cortez?
  
• Do I need to know how to kayak and snorkel?
  
• What about seasickness?
  
• Is this risky?
  
• I don't know how to swim. Is that a problem?
  
• Will I get tired of being in the sea kayak all the time?
  
• What do I need to bring?
  
• How do you pronounce Baja?
  
• Where do we sleep?
  
• Is one time of year better than another, in terms of water temperature and weather?
  
• How many people are in each tent when we camp?
  
• What temperatures should I expect in Baja and the Sea of Cortez?
  
• What are the meals like? Can you provide for special dietary needs?
  
• Is the fishing good?
  
• Am I expected to tip the guides?
  
• I'm traveling alone. Will everyone else be in couples?
  
• Can I talk with someone who's previously traveled with you?
  

When does the trip start and end?
Paddles begins with a reception and orientation at 6 pm on the first tour day, followed by dinner and a night in a hotel in La Paz. While kayaking, we have seven nights on islands in the Sea of Cortez, then our last night is again in a hotel in Loreto. The trip ends after breakfast on the last day. You can leave as early as you like, or stick around all day or for an extra night, for sightseeing with your new friends.

Our "9-day" trip thus consists of 8 full days and two partial days. Some companies call this a 10-day trip; we feel it's more accurate to refer to it as 9 days.

What's the best way to fly into La Paz and home from Loreto?
Most people will fly into La Paz (LAP) at the start of the trip, and fly home out of Loreto (LTO). The most direct flights will be on Alaska Airlines and Delta Airlines, which both have non-stop jet flights between Los Angeles (LAX) and both La Paz and Loreto, connecting to their national networks from Los Angeles. Neither flies either route daily, though, so you may need to arrive in La Paz a day early or depart from Loreto a day after our tour ends. (Of course both cities are fun to explore, so you may want to do this anyway!)

Delta partner AeroMexico offers daily flights on a small prop plane between their hub in Hermosillo, Mexico and both La Paz and Loreto. There are daily flights between Hermosillo and LAX, Phoenix and Tucson, offering flight choices.

There are numerous flights to Cabo San Lucas, but it's a long bus ride from there to La Paz and Loreto, so this is not recommended.

We now have a travel agent on staff at Alyson Adventures, so please feel free to contact our office if you would like assistance in reserving flights.

How do I access the special fares which Alaska Airlines is offering Alyson Adventures travelers for this tour?
If your travel schedule meshes with the days of the week that Alaska Airlines flies to La Paz and from Loreto, you can take advantage of a 10% discount that Alaska Airlines has set up especially for our Paddles tour.

To get the special rate, first go to www.AlaskaAir.com, select Multi-City, then enter your dates and cities. Next you will get a page with a list of flight times and fares (without the discount). Once you select the flights you want to book, enter the e-Certificate code, ECCMR9370, in the eCert Code box. After you hit CONTINUE, the page will be re-displayed with your discounted fare.

Once you enter the eCert Code, you can also click on the question mark on this screen to display a screen giving general advisories and a detailed description of what is allowed for this special fare.

What are the kayaks like that we use on the Sea of Cortez?
Most of the kayaks that we use on this trip are fiberglass (lighter and faster than plastic), with both singles and doubles available. They are "sit inside" kayaks, rather than "sit on top" kayaks, so your center of gravity is lower, and it is more stable for riding waves. A skirt surrounds the cockpit to protect from rain, sea spray and sun. The kayaks have a rudder on the back for steering, manipulated by foot pedals.

Do I need to know how to kayak and snorkel?
No. These are easy skills to learn, and we'll show you everything you need to know. Most people on the trip will probably have little or no kayaking experience.

What about seasickness?
Seasickness is more likely to be a problem on a large boat, particularly in enclosed spaces, when your eyes and your inner ears send different signals to your brain. (Your eyes say nothing's moving. Your inner ear says it is.)

It's very unusual for kayakers to experience seasickness, because the messages don't conflict. However, for everyone's comfort, if the high winds create unusually large waves, we will probably adjust our itinerary to be on the calm side of the islands, or exploring the islands on foot. Most of our trip is spent on calm water, where you can relax and enjoy the ever-changing scenery.

Is this risky?
Any outdoor activity involves some risk. But the risk here is very small, and we take steps to keep them that way.

Thousands of people have safely kayaked along the coast of Baja and around the islands of the Sea of Cortez. We will always have the comfort of a large boat with us or close by with radio contact if ocean conditions become too rough. However, we will not be paddling far from the coastlines of the islands or mainland.

I don't know how to swim. Is that a problem?
No. You don't need to swim unless you want to. Everyone will be wearing a life preserver while in the kayak.

Will I get tired of being in the sea kayak all the time?
You won't be in it all the time. A typical day can include as much or as little kayaking as you want.

There will be mornings or afternoons when we'll be transferred by a large boat between islands. The rest of the time, we explore the coastlines of the islands, and sometimes the mainland coast of the Baja peninsula. Each day, you'll have the option to hike, swim, snorkel, kayak, or just lounge on the beach!

What do I need to bring?
Not much! We supply all the camping and sleeping equipment; tents, camping gear, snorkeling equipment, kayaking equipment, portable toilets (with tent, for privacy), and all meals. We'll send you a suggested packing list a month or two before the trip.

How do you pronounce Baja?
Baha. In Spanish, the letter J generally sounds like an English H. So Baja, Mexico is pronounced Baha, with accent on the first syllable.

Where do we sleep?
The first and last nights are spent at a guesthouse or hotel in La Paz and Loreto, Mexico. On the water, we'll camp outside. Tents are supplied, but some people prefer to sleep under the stars, enjoying the distant twinkle of the Milky Way as they fall asleep.

Is one time of year better than another, in terms of water temperature and weather?
Most sea kayaking trips along the Baja Peninsula take place in March, April, October and November. This is the period when the water is the warmest, the seas are the calmest, and the temperatures most comfortable.

How many people are in each tent when we camp?
We have one tent for each two people. If you're traveling alone, we'll match you with a tent-mate. There are sometimes a few extra tents on the boat, but availability cannot be guaranteed. If you want to be sure of having a tent to yourself, it's fine to bring one with you.

In reality, however, many people just use the tent as a closet, and prefer to sleep under the stars. Who among us really wants to sleep in the closet, anyway?

What temperatures should I expect in Baja and the Sea of Cortez?
Typical average monthly temperatures in the Sea of Cortez, in Fahrenheit, in the best travel months are:

February: water, 60; air, 65-85

March: water, 65; air, 70-85

April: water, 68; air, 75-90

October: water, 78; air, 80-95

November: water, 73; air, 70-85

What are the meals like? Can you provide for special dietary needs?
You'll be amazed what our guides can prepare over the campfire! A typical dinner includes a meat course, fresh vegetables, salad, biscuits, soup, and dessert. There's a happy hour with a cocktail prior to meals, and we supply beer and wine with dinners, as well as fruit juice, soft drinks, and water throughout the day. (We carry several hundred pounds of ice along, just to keep everything cold!)

The sublime beauty of Baja, and friendships you form on the voyage, will undoubtedly be your best memories of this trip. But the superb food is likely to be a close second.

Many special dietary needs can be accommodated, and our pre-trip questionnaire will ask you about any such needs. If you have unusual requirements, we'll be happy to supply storage space for food that you bring along.

Is the fishing good?
Fishing is awesome in the Sea of Cortez, and our guides will offer early morning, evening, and some daytime fishing opportunities. Bring your own gear, or the crew will supply fishing equipment for a modest rental fee.

The crew knows the bait to use and should have the right tackle to lure in the big ones.

Am I expected to tip the guides?
If they provide good service, then yes, a gratuity at the end of the trip is customary and appreciated. It's not required, but we're confident that you'll be so impressed by the helpfulness, knowledge, and culinary skills of the guides, that you'll be eager to show your appreciation.

I'm traveling alone. Will everyone else be in couples?
Most of our trips draw more single travelers than couples. When couples do join us, it's usually because they're looking forward to interacting with a gay group; if they wanted a holiday by themselves, they wouldn't have signed up to travel with us. Furthermore, the activities included with our trips serve as natural ice-breakers. Within a day, you'll be traveling with friends.

You don't need to pay the single supplement if you're traveling alone. We'll be happy to match you with a roommate. Pay the single supplement only if you want a bedroom to yourself.

Can I talk with someone who's previously traveled with you?
We encourage you to do so.

Our website includes a full page of comments from past travelers. Most of them have volunteered to talk about their experiences with future potential travelers. Please call for the names and phone numbers of references in your area.

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