US: 1-877-LUVMEX1 | 619-550-2730

BGL Club presents: Paddling South Kayaking Tours.
The tours start just south of Loreto where we load equipment, food and water into our sleek, fiberglass sea kayaks and slip away to explore the remote coast most tourists never see.

Below are the trip dates, explore the routes and read up on general information. When you are ready just call us US Toll Free 1-877-LUV-MEX1 (1-877-588-6391), 619-550-2730 US, 686-230-9933 MX cell. You can also email bajagoodlifeclub@gmail.com with Paddle South - Loreto in the subject line.  Let us know what date you want and we will confirm and email you all the booking details.

Our trips are planned to satisfy both active adventurers and those looking for a relaxing vacation. We think you'll agree, we've found the right combination!  Please review the sea kayaking coast and island route dates listed below:

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9 Day Kayak Schedule:

Day 1 - Arrival. For personal service we greet you at the airport and arrange transfers to your waterfront hotel in Loreto. Then, join a group orientation meeting with Paddling South's owner, Trudi Angell, or one of the trip leaders. We'll answer questions and discuss the next day's plan to help you get ready for a great adventure. This evening there's time to explore the quaint cobbled streets of Loreto, and we'll offer some local restaurant recommendations. Ground transfers, route and town maps, a Bienvenidos! drink and hotel are included.

Day 2 - A breakfast buffet is served at the hotel patio or at the beach put-in, and, hosted by your guides. Town luggage or items not needed on tour will be stored for you. Then off to a great adventure. Enjoy views of the five marine park islands and dramatic volcanic ridges on your way to the heart of Baja's paddling paradise. On the beach, guides will teach the basics of kayak touring, safety and ecological camping techniques.

Today's destination - Isla Danzante or Isla del Carmen for our first night's camp. The islands offer pristine camping at an easy paddling distance. After setting up camp there is plenty of time for exploring by foot or fin, or paddle, depending on the afternoon weather. Snorkel gear is included and a complete natural history library is packed in the hatches. We provide quality tents, but most folks prefer to sleep out. Rain and bugs are few; starry skies and the sound of the sea will lull you to sleep at night.

On our tours we spend a day or two exploring the islands - then, to be safe from the possibility of high winds changing our route, we cross back to the coast. Like a floating backpack we load the boats with our gear and travel 3 or 4 hours each day. While paddling south of the islands in a self-sufficient pod we'll find even more of the peninsula's hidden treasures.

Day 3 - Calm water, a colorful sunrise and a great breakfast start the day. Early morning is the best time to kayak. Gliding along in a silent craft, dolphins, whales and pelicans provide a natural history show. In camp, for a wonderful week you'll be at home in turquoise coves surrounded by majestic red-rock cliffs. Relax on warm sand beaches, hike winding canyons and discover swirling schools of rainbow wrasse. For a time live a simpler life in a simpler place.

Day 4 - Learn about Baja's weather, geography, and natural history from our experienced, local guides.To avoid disturbing wildlife we'll paddle at a safe distance past craggy islotes (small bird-nesting islands). See if you can spot the brilliant blue of a booby's feet on its cliffside perch, or the distinctive red eyes and beak of an oyster catcher as it hunts along a reef. Ospreys winter in Mexico; they have the right idea.

Isla Danzante - Day 5 - A popular highlight on the kayak route south of Loreto is a visit to a small island hot spring. At low tide wade across a sand spit and soak in the warm mineral water. It's a short walk from camp, and it's halfway along the trail to a friend's ranch where we arrange for a meal at the family's outdoor restaurant. Traditional beans, rice, fish or stew is complimented by homemade tortillas hot off the comal.

Day 6 - A layover day is scheduled to take advantage of our favorite camp. Enjoy a slow morning, or do an early birding walk; ride canyon trails on sturdy mules or horses, or hike over desert garden hills to a hidden oasis. If weather permits, grab your paddle and cruise across the channel to snorkel on a nearby island. Or, simply relax on the beach.

Day 7- The final paddle day takes us down the coast to the remote fishing village of Agua Verde. A towering spire of rock marks the entrance to beautiful "green water bay". Our last camp is close enough to the village to wander and watch as local fishermen bring in their catch or to visit the rural school. Yachts anchor in the bay protected from seasonal winds. Reefs and points provide a final bit of snorkeling. Mañana we head back to town.

Day 8 - Paddle into the sunrise as pelicans skim the water's surface. Last chance to slip away for an hour and catch a kaleidoscope of dawn colors on the cliffs. Mid morning we load up and climb aboard our van at the take-out. In a few hours we'll be back in Loreto for a taco lunch and hot showers at the hotel, while in the afternoon there's still time to do some last-minute shopping before our farewell dinner at a favorite restaurant. Dinner is hosted by Paddling South and the hotel night is included.

Day 9 - Breakfast is on your own this morning. For early departures the hotel restaurant can accommodate your schedule, or head downtown to Café Olé for a leisurely brunch at the locals' favorite. Your guides will help you with transportation info. for departure Paradise lost... but come back soon for another great adventure on sea or sierra and discover more of the treasures of Baja.

note: As everywhere in the outdoors, weather conditions might alter a trip itinerary.

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FAQ - 10 Most Frequently Asked Questions

How long have you been operating tours?
The owner, Trudi Angell, began exploring the pristine coast of Baja in 1976. After 7 seasons working at the National Outdoor Leadership School Baja branch and organizing private expeditions, she began running commercial tours in 1983. Paddling South is known as Loreto, Baja's oldest and most respected adventure travel company; offering great mountain bike and pack trips too!

What is the usual group size?
On the kayak trips 10 participants is usually the maximum group size, with 2 guides. For pack and bike trips the maximum is generally 8. We feel that our guests receive a more intimate experience with the environment and culture by traveling in a smaller group. If you are a single traveler you can share a room and tent with another same-gender trip member, or, take advantage of our low single supplement for a private room and single tent. Sometimes our tours will operate with just a few folks, and our private custom trips may even be run with a minimum group size of 2-4 traveling friends!

I don't have any experience paddling or riding, can I do this?
Our tours are designed to give novices and advanced guests a great vacation. We teach basic skills on the first day, and offer help throughout the tour for those who wish to improve technique. Paddling time between campsites is about 2-4 hours [see itineraries for pedaling and pack trips]. If you are an active person who likes to camp and learn about new environments, this is the ideal trip for you. We send you a set of exercises to help get you prepared....which, along with your adventurous attitude could make this a 'trip of a lifetime' !

On kayak trips do you run self-supported trips or is there skiff support?
We like to think of travel in kayaks as a quiet way to slip away to our favorite beaches and bays. We load all of our gear into the kayaks and are free to travel as the group, weather and route deem best. To date our safety record is100% accident free, as we rely on nature's signs and the guides' local knowledge of the area. In packing and paddling on our own, we gain a closer wilderness experience. If you would like to arrange a private group tour and prefer a support boat, let us know and we can customize a tour for you.

Where is Loreto, and how do we get there?
Loreto is located 750 miles south of San Diego on the Lower California peninsula in Mexico (the peninsula is comprised of the 2 most northwestern states of Mexico, Baja California Norte and Baja California Sur). Though Loreto is a more remote destination than other more touristy areas in "Baja", we do have the service of an international airport with arrivals from major US and Mexican airports. Driving is a great option for folks who have some time before and after the tours. Please see the Travel notes on the Information pages of our site.

When is the best time to travel to Baja?
Often the "best time" is dependent upon your interests: In early fall and late spring the water and air temperatures are warmer, allowing more focus on water activity like snorkeling and swimming. In mid winter when daytime temps are cooler we focus on desert hikes, plant walks and bird watching in the desert canyon oases. Note that there is a day added onto our mid-winter kayaking schedules to allow for wind conditions that can sometimes go on for several days. With the extra day that we add, we can still plan to take you out on our favorite routes to see the best of Baja's spectacular islands and coast. For Bike or Pack trips October through April are best.

What kind of training do the guides have? Do the guides cook?
We are proud to claim that 90% of our staff are Mexican nationals with special insights and local knowledge to share. All of our trip leaders are trained in kayak, bike or packing technique and safety, as well as wilderness first aid skills. Most of the Paddling South guides are graduates of the National Outdoor Leadership School's Baja Sea Kayak programs and local courses in Natural History of the area as well as our in-house training programs. Guides also cook the meals and often add their favorite family recipes to our menus, making a very special addition to your cultural experience of Baja.

What is the minimum age for the tours?
Most tours find group member ages ranging between the 20s and 60s. During spring break and holidays is when families generally look for an active outdoor winter vacation and so...the minimum age on trips is 12 years old for the Paddling Tours; 10 years old for Pack Trips; and 8 years for the Mexican Combo base camp trips. For families with younger children we can schedule a private trip and plan the route according to needs.

What equipment do I have to bring?
We supply everything except your personal clothing gear and sleeping bag, although with advance notice you may rent a bag and sleep pad. You'll receive an equipment list in the pre-trip packet we send you upon making a reservation, in order to help you get ready for your tour.

How do I sign up?
When you are ready just call us US Toll Free 1-877-LUV-MEX1 (1-877-588-6391), 619-550-2730 US, 686-230-9933 MX cell. You can also email bajagoodlifeclub@gmail.com with Paddle South - Loreto in the subject line. 

What kinds of kayaks does Paddling South use? May I use a single kayak?
Single (Viking) and double (Tango) fiberglass Seda brand touring kayaks are used on our trips. Usually the guides will pack and paddle the single kayaks, and guests will be given the double kayaks. If you would like some practice in a single kayak there is often time at camp for guides to help you hone your skills, and sometimes there is a single kayak to be shared between guests while paddling from camp to camp.

For a small "dedicated single kayak" fee, a single may be used by a guest during the whole trip. We require that you have prior experience paddling a fully loaded expedition single sea kayak (not just a sit-on-top style). And we may request that you demonstrate a self-rescue to determine your skill. Ask in the Paddling South office about rates and availability.