Exploring Loreto Bay: An Exciting Kayaking Experience

Starting the Journey to Loreto

A few months ago, I moved from Mexico City to La Paz, Baja California Sur. From the moment I arrived, I felt an overwhelming desire to explore the hidden beaches and tiny islands that dotted the horizon. Surrounded by breathtaking natural wonders and the vast sea, I was determined to find new ways to discover this stunning landscape, particularly from the water. When I received an invitation to join a kayaking and camping trip in Loreto National Park, I knew it was an opportunity I couldn't pass up, even though I had never kayaked in the ocean before.

Introducing Loreto National Park

Loreto is located about 220 miles north of my home in La Paz. This area was completely new to me, showcasing a wild and remote part of the peninsula that I had always wanted to experience. As I drove towards Loreto along the Transpeninsular Highway, which connects Los Cabos in the south to Tijuana in the north, I felt a growing sense of adventure with each passing mile – and a bit of anxiety too. Would I have the courage to kayak in the ocean? How far were the islands from the shore? What if I couldn't keep up and got swept away towards Sinaloa? Could I focus on taking photos with all these thoughts swirling in my head?

Preparing for the Trip

The next day, after checking in at Bugambilias Suites, I headed to the Sea Kayak Baja headquarters to meet my guides. Ramón and María were eager to introduce us to the basics of our upcoming adventure. Sea Kayak Baja is the only company certified by the British Canoe Union and the sole Mexican company authorized to train kayaking guides. They offer a variety of experiences, from day tours to multi-day expeditions like mine.

Sea kayaks are typically larger and more technical than standard recreational kayaks. My group learned about components like skegs, sprayskirts, and storage compartments within the kayak. Familiarizing ourselves with the equipment was essential before embarking on our multi-day adventure. Río guided us through the planned route: we would paddle for two to four hours each day before camping on two of the park's islands – Isla Carmen and Isla Danzante.

First Day on the Water

The following morning, we drove south from Loreto to Puerto Escondido and El Quemado beach. The plan was to launch from there and head to Isla Carmen to set up camp for the night. Ivette Huerta, the local representative from Visit Baja Sur who was also joining our expedition, expressed concerns about the winds, which the guides agreed were a valid worry. We found ourselves waiting for weather conditions to improve before attempting to cross the waters to the islands.

The view from El Quemado towards Isla Danzante was strikingly different. While the sea appeared calm, the whitecaps in the distance hinted at rising winds. The Sea Kayak Baja team prepared everything for our expedition. We used 16-foot kayaks weighing about 58 pounds. Ramón provided us with safety guidelines and an overview of the first leg of our journey.

Challenges of Kayaking

However, before we could set off, we had to complete a mandatory yet somewhat daunting exercise: practicing how to escape from the kayak in the event of a capsize. The goal was to calmly remove the sprayskirt and exit the kayak. Although my first attempt was rather challenging, I succeeded after three tries. Packing my gear proved to be another significant challenge, especially when I had to fit a camping stove into my kayak.

The Journey to Punta Coyote

Finally, with the weather permitting, we set off, paddling north towards Punta Coyote, a beach accessible only by sea. The cloudy weather made the first 40-minute paddle much easier, although the winds picked up a bit. At Punta Coyote, we paused to assess the weather conditions, but unfortunately, it never improved, and we ended up camping there for the night.

The Story Isn’t Over

The next morning, as the sun began to rise, we quickly packed up and got back into our kayaks to continue paddling across the waters to Isla Danzante. This leg of the journey was tougher than the previous day. Although there were no whitecaps, the wind and choppy waves made it quite uncomfortable. María and Ramón stayed close to our group, helping us maintain our direction and technique through the waters.

Finally, upon reaching Isla Danzante, we were greeted by a pod of dolphins swimming near the shore. We stopped at Playa Punta Arenas to rest and recharge. Ramón introduced us to a map for the next leg of our journey. Isla Carmen was off the itinerary due to the weather, but Danzante offered plenty of opportunities for kayaking and exploration.

Useful Information for Vietnamese Travelers

If you are planning to join a kayaking trip at Loreto National Park, here are some useful tips. Vietnamese citizens need a visa to enter Mexico. Regarding costs, a multi-day kayaking tour can range from 8 million to 15 million VND, depending on the organizing company and included services. You should also budget for food and other incidental expenses.

Typically, the peak season for visiting Loreto is from November to April when the weather is pleasant and the sea is calm. In addition to kayaking, you can also enjoy snorkeling and exploring various islands in the area. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the beautiful moments of your journey!

This article was adapted and edited from: Matador Network