Baja

October-November 1999

This is an article from WaveLength Magazine, available in print in North America and globally on the web.

by Trudi Angell

Mexico's Baja peninsula, a mountainous 1000 mile long finger of land, separates the Sea of Cortez from the Pacific Ocean. The coastline is the attraction to almost all who visit. The diversity and relative isolation of its landscape, situated amid a colorful desert environment, offer nearly ideal conditions for relaxation and exploration.

Long noted for its spectacular scenery, historical missions, and azure bays, the tranquil town of Loreto now hosts the center for a protected national marine park offering a wonderful environment for outdoor adventure. The city of La Paz, about 200 miles to the south, offers easy travel access to beautiful offshore islands. Calm lagoons populated by gray whales are perfect for dune camping and natural history wildlife viewing.

The islands, shores and reefs of the Sea of Cortez are rich with life. On one island, over one hundred species of plants and 16 species of birds can be seen. Animal life is abundant, including jackrabbits, coyotes, and ringtailed cats. Birds, lizards, and hermit crabs will often entertain you at camp. Fish and marine mammals such as whales and dolphins are a thrill to encounter as you snorkel or paddle along.

On commercial Baja sea kayaking tours you load equipment, food and water into kayaks and slip away to explore the remote coast most tourists never see. Some companies offer a skiff support as you paddle along in lightweight kayaks to your day's destination. And in the whale lagoons, kayaks are employed to cruise the mangrove lagoons on the outskirts of protected whale watching areas.

Tour guides will introduce you to the area's natural history as well as teach basic skills such as low-impact camping used in Baja-style touring. With an early morning start most days, to avoid later winds, groups may paddle 5-10 miles to one of many beautiful beaches. During most trips, layover days are planned to take advantage of especially interesting campsites, dependent on seasonal weather conditions. Afternoons can be spent snorkeling and hiking, taking a short side trip around a close-by island, or practicing paddle techniques with a skilled assistant. No previous kayaking experience is necessary on most Baja tours.

Many tours begin just south of Loreto in an area dotted with dramatic desert islands. Following the coast along colourful La Paz Baja Loreto cliffs, you can explore wilderness beaches and canyons. Some tours are organized for avid paddlers to explore the fantastic section of coast south of Loreto to La Paz. And others are based on island beaches in La Paz Bay. The routes are generally planned to avoid backtracking and let you see the most picturesque areas of Baja.

Companies make your trip easy and convienient by providing professional guides, kayaks and all equipment for paddling, tents, expedition gear, snorkel equipment, and ground transportation.Many companies have staff prepare great meals with a local flair, and others let folks bring favorite camping fare for a shared meal prep. In choosing a company, consider trip dates and costs, level of guest involvement or experience, equipment provided, years in operation, and where the kayak company is based.

There is no end to the enjoyment of exploring Baja with the variety of opportunities offered by professional companies along its fantastic coast. Miles of coves and beaches, blue water, and red rock ridges attract travelers to this magnificent peninsula again and again. From the craggy volcanic peaks of the Sierra de la Giganta to its tide pools and beaches, Baja is a natural paradise for adventure travelers.

Trudi Angell, owner of Paddling South, has been paddling in Baja since 1976.
P.O. Box 827 Calistoga, CA 94515
Email: TourBaja@iname.com
Website: www.TourBaja.com
Telephone: 707-942-4550