Kayaking in the Sea of Cortez
Guided sea kayaking in Baja California — trips for all levels
For world-class sea kayaking, the Sea of Cortez is hard to beat. Dramatic volcanic islands, rugged mountains, and sweeping white sand beaches create a stunning backdrop — and the wildlife encounters make kayaking in Mexico truly unforgettable.
Snorkel with sea lions, explore vibrant reefs, hike remote islands with expert naturalists, go birdwatching, or simply relax on the beach.
We’ve been running mothership-supported kayaking trips in the Sea of Cortez for over 40 years, welcoming paddlers of all experience levels — whether it’s your first time or your fiftieth. Your Seaward kayak is a lightweight, seaworthy fibreglass boat paired with carbon fibre paddles, and you paddle as much or as little as you choose.
When to go — Sea of Cortez kayaking by season
Each season offers something special off the coast of Baja California Sur.
October and November bring warm weather, spectacular cobalt-blue water, and crystal-clear visibility — ideal conditions for kayaking its bays and beaches.
Sea of Cortez kayaking trips from December through March can see the north wind pick up, but our experienced team knows exactly how to work around it. This is also prime whale season, when humpback and gray whales arrive in Mexico for their winter migration. February and March are especially renowned for blue whale sightings in Loreto National Park.
April and May are a favourite for wildlife lovers, as the Sea of Cortez comes alive. Expect mobula rays, dolphins, and, with a bit of luck, whale sharks, orcas, and sperm whales.
Kayaking in the Sea of Cortez
What to expect on your Sea of Cortez kayaking trip
Every day on the water is different. Activities and destinations vary by trip length, and you’re always free to kayak as much or as little as you like.
Spring trips offer outstanding whale watching, while snorkeling with sea lions is a highlight year-round. Beach walks and guided hikes through hidden arroyos and canyons reveal elephant trees, giant cardon cacti, and wild fig trees — all experienced with one of our expert naturalists. The sheer volcanic cliffs and turquoise bays, seen from a kayak, are simply stunning.
Highlights include:
- Kayaking & paddleboarding
- Swimming & snorkeling with sea lions
- Birding
- Scuba diving (Nautilus Gallant Lady only)
- Beach and nature walks
Choose your dream kayaking adventure!
We have something for every kind of adventurer.
If you love barefoot beach vibes with a touch of luxury, prefer the cozy comfort of a pocket liveaboard, or want the full boutique yacht experience complete with a hot tub and sunset views — your perfect trip is waiting.
No matter which option you choose, you’ll enjoy warm hospitality, an experienced crew, and all the thoughtful little touches that turn a great trip into an unforgettable one!
Luxury Liveaboard: Nautilus Gallant Lady
Spend your days paddling, relaxing, and adventuring — then cover miles effortlessly in the evening or early morning aboard our 116-ft expedition yacht, Nautilus Gallant Lady. The southern Sea of Cortez is our cruising ground on this trip. We will range from Espíritu Santo to as far north as the gorgeous Loreto National Park, Carmen and Danzante Islands, before heading south again.
Certified divers can also squeeze in a couple of dives during the trip — just let us know in advance so we can prepare.
Pocket Liveaboard: Nautilus Westerly
Paddle the beautiful waters of the Sea of Cortez around the Espiritu Santo UNESCO World Heritage Site, La Ventana, and more! Our comfortable 55-ft pocket liveaboard, Nautilus Westerly, will be your home during this adventure.
Cerralvo Island Glamping Camp: Glamping Camp
Stay in our zero-footprint pop up glamping camp on Isla Cerralvo and enjoy kayaking in the surrounding waters with the support of one of our 55-foot vessels.
The Nautilus Gallant Lady is a luxurious 116-foot yacht, designed for adventure without compromising on comfort. She accommodates just 12 guests across six spacious suites, offering an intimate and exceptional experience at sea. The main lounge and dining areas feature panoramic views, complemented by a generous water-level platform, sky lounge, and crow’s nest.
Unwind in the hot tub under endless starry skies or take in the scenery from the expansive sun deck. Twin engines and hydraulic stabilizers ensure smooth, comfortable sailing throughout your journey.
Explore the Nautilus Gallant Lady
- Accommodation
- Scheduled group transfers
- All core activities and necessary equipment
- All meals and snacks
- Non-alcoholic drinks
- Naturalist guides and expert crew
- Alcoholic beverages and bar
- Gift shop items
- Internet access
- Crew gratuities
- Port fee (US$ 35 pp payable in cash onboard)
Typical itinerary for 8-day luxury liveaboard kayaking adventure
Start with a meet-and-greet at 2:45 pm at our SeeCreatures activity centre in Cabo San Lucas. Your expedition yacht will be boarding in La Paz, and transfers to and from SeeCreatures Cabo are complimentary. If you prefer, you are very welcome to meet us at Baja Expeditions headquarters in La Paz around 4:45 pm. Our captain and crew will be standing by to welcome you with champagne and big smiles. We’ll be setting sail this afternoon for Isla Espiritu Santo as you settle in onboard.
We cater to paddlers of all fitness and experience levels with lovely, patient, and very experienced guides, plus our high-speed 32 ft RHIB support boat. Whether you’re new to paddling or your shoulders aren’t what they used to be, no problem. Today is an easy start to the trip, and you can paddle as much or as little as you like with one of our guides nearby. What you can be sure of is that the scenery will be beautiful, and excellent water visibility.
Are you a highly experienced paddler who would prefer to head off on full day adventure? We can easily accommodate your comfort level and send you off with a portable marine VHF radio to stay in touch with us, as well as a Nautilus marine rescue GPS. We truly cater to paddlers of all levels.
Your Seaward kayak is an easily manoeuvrable and very seaworthy fibreglass boat outfitted with carbon fibre paddles. Since this is mothership-supported kayaking, your boat will be light and fast without any cargo or gear onboard other than sunscreen and a camera. You can plan on meeting up with the mothership whenever you want with lunch, snacks, cocktail hour, and dinner onboard, as well as a hot tub and the beautiful starry Mexican night sky.
Hmmmm. Where will you wake up today!!! We typically get the mothership underway in the late afternoon, with all the kayaks stowed onboard and head off for an easy and comfortable ride to the jumping off point for tomorrows kayaking.
Sometimes we will be at anchor by 9 pm, sometimes later.
Unlike other kayaking trips, you can be assured of hot showers, a hot tub, fine dining, sophisticated bar and a very comfortable sleep with full air conditioning. Your choice to get up early the next morning for coffee service, a continental breakfast, and your first paddle of the day before main breakfast is served. Or sleep in, relax, and go for a paddle after breakfast.
The southern Sea of Cortez is our cruising ground on this trip. We will be ranging from Espiritu Santo to as far north as the gorgeous Loreto National Park, Carmen and Danzante Islands, before heading south again.
Sadly this is the last day of this part of your adventure with us. We hope you will be joining us again soon. Disembarking by 8:30 am after a nice breakfast with complimentary transfers back to Baja Expeditions HQ, Los Cabos Airport (SJD), or Cabo SeeCreatures.
Kayaking in the Sea of Cortez
All prices are in US dollars
What To Bring
What do I need to pack?
Personal toiletries. Layered clothing for paddling. It might be windy some days, calm and hot other days. Closed toe shoes for going ashore for walks in the desert. Shorts and holiday clothes for beach walks and gathering for sundowners. Suncreen (reef safe please). Towels and bed line are provided.
What wetsuit should I bring?
Yes, if you want to go snorkelling with sea lions, dolphins and loads of fish. We recommend a 5 mm wetsuit and snorkel gear. We have rentals available in all sizes by advance request.
What kind of safety gear do you provide?
Lifejackets (of course), portable marine VHF radio, Nautilus LifeLine marine rescue gps, tow line, bailer, etc.
Can I bring my own alcohol onboard?
Sorry, but NO. We carry a great selection of signature drinks, single malts, microbrew beer and a varied wine list, all at very reasonable prices.
Before Departure
Where do we meet the boat?
We will meet at SeeCreatures Cabo San Lucas located at: Calle Miguel Hidalgo 10, Centro CSL. C.P. 23450, Cabo San Lucas, BCS. We will coach transfer everyone to La Paz where your boat will be waiting for you.
What time do we meet?
Please be back at SeeCreatrues Cabo and ready for your transfer to La Paz by 2:45 pm latest. Shuttle leaves 3 pm.
Can I go scuba diving before the trip?
Yes!! Of course. Scuba diving is a big part of what we do. We have day trips for divers of all experience levels from “Discover Scuba” for those who want to try scuba diving for the first time to day trips, Gordo Banks, Cabo Pulmo and more.
Will I get seasick on this trip?
The Sea of Cortez is generally very calm. For anyone worried about seasickness, we recommend prophylactic use of the scopolamine “patch” as an anti- seasickness medication. The patch has revolutionized the dive boat industry and made going to sea practical for almost everyone. You will most likely not get seasick using the patch.
Medical Emergencies
What happens if I need a medevac flight?
Medevac can be arranged with a boat transfer to shore.
Do you have an AED and medical kit onboard?
OF COURSE! All of our crew are trained in first aid and a number of our crew are trained first responders.
Travel Details
Do I need a passport and/or visa?
All guests must have a passport valid six months from entry. Visas are required from certain countries, please check your specific requirements online. All non-Mexican guests will require an FMM tourist visa.
Do I need travel interruption insurance?
Guests are required to have medical evacuation insurance from a recognized provider before participating in any of our activities. Click here to purchase coverage. We highly recommend this provider because they are very dependable, reliable, and their policies are reasonably priced. Other providers may not offer the same level of reliability. We also highly recommend the optional purchase of trip interruption insurance, which covers everything from cancelled flights, weather-related delays, lost baggage, and reimbursement if another guest has a medical issue that affects your trip. If you decline coverage, please know that we do not issue credit refunds for anything that’s beyond our immediate control.
Do I need medical insurance?
YES. Evacuation insurance is mandatory.
What airport do I fly into?
SJD Los Cabos International for both commercial airlines and private aircraft.
When should I fly in?
These trips are planned around the guests having the option of flying in and going straight to SeeCreatures to check in and then board the ship later that day. We recommend flying in several days early to take full advantage of our hospitality and all the neat stuff that we offer as pre-trip extensions.
How do I get from SJD into town?
Sealine Cabo Transfers is our recommended provider of airport transfers to and from Cabo San Lucas. For booking, please Martin email: mmoreno@sealinecabotransfers.com
Can you recommend a local hotel?
Yes. For sure. We have our favourite hotels that we recommend and we have arranged discounted rates for Nautilus and Baja Expeditions’s guests. For hotel recommendations, or any other pre-trips, questions, concerns, or comments, please contact our concierge’s directly: Phone: +1 (604) 241-1918 – Please ask for Daniela or Maria WhatsApp: +1 (604) 360-9400 Email: concierge@nautilusdive.com
Can I get nitrox certified?
Yes, we could do it. This is a one day course at SeeCreatures.
Don't Forget
What time do we arrive back in port?
Reminder that most Sea of Cortez trips board and return to La Paz with an included transfer to SeeCreatures Cabo San Lucas, or SJD Airport. We are usually back in port by 8 am. Disembarking by 8:30 am after breakfast. It’s a 2-1/2 hour transfer to SJD. For that reason we recommend booking your outward flight 12:30 pm or later.
Do you have a storm policy?
We highly recommend trip interruption insurance, which will cover you in this unlikely eventuality.
Can you accommodate special dietary requests?
Yes, with reasonable advance notice, we are pleased to accommodate vegetarian, vegan, lactose, intolerant, gluten, free, low sugar, quasi-kosher and quasi-halal. We are likely unable to accommodate other special dietary requests, or guests with severe allergic challenges.
What IS NOT included in the trip price?
Bar, gift shop, high-speed Internet connection, rentals, nitrox, crew gratuities. A $35 port fee must be paid on board in cash at the end of the trip.
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