Swim Safaris

Eco Camp Swimming

Swim Safaris

Eco-Experience Camp Sea of Cortez

US$1,995
7 Days / 6 Nights

Green Safari: Oct 7 -13, 2023
Blue Safari: Oct 14 – 20, 2023
Black Safari: Oct 21 – 27, 2023

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Liveaboard Swim Safaris

Sea of Cortez
US$2,750
8 Days / 7 Nights

Green, Blue safaris:
Jul 22 – 29, 2023
Aug 12 – 19, 2023
Sept 9 – 16, 2023
Oct 7 – 14, 2023

Costa Rica
US$2,500
8 Days / 7 Nights

Green, Blue safaris:
Aug 16 – 23, 2023
Aug 23 – 30, 2023

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Itinerary
FAQ
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Complimentary Hold

    Destination Overview

    Why a Swim Safari?

    Because of the marvelous feeling you get when you are “in the groove,” because it is addictive, and because swimming feels great. Combine that with escaping to a beach camp in a national park and UNESCO World Heritage Site, or heading out for a one-week safari on a luxury liveaboard small ship, and it just does not get any better. We cater to swimmers of all ages, experience levels, and fitness with differing safaris rated green, blue, or black.

    Green safaris are for swimmers who have enjoyed swimming in the past but may not have been in the pool for a while, or may not be in the same shape they used to be. The beautiful thing about these safaris is getting back in the water, gaining strength and fitness every day, and feeling awesome by the end of the week.

    Blue safaris are for swimmers in good physical condition, ready to swim 3 to 5 km per day (or less, if preferred), and interested in everything else on offer, from kayaking or paddleboarding to beach walks or a naturalist-guided hike in the desert.

    Black safaris are for swimmers who want to work hard and are likely in training, wanting to do a lot of swimming, 10 km per day or more.

    Eco-Experience Camp

    Swim Safari Eco-Experience Camp

    Something we pioneered in Baja over a decade ago with more than 75 camps already offered (previously marketed through a third-party tour operator). We have the staff, swimming experts, and the experience and know-how to give you the best possible vacation.

    Swim trekking is where you can explore the coastlines and coves of the surrounding islands while swimming point-to-point accompanied by guides in kayak and safety boats. The clear waters allow you to see the sea life beneath you, and the rocky cliffs and hidden beaches make for an exhilarating and scenic swim.

    This is beachfront camping in style with the water literally a stone’s throw away on the uninhabited island of Espiritu Santo, a national park and UNESCO protected area that Tim Means, the founder of our company saved from commercial exploitation and development. Swim in clear and warm water in the mid to high 80s alongside incredible marine life and then relax at the end of each day with cocktails, spectacular sunsets, freshly cooked meals, the warm hospitality of our Baja Expeditions team, and the camaraderie of new friends.

    Kayaks and paddleboards are always on offer.

    INSIDER TIP: Coming soon, swim camp in the Loreto National Park which is even more beautiful and very quiet and pristine.

    Green Safari: Oct 7 -13, 2023
    Blue Safari: Oct 14 – 20, 2023
    Black Safari: Oct 21 – 27, 2023
    US$1,995
    7 Days, 6 Nights
    Dates & Rates
    Reserve Now
    Complimentary Hold

    Sample Itinerary

    Day 1

    Fly in to either La Paz with included airport pickup or Los Cabos SJD with included transfer from SeeCreatures San Jose. Arrive at our base at the quiet beachfront Marea Hotel. Relax. Warmup dive. Included dinner and overnight hotel stay.

    Day 2

    Breakfast at the hotel Marea or Catedral (depending on availability) and then head off to Isla Espiritu Santo and your beachfront camp. We will start swimming this afternoon. Rest. Relax. Cocktails and cold beer. Sunset. Dinner.

    Days 3 – 6

    Breakfast. swimming every day with as much or as little as you like. Lunch. Dinner. Take advantage of our kayaks and paddle boards. Guided hike into the desert. More sunsets. More cocktails. More relaxing!! Side trips to places like Los Isolates to snorkel with the colony of very friendly sea lions.

    Day 7

    Breakfast and then sadly, it will be time to transfer back to La Paz. But wait, there is more! If your time allows, join us for an extra couple of dives of activities. Perhaps an introduction to scuba diving. Or for certified scuba divers, this is peak season diving in the Sea of Cortez.

    Luxury Liveaboards

    Liveaboard Swim Safaris

    These safaris combine the best of shoreline swimming with coach and skiff support and lots to look at, including coral reefs and schools of fish, with luxury liveaboard accommodation with excellence in guest experience.

    It is like staying in a boutique hotel right on the water with a swim coach and support staff for you to swim as much or as little as you like. It is pretty darned nice to step back onboard your air-conditioned liveaboard to be greeted by a hostess with a platter of drinks and snacks while your chef is in the galley cooking up dinner.

    Hopefully, your toughest decision of the day will be whether to go back to your stateroom for a long hot shower or head up top to the hot tub!

    How to choose between Baja and Costa Rica?

    Well, our answer is that you should sign up for both safaris! The only question is which trip to do first! Both destinations are beautiful. Gorgeous actually. With water temps in the mid 80’s and generally very good visibility. And a week on the water that promised to be very, very interesting.

    Liveaboard Swimming Sea of Cortez

    Baja is a desert bordering on the Sea of Cortez with turquoise waters and stunning scenery. We pioneered the first Baja swimming safaris and have been doing liveaboard small ship expeditions for even longer. This is the first time we have combined these 2 awesome products into one experience.

    Insider tip!! Take advantage of our ultimate whale shark trips. As well as all the regular swimming and snorkelling activities on offer, including sea lions, whales, visiting and getting in the water at remote desert islands, and shore expeditions with our naturalists, including the largest population of blue boobies in the world, you will be able to swim and snorkel in a remote bay in the northern sea of Cortez that is visited by 80 to 220 whale sharks every summer.

    This is a spectacular trip.

    Green, Blue safaris:
    Jul 22 – 29, 2023
    Aug 12 – 19, 2023
    Sept 9 – 16, 2023
    Oct 7 – 14, 2023
    US$2,750
    8 Days, 7 Nights
    Dates & Rates
    Reserve Now
    Complimentary Hold

    Sample Itinerary – Sea of Cortez

    Day 1

    Fly into either La Paz with included airport pickup or Los Cabos SJD with included transfer from SeeCreatures San Jose. Evening board of your yacht in La Paz and sail off into the sunset.

    Days 2 – 7

    Swim, explore, water and shore activities during the day. Sail at night. Our trips cover it all, from Loreto to Bahia de Los Angeles, La Paz, San Pedro Martir, Los Animas, and more! We offer unique spotter airplane support for the best encounters, such as sperm whales and giant finback whales. You can also snorkel and swim with the 80-220 whale sharks that aggregate in a quiet bay deep into the Sea of Cortez. It’s crazy! We have special permits to visit San Pedro Martir, the hidden jewel of the Sea of Cortez. Perfectly located at the edge of massive upwellings of nutrient-rich deep ocean water, the waters around this biosphere reserve are teeming with life. Shoreside is really cool as well, with the largest breeding population of blue-footed boobies in the world and the largest populations of brown boobies and brown pelicans in the world.

    Loreto is another gem that is seldom visited. The diving is great, and the scenery is fantastic. Going ashore on the deserted white sand beaches is unforgettable. We will be sure to visit all our old favorites, including Las Animas, the pinnacle of San Franciscito, Espiritu Santo, and La Reyna.

    Special tip: The friendly and inquisitive whale sharks behave very differently in Bahia de Los Angeles. They can be quite friendly and even inquisitive. This is a remarkable experience with few or no other boats around, and we often have the place to ourselves.

    Day 8

    Breakfast. Disembark in La Paz.

    Liveaboard Swimming Costa Rica

    Costa Rica is a nature lover’s paradise, with an abundance of rainforests and wildlife. The swimming opportunities are equally impressive, with coral reefs and tropical fish to discover, as well as the chance to relax on pristine beaches. Hiking through the rainforest will offer the chance to spot a range of monkeys, lizards, parrots, toucans, hawks, sloths, and iguanas. With a bit of luck, you may even spot dolphins and manatees. This trip takes place during the summer rainy season, which is considered peak season due to the rainforest’s growth and the chance to see humpback whales and nesting turtles.

    Green, Blue safaris:
    Aug 16 – 23, 2023
    Aug 23 – 30, 2023
    US$2,500
    8 Days, 7 Nights
    Dates & Rates
    Reserve Now
    Complimentary Hold

    Sample Itinerary – Costa Rica

    Day 1

    Meeting point to be confirmed but plan on flying into San Jose the day before. We will arrange transfer on Day 1 to your yacht. Evening board and depart with an overnight run to wake up the next morning ready to swim the beautiful shoreline and reefs and explore the incredibly lush rainforest and widely diverse ecosystem.

    Days 2 – 7

    Swimming opportunities are key of course and you will have the opportunity for us much or little swimming as you like up to 5 km under the watchful eye of our swimming coach and support team. There will be ample opportunity for kayaking, relaxing on pristine white sand beaches, and hiking into the rainforest that is home to a range of monkeys, lizards, parrots, toucans, hawks, sloths, and iguanas. We will see dolphins for sure and hare hoping for Manatees. Summer is the best visibility of the year, and it’s prime time for visiting humpback whales and for nesting turtles.

    Day 8

    Breakfast disembark in Puntarenas. Optional transfer back to San Jose included.

    FAQs

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Eco-Experience Camp – FAQs

    What is the minimum and maximum number of guests for swim camps?
    Swim camps are 4 guests minimum and 16 guests maximum.

    Are there different dates available for swimmers with different fitness and experience levels?
    Yes. We have different dates cater to swimmers of different fitness and experience. Labeled Green, Blue, and Black.

    Do I need to be a competent swimmer to enjoy the swim camps?
    To enjoy one of these camps, you do need to be a competent swimmer. But don’t worry about fitness. You can swim as much or as little as you like and you will get stronger every day.

    What is the swimmer to coach ratio for swim camps?
    We offer an 8:1 swimmer to coach ratio. Private coach available by prior arrangement. Coaches will be in kayaks alongside you. Support pangas will be nearby on standby for you.

    What are the camps like?
    Eco experience camps on Isla Espiritu Santo are “pop up” zero footprint camps maximum 6 days, 5 nights as per park rules. Shared washroom and shower.

    Will I have access to power?
    No generator per park rules but there is solar, battery charging, wifi and internet access. We can arrange for power for CPAP machines etc.

    Where will we stay on the first night of the eco-experience camps?
    1st night stay at the Marea boutique beachfront hotel or if rooms not available, equivalent or better local hotel.

    Will we having coaching on day 1?
    Swimming with coaching available from our base at the Marea when you arrive on day 1. Day 2 we will depart for Espiritu Santo.

    What activities are included in the eco-experience camps?
    Kayaking, paddleboards, beach walks and hiking into the desert included. Limited guided scuba diving available.

    Is there an additional cost for single occupancy?
    Single occupancy add 25%.

    Do you provide transfers?
    Complimentary transfers to and from SeeCreatures San Jose del Cabo available with our complements at the designated time. Complimentary airport pickups and drop-offs in La Paz

    What is not included?
    Exclusions ; 5% tax, bar, gift shop, crew gratuities, $35 USD port fee.    ,

    Liveaboard Swim Safaris – FAQs

    What is the minimum and maximum number of guests for liveaboard swim safaris?
    Liveaboard swim safaris are 4 guests minimum and 16 guests maximum.

    What skill levels do the liveaboard swim safaris cater to?
    Catering to green and blue levels.

    What is the swimmer to coach ratio for liveaboard swim safaris?
    We offer an 8:1 swimmer to coach ratio. Private coach available by prior arrangement. Coaches will be in kayaks alongside you. Support pangas will be nearby on standby for you.

    Will there be scuba divers onboard the liveaboard swim safaris?
    This is our full luxury liveaboard experience. There will also be scuba divers onboard and your option for certified scuba divers to join as many dives as they like.

    What is not included?
    Exclusions ; 5% tax, bar, gift shop, crew gratuities, $35 USD port fee.

    Operated For Safety

    Gallant Lady - Sunset

    Operated For Safety

    Safety is a very serious business. Mother Ocean can be capricious and unforgiving. We hold ourselves to the highest standards and you should expect and demand no less. In our view, every dive boat should be operated within a certified ISM safety management system, outfitted with sprinklers, emergency smoke hoods for everybody and the same safety, fire, life saving equipment and radios as the largest cruise ships. Captains, mates and engineers should have professional commercial mariner qualifications and all crew should have STCW professional mariner certification. Safety is not something to publish in a brochure. It’s part of our DNA. A cornerstone of our culture. Something that we have been living by for every day of the last 30 years.

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