
Glamping on The Baja Peninsula
This marine national park covers an area of 48,000 hectares and includes Isla Espiritu Santo and La Partida, the island right next door. Because of its protected status, no permanent structures of any sort are allowed in Isla Espiritu Santo thus the creation of these luxury camps for visitors.
Day One:
Today you'll arrive at the airport in San Jose del Cabo (please see INFORMATION page for arrival details and procedures) where you'll be met by your guides and transferred to Todos Santos and Los Colibris Casitas, about a 90 minute drive. Upon arrival we'll get you get settled into your lovely rooms with beautiful ocean views, then we'll have a gourmet taco welcome dinner at Iker's Colibris Cafe. During dinner your guides will host a trip briefing, outlining the adventures to come. Overnight at Los Colibris with an ocean lullaby.
Day Two:
Camp Cecil de la Sierra and the Sierra La Laguna Biosphere Reserve
Camp Cecil de la Sierra is a luxury tent camp in a mango and grapefruit grove in the Sierra La Laguna Biosphere Reserve of Baja California Sur, about 90 minutes from Todos Santos. It is the sister property to our award-winning Camp Cecil de la Isla on Isla Espiritu Santo. Camp Cecil de la Sierra is on the property of a local ranching family, and the camp highlights both the cultural and natural heritage of the Sierras. The family is an integral part of the experience, providing all the meat, cheese and tortillas for the camp, teaching guests how to make tortillas and cheese in the traditional manner, and acting as guides in the reserve.
The Sierra La Laguna Biosphere Reserve is one of Baja´s most beautiful but least explored areas. Part of an island off the coast of Baja 10 million years ago, the Reserve is one of the most biodiverse areas in the world. Reflecting it's long history of island isolation, almost 25% of plants and 10% of animals found in the Reserve are endemic to the area, i.e, they are not found anywhere else on the planet. Activities at the camp include beautiful hikes in the reserve, with opportunities to get terrific views of the Pacific ocean, swim in watering holes and picnic by waterfalls. There is fantastic birding in the early mornings, amazing star gazing at night, and plenty of opportunities to interact with the ranch family and work with them making cheese, tortillas and other products in the traditional manner. You can also just hang out in the shade of the mango trees and enjoy the books in the library, perhaps while sipping a margarita.
Day Three:
Perhaps we'll start the day with some birding around camp early in the morning, enjoy an amazing ranch breakfast, then head out for a great hike through the mountains, taking in some spectacular views. Upon our return we'll enjoy happy hour in the huerta, then a great ranch dinner prepared by our chef. And if you're awake late enough, we'll enjoy the stars in the clear mountain air. A magnificent day.
Day Four:
We'll enjoy some early morning bird watching and/or hiking, savor a final ranch breakfast, then we'll head back to Todos Santos for a day of surfing, boogie boarding and picnicking at one of the best surf breaks in Baja. No experience? No problem! Our surf instructors guarantee that they'll have you catching a wave by the end of your first hour of instruction - even if just for a moment!
This evening local lawyer turned chef Iker Algorri, author of Cooking Adventures in Baja California Sur and chef-in-residence at Los Colibris Casitas, will lead this wonderful Mexican Survival Cooking Class. The emphasis is on having as much fun as humanly possible, learning to make the perfect margarita, and gaining the skill to make some truly memorable Mexican dishes following Chef Iker’s cooking philosophy, the Magnificence of Simplicity. You’ll also probably learn about some great Latin music you’ve never heard before. But be warned – dancing often known to follow!
Day Five:
Sea of Cortez and Camp Cecil Adventure!
We're off to Isla Espiritu Santo and Camp Cecil today! After breakfast we'll go to our bodega to get snorkeling gear and wet suits, then it's on to the boats and out into the Sea of Cortez!
Camp Cecil is on Isla Espiritu Santo which is in a National Marine Park, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is one of the best marine life viewing destinations in the world. Whales, dolphins, whale sharks, sea turtles, manta rays and plenty of beautiful tropical fish call the surrounding waters home, while a terrific range of bird species including Blue-footed Boobies, Reddish Egrets, Great Blue Herons and Yellow-footed Gulls frequent the island’s skies and shores. The island itself is stunning, with magnificent towering cliffs, spectacular sandy bays, amazing lava rock formations, and rock art left by the now-extinct Guaycura and Pericu Indians. There’s even an endemic ring-tailed cat, the babisuri. It’s a remarkable place to explore. We’ll spend the days doing exactly what pleases us - kayaking, snorkeling, hiking, swimming with sea lions, stand up paddle boarding, bird watching, and exploring hidden lagoons and desert beaches. Hanging around doing nothing, reading trashy novels and sipping margaritas also highly encouraged.
Day Six:
Who know what adventures the day may bring?! Perhaps paddle board with sea turtles, or snorkel with sea lions, maybe spot some whales, or dance with some Blue-footed Boobies. Whatever surprises the day may hold, you can be sure that it will also include magnificent food and drink!
Day Seven:
Whale Sharks!
Today we'll depart from Camp Cecil and head for one of the most amazing experiences yet - swimming with the largest fish in the world - the whale shark! Of course, you may be asking yourself: is it a whale or is it a shark? Hint: whales are mammals and sharks are fish. These gentle giants feed on plankton in the Bay of La Paz (so all human flesh is safe), and it is here that we have the remarkable experience of observing and swimming with them.
In the afternoon we'll return to Todos Santos, check back in to our hotel, then head out on the town for a wonderful farewell dinner.
Untouched Beaches
With no permanent structures these beaches are as pristine as it gets. Each day you can soak up the sun and solitude, swim with Sea Lions and experience the abundance of marine life.
Rugged Mountains
There is more than just beach strolls in Baja. Beautiful mountains line the coast that offer visitors a chance to take off the sandals switch to hiking shoes for an off the beaten experience.
Luxury Camps
We have established luxury tent camps in two of Baja California's most beautiful nature reserves. Get off grid while keeping the luxuries of comfy beds and chef prepared meals.
Dossier Disclaimer:
The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.
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VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
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Itinerary Disclaimer
While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.
Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
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Important Notes
WEATHER
The weather from November through April is generally perfect, with highs during the day in the mid to upper 70s and lows at night in the upper 50s to mid-60s. There may be windy days that can have an impact on certain adventures, and there is the occasional rainy day in those months as well. May and June are a bit warmer during the day but still delightful, and the truly warm weather starts in mid-July. Hurricane season is exactly the same as in the eastern United States, and officially runs June to November. However, most storms tend to occur August to mid-October.
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TYPES OF KAYAKS USED
Both 1-person and 2-person sit-in kayaks are available for use on this tour.
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What to Take
We recommend using a backpack for your convenience, or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person. You will be responsible for carrying and handling your own luggage.
Packing List
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Documents:
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Passport – must be valid for at least six (6) months after the date of your arrival
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A photocopy of your passport, inside a ziplock bag and stowed elsewhere in your luggage (As an additional precautionary measure, consider leaving a photocopy with family or friends at home as well)
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Copy of your air tickets with ticket numbers, placed elsewhere in your luggage
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Plan to use cash (pesos) for small purchases, taxis and gratuities
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Credit and/or Debit/ATM card that works internationally, ideally with chip technology (Before leaving home, notify your bank of your travel to help prevent any fraud detection holds on your card)
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Watch or small travel clock with alarm (if you are taking a phone, this can serve as your alarm clock)
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Money belt or concealed passport carrier to carry your passport, travel documents and money, hidden under your clothing
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TSA-accessible lock for luggage security when not on your person (optional- can buy these at any travel or outdoor recreation store)
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Essentials:
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One - three pair long, lightweight, nylon pants with zipper pockets (zip off legs give you more options)
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One- two pair nylon shorts (this can double as a swimsuit for the guys)
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Swimsuit
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Sarong (optional but super handy for changing clothes, laying on the ground, etc.)
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One - three short sleeve button-up shirt(s) or t-shirt(s) (synthetic is best)
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One - three long sleeve shirts for sun protection (tight-weave nylon shirts with SPF protection made by companies such as Columbia, Patagonia, Exofficio or REI etc. Sun protection is essential)
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Rash guard or set of synthetic long-sleeve top and full length bottoms (for snorkeling, as some areas may have jellyfish present)
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Underwear (synthetic is best)
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One wide-brim, tie-on hat (the floppy nylon variety is ideal, as it packs well.)
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One lightweight raincoat (a windbreaker that has some waterproof qualities will work as well)
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Three pair light synthetic or merino wool socks
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One pair sturdy trail shoes, or running shoes, to use for hiking and for casual camp time
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One pair sandals with ankle straps to wear while kayaking, on the beaches, walking around towns, etc. (Chaco, Keens or Tevas are preferred but there are many other brands that are suitable)
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Extra synthetic or wool layers (e.g. long underwear) for warmth during cool evenings
Casual Pre & Post Activity Clothing:
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One - two other comfortable pairs of pants/shorts/skirts/dresses
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One - two short sleeve, long sleeve and/or button up shirt(s)
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One light sweater or jacket for warmth in the evenings and mornings
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One pair pajamas
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Underwear and socks
Gear and Other Essentials:
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One pair of paddling gloves (optional for all kayaking tours)
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Small day pack or fanny pack for hikes (optional)
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One water bottle, 1 liter or larger (A bottle that fits in a daypack pocket or clips to the outside is ideal)
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One buff or bandana for sun protection and cooling off
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Camera/batteries/battery charger (Mophie battery packs for all USB enabled devices are a great option)
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Waterproof Camera Case (For non-waterproof cameras you may want to bring a small dry box or bag to use while kayaking)
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Binoculars (Optional but nice for bird and wildlife watching)
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Sunglasses, polarized are highly recommended for sun protection and enhanced clarity (Extra pair of sunglasses and glasses/contacts)
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Retaining strap for glasses and sunglasses (Chums, Croakies or similar item)
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Flashlight or Head Lamp
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Three to four kitchen garbage can liners – for wet clothes, dirty laundry, soiled shoes, etc.
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A few quart-size or 1-gallon ziplock bags for packing sunscreens, lotions or anything that might make a mess
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Books or E-reader, pen and note pad, iPod/small portable music player with headphones (optional) (we recommend 1-2 books at most; keep games and “extras” small in size and to a minimum)
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Towel (small lightweight towel, backpacking style works great)
Toilet Kit/First Aid:
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Standard toiletry kit including general hygiene products, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, etc. (keep liquids under 3.38 oz.(100ml) for carry-on)
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Insect Repellent Bug Spray or Bug Balm
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Sun Screen and Lip balm with SPF 15-30
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Pre-moistened toilette packets or disposable shower wipes to refresh
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Personal medicines and Prescriptions (Dramamine-motion sickness, Benadryl -allergic reactions, Advil or Aspirin, etc.)
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Heavy duty skin lotion for dry, sun-baked and salted skin
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Small squeeze bottle of hand-sanitizer gel
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Shampoo and soap (we recommend biodegradable, multi-purpose options)
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Health & Safety:
• Face masks (required)
• Hand sanitizer (required)
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)
• Rubber gloves
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