All of our Baja kayaking tours begin from Loreto, Mexico. Loreto is a small waterfront town of several thousand people located in the state of Baja California del Sur. Its primary economic activities are adventure sports tourism and retirement living for North Americans. It was originally founded by Jesuits over 300 years ago and the old mission is still standing. It later became colonized by tough pioneers engaged in ranching, farming, and fishing. Loreto is still a quiet rural town that feels comfortable and safe for travelers.

Travel Advice for Sea Kayaking in Baja

Air Flights - Most people choose to fly to Loreto, Mexico. Usually there are two airline carriers into Loreto but recently only Alaska Airlines has been operating. It may still be worth checking Aero Mexico as they may decide to resume flights to Loreto at any time.

Some people prefer to fly into Los Cabos or La Paz, then take the bus to Loreto. Although the airfares can be substantially less, you usually must spend the night in a hotel before catching the bus and this can absorb the savings or extend your vacation by a day or two.

Alaska Airlines (800) 252-7522 offers direct flights (2 hours airtime) between Los Angeles International airport (LAX) and Loreto airport (LTO) on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays. This company has been by far the most reliable choice of all the competitors! They are more punctual and have fewer problems losing track of baggage.

Aero Mexico (800) 237-6639, formerly provided daily service between Los Angeles International airport, and Loreto airport (3 hours) with a stop in Hermosillo. Aero Mexico also had flights to Loreto from Phoenix and Tucson. This company is 2nd on our recommended list but has recently suspended these flights.

If you would like professional assistance with making your travel reservations, including flights, hotels, etc., we suggest you speak with Elizabeth Holmes Travel (800) 588-8361 or Viking Travel (800-327-2571). Viking has a special relationship with Alaska Airlines and can offer their super-saver fares often up to the last minute. Both specialize in assisting Sea Quest guests and have the unique knowledge about our destinations and programs that make them more useful than typical travel agents.

We strongly urge you to contact the airlines, or speak with a travel agent, as soon as possible. Seats can be very difficult to obtain, particularly during the "spring break" period in March. This is partly because there is traditionally only one flight per day scheduled between Loreto and the United States. Flight times change often so inquire about current scheduling. Prices can range from $205 to $350 but these too are subject to rapid change. Typically, the further in advance your ticket is purchased the cheaper it is!

Important ! Please remember:
• The winter/spring travel season creates high demand for flights into Loreto so it is very important to make reservations as early as possible to get the dates you need. Early birds usually get the best fare prices, too! We have seen ticket prices double as flight times approach.
• For both of your outbound and inbound itineraries, be sure to schedule plenty of time between your international and domestic flights - we recommend 2 or 3 hours. This greatly reduces the chances of lost baggage, and on your homeward trip it provides just enough time to clear immigration, customs, and security before boarding your domestic flight.
• If flying on an airline other than Alaska Airlines, we strongly recommend personally checking your baggage with your international airline carrier two hours or more before flight time! This greatly reduces the chances of lost luggage or of losing a seat due to over-booking. Be sure to allow sufficient time to transfer your luggage yourself.
• These airlines frequently change their routes, schedules, and available seats into Loreto so you should keep checking regularly until you find what you need. And, after booking, check back once in a while to see if they have changed your flight times!
• Call or email our travel agents if you need assistance.

Documents for Travel to Baja Mexico

Passports are required for travel to Mexico. A Mexican tourist card will be issued during your flight and you must keep the stub and surrender it upon departure.

Credit cards are not widely accepted, and when they are used expect a 5% surcharge. There is one cash machine in Loreto, but it does not always have money! The single bank in town seldom exchanges currency and when it does the process is extremely time-consuming. Therefore, we strongly urge you to bring sufficient traveler's checks and US currency in small denominations for your entire stay in Loreto. (Anything larger than $20 may be hard to cash!) It is not necessary to arrive with Mexican pesos in hand; US funds are readily accepted in Baja. If you desire, pesos can be purchased at local stores and shops. Prices for goods in Baja California are on par with those found in the US. Money and documents should always be carried with you - be sure they are kept dry during your sea kayaking trip.

Hotels in Loreto, Mexico

There are only a few hotels in Loreto and they are rather modest affairs. All are walking distance to the central plaza, and are located on the beach or within two blocks of it. All have pleasant rooms, pools, dining rooms, bars, and friendly staff. As part of your sea kayaking Mexico vacation package, Our Mexico kayak tours include your first and last nights' accommodations on a double occupant basis and reservations will be made for you. Solo travelers can often be matched with a fellow kayak tour participant if they prefer to avoid paying the single supplement of $90. If you would like to stay for additional days this can be arranged for $90 per night for double occupancy. You or your travel agent must make reservations for any additional days not included in our kayak Baja trip itineraries.

Travel Health in Loreto, Mexico:

Sanitary water and food will be provided during the sea kayak tour. When traveling on your own, be aware of the risk of diarrhea, the main health problem for visitors to Mexico (although most Baja travelers report far less of this problem compared to the mainland). Avoid eating greasy foods and unwashed fruits or vegetables, do not overindulge in food or drink, and patronize reputable restaurants. Although Loreto has treated public water, we recommend avoiding tap water during your vacation. While sea kayaking in Baja under our care, we will provide you with purified water.

Vacation Travel Information for Baja Mexico
  Sea Kayaking Vacations from Loreto