Kayaking expeditions in the Sea of Cortez have become increasingly popular as more visitors look for ecofriendly ways to travel the peninsula and more marine preserves come under government protection from commercial exploitation. Paddlers can get to remote coastal and island beaches that are inaccessible to larger boats or those traveling by land.

There are appropriate destinations for all abilities, from Bahía Concepción for beginners to the Loreto/La Paz route for advanced kayakers. (The Gulf Current makes north-to-south itineraries the most logical approach.)

Kayaking on the Pacific side requires more experience. Punta Banda, south of Ensenada, is popular with San Diego residents. Bahía Magdalena in Southern Baja draws a crowd of paddlers in winter for whale-watching, but you shouldn’t venture out into the bay during the season without a guide.

Organized Kayak Trips

Paddling South (U.S. tel. 707/942-4550 or 800/398-6200, www.tourbaja.com) leads multiday trips out of Loreto. Baja Expeditions (U.S. tel. 858/581-3311 or 800/843-6967, www.bajaex.com) offers kayaking trips to Bahía Magdalena, Isla Espíritu Santo, near La Paz, and from Loreto to La Paz. Sea Trek (U.S. tel. 415/488-1000, www.seatrekkayak.com, US$995/7 days) is another well-established outfitter.