SEA OF CORTEZ ISLANDS - Baja California
This trip is all about turquoise waters, desert landscape, an idyllic sea kayaking destination, tropical fish and sea turtles - to name just a few highlights!
What to bring ~ Clothing & Equipment List
We kindly ask you to follow this list when packing. On most of the tours, we will be paddling totally self-contained, which means we carry our food and water in our double kayaks. On the few motorboat-supported tours we run, the communal gear, food and water will be carried in the motorboat. Please keep in mind that your gear (with exception of sleeping bag, pad, shoes and snorkel gear) has to fit in the waterproof bags handed out at the group meeting, so we recommend following our list below.
A roomy two-person dome tent, warm rectangular sleeping bag with clean sheet and thermarest-style inflatable pad are provided for your convenience as well as a comfortable camp chair. We recommend you bring your own snorkeling gear, or you can rent it from us as well as a wet suit - please ask us for details.
Clothing List
Footwear
- 1 pair lightweight water shoes (aquasocks, Keens)
- 1 pair sandals with ankle straps for camp
- 1 pair running/walking shoes
- 2 pair socks for camp
Headwear
- Sun hat with broad brim
- Warm (fleece or wool) hat
Handwear
- Paddling gloves (quick dry; to prevent blisters/sunburn)
Upper Body
- 1 pair long underwear / top (polypropylene)
- 2-3 t-shirts
- 1 fleece jacket or wool sweater
- 1-2 long sleeve lightweight cotton or SPF synthetic
- 1 rain jacket/windbreaker
- Shirts for sun protection
Lower Body
- 1 pair light cotton/synthetic blend pants (no jeans)
- 2 pair shorts (quick-dry nylon)
- 1 pair long underwear / bottom (polypropylene)
For trips in December through February, add another warm fleece/wool long-sleeve top and rain or wind pants to the list above as nights can be 45 degrees F (7°C) , and omit some t-shirts.
Duffel Bag / Pack
Duffel bags make good traveling luggage. Use a small one for your clothes and essential items and take as carry-on luggage. Suitcases, duffels and travel clothing may be left in the hotel’s storage room. Please note that airlines are imposing stiffer restrictions on the number and size of carry-on luggage.Additional Items
- 1-2 Water bottles (1 quart capacity each)
- Swim suit (& sports bras)
- 2 Bandanas (multipurpose)
- Underwear
- Rash guard top & leotards or similar for snorkeling
- Sarong for ladies optional
Toilet Kit
(all gels in 3 oz trial sizes go in one quart ziplock bag if you put in a carry-on bag)- Personal medicines/prescriptions
- Sunscreen SPF 15-45
- Toiletry kit w/toothbrush & paste, etc
- Lip balm SPF 15-30
- Biodegradable soap & regular shampoo
- Dry skin lotion
- Small camp towel & wash cloth
- Pre-moistened towelettes for freshening up
- Contact lens solutions
- Insect repellent if prone to insect bites (rarely needed)
- Extra eyeglasses/contacts
Optional Items
- Camera/film/memory cards/batteries
- Binoculars (in plastic ziplock bag)
- Headlamp/batteries/bulb
- Polarized sunglasses with retaining strap
- Reading material
- Mask, snorkel & fins
- 2-4 Zip-lock baggies & 2 garbage bags
- Personal snacks, protein bars or meat
- Fanny pack w/water bottle holders (optional) jerky if desired (we do provide trail mix)
- Wetsuit (even if weather hot, ocean is cold Dec-April)
- ID & valuables
- Pillowcase (handy to stuff with clothes to make a pillow)
Note: There will be no opportunity for fresh water showers once we leave the hotel. However, bathing with salt water, regular shampoo & towel does the job well and will not leave your skin feeling sticky.
