BAJA WHALES COMBO - Baja California, Mexico

The migrating California Gray Whales travel both night and day to arrive in the calving lagoons of Baja California around the end of January. Will you be there?

What to Bring  ~  Clohting & Equipment List

8 days/7 nights Baja Whales Combo

The main part of your trip is the same as our Sea of Cortez Islands with the exception of day 7 when you go whale watching. We therefore suggest to please refer to the What to Bring  ~  Clothing & Equipment List for Sea of Cortez Islands >>click here

10 days/9 nights Baja Whales Combo

Please read these instructions carefully as you are about to pack for a sea kayaking moving camp trip combined with a base camp whale watching trip and therefore the needs for the second part of the trips may vary from the first part of your trip.

Sea kayaking  >> day 1 - day 6
On most of our tours, we'll 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.

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.

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 wetsuit - ask us for details.

Whale Watching  >> day 7 - day 9
We’ll be loading everything into the boats, including our food and water. We suggest you bring several soft duffel bags for your gear (the tents have limited space). It is a good idea to line your duffel bag inside with a garbage bag to keep contents drier. As temperatures can vary widely on the Pacific Coast, and we can experience foggy and cool weather, please pack exactly according to our list, and call us if you need clarification.

Duffel bags make good traveling luggage. Use a small one for your clothes and essential items and take as carry-on luggage. Rigid luggage and travel clothing may be left at the hotel. Please note that airlines are imposing stiffer restrictions on the number and size of carry-on luggage.
Roomy two-person dome tents, warm rectangular sleeping bags with clean sheets and thermarest style pads, are provided for your convenience as well as comfortable camp chairs.

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

• 1-2 pair long underwear / top (polypropylene)
• 2-3 t-shirts
• 1 fleece jacket or wool sweater
• 2-3 long sleeve lightweight cotton or SPF synthetic shirt (sun protection)
• 1 rain jacket/windbreaker

Lower Body

• 1-2 pair light cotton/synthetic blend pants (no jeans)
• 2 pair shorts (quick-dry nylon)
• 1-2 pair long underwear / bottom (polypropylene)
• 1 pr of rainpants

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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

 

Toiletry 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

• Day pack (optional)
• Camera/film/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 for kayaking (even if weather hot, ocean is cold Dec-April)
• ID & valuables in Zip-lock
• Pillowcase (handy to stuff with clothes to make a pillow)

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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.