Baja Peninsula - Mexico

After arriving into Cabo San Lucas you will be able to check-in into the Barceló Gran Faro Hotel. Following time to relax you will meet up with your guides and fellow guests for a welcome drink and safety briefing. After your welcome meeting, you’ll have a chance to pick up any extras that you might need for the week ahead before an optional group dinner.

After meeting in the hotel lobby early in the morning, we set off on a bus transfer to our boat in La Paz. The boat ride brings us to our beachfront camp on Espiritu Santo Island. Once there, we have a chance to get set up for the week, including a brief camp orientation, followed by a short acclimatisation swim and lunch. After lunch, you have some free time to explore the camp, kayak or have a siesta before a swim along the shoreline to neighbouring Ensenada el Mezteno.

At the end of the first day on Isla Espiritu Santo, we enjoy a beautiful sunset over the Sea of Cortez while our very own chef prepares our first delicious dinner on the island.

We start the morning with a swim in the beautiful Bahia San Gabriel (former home of the pearl beds made famous by John Steinbeck in “The Pearl”) where we swim directly past a breeding ground of magnificent frigate birds.

After lunch, we head to Las Calaveritas for our second swim of the day which takes us all the way back to base camp. Once we arrive, the rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy before settling in for an evening cocktail as the sun dips below the horizon once again.

We start off the day with a hike from Ensenada el Embudo to a dramatic vantage point which offers a gorgeous view of Isla Partida. The walk takes approximately 30 minutes each way. Our first swim of the day will begin at El Erizoso Punto, where we’ll swim from point to point to point, ending at Ensenada del Raza.

Back at base camp we enjoy a wonderful lunch before setting off for our afternoon crossing from Isla Espiritu Santo to the sister island of Isla Partida. On our way back to camp, there may be time for some snorkelling off El Cardoncito.

This morning we circumnavigate Isla Ballena. The incredible water quality here is clear enough to spot the many beautiful types of fish that play in the underwater rocks and nooks.

After lunch, it’s time to swim along the dramatic bluffs in Ensenada el Cardoncito. Along the way, you’ll swim over an abandoned pearl farm and end at a gorgeous sandy beach. As always, our day finishes with another delicious local dinner and a chance to relax and soak in the atmosphere of the island paradise.

This morning we swim in the long bay of Ensenada el Cardonal, a bowl shaped cove of rocky red outcrops. We then make our way to Los Islotes, home to a colony of friendly and curious sea lions. After having the chance to swim and snorkel with these amazing creatures, we’ll make our way back to base camp for lunch.

We then head to the beautiful Ensenada Grande for our final afternoon swim. Our last night in camp includes a special final dinner and the chance to enjoy one more evening of watching the sunset and counting the shooting stars.

After a great week of swimming, we’ve got time for a last morning swim in the bay in front of our campsite. Following our swim breakfast, we head back to La Paz to catch our transfer bus back to Los Cabos where we’ll savour the final moments of this incredible getaway.

Swimming Distances

Swimming Conditions

Swimming in the sea is a fantastic experience, however you should be aware that certain marine life such as sea lice, jellyfish, sea urchins and coral could be present during the swims. In all cases we will work on reducing your contact with these creatures, however if you suffer from anaphylaxis, please consult the office prior to booking.

Walking Distances

The main walk on Day 4 of the trip takes approximately 30 minutes and includes a gradual uphill climb.

Walking Conditions

There are no roads on the island. Most walks take place on unsealed surfaces and care should be taken in these areas.

Temperatures

*Please note that these temperatures are indicative and should be used as a guide only.

Weather Caveat

For safety reasons, we rely on decent weather conditions when carrying out our swims. As a consequence, open water swimming holidays require a certain degree of on-trip flexibility which can result in changes to the planned itinerary. These changes often add a touch of uniqueness to your trip and will be communicated to you by your SwimTrek guides as quickly as possible.

Group Size

This trip has a maximum group size of 15. The group will be split into a maximum of three groups, based on speed, with each group being accompanied by their own safety vessel/escort. 

Boat Support

Boat support on this trip includes two support boats crewed by SwimTrek guides or safety crew and a local boat pilot. Please note that this boat support is subject to change without notice and cannot be guaranteed.

Extra Activities

When not out swimming the camp has a mix of water sports equipment which may include kayaks or paddleboarding. Snorkel equipment is available, though for comfort you are welcome to bring your own along with fins, which could be used whilst away on swim days.

Equipment checklist

In addition to your daily non-swimming clothes, we also recommend that you bring the following items:

For more information please visit: www.swimtrek.com/packing-list

*Try to bring one clear lens and one tinted lens for different light conditions.

**To protect your personal belongings during the crossing between La Paz and Espiritu Santo.

***Due to the nature of the location, the sun can be very strong, and we strongly advise that you bring a rash vest and swim leggings or shorts with you.

SwimTrek will supply swim hats, water, and electrolyte drinks. The guides will no longer distribute shared drinks bottles but will fill your personal drink bottles. Please ensure these are clearly marked to help our coaches identify yours. If you would like to use a wetsuit, rash vest, snorkel, or fins during your swims, please ensure that you bring these with you.

Please also note that when we travel to the remote island, the water on the journey can splash onto the boat, so a dry bag is recommended to keep your possessions dry. There are also no ferries to the island, so your departure from Isla Espirito Santo must be with the rest of the group on Day 7.

To reach Barcelo Gran Faro Hotel in Los Cabos you can fly into Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) and take a local taxi to the hotel. Alternatively, you can also fly into La Paz and meet the group for the boat transfer, but you would miss the first night of the trip.

As SwimTrekkers come from all over the world, and join our swimming holidays in numerous destinations, we don't currently offer flights as part of our SwimTrek packages. We do however want to do as much as we can to ensure that our guests get the best deals when travelling to one of our trips so check out SwimTrek's tips to help you get the best deals for your flights page on the website.

Taxi from Los Cabos International Airport to Barceló Gran Faro Hotel

The easiest way to get to the hotel is via taxi directly from the airport. The journey takes approximately 25 minutes and costs between $20-25. Please note that the taxis in La Paz are not metered, so we recommend that you agree on a fare with your driver before your journey.

Barcelo Gran Faro Hotel to Espiritu Santo Island

The SwimTrek transfer departs our accommodation early on the morning of Day 2 and takes around 2 hours by road to our boat in La Paz. The boat ride, in open pangas, takes around 2 hours and brings us to our base camp on Espiritu Santo Island.

The first night’s stay is at the Barceló Gran Faro Hotel in Los Cabos - www.barcelo.com/barcelo-gran-faro-los-cabos. The Hotel is a superior standard resort located overlooking the waters of the Gulf of California. For the rest of the trip we stay at a beachfront camp on the uninhabited, ‘off-the-grid’, national park island of Espiritu Santo, just 30 Km from La Paz. with large dome-like tents with a separate communal dining tent. Our accommodation is based on twin-share tent, however there are a limited number of single supplement tents which can be reserved during the booking process, subject to availability.

Espiritu Santo Island Camp is clean and comfortable and consists of dry toilets and shared solar-powered showers. Swimmers often choose to wash in the sea using biodegradable soap or shampoo and then rinse off in the freshwater shower. This is not a ‘glam camp’ experience but if you know camping we expect you’ll be very comfortable.

Pre/Post Trip Accommodation and Trip Extension Options

If you would like to extend your stay in Los Cabos or La Paz and need to book additional nights’ accommodation before or after your trip, please contact our local partners BajaEx on info@bajaex.com.

Food and Drink

Dinner is not included on Day 1 of your trip, however, breakfast will be provided at the Hotel on Day 2 prior to your journey to the island.

Three meals per day are included on Espiritu Santo island after your arrival there. Camp food is prepared on site by our very own chef and meals typically include wraps, salads and freshly caught fish.

Non-alcoholic drinks (water, soda, coffee, tea, Gatorade, juice, etc.) are included. Alcohol is not but there is a bar in the camp. In compliance with national park permits and liability insurance guests are no longer allowed to bring their own alcohol to camp.

For more information on any of the following sections please visit the Travel Advice page of our website.

Money, Extra Expenses and Tipping

You should bring extra money with you to cover dinner on Day 1, souvenirs, and your time in Los Cabos. The local currency is the Mexican Peso. You will also need to bring enough cash to cover the required conservation fee of USD$35. This will be collected by a local representative on the first night of your trip, please ensure you have the correct amount to avoid the need for change.

Finally, please note that tipping is very much part of Mexican culture. With this in mind, we suggest a tip of US$50-100 for your local crew, depending on the level of service you have received. All gratuities are pooled and distributed evenly between the Mexican guide and camp crew.

In some countries tipping (gratuities) is not part of the culture. In others, it has become an expected norm. We believe that tipping is done entirely at your discretion. If you have been provided with excellent service, it may be something you wish to do. Your SwimTrek guides can advise on local norms for service providers like boat crew, waiters, or taxis. Nothing is expected for your SwimTrek guides, but many groups like to present something to the guides at the end of the trip.

Responsible Travel

SwimTrek is conscious of the importance of protecting the world’s natural wonders. We are acutely aware of our responsibility to not only take care of the natural environments which we are lucky enough to explore, but also to educate our guests about the importance of conservation efforts and responsible tourism. It’s for this reason that we have worked so closely with our partners to ensure that our trips are conducted in the most responsible and sustainable way possible, working tirelessly to minimise the impact of our presence on local marine life and the natural habitat.

For more information please visit: www.swimtrek.com/sustainable-travel

Passports and Visas

Non-residents of Mexico require a full passport to enter the country, which should be valid for six months beyond the expected length of stay. Citizens of all EU member states, the US, Canada, the UK, Australia and New Zealand will not require a visa but will be required to fill out an immigration form to enter Mexico as a tourist for a time period of less than 180 days. Please note that visa regulations are subject to change and we advise that you check your own visa requirements prior to travel.

Travel Insurance

We consider comprehensive travel insurance to be essential, and we strongly recommend that you purchase insurance which includes, but is not limited to, cover for illness, accident, emergency repatriation, ambulance, air ambulance, helicopter rescue services, cancellation, lost luggage and delays. Your travel insurance should also cover you for open water swimming and any other activity listed in your trip itinerary (including races and competitions, where applicable). Please read your policy details carefully and remember to take them with you on your trip for your own reference. For further information about travel insurance, please visit: www.swimtrek.com/travel-insurance.

At the welcome meeting our local partners will collect details of your travel insurance including company/insurance provider, policy number, and date of expiry they will also require all guests to sign a standard liability release.

Health Information and Recommended Vaccinations

For comprehensive health information for people travelling to the US, including all recommended and required vaccinations, please visit www.travelhealthpro.org.uk/countries. Please note that this information is subject to change and you should re-check this site regularly prior to your trip.

Internet Access, Electricity and Travel Plugs

Isla Espiritu Santo is entirely off the grid, with no Wi-Fi or mobile reception. In the event that you need to contact the outside world, camp staff are able to radio back to shore. Contact details will be provided in the package of information we send you after booking.

Please note that there are very limited charging facilities at the Camp on the island. These operate off a solar panel and small inverter which charge at 100V using a standard North American plug. Please note that charging can be intermittent and slow and may not be available at all times. You will, however, be able to charge electrical devices in La Paz prior to departing for the island.

For a useful source of information on the different electrical outlets, electrical plugs, and electric sockets, please visit www.worldstandards.eu/electricity/plug-voltage-by-country/.