BAJA PENINSULA - MEXICO

After arriving into La Paz, Baja you will be able to check-in into the Hotel Catedral. We then meet for a short safety briefing and an acclimatisation swim before returning to the hotel. After a welcome meeting and drink, 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 our boat for the first swim and then on 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 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.

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.

We return to the new base camp and 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 is back at our hotel in La Paz and includes a farewell dinner and the chance to enjoy an evening enjoying la Paz.

After a great week of swimming, we’ve got time for a last morning swim. Following our swim and breakfast we say goodbye to the Sea of Cortez.

We have given this trip a ‘Moderate’ grading. Most swimmers comfortable in the open water will be able to take part and enjoy one of these trips.

Swimming Distances

*Please note that these swims are an example of what may take place during your trip and should be used as a guide only. Actual swim locations and distances will vary according to local weather and swim conditions.

Swimming Conditions

Swimming in the open water is a fantastic experience, however you should be aware that certain marine life such as jellyfish, plankton, sea lice, sea urchins and coral could be present during the swims and may cause some discomfort. In all cases we will work on reducing your contact with these creatures and that any interactions are managed safely. If you suffer from anaphylaxis, please consult the office prior to booking.

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 and Boat Support

This trip has a maximum group size of 16. 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 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.

Equipment Checklist

For your basic, essential packing list, please visit our Packing List page on the website. For additional, location specific items, please see the information below.

SwimTrek will provide water and electrolytes at every location and refill your bottles.

*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, and will refill 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.

To reach Hotel Catedral in La Paz you can fly into La Paz International Airport (LAP) and take a local taxi to the hotel. Alternatively, you can also fly into Los Cabos International Airport (SJD), which is approximately a 2-hour transfer away.

Taxi from La Paz International Airport to Hotel Catedral

The easiest way to get to the hotel is via taxi directly from the airport. The journey takes approximately 25 minutes. 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.

Private Transfer from Los Cabos International Airport to Hotel Catedral

Once you arrive at Los Cabos, the easiest way to travel to your hotel in La Paz is via private transfer. The takes approximately 2-3 hours each way and prices vary depending on the number of people in your group. For more information, please contact our partners at Red Travel Mexico red@redtravelmexico.com.

The first and last night’s stay of the trip will be at the Hotel Catedral in La Paz. For the rest of the trip, we will stay at Base Camps on Espiritu Santo Island. Here you have tents for 2 guests sharing 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.

Base 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. Inline with rules of the National Park and to minimise negative impacts on the delicate ecosystem Espiritu Santo Island we move base camp mid-way through our stay. The camp crew make the move whilst we swim, you just need to ensure your bags are packed before leaving for swimming.

On the arrival day of 12 November 2023, instead of Hotel Catedral we stay at the Seven Crowns Hotel. This is the only night we use the hotel to avoid, as much as possible, crossover with Baja 1000 teams.

Pre/Post Trip Accommodation and Trip Extension Options

If you would like to extend your stay in La Paz and need to book additional nights’ accommodation before or after your trip, please contact our partners at Red Travel Mexico: red@redtravelmexico.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. Any additional alcohol that you might want with you should be purchased in La Paz and taken to the camp. Drinks can be stored in a cool box at the campsite. In compliance with national park permits and liability insurance guests are no longer allowed to purchase drinks on the island.

For more information, please visit our food and drink page on the website.

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

Money, Extra Expenses and Tipping

You will need to bring enough cash to cover hotel environmental bed tax which is MXD$33.68 for the nights in the hotel. Please ensure you have the correct amount to avoid the need for change. The local currency is the Mexican Peso. SwimTrek include the National Park fee in the cost of your holiday.

You should bring extra money with you to cover items such as meals not already included in your package, drinks, entertainment, souvenirs, etc.

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 own 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 our Responsible Travel page on the website.

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 it is important 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, please visit our Travel Insurance page on the website.

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

Here at SwimTrek, we pride ourselves on our focus on safety and the well-being of all our guests. As we operate in some beautiful and remote locations medical facilities are not always easily accessible. SwimTrek Guides, and many staff working for our local partners, are first aid trained. However, we ask that you read our Travel Health page to ensure that you are informed about general Travel and Swim Health precautions.

Internet Access, Electricity and Travel Plugs

Isla Espiritu Santo is entirely off the grid, with no Wi-Fi or mobile reception. In the event of an emergency and if someone needs to contact you, please inform them to contact the SwimTrek office.

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 the hotel 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.