Douglas Knapp on a sailing day trip

Trudi Angell and Douglas Knapp live in Loreto, Baja, Mexico. Trudi was a graduate of one of the first National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), Baja courses in 1976, and subsquently worked for the school and kayaked the coast for the next 7 years. Douglas sailed the Gulf of California in his 22 foot live-aboard catamaran. They met, explored, and decided to offer guide services, just as adventure travel and Baja gained popularity. Trudi started Paddling South, and Douglas, Small Boat Cruising Center.

Paddling South began running kayak tours in the early '80s when they settled into the small coastal town of Loreto. The Baja coastline and Sea of Cortez had captured Trudi’s sense of exploration - she found that kayaking was the best way to accommodate her quest for adventure. Expanding horizons, she discovered other natural treasures of the region while traveling by mule in the sierra. Trudi has developed a intimate knowledge about the people, area, history and roots of Baja.

Trudi and her daughter Olivia in a painted cave in Baja.

As Trudi explored the intriguing mountain ranges and ranches she also developed the side-companies called Saddling South and Pedaliing South in order to offer tours and exploratories into very remote regions throughout the Baja peninsula. Trudi, and their daughter, Olivia, will soon complete the final leg of their Long-Rider journey; traveling the length of Baja by mule!

Small Boat Cruising offers sailing instruction and bare boat charters. Douglas works as a NOLS Baja sailing instructor in the fall each year. During the winter / spring season he arranges instructional courses and charters with individuals and small groups.

They note, "Over the years letters and comments from folks who have accompanied us have exclaimed how memories of Baja refresh their outlook on a hectic day. Those letters, along with the desire to continue exploring this fantastic region keep us in Baja. We hope you'll join us."

Mexican Business

Trudi has dual citizenship and in 2004 invited one of the head local guides to join her in a business partnership. Meet Jorge Salas, a Loretano, NOLS instructor, and teacher of minimum impact camping and ecotourism at the University of Baja California Sur. Trudi and Jorge have formed the adventure travel company called - Loreto Kayak Tours.

Douglas and Rodolpho Palacio run Loreto Sailing Tours.

Having a Loreto-based business is key to being able to operate legally in the Bay of Loreto National Marine Park, to apply for the many permits required, and to pay taxes locally. The most important tenet of ecotourism is to be sure the greatest part of your tourist dollar (70-80%!) remains in the host country. We are proud to announce to our guests that they have chosen the only Loreto kayak tour company that can claim - The Best of Ecotourism, We Live There!