10 Most Frequently Asked Questions

How long have you been operating tours?

Paddling South's owner, Trudi Angell, began exploring the pristine coast of Baja in 1976. After 7 seasons working at the National Outdoor Leadership School Baja branch and organizing private expeditions, she began running commercial tours in 1983. Paddling South is known as Loreto, Baja's oldest and most respected adventure travel company; offering great mountain bike and pack trips too!

What is the usual group size?

On the kayak trips 10 is usually the maximum group size, with 2 guides. For pack and bike trips the maximum is 8. We feel that our guests receive a more intimate experience with the environment and culture by traveling in a smaller group. If you are a single traveler you can share a room and tent with another same-gender trip member, or, take advantage of our low single supplement for a private room and single tent. Sometimes our tours will operate with just a few folks, and our private custom trips may even be run with a minimum group size of 4 traveling friends!

I don't have any experience paddling or riding, can I do this?

Our tours are designed to give novices and advanced guests a great vacation. We teach basic skills on the first day, and offer help throughout the tour for those who wish to improve technique. Paddling time between campsites is about 2-4 hours [see itineraries for pedaling and pack trips]. If you are an active person who likes to camp and learn about new environments, this is the ideal trip for you. We send you a set of exercises to help get you prepared....which, along with your adventurous attitude could make this a 'trip of a lifetime' !

On kayak trips do you run self-supported trips or is there skiff support?

We like to think of travel in kayaks as a quiet way to slip away to our favorite beaches and bays. We load all of our gear into the kayaks and are free to travel as the group, weather and route deem best. To date our safety record is100% accident free, as we rely on nature's signs and the guides' local knowledge of the area. In packing and paddling on our own, we gain a closer wilderness experience.

Where is Loreto, and how do we get there?

Loreto is located 750 miles south of San Diego on the Lower California peninsula in Mexico [the peninsula is comprised of the 2 most northwestern states of Mexico, Baja California Norte and Baja California Sur. Though Loreto is a more remote destination than other more touristy areas in "Baja", we do have the service of an international airport with arrivals from major US and Mexican airports. Driving is a great option for folks who have some time before and after the tours. Please see the Travel notes on the Information pages of our site.

When is the best time to travel to Baja?

Often the "best time" is dependent upon your interests: In early fall and late spring the water and air temperatures are warmer, allowing more focus on water activity like snorkeling and swimming. In mid winter when daytime temps are cooler we focus on desert hikes, plant walks and bird watching in the desert canyon oases. Note that there is a day added onto our mid-winter schedules to allow for wind conditions that can sometimes go on for several days. With the extra day that we add, we can still plan to take you out on our favorite routes to see the best of Baja's spectacular islands and coast. For Bike or Pack trips October through April are best.

What kind of training do the guides have? Do the guides cook?

We are proud to claim that 90% of our staff are Mexican nationals with special insights and local knowledge to share. All of our trip leaders are trained in kayak, bike or packing technique and safety, as well as wilderness first aid skills. Most of the Paddling South guides are graduates of the National Outdoor Leadership School's Baja Sea Kayak programs and local courses in Natural History of the area as well as our in-house training programs. Guides also cook the meals and often add their favorite family recipes to our menus, making a very special addition to your cultural experience of Baja.

What is the minimum age for the tours?

Most tours find group member ages ranging between the 20s and 60s. During spring break and holidays is when families generally look for an active outdoor winter vacation and so...the minimum age on trips is 12 years old for the Paddling Tours; 10 years old for Pack Trips; and 8 years for the Mexican Combo base camp trips. For families with younger children we can schedule a private trip and plan the route according to needs.

What equipment do I have to bring?

We supply everything except your personal clothing gear and sleeping bag, although with advance notice you may rent a bag and sleep pad. You'll receive an equipment list in the pre-trip packet we send you upon making a reservation, in order to help you get ready for your tour.

How do I sign up?

Please check with our office first for space availability, then use the brochure reservation sheet, or print out the reservation form from the web site and follow instructions for payment. We accept VISA and Mastercard.

For more answers to questions see our pages on Additional Information for Sea Kayak, Mountain Bike and Horse Pack trips.