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SEA KAYAK, BAJA CALIFORNIA
Wilderness Orientation Office (858) 534-8211 | wo@ucsd.edu
Come experience the rich diversity of the sea on this kayak adventure to Bahía de los Ángeles. This sea kayaking trip offers an opportunity to get a historic look at Baja California’s rich culture and marine life including bat rays, dolphins, large schools of fish, and even whales. No experience is necessary, as we will teach you all the skills needed to become a competent sea kayaker. We will kayak during cool parts of the day, snorkel and swim in the calm bay waters, and camp on beautiful beaches. There will be plenty of time to build friendships and learn about the challenges and opportunities of college life.
The Trip
As sea kayakers, we will travel through the rugged & majestic Baja California peninsula for seven days. While immersed in Bahía de los Ángeles’ natural beauty and pristine ocean views, you and your group will have the chance to learn new sea kayaking skills that include basic paddle strokes and rescue techniques. Upon arriving at each beach camp, you'll learn outdoor living skills that will help you learn to thrive in the outdoors. Snorkeling, tide pooling, andexploring off-shore islands will grant opportunities to observe marine life. Many impressive and beautiful species call Bahía home, and this trip offers the unique opportunity to be a part of that natural wonder.
Course Area - Bahía de los Ángeles
Bahía de los Ángeles translates to Bay of the Angels and is located along the eastern shore of the Baja Peninsula in the state of Baja California, Mexico on the Sea of Cortez/Gulf of California. Outback Adventures has been conducting sea kayak trips to this beautiful coastal bay for decades. We have fostered positive relationships with our friends in Mexico, and have developed an extensive working knowledge of the area. Bahía de los Ángeles sits in the rain shadow of the Baja California mountains, rendering it a dry desert climate. At the north end of the bay lies Punta la Gringa and to the south is Playa Rincon. Other physical characteristics include an archipelago of 16 islands formed by the Canal de Ballenas. Although quite hot during the summer months, Bahía de los Ángeles is the perfect place for sea kayaking.
Trip Itinerary
Day 1 - Meet at Outback Adventures Office / Rental Shop at 10am. Meet your group, check out your gear and depart. Start the drive south to Bahía de los Ángeles and set up a beachfront camp on the Pacific for the first night.
Day 2 - Continue the drive to your kayak destination early in the morning. Arrive at Bahía de los Ángeles, set up camp and learn and practice paddle skills. Camp along the coast.
Day 3 - Load the boats with gear, food and water and paddle away from shore. Camp along the coast.
Day 4-8 - Explore the Baja coastline, continue to practice paddle skills, snorkel, swim, search for wildlife, and get to know about life at UCSD. Drive back to campus on day 8 for trip clean up and a celebration dinner. Camp at Outback Adventures for the final night.
Day 9 - Breakfast and closing ceremonies. Depart no earlier than 10am. Plan flights no earlier than 12pm (noon).
Physical Demands
Though kayaking involves upper body and core strength, learning good technique will ensure that you are able to meet the demands of the trip. Our guides will teach you the tools necessary to be able to paddle for hours to your next campsite. At times there will be opportunities to swim at the beaches. Participants will need to pass a swim test or will be required to wear personal flotation devices (PFDs). It will be hot, so proper hydration and sun protection will be essential.
*We are more than willing to work with participants who may require adaptive solutions. Please advise us on any potential needs a minimum of 30 days in advance of the trip’s start date.
Registration Fee Info
Registration fees cover transportation from UCSD to the trip destination, instruction, most food and all group gear (tents, cooking equipment, kayaks, first aid supplies etc.). Participants provide personal equipment on the trip packing list, most of which can be purchased or rented at Outback Adventures.
Cancellation Policy - please review the trip cancellation policy before registering for Wilderness Orientation.
WO DOES NOT REPLACE FORMAL COLLEGE ORIENTATION and students must schedule WO and college orientation without a time conflict.
