San Carlos Kayaks is a family-owned business founded by Eduardo Rivas, who was born and raised in the fishing town of Puerto San Carlos, in the Magdalena Bay region of Baja California Sur. Eduardo grew up surrounded by the land and sea that now form the heart of our operations.
Eduardo began his career in the early 2000s as a professional sea kayak guide and later became a certified instructor with the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) in 2003. His work with NOLS took him to Alaska, Baja, and to Vancouver Island, where he spent five seasons teaching and guiding on both coasts. After two decades living on Vancouver Island, Eduardo now returns to Puerto San Carlos each winter to guide and manage San Carlos Kayaks.
His work combines extensive professional experience with a deep, lifelong connection to the region.
Neyma coordinates logistics for all tours and activities. She is often the first point of contact in our Puerto San Carlos office and ensures that each program runs smoothly.
Captain Gabriel is widely respected in Puerto San Carlos for his knowledge of Magdalena Bay. With a lifetime of experience on the water, he now focuses on environmentally responsible work, including sport fishing and whale-watching. His understanding of the local marine environment is an essential asset to our team.
Ashley and Eduardo began guiding together in Mexico before settling on Vancouver Island to raise their family. Eduardo now spends the winter in Baja guiding in San Carlos, while Ashley supports the operation in an administrative role and joins him for a few weeks each year.
To share the land and sea of Puerto San Carlos with visitors through safe, well-designed sea kayaking experiences.
We introduce visitors to the natural and cultural landscape of Baja and encourage a meaningful connection with the region through thoughtfully designed sea kayaking experiences.
We create opportunities for local youth to engage in outdoor activities—such as sea kayaking, hiking, and camping—helping build environmental awareness and respect for the surrounding ecosystem.
We are committed to supporting a culture of outdoor education within the community. Through partnerships with local high schools, we provide kayak courses that include environmental instruction.
We facilitate cultural exchange with student groups from Canada for cross-cultural learning, deepening understanding between communities while exploring the region together.
Visitors who join us are welcomed into the community that shaped our business. We take pride in sharing the region in a way that reflects local knowledge, respect for the environment, and our connection to Puerto San Carlos.
By choosing San Carlos Kayaks, you also support our efforts to increase environmental awareness and outdoor access for local youth. Activities such as kayaking, hiking, and camping—guided by Leave No Trace principles—are not traditionally part of the local culture. Our goal is to introduce these values to help foster stewardship in future generations.
“Whale Watching and Sea Kayaking Experience”
Campamento Coyote Base Camp experience starts and ends at the office of San Carlos Kayaks in Puerto San Carlos.
5:00 PM – Pre-trip meeting at our office
Meet with your guides, Eduardo and team.
Review the itinerary and important safety protocols.
Address any last-minute questions or concerns.
Dinner is on your own; recommendations will be provided by the team.
6:00 AM – Breakfast at San Carlos Kayaks office
8:00 AM – Departure to Base Camp by kayak
It is about a 25 km paddle and will take us all day to get there, but it will be a full day and very memorable. Doing this paddle is optional, since it is a long paddle. If someone does not want to paddle, there will be a boat available.
12:00 PM
There will be lunch at camp for the people who take the boat. For the paddlers, we will have lunch along the beach on our way to camp. There are plenty of places to explore on the way, including the fishing village of Puerto Magdalena.
1:00 PM
People at camp are welcome to explore the surroundings and make themselves at home.
A short boat ride to the camp.
4:00 PM
We should be arriving at camp around this time. After putting the equipment away, people settle into their tents and familiarize themselves with the camp. Dinner will be coming shortly after.
6:00 PM – Dinner at the camp
We all enjoy delicious local seafood and other Mexican dishes.
8:00 PM
Relax by the fire and discuss the plan for the following day.
7:30 AM – Breakfast at the camp
8:30 AM
Depart on the pangas to witness the gray whales interacting in their natural habitat.
12:00 PM – Lunch back at camp
1:30 PM
Relaxing and exploring Magdalena Island.
3:00 PM – Back to camp
4:00 PM – Optional afternoon paddle
6:00 PM – Dinner at the camp
Share stories and experiences around the campfire.
7:30 AM – Breakfast at the camp
8:30 AM – Kayaking expedition
Paddle to different areas of the bay, very likely to the south end of Magdalena Island.
12:00 PM – Picnic lunch on a secluded beach
1:30 PM
Continue kayaking back to camp.
4:00 PM – Return to camp
Relax and unwind; perhaps take a short nap or read a book.
7:00 PM – Farewell dinner at the camp
Enjoy a special meal and reflect on the adventures of the past days.
7:30 AM – Breakfast at the camp
8:30 AM
Free time to relax, pack, and enjoy the last moments in this beautiful setting.
11:00 AM – Early lunch at the camp
12:00 PM – Depart from Campamento Coyote
1:00 PM – Arrival back at San Carlos Kayaks office
End of the tour; time to say goodbye to new friends and guides.
We look forward to welcoming you to Campamento Coyote for an unforgettable experience in Magdalena Bay, Baja, filled with nature, exploration, and local culture. Saludos.
(Los Arenales)
Join us for a full-day kayaking trip to the sand dunes of Magdalena Island, locally known as “Los Arenales.” The route begins in San Carlos with a 6 km crossing to the island, followed by a guided exploration of the dunes and a walk to the Pacific side. After lunch, we continue paddling north along the island to explore the mangroves before returning to San Carlos, for a total distance of approximately 15–18 km.
For less experienced paddlers, or for those who prefer to shorten the return paddle, a boat pickup is available for an additional fee of 3,000 MXP. Please inquire if you would like to add this service.
A minimum of 24 hours’ advance booking is required.
Kayak Day Tour to Magdalena Island Sand Dunes
Morning:
8:00 AM: Meet at San Carlos Kayaks Office in Puerto San Carlos
Quick introduction and safety briefing
Gear up with kayaking equipment provided
8:30 AM: Depart to Launch Site
Launch kayaks and begin the paddle across Magdalena Bay (approx. 6 km)
10:00 AM: Arrive at Magdalena Island
Disembark and explore the sand dunes
Guided nature walk to learn about the unique ecosystem and local wildlife
Midday:
12:00 PM: Picnic Lunch on the Island
Enjoy a delicious, packed lunch with snacks and non-alcoholic drinks
Relax and take in the beautiful surroundings
Afternoon:
1:00 PM: Optional Activities
Continue exploring the island’s dunes and beaches
Bird watching in the mangrove estuaries
Leisure time for swimming or sunbathing
3:00 PM: Return to Puerto San Carlos
Enjoy the scenic views from our kayaks and keep an eye out for marine life
4:30 PM: Arrive at San Carlos Kayaks Office
Wrap up the tour with some light refreshments
Share your experiences and photos
Professional local guide
All kayaking equipment (kayak, paddle, life jacket, spray skirt, bailer)
Picnic lunch and snacks
Safety gear and first aid supplies
Breakfast
Boat pick up
Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
Refillable water bottle
Lightweight, comfortable clothing
Wind breaker
Swimwear and towel
Water shoes or sandals
Insect repellent
Personal medications
Waterproof bag for personal items
$1200 MXN per person
Minimum group size: 2 people
Maximum group size: 12 people
