Duration: 6–8 hours · Distance: 6 km each way · Price: $65 USD per person
Join us for a sea kayak day tour across Bahía Magdalena to Isla Magdalena and the sand dunes of Los Arenales. We launch from Los Morritos beach in Puerto San Carlos and paddle about 6 km across the bay to one of the island’s narrowest points, where only a short 200 m walk separates the calm bay from the open Pacific. Here, you’ll find sweeping white sand, towering dunes, and a sense of solitude that’s hard to find anywhere else.
Every stroke of your paddle brings you deeper into this wild landscape—mangrove channels, desert coastline, and the meeting point of land, sea, and sky. Bahía Magdalena is known for its rich biodiversity: coastal desert plants and cacti on shore, and seabirds and marine life in the surrounding waters. This is a genuine kayaking experience for people who love being on the water and getting there under their own power.
Individuals, kayaking and outdoor clubs, small groups, and families with kids who are comfortable on the water are all welcome.
For guests who prefer less paddling, we can arrange a panga to transport kayaks and guests across the channel. You’ll then paddle along the shoreline and explore some mangrove channels, returning by boat (additional cost applies).
We recommend:
Let us know if you’d like to rent or borrow any additional items, or if you have specific questions about gear.
This isn’t a generic tourist loop—our local guides know these waters by heart. We focus on real kayaking: good technique, safe crossings, and unhurried time in a wild, beautiful place. If you want a day of true Baja paddling and scenery, this is your trip. Contact us to book your Sea Kayak Day Tour to Magdalena Island Sand Dunes – Los Arenales.
(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
“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.
