Sea Kayak Primer

Live the Freedom!

The Primer is the perfect kayak vacation if you like a relaxed pace, time to snorkel, play, learn, or if you are relatively new to kayaking. Primers are our most accessible self-supported, multi-day trips.

Although you can learn a lot about kayaking here, a Primer is about much more than just paddling. Peek into tide pools for the amazing tiny life that survives tremendous changes. Comb beaches for interesting creatures. The shell of the paper nautilus. The prickly skeleton of a pufferfish. Hike inland to discover geological treasures and rewarding views.

Snorkel in the world’s youngest and richest ocean. Colorful angelfish, graceful triggerfish, neon damsel fish, and camouflaged scorpionfish. Find pencil urchins wedged into rocky crevices, and the tiny goby fish hiding between their spines.

Don’t forget the nighttime stars, planets, nebulae, and satelites cruising through it all. In the zero light pollution, the nighttime views are out of this world. Literally!

Form new friendships, deepen lifelong bonds, and tickle your imagination with different perspectives. Return to the “other” reality refreshed, energized, and inspired. Expeditions are about paddling, but more deeply they are about life!

Check out the variety of special-focus trips, or join us on the classic.

Loreto Islands Primer, the original self-supported journey right here out our front door in the Loreto National Marine Park. Special Loreto Island Primers include:

Learn in Paradise is a course and trip rolled into one.

Loreto Islands Womens Adventure is a special journey for gals only!

Loreto Islands Meditation Retreat invites you to breathe in the experience of sea and islands, and personal rejuvenation.

The combo trip Islands by Kayak; Cave Paintings by Mule takes a Loreto Islands Primer and adds a mountain adventure deep into history with mules, cave art, and unique ranchero culture for a double World-Heritage experience.

Loreto Islands Photography Develop that eye for capturing adventure, wildlife, scenery, and life’s best moments.

The Islands and Coast Primer explores a little further from Loreto with more extensive hiking opportunities.

Turtle Island Getaway Want to do something good in the world? Get your hands wet with sea turtle monitoring after a 3-day camping trip.

COMING SOON: Baja for the Curious, which includes one kayak-accessible research theme per trip woven into the trip experience, and contributes in a small way back to this amazing place. Natural History of Baja, a popular exploration of land and sea, is taking a hiatus this season.

Island Getaway When three days is just enough!

Custom Primers of any length are available as well.

Single kayaks with skegs (not foot-operated rudders) are the standard on all our trips. If you would like to paddle a double with your partner, just let us know! We are happy to provide them.

Basic kayaking experience is required on most 6-day trips. This includes a calm capsize, wet exit, and assisted re-entry. We can recommend an instructor near you if you’d like to use this trip as a goal and start your kayak training now. We also invite you to arrive a day early and take a Safety Review class with us the day before your trip. This class will cover your prerequisites and build confidence.

Primer Conditions

Average Daily Distance: 4-8nm (2-4 hours of paddling)
Max Daily Distance: 12nm
Wind: calm to 12kts; force 3; beginning whitecaps
Seas: up to 2′
Crossings: up to 4nm
Surf Landings: up to 1′
Rescue Skills: comfortable wet exit and assisted re-entry
British Canoeing standard: Paddle Discover, Paddle Explore, Sea Kayak
American Canoe Association standard: Level 1-3

Please ask us if you have questions about the conditions and how you can prepare if you’d like to train up for the trip.

List of Trips