You are responsible for booking your own flights or other transport arrangements to the trip start location. These arrangements and any other independent arrangements that you may make are not a part of the trip booked with Wild Women Expeditions and are entirely at your own risk. Wild Women Expeditions accepts no responsibility, directly or indirectly, for any loss, damage or injury to property or person in connection with such arrangements. Should you require assistance with your travel arrangements, please contact:

Megan and Zale | Now Boarding Travel, Travel Specialists

Email: wildwomen@nowboarding.travel

Note: Now Boarding Travel only provides services of 3-star quality or greater. For budget alternatives, please refer to the Lonely Planet guide for your destination.

Important: For international and remote destinations, there is always the risk of flight delays, baggage delays and flight schedule changes which may cause late arrivals, which may, in return, result in you missing the group tour departure. We encourage you to consider arriving one or two days early, which will help you overcome any jet lag from traveling!

PASSPORTS & VISAS

You are fully responsible for your own visa requirements, permits, and certificates for your trip. It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. It is your responsibility to check with the country's Consulate and your country's travel website such as Canada’s for up-to-date information about traveling internationally.

Passport:

Most countries and airlines recommend passports be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected return to your home country. Before you leave, ask your transportation company about its requirements related to passport validity, which may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.

Visa:

Visitors to Mexico must obtain a tourist card (FMM). Major airlines will provide this form during the flight. You must include the following information on the form: numbers of days you will be in the country, passport number, destination, city of origin and other related information. Keep this card, as it will need to be presented to leave the country. If you lose the card you will have to go through Mexican immigration and be charged approximately $30.00 USD to re-do the tourist paperwork.

Do You Need a Mexican Tourist Card?

Note: As fees and policies can change, we highly recommend that you contact your local embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent.

TIPPING

All tipping is included with the exception of guides.

Most participants tip their guides and other tour staff when they feel they were provided great service. We recommend tipping:

$130-150 USD per person to the team of 4-5 that guide the 5-day kayak trip. (This equates to $130 – 150 per person per trip.)
$20 USD per person for the woman lead guide who would be with the trip on all the other days (arrival dinner/orientation, Coronado Island day, San Javier Day)

ACCOMMODATION DETAILS

Rooming Arrangements:

Our trip prices are based on twin share (minimum two people per room/tent), so we’ll team you up with another solo wild woman to share a room with if you’re on your own, or of course you can share with your travel companion.

Private Upgrade:

If you’d prefer not to share a bedroom or tent, we have a single supplement option. Single room upgrades are subject to availability and we will confirm this with you following your request.

Bathrooms:

At the hotels, you’ll have an ensuite or private bathroom attached to your bedroom.

On-Trip Hygiene & Bathrooms:

Wild Women Expeditions recommends you bring along biodegradable wipes (hand sanitizer is available) to use post-washroom and pre-meals.

On the sea kayak expedition, all garbage will be packed out, either in our kayaks or by the motorboat.

A porta-toilet is carried throughout the trip, to be used while at the campsite(s). During the day, expect to pee below the high tide line. The porta-toilet is similar to the image above and will be placed in a discreet location away from the main camp. Think plein air bathroom!

Potable Water:

Purified water is provided throughout the expedition (carried in collapsible containers).

It is advised to not drink the tap water, even in major hotels. Visitors should drink only bottled water, which is widely available.

If you would like to join Wild Women Expeditions in its commitment to reducing single-use plastic, you can travel prepared with your own water treatment system!

Lifestraw

GRAYL Canada | OnePress™ Global Protection

Travelers Against Plastic | Take the TAP pledge

Water-To-Go

Overnight Arrangements During Your Stay

- Hotel Oasis
- Beach camping on Isla Carmen
- Beach camping on Isla Danzante

QUICK FACTS ABOUT LORETO, MEXICO

Wildlife Viewing Etiquette

One of the greatest attractions to our trips is the wildlife we may encounter while hiking, paddling, on the boat tour or in transit along highways. Our guides are well versed in the areas we kayak, the habits of the local wildlife, and they regularly communicate with other kayakers, whale watchers, and researchers to improve our wildlife viewing possibilities. But please keep in mind that wildlife is just that, wild, and we cannot guarantee any wildlife sightings.

When we encounter wildlife, we have some basic rules that must be followed to ensure that wildlife is not adversely affected by our presence. The main goal when viewing any wildlife is not to disturb their normal activities. Your guides instruct you to stay close together as a group when viewing any wildlife and position the group appropriately to minimize any disturbance to the wildlife. Feeding wild animals is strictly forbidden. There are provincial and federal laws that can result in fines and/or jail terms for feeding wildlife. At your pre-trip meeting, your guides will review our approach to wildlife viewing.

Swimming with Sea Lions
- Snorkel with a ‘buddy’, taking particular care to be mindful of currents.
- Let the sea lions swim to you rather than chasing them. They are naturally curious and if you’re patient you will enjoy a close encounter.
- Do not corner them and respect their territory – if a sea lion blows bubbles in your face you are too close and should move away slowly.
- Avoid a staring match – this could antagonize them. Rather appear disinterested so they do not feel threatened by your presence.
- Do not touch or hold on to them!
- Swimming with the sea lions is a great experience with very few-reported incidences but remember they are wild animals, and you should be aware of the risks involved.
Paddling Conditions

Baja is well known for its gorgeous aquamarine tranquil seas and has thus become a mecca for kayakers of all abilities. In fact, it is one of the most popular paddling destinations throughout the northern hemisphere during the winter months. However, it should not go unmentioned that there are regular north winds that can reach 20+mph.

These “northerlies” are particularly present between mid-November and mid-March and can sometimes blow for three days at a time, though more commonly they are limited to being strong afternoon breezes. These winds can create tough paddling conditions – waves, choppy water, etc.

The area has some deep fjord-like bays that provide protection from these prevailing winds, but there could be day(s) when we cannot kayak. It may still be possible to practice kayak skills – rescues, the roll, even surfing but not possible to advance from one bay to another. Your guides are highly experienced, and they will always offer alternative activities if it is not deemed safe to kayak – hiking, snorkelling in a protected bay, etc.

Common Natural Hazards
- Dehydration & sunburn: The sun unfailingly claims the biggest number of casualties – please take appropriate precautions to avoid joining the statistics.
- Wind: The Baja ‘Norte’ blows regularly and unexpectedly between November and April. Pre-trip planning and constant vigilance for a change in the weather are essential ingredients for a successful expedition.
- Stingrays: Adopt the ‘stingray shuffle’ technique. Stingrays hide under the sand of shallow waters. Wear footwear and shuffle your feet while in the water, this will scare the stingrays away. If you fall victim, place the wound in a pot with hot water and vinegar. Continue to add hot water to maintain temperature. After one hour the pain should dissipate.
- Jelly Fish: Keep an eye out, particularly during the warm water months. If inflicted avoid scratching the area. Apply Cortisone cream, or urine with hot sand will work very well.
- Stone Fish: These are very dangerous and fortunately rare. Do not stand up on rocky areas while snorkelling.
- Rattlesnakes & Scorpions: They are rare but keep an eye out when hiking. Also, keep your tent zipped up to avoid these and other unwelcome visitors.
- Puffer Fish: You will find numerous puffers washed up on the shoreline along with other treacherous objects. These cause the second most frequent injuries.
Kayak & Kayak Safety

There will be a combination of single (solo) and tandem (double) kayaks on trip and manufacturers may include; Seaward, Prijon, Current Design, Delta and Necky. Please understand that single kayak cockpits are max 15” wide and may not be able to accommodate larger people.

There will be kayak orientation on Day 2. This may include things like: demonstration and practice of wet exits, how to use all the kayak equipment, how to pack your kayak, how we will travel in the kayaks, how we can work together and paddle safe, campsite protocol, reviewing natural hazards etc.

The guides try to rotate people around so that everyone has a chance to paddle the different boats. Please let Wild Women Expeditions know if you have a strong preference between a single or a double so that we can take it into account.

For practical purposes, the trip needs at least one double kayak both for safety reasons and for gear carrying capacity. Ideally, it is preferred to have at least half the group in doubles and then trade around amongst the participants that are happy to paddle either. The guides will have the final safety ‘call,’ and much will depend on the forecast for the particular day.

Climate & Weather

Weather Conditions and Sea Temperature Chart

MONEY MATTERS

Wild Women Expeditions recommends that each participant should bring enough cash in local currency or available credit/debit funds to cover their meals during travel to and from their destination. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, meals not included in the trip package, shopping, etc., and we also suggest you have access to emergency funds.

Currency Exchange Offices & Banks:

Mexico’s official currency is the Peso. Merchants and businesses are no longer allowed to change U.S. dollars for pesos, but they will tell you the location of the nearest currency exchange office or bank.

You will usually find a currency exchange counter at international airports throughout Mexico, identified by the “Exchange” sign. You will have to show your passport in order to be able to exchange money. The exchange rate is usually shown as “buy” or “purchase”, which shows how many pesos you will receive for each dollar.

Please check online for current exchange rates. Wild Women Expeditions likes XE Currency Converter

We highly suggest you read this article: Where to Exchange Currency Without Paying Huge Fees for more information about this for your trip.

Automated Teller Machine (ATM)

The most convenient way to buy pesos is by using an ATM. You will often receive better exchange rates, even though you have to pay a service fee, as with most ATMs outside your bank network. Please do not accept any help from people who are not bank employees.

Banks

Not all banks provide the service of exchanging pesos and dollars, and some require you to have an account with them. Ask someone at your hotel to tell you about the location of the nearest bank where tourists can exchange their currency. You will also need a valid passport to make the exchange.

Credit Cards

If you have a credit card, you will find that it provides one of the best exchange rates. Although you will not receive pesos directly, your monthly balance usually shows the exchange rate you received on purchases made with the credit card.

International credit cards and ATM cards will work as long as they have a four-digit PIN encoded. Check with your bank before leaving home.

Budgeting

Here is a general guide to budgeting in Mexico:

Money and Costs in Mexico – Lonely Planet

Sales Taxes

The general VAT (Value added tax) rate is 16%.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Useful Websites:

GETTING FIT

Please be sure to provide complete, accurate, and up-to-date information about your health & fitness level and keep us updated if there are changes. Wild Women Expeditions trips travel to remote areas where limited or no sophisticated medical facilities exist.

A medical emergency situation is extremely unlikely; however, should it arise we need to be prepared with the necessary information to help you.

Important Note: If you choose not to disclose a condition, infirmity, injury, or ailment herein and are subsequently deemed to be unfit for expedition travel due in whole or in part to such condition, infirmity, injury or ailment, Wild Women Expeditions guides, and partners shall have the right to remove you from the trip with no refund or compensation payable. Any evacuation expenses incurred are payable by the evacuee via their medical travel insurance or personal expense. Generally, our expeditions are intended for travelers in reasonably good health for their safety, along with that of their fellow travelers.

Begin conditioning your body months in advance so you can easily adjust to the trip’s itinerary—whether it’s sleeping in a tent, being able to comfortably swim a certain distance or paddling for three consecutive hours.

Swimming is a big part of this trip if you want to see the marine life up close, therefore, please notify Wild Women Expeditions if you are a non-swimmer. Sea kayaking requires sustained effort and conditions can be challenging!

Wild Women Expeditions recommends that in the months leading up to your adventure, you prepare yourself by increasing your level of fitness with cardio and/or weight training. Many community centres offer programs that can keep you on track. We can also help you find a basic kayak skills program in your area.

Please note: All gear (tents, food and personal items) will be carried in your kayak when we move campsites on the island, adding additional weight to your kayak.

Tips:

You don't have to be a professional athlete to enjoy your Wild Women expedition. Not by a long shot! You'll be surprised at what you can achieve with our experienced guides at your side and a little camaraderie.

That said, you’ll definitely enjoy yourself far more if you do some preparation so your body is conditioned and ready to enjoy and make the most of the outdoors.

Here are a few ideas to help you get ready:

Take every opportunity you can to be active.

You can improve your fitness a lot just by adopting some new habits; take the stairs at work, go for a walk at lunchtime, park your car away from work and walk. Aim for 30 minutes a day and keep a diary so you can look back on it and feel proud. These may sound trivial but they’re all building blocks!

Rev up your ticker!

Think ‘interval training’, which means doing short bursts of high-intensity work with recovery time in between. Depending on how fit you are this can mean strolling with bursts of power walking, or jogging with sprints. Either way, the aim is to get your heart rate up.

Join a local walking or running group.

This is a great way to get fit and you’ll also see new places, meet great people… and make them all jealous when they find out what you’re about to go on your travels.

Hill training.

The most spectacular views aren’t from the bottom of a valley – so the places we go on our trips aren’t flat. A little time training on hills and stairs is an investment that’ll pay off big-time when you’re on your trip. When it comes to hills there’s no hurry – get into a slow steady rhythm and you’ll be at the top before you know it.

Work on your upper body and core strength.

Weight lifting, yoga and pilates can help with this.

Warm up, cool down and stretch.

If you’re doing a workout then make sure you start and finish gently and stretch any tight muscles – this will help you avoid any aches, pains and pulled muscles. If you’re a member of a gym try some yoga, tai chi or pilates classes to build up your flexibility, stability and balance.

Take a kayak lesson!

Although this trip is beginner-friendly and your guides will lead you through a full orientation once on the trip, if you haven’t paddled a kayak before, taking a lesson with a local kayak outfitter will help increase your confidence (even a pool session will help get you into the groove).

Break in your hiking boots.

Blisters and sore feet are no fun at all! So make sure that while you’re getting yourself ready you’re doing the same for your boots. Start by just wearing them around the house, then down the road, and walking the dog. Then ideally do a couple of decent length weekend hikes to prepare them for what is to come.

Hydration.

When you suddenly ask your body to walk or be active, it needs a bit more fuel than it needs when, say, sitting at a desk all day! The main thing your body needs is water, so stay hydrated and practice sipping water often. Getting a water bottle or hydration bladder is a great way to make sure you have it on hand at all times. Make a habit out of taking a bottle of water with you wherever you go.

Nutrition.

Eating little and often will keep your body well fuelled for outdoor exercise, especially food like nuts, dried fruit and bread. The odd bit of chocolate and a few boiled lollies are good for keeping your blood sugar levels up while you’re hiking as well!

Have fun!

The most important point of all! You are about to embark on the trip of a lifetime. You’re going to meet some amazing people, see some wonderful places and create memories that will stay with you for life. The more prepared you are to tackle the various challenges, the more fun you will have. Also, with all the endorphins you create from all this training, you’ll be smiling from ear to ear! It’s a great way to boost your happy vibes.

GENERAL FAQ'S

For general Wild Women Expeditions FAQs please click [HERE].