Loreto, Baja California, Mexico — Cliffs of red-hued basalt rising sharply out of the sea and the bold outlines of towering cacti provide the backdrop for paddling sea kayaks 60 miles on this little known, classic 10-day circumnavigation of Baja California’s Isla Carmen, the largest island in Loreto Bay National Marine Park in the Gulf of California. The company runs this trip only once a year in April, when winds are typically calm.

“Although tour groups visit the southern tip of Carmen, the rest of the island remains mostly wild and untouched,” says Sea Kayak Adventures president Terry Prichard. “Plus, the marine life blows people away – over 280 species of reef fishes, as well as scores of dolphins, sea lions, and five of the big whale species ply the surrounding waters. We are the only company to offer this tour.” You can be among the few to paddle along Carmen’s rocky cliffs through crystal-clear water, coves with sandy beaches, reefs, and sea caves (including Cueva Blanca, where kayakers can explore the cave’s deepest recesses). Adds Prichard “one third of the world’s whale species call the Gulf of California (also known as Sea of Cortez) home, according to whale experts”.

The islands of Baja’s Sea of Cortez have been called “Mexico’s Galapagos” with their volcanic ash layers, fabulous rock formations, crystal waters, and teeming wildlife.

Here you’ll snorkel with brilliant king angelfish and lobster, watch plunge-diving blue-footed booties, and search for 90-ton blue whales – the world’s largest animal. Pause midway at Salinas Bay to visit an abandoned 19th century salt mine and coral chapel. Afterwards, swim with dolphins in the bay’s 72-degree water. You will paddle about five to six hours per day, broken up by lunch and rest stops. A two-day paddle rounding the island’s remote north shore leads to Balandra Bay, where you can hike an arroyo into the island’s desert interior past saguaro-like cardon cactus and wild figs in the company of desert iguanas and big-horned sheep. From your tented camps in sheltered coves, watch vermillion skies as they illuminate the banded layers of the Sierra de la Giganta range, the plume of a whale lingering in the still air, and leaping manta rays flopping back into the glassy water as guides dish out margaritas and tasty chili rellenos.

When to go: April 20-May 1, 2010. Difficulty: Moderate. The super value price of $1695 USD per person (or shorter 7-day version for $1195) includes two nights in Loreto; all meals; all camping and kayaking equipment; naturalist guides; taxes and airport arrival transfer. Airfare is not included. SKA is carbon neutral, fiscally solid and responsible and donates a portion of your trip cost to wildlife conservation groups in Baja. Outfitter: Sea Kayak Adventures, 800-616-1943, www.seakayakadventures.com

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