Traveling to Baja (Loreto, Mexico)

 

Flight Information

All Sea Trek Baja depart from the quaint town of Loreto located on the Baja Penninsula about 600 air miles south of San Diego. (Click on map at right for larger image).

Alaska Airline and their affiliate Horizon offer direct service (75 minutes)to Loreto (LTO)from Los Angeles(LAX). The weekly schedule is Saturday,Sunday,Tuesday, Thursday, Friday. In order to take advantage of lower fares (approx. $100 less) and better seat availability we have scheduled our travel days on Fridays. If flights on your desired date are full you may need to arrive earlier in Loreto. We can arrange your hotel for the extra night/s.

For reservations contact Alaska Airlines (800)252-7522 or call our travel agent Michael at Redwood Skytours (415) 454-4932. For $25 you can leave it in his hands to find you the best deals. We are also happy to help you with any details.

Also Aereo Calafia airline offers flights between Tijuana and Loreto on Sunday, Wednesday and Fridays. The cost is around $170 one way. You would fly to San Diego, take a taxi to the border, walk through customs and take a certified Mexican taxi for the short ride to the Tijuana airport.

Travel Tips

Book early for the best fares. Our Friday schedule will make it easier to find good fares and better seat availability.

Reconfirm your flights directly with the airline 72 hours prior to departure. For the return flight our transfer service in Loreto will reconfirm your flight for you.

Logistics

Flight Scheduling for LAX connection

Be sure to schedule your flight to LA so that you have two hours to make the connection to Loreto. Remember it's an International flight and you have all the time getting through security etc. If you are leaving from San Francisco it means an early morning flight but it goes very smoothly. Alaska will check your bags through to Loreto so you do not have to deal with them in LA. Also, the connecting flight in LA leaves from the domestic terminal which makes it very convenient.

On the return flight from Loreto be sure to give yourself plenty of time (1.5-2hrs) between connections. You’ll need time to clear customs and immigration in the International Terminal at LAX and get to your domestic gate.

Arrival in Loreto
Upon arrival at the Loreto International Airport look for a SEA TREK sign held up by C & C Ground Service representative. We have been working with them for over 20 years. They will have your name on a list and will make sure all your needs are taken care of. They will bring you and your luggage to the hotel where your rooms will be waiting for you.

This transfer and your return transfer to the airport are included in your Baja trip cost. Sea Trek guides will meet you in the hotel lobby at 6:00 pm for an evening group meeting. By the way, Loreto is on Mountain Standard Time--one hour later than California.

Missing Your Flight
If you miss your flight or are otherwise delayed, please contact our office immediately. You will need to get on the flight leaving Sunday. You may have to leave a message on our voice mail (415) 332-8494. The guides will be advised of your delay so they can arrange to have you met upon arrival and transport you to our first camp site. Note that there may be an additional charge for late arrivals. It is also possible to get a message to our guides by contacting C & C /Ground Service in Loreto at (011-52) (613)-135-0525 or 133-0151.

We know that the challenges of scheduling and traveling can sometimes be demanding and exhausting; we encourage you to relax and enjoy the ride!

Travel Documents

Proof of citizenship is required to enter Mexico; you will need a valid passport. If you are a citizen of any country other than the U.S. or Canada, please check with a local consulate or tourist office for the necessary requirements. A free tourist card will be issued to you on the flight to Loreto. Half of this will be collected by immigration officials upon arrival. The other half must be presented when you leave the country; keep this document with your passport.

Money, Additional Costs & Tipping

There is no need to buy pesos before your arrival. Merchants will accept dollars and it's best to have small bills for easy exchange and to avoid leaving with excess pesos. Usually there are ATM machines working for quick cash but there are no guarantees. Some places of business do accept traveler's checks and Visa/Master Card for payments, but not all. You'll need cash for three meals in Loreto, dinner the night you arrive, breakfast the next morning, and breakfast the day you fly home. Also, bring some cash for any of those special souvenirs you might find.

Should I Tip My Guide?
If you would like to express your appreciation to the guides through a gratuity, please know that such recognition would be enthusiastically received. The industry standard for tipping is approximately 10 percent of the trip cost. All tips received will be collected and equally disbursed amongst your guides by the trip leader.

Travel & Medical Insurance

We strongly recommend that you protect your vacation through the purchase of a short-term traveler's insurance policy should you need to cancel for some unforseen reason. Sea Trek cannot refund any of your cost within 60 days of your departure.

Trip cancellation insurance can reimburse you for any non-refundable air and land expenses should you have to cancel your space due to family illness, as well as cover any emergency evacuation expenses should you become ill during the trip. Sea Trek does not accept responsibility for lost, damaged or delayed property.

Sea Trek has an unblemished safety record. Although every effort is made to ensure a safe trip, you should realize that in the event of illness or injury, evacuation can be expensive. Please check your medical coverage and be sure it is adequate. Everyone is required to sign an Acknowledgement of Risk and Liability Release before the trip, acknowledging their awareness that some risks are associated with ocean kayaking and wilderness travel.

Medical and Health

It is vital that trip members with any medical problems or disabilities make them known to Sea Trek by completely filling out our Confidential Health Questionnaire and returning it well before departure.

All our guides have C.P.R. and advanced first-aid training. We have a well-equipped first-aid kit for emergencies and common problems. The conditions are those found on any long wilderness trip: inaccessibility to civilization and vulnerability to the elements. Immediate evacuation to the U.S. can be prolonged and difficult, so medical emergencies must be handled in the field. Sea Trek assumes no liability regarding provision of health care. Please review your medical insurance and the insurance options/additional coverage offerings in the travel insurance brochure.