From Arrival to Adventure
Everything You Need To Know Before Your Paddle
Baja is famously welcoming. Loreto is quieter and safer than most U.S. cities — you’ll see kids skating in the plaza at night and families strolling the Malecón. We include safety equipment with every trip, and for multi-day adventures you’ll carry a satellite communicator so we can send weather updates and know you’re OK.
Packing Basics
Keep it simple. Think layers, quick-dry clothes, and minimal extras. We’ll provide the paddling and camping gear, but you’ll want:
- Sun protection (hat, glasses, reef-safe sunscreen)
- Comfortable clothing that dries quickly
- Sandals or water shoes
- A warm layer for cool desert nights
- Personal toiletries and medications
Getting Here
Loreto is a small, safe, walkable town on the Sea of Cortez. You can fly in from Los Angeles, Tijuana, or La Paz — or road-trip down the peninsula if you’re feeling adventurous. Once you’re here, you’re minutes from our Expedition Base, the waterfront, and your first paddle stroke.
Flights to Loreto (LTO)
Los Angeles & San Francisco
- Alaska Airlines direct from LAX/SFO, $200–$650.
- 2x weekly to daily depending on season.
Canada
- WestJet direct from Calgary, usually Saturdays.
U.S. East Coast
- American Airlines via Phoenix or Dallas, most days.
San Diego (via CBX)
- Cross Border Xpress walkway into Tijuana Airport.
- Volaris and Calafia Airlines fly Tijuana → Loreto several times a week.
- CBX shuttle back to San Diego ($11) or Los Angeles ($25).
Mexico City & Europe Connections
- Fly into Mexico City, connect on Aeromexico, Volaris, or Calafia.
- From La Paz: 5-hour bus or Calafia flight to Loreto.
Airport to Loreto Hotels
Taxi ~$20 USD, drivers know the main hotels.
Taxi from the Airport
It costs about $230 pesos or $20USD for a taxi-van to hotels in downtown Loreto. Come prepared with the name of your hotel. Town is small. The taxi-vans do the rounds and stop at all the hotels they need to, and they know where they are. If you’re staying at an Air BnB you might want to have the names of the nearest cross-streets or landmarks and the address if it has one.
Walking Around
The most dangerous part of your Baja trip might be walking on the sidewalks of Loreto, simply for all the holes, uneven sections, and obstacles. We recommend walking in the streets in many areas. It’s a well-known Baja joke that Loretanos all walk in the street. Be especially careful after dark and after Happy Hour, when driver sight or perception could be impaired.
The locals are friendly and helpful, just the sidewalks are treacherous.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Always travel with a valid passport in Mexico. If you fly into Mexico, you will be given a form to fill out, and the cost of your visa is included in your flight. If you cross on foot or in a vehicle, you will need to visit the Immigration office at the border or as soon as you can in Loreto. Cost is about $20USD. Or plan ahead and contact a Mexican government tourism office located in some US cities.
