Baja Island Kayaking Expeditions Hosted by Gary Bulla

Camping and fishing at Magdalena Island on Magdelalena Bay living in another world. Gliding into it using sit on top kayaks is an unforgettable experience.We will cruise the huge estero and it's tidal river and cast against the mangroves for broomtail grouper, corvina, mangrove snapper, jack crevalle, spotted bay bass,and african pompano. Sometimes we stake our kayaks with our paddles and cast from the flats. Oppurtunities for incredibly productive surf fishing abound for halibut and California corbina on the Pacific side of our island.

Kayaks provided are Ocean Kayak Prowler 13s, with a high back padded seat. Bring your personal items, sleeping bag and fishing gear and ready yourself for a real flyfishing adventure on a remote island in the Bahia Magdalena-which is larger than San Francisco Bay! Packing lists are part of the registration/information packe, but you only need a nine or ten weight fly rod.

Learn to flyfish from a kayak-it is easier than you think and as challenging as you want to make it. This trip is about fishing-not long distance paddling. Other elective activities include hiking on the island over to the Pacific side, birdwatching, swimming and relaxing. Our cook is always in camp preparing our next meal and cocktails (or fishing for it). I have been working with the same staff for fiteen years-and that is one of the reasons so many of my clients are repeats-it is a very fun trip. I am always filled with anticipation about going back to this area. It is always different and full of surprises.

** Price based on minimum of 7 and maximum of 10 guests **

Trip price includes: 2 hotel nights in La Paz on June 9th and 16th. Private taxi shuttle from your hotel to spectacular camp site on the sand dunes of Isla Magdalena near the fishing village of Puerto Adolfo Lopez Matteos. Base camp is already set up for a week of fine dining, cocktails and fishing.
Not included: flights and airport transfer. Sleeping bags and fishing gear.(Single supplement for individuals traveling alone and not sharing hotel room: $120 US).

Itinerary: 2013

May 25: Arrive in La Paz – check into La Paz hotel and meet Gary Bulla for trip orientation

May 26: Van ride to Lopez Mateos and panga over to our island base camp. Total transfer time approximately 4 hours. Lunch followed by first afternoon fishing in protected estuary opposite our camp site.

May 26-31: Fly-fishing, hiking in sand dune, beach-combing along the Pacific Ocean, Nature watching and relaxing at camp.

After breakfast, fishing and lunch on Friday the 31st we will take our private taxi back to La Paz. Check into Araiza Inn and then farewell dinner (included) in a La Paz restaurant.

June 1: Breakfast and flight home, or transfer to La Ventana.

Reserve a spot now!

"Quick Escape" (a half week) for your group!

Paddle at Isla Espiritu Santo, San Jose, or Magdalena Islands and fly fish for a variety of species. We have great kayaks, and an incredibly beautiful location with plenty of Baja inshore game fish. Have a delicious lunch and then cast into the magical Sea of Cortez or Magdalena Bay esteros and surf of the Pacific Ocean. Spend the evening trading stories and sipping a "grita".

It is a great time of year to strand yourself on a beautiful island and see the backing on your fly reel. The food and camaraderie is always incredible. In the Sea of Cortez you may catch dorado, rooster fish, black skipjack tuna, bonita, ladyfish, snapper, cabrilla, trigger fish, needle fish, green jacks, crevalle jacks, gafftopsail pompano, african pompano, golden trevally, yellowfin tuna, yellowtail or in Mag Bay corvina, leather jacks . broomtail grouper, halibut, corbina and spotted bindex.php?go=contactay bass or who knows? You have seen the pictures, right? Questions? Contact Gary Bulla

Included: All food and beverages during trip, hotel night before and after trip, transportation from hotel to island and back, all kayak gear, all snorkel gear, wetsuit, all camping gear - (excluding sleeping bag, air mattress or Thermo-rest). Bring your own tent, wetsuit and snorkel gear if you prefer.

Not included: Air fares, airport transfer, sleeping bag, meals in La Paz (other than farewell dinner for week guests).

All gear must be reserved ahead of time. We will need to know height and weight for wetsuits and foot size for snorkel gear.

Custom Trips:

These dates don't work? Put together your own group of seven or more and let's arrange it for the dates that work for you.

For more information or Contact Gary Bulla

Help conserve Espiritu Santo

The Archipelago of Espiritu Santo is part of the 'Gulf of California Islands' Flora and Fauna Protection Area. Endemic species inhabit the islands and the terrestrial portion of the biodiversity include more than 200 species of vascular plants. There are more than 70 species of insular fauna, in groups such as amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals, which include notables like the Juancito (little squirrel), the Babisuri (Ring-tailed cat), the Black Hare. In the surrounding waters you can observe more than 50 species of aquatic birds that nest in the archipelago and more than 15 species of marine mammals. On our fly fishing trips we average fifteen species of fish. The island seas are bursting with life. Some areas around Espiritu Santo are protected marine sancuaries and may not be fished.

By joining one of our overnight expeditions to Bahia Magdalena, San Jose Island, Espiritu Santo Archipelago, or Cerralvo Island a proportion of your trip fee is given to the Conservation Department of the Mexican Government (SEMARNAT). Great efforts are being made to conserve the islands in their natural splendor so we may continue to enjoy them in pristine condition. We help to protect the islands providing statistical information and voluntary ranger service besides arranging periodic beach cleaning. We proudly uphold the conservation efforts and with your support we will continue to enjoy this wonderful kayaker's paradise.

Click Here for the (PDF) article that Scott Sadil wrote about Baja Kayak Fly Fishing with Gary Bulla in Fly Rod and Reel Magazine.

October 2011