BA J A SE A KA Y A K I N G A N D WH A L E WA T C H I N G

O.A.R.S. International, Inc. • PO Box 67, Angels Camp, CA 95222 • www.oars.com • info@oars.com • 800-346-6277

TRIP PLANNER

Please use this Trip Planner as a resource for general

information on your Baja Sea Kayaking and Whale

Watching adventure. The information enclosed covers

most everything you’ll need to know before your trip. Of

course, if you have questions that are not answered in

this packet, we are happy to help! Just call 1-800-346-

6277 in the USA or Canada or 1-209-736-4677 if outside

the USA or Canada to speak with an adventure

consultant, or e-mail us at info@oars.com.

TRIP PREPARATION CHECK LIST

□ Purchase Travel Insurance: For your protection,

we require that all participants have evacuation

insurance. If you don’t have proof of insurance

at the start of the trip, you cannot take part in

the expedition. A policy including trip

cancellation insurance is highly recommended

to cover your non-refundable payments, in

most cases, should you have to cancel your trip

due to illness or injury. As with most major

travel arrangements, there are cancellation fees

that will apply regardless of why or when you

might need to cancel.

□ Trip Forms: Each participant will need to

complete the required trip forms. Refer to your

confirmation e-mail for details. Forms must be

filled out no later than 90 days prior to your

trip. If you are reserving your trip within 90

days, please complete the forms immediately.

□ Reserve flights, shuttles and lodging: Confirm

travel arrangements to and from your

departure and return cities. Verify with your

adventure consultant that your trip has met

minimum numbers prior to booking flights.

Reserve pre-trip and/or post-trip lodging, if

required or extending your visit.

□ Physical Conditioning: Your outdoor adventure

will be an active participatory trip. Regular

exercise prior to your departure will certainly

add to your enjoyment. Take the time to get

into shape with a consistent fitness routine.

□ Payments: Final payment is due in our office 90

days prior to your trip (refer to your invoice for

final payment date). Please let us know if you

would like us to automatically charge your

credit card on file when final payment is due.

TABLE OF CONTENTS Travel Arrangements 2

Meeting Place & Time 2

Essential Travel Documents 3

Trip Description 3

Weather Conditions 6

Health/Medical Information 6

Getting Ready 6

Packing for Your Trip 7

Suggested Packing List 9

Helpful Links 10

Terms and Conditions 10

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TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS Meeting Place & Time You should make arrangements to arrive in La Paz, Mexico on or before day 1 of your trip. The evening of day 1 is free to explore La Paz on your own and dine at one of its many fine restaurants. Our group will meet the following day for breakfast, at our hotel. Final information with details regarding your hotel and a voucher for your taxi from the airport or the malecon (town center) will be sent approximately two weeks before your trip.

Getting to and from La Paz There are no direct flights from North America to La Paz (LAP). One option is to fly to San Jose del Cabo (SJD) and take a 3 hour shuttle to La Paz. The other option is to connect through Mexico City (MEX). Numerous airlines fly direct between North American cities and the airport in Cabo (Cabo is also referred to as Cabo San Lucas, Los Cabos and San Jose del Cabo–where the airport is actually located). Airlines include Alaska, American, Continental, Frontier, Delta, Virgin America, WestJet, United and US Air. Airlines offering flights from Mexico City to La Paz include Aeromexico, Volaris and Interjet. Let us know if you’d like assistance with arranging your international flight logistics. Our partners at Exito Travel specialize in international destinations and we’d be happy to obtain a quote from them on your behalf. Please do not purchase airfare until your departure has been confirmed by the minimum number of required guests. Transportation between Cabo and La Paz:

Shared shuttle service: Ecobaja Tours is an inexpensive, reliable and efficient shuttle service. They operate several daily shuttles between the Cabo airport and the La Paz malecon, a short cab ride to the hotel. The cost is about $35/person one-way and takes approximately 3 hours. For current shuttle times and reservations, go to www.ecobajatours.com

Private shuttle service: O.A.R.S. can assist with arranging a private shuttle between the Cabo airport and La Paz. Prices are based on the number of passengers.

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Local bus service: If you are already in the area, you can take the public bus to La Paz from local bus stations. Please allow plenty of time and flexibility. www.autotransportesaguila.com

Flights: Service into La Paz is offered by Aero Calafia. However, flights depart from Cabo San Lucas (CSL), not San Jose del Cabo (SJD). You can learn more at www.aerocalafia.com.mx/en/

Car Rentals: It is possible to rent a car and drive to La Paz. Several major car rental agencies are represented in Cabo and La Paz, along with some local ones.

After Your Trip You will overnight in La Paz on the night of day 9. You may depart anytime on day 10. Pre- and Post-Trip Accommodations This trip includes accommodation for the nights of itinerary day 1 through itinerary day 9. If you plan to arrive early or stay late, O.A.R.S. can assist in booking pre- or post-trip accommodation at the hotels we use. If you decide to fly into San Jose del Cabo, you can stay near the airport or travel to Cabo San Lucas, a resort town at the tip of the Baja Peninsula, approximately 25 miles south of San Jose del Cabo. ESSENTIAL TRAVEL DOCUMENTS Passports If you don’t have a passport, apply for one immediately because the process can be lengthy. If you do have a passport, find it and check the expiration date to see that it is valid for at least six months from your planned entry into Mexico. Make a photocopy of the photo page of your passport and carry it separately from your passport. It is also a good idea to leave a copy with your emergency contact at home. If your passport is lost or stolen, a photocopy will help the local consulate speed up authorization for replacement. Also check your passport for blank pages. If you do not have at least two blank pages in your passport, we recommend that you apply to have extra pages added. Do not pack your passport in your checked luggage. You may be asked for your papers at various times during the trip. If you are carrying a customs form, please keep it in a safe place at all times (we do not recommend carrying it in the passport because you often must submit the passport at hotels, where reception clerks can easily lose the form). Visas / Tourist Card Visas are not required for U.S. citizens to enter Mexico. For non-U.S. citizens, please check with the consulate. Your airline will give you a tourist card to complete while on your flight. Be sure that you have signed both copies of this form. Please have this document and your passport available for the customs officer. Keep your copy of this form in a safe place; you will need it to exit Mexico. Minors Special requirements apply to minor (under age 18) children using travel documents and who are not being accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. The Mexican National Immigration Institute (INM) requires a consent document for minors traveling if the minor is departing Mexico, by air or sea, alone or with someone other than a parent or legal guardian who is of legal age and is using Mexican documents to travel (birth certificate, passport, temporary or permanent Mexican residency). More information can be found at http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/country/mexico.html

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Mandatory Evacuation Insurance We require that you purchase emergency medical evacuation insurance to participate in this expedition. Call Travel Insurance Services at 800-937-1387 or visit www.travelinsure.com/what/imedhigh.asp for inexpensive options that cover this requirement. We also strongly recommend that you protect yourself, your belongings, and your vacation through the purchase of a travel insurance plan. A travel insurance plan covers your non-refundable payments in most cases, should you have to cancel your trip due to illness or injury—yours or that of an extended family member—even at the last minute. Check that the plan you choose includes the required emergency medical evacuation coverage mentioned above. Evacuations can be prolonged, difficult, and expensive. Personal belongings and cameras are carried entirely at the owner’s risk, and O.A.R.S. International accepts no responsibility for lost, damaged, delayed or stolen property. Visit www.travelinsure.com/cobran/OARS TRIP DESCRIPTION Camp Life While at Magdalena Bay, a barrier island on the Pacific coast of the Baja Peninsula, we camp on the lee side. Nestled in sand dunes, our camp faces the bay and often provides a great view of whales and dolphins as they swim by. A small mangrove estuary is a 15-minute paddle from camp and provides a peaceful kayaking experience while you observe its abundant bird life. The Pacific Ocean is a 20-minute walk across the majestic windswept sand dunes and provides the lovely sound of waves caressing the beach 24 hours a day. The kitchen and dining area is comprised of large MASH-style wall tents that offer protection from the sun and the wind. The tents are furnished with tables and chairs for eating or relaxing, and feature solar-powered lighting in the evenings. Our guides give presentations here on the local ecology and the biology of the gray whale. Some chaise lounges offer the opportunity for sun bathing on the beach. Solar sun showers are available for showering in private shower stalls. Large (10'x12') walk-in canvas tents are provided for sleeping accommodations, each complete with two cots, sleeping pads and tables. These tents are provided for double occupancy, while smaller backpacking-style tents may be used for singles. The toilets are self-contained porta-potties that flush with water. They are set up in private stalls behind camp and emptied daily. On Espiritu Santo Island, we camp on a white sand beach sandwiched between a shallow, protected bay and the towering cactus of the Southern Sonoran Desert. Large kitchen and dining tents are provided complete with dining tables and chairs for protection from the sun and wind and feature solar-powered lighting in the evenings. A large tarp provides additional shade on the beach. Walk-in canvas tents are provided for sleeping accommodations, each complete with two cots, sleeping pads and tables. These tents are provided for double occupancy, while smaller backpacking-style tents may be used for singles. A private solar shower area is set up for rinsing off salt after you bathe in the sea with biodegradable soap. The toilets are self-contained porta-potties that flush with water. They are set up in private stalls behind camp and emptied daily. Meals & Beverages We serve a combination of the best of American and Mexican tradition prepared with local fresh ingredients. Barbecued chicken, fresh fish Vera Cruz style, grilled steak tacos accompanied by guacamole and a variety of Mexican salsas, plus fresh soups and salads prepared for lunch are just a few examples of our tasty menu. The skiffs allow us to bring large blocks of ice to store fresh produce and chill canned beverages you bring on the trip. Each evening, we serve a cocktail and appetizer for "happy hour" so you can enjoy the spectacular Baja sunset while sipping an ice cold Margarita! Special diets are easily accommodated due to the variety of foods we are able to store.

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Drinking Water We carry sufficient drinking water along with us to provide for your needs throughout the trip. Water is accessible in camp and before excursions for filling personal water bottles. Fresh drinking water is also available at your hotel. We recommend when you are out and about on your own that you drink bottled water. Dietary Restrictions We need to know as soon as possible about any dietary restrictions we should consider in planning your trip. If you have additional food allergies or necessary restrictions, we will do our best to accommodate your needs. However, there may be an additional supplemental menu fee ranging from $5-20 per person per day to cover our increased costs. Beyond our standard menu, we can provide options for vegetarian, vegan and many allergy-restricted diets without applying a fee. However, we cannot always provide the same diversity or sophistication for restricted diets as we do for our regular menu. Due to the constraints of cooking for a large group, availability of ingredients in remote locations and limited packing space, we are often unable to cater to dietary preferences (likes or dislikes). Beverages / Alcohol You will have the opportunity to purchase your own favorite soft drinks or alcohol prior to leaving for Magdalena Bay and Espiritu Santo Island. Our crew will ice your daily choice of beverage in the drink cooler each day during the trip. Sunset each evening is celebrated with happy hour, in which a cocktail is provided. You might have ice-cold, freshly squeezed lime margaritas made with 100% agave tequila or fresh pineapple and coconut laden piña coladas. Kayak Equipment Our fleet of kayaks on each trip is comprised of approximately 2/3 double kayaks and 1/3 single kayaks. Most are made by SEDA products of fiberglass construction and all are equipped with rudders. We do have a few rotomolded (plastic) boats in our fleet for variety in seat construction as some of our guests find the plastic boat seats more comfortable. Based upon your experience, size and group composition your guide will help determine what kayak you will paddle, double or single, fiberglass or plastic. We encourage the group to rotate kayaks so everyone has a chance to paddle to their desire. Light weight Swift and Nimbus paddles, PFD's (personal flotation device, otherwise known as a lifejacket), nylon spray skirts, paddle floats and bilge pumps are all provided on our expeditions. The kayak seasts aren’t padded and we recommend you bring your own. If you are vertically challenged (under 5'3" tall) we recommend you bring a seat pad that adds a couple inches of height while sitting in the kayak seat as our shorter clients have exclaimed how much comfort this adds to their paddling experience. If you are particularly tall (over 6'2") or large (over 200 pounds) please let us know well in advance as we may have to arrange a special kayak to be brought to camp. We offer exclusive use of a single kayak on most trips for a fee of $50 per kayak. You must be fit and experienced in kayaking and screened in advance by our office. The option of exclusive use of a single kayak is limited to the Espiritu Santo Island portion only. Fishing We offer fishing as a side activity on the Sea of Cortez portion, not on the Magdalena Bay whale watching excursion. If you want to fish, please come prepared with your own lures. We supply the rod and reel. Medium to small minnow-type, sinking lures are suggested such as a Rebel jointed Fastrac or mid-size Rapala Magnums (4.5 to 5 inches or 9-12cm in length). Suggested colors include: blue/silver, black/silver, black/gold, green

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mackerel/gold or blue mackerel/silver. Fishing is done from your kayak or by trolling behind a motorized skiff (two rods at a time) from one to two hours before breakfast on certain mornings. Fishing permits are required for anyone who plans to fish. This includes fishing from our motorized skiff or your kayak. You can obtain a fishing permit online at: http://apps.bcs.gob.mx/finanzas/finaweb/fonmar/index.php

Here is the basic information that is requested to purchase your fishing permit: A) Personal: Nombre (first name) and Ape. Paterno (last name) – skip the Ape Materno field B) Domicilio (Address): Poblacion (your city and state); Estado (extranjero, which means foreigner, is top of list); Pais (Estados Unidos or Canada is top of list) C) Permiso (Permit): Dia=daily ~US$14 / Semana=weekly ~US$27 / Mes=month ~US$37 / Ano=year ~US$48 Fecha de Pesca: Choose the date in which you’ll first use the permit D) Acuerdo (Agreement): you must check the box. Press Pagar en Linea (Pay Online) and fill in your credit card information **Limpiar means to clear your entries to start over

The Portable Toilet While the idea of a camping trip is appealing to most people, many are inhibited or reluctant because of modesty or uncertainty. To minimize our impacts, we carry out all solid human waste and use a portable toilet system. It is basically a small self-contained toilet basin that even uses water to flush. It is placed in a secluded spot a discrete distance from tent sites at each camp and is available from the time you arrive until you depart. Toilet paper and a convenient hand-washing station are provided. Bathing At Magdalena Bay, solar sun showers are available for showering in private shower stalls. On Espiritu Santo Island, a private solar shower area is set up for rinsing off salt after you bathe in the sea with biodegradable soap. Dr. Bonner’s does not lather well in salt water; Campsuds, Joy or Dawn work well and are biodegradable. Electricity Mexico’s electrical system is the same as in the U.S. and uses the same type of plugs. You will have regular access to electricity when you are in La Paz. While at our camps, you’ll be able to recharge camera and other batteries during limited times we are operating a generator. A small solar charger is a good option, too, if you think you’ll need to recharge your batteries on a more regular basis. Cameras In addition to your regular camera case, we recommend using extra protection such as zip-lock plastic bags, a waterproof camera case or a small day dry bag in the kayak, with padding. Water and dust can be a problem—so clean your camera every night with tissue, a brush and lens paper. We strongly recommend you take out a rider on your homeowner's policy to cover your camera—especially if it's fine equipment. Make sure to bring additional memory cards, batteries and any other extras you will need. Disposable waterproof and panorama cameras are also a fun option. Electronics & Technology The use of electronic devices, especially music players, on your trip may represent an intrusion into the wilderness experience of your fellow guests. We ask that you please be mindful of the impacts to others and respect the wilderness nature of the trip. Please bring headphones if you intend to listen to music during the trip. Many of our guests travel with their smartphone even though there is limited or no cell service. On a trip like this, there is always the risk of water damage to smartphones and other electronic devices, even when they are

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stowed in a dry bag. If you intend to take your phone with you on the trip, consider investing in a small, waterproof container just for your phone. Communication Once you are on the trip there is limited communication with the “outside world.” Cell phone service is not always available. Our guides are able to use cell phones in many places for emergency service and in other situations communicate by marine band radio on the boats. If you have someone that needs to contact you about an emergency at home, they should call our office (800-346-6277) and we will relay the message to you. Keep in mind the message may not reach you immediately. For your family at home you should define for them what you consider an emergency and provide them with instructions to call our office in the event one occurs during your vacation. Money Matters We recommend a minimum of US$200 cash in bills no larger than $20's. Travelers checks are discouraged, as they are difficult to cash. You may need at least twice that much if you plan to spend money on equipment rentals (sleep kit, snorkel gear and wetsuit), drinks and souvenirs in town. Plan ahead for meals on your own and a tip for your guides. ATM's are available but can be unreliable. Many shops and restaurants accept U.S. dollars but this can vary depending on where you are. In La Paz, you may want some Mexican pesos for purchases around town. You can change U.S. dollars into pesos at the airport, banks (closed on weekends and holidays) or possibly a store (you pay in U.S. dollars and receive change in pesos). Please note, no more than US$300 can be changed into pesos per month at the banks. Credit cards (Visa, MasterCard and occasionally AmEx) are accepted by many larger restaurants and shops, but not by the smaller ones. Weather You may want to check one week prior to your trip for an up-to-date weather forecast. We recommend the following website: www.wunderground.com for weather in Baja.

The weather during the whale watching season (late January through February) tends to be cool with a chance of wind and some rain. Water temperatures are in the mid 60’s °F and daytime air temps range from the 60’s to 80’s °F. The weather at Magdalena Bay on the Pacific coast can be windy and chilly, although calm sunny days are common, while conditions at Espiritu Santo Island, on the Sea of Cortez, are typically calmer. Average Air Temperatures La Paz: Magdalena Bay:

High °F Low °F High °F Low °F

January 74 52 73 51 February 76 52 73 52

Time Zones Baja is located in the same international time zone as the U.S. Mountain Time. (UTC/GMT -7 hours) Health and Medical Information Although we do not require any immunizations to participate, it is important that you be up-to-date on several standard immunizations and that you check with your physician prior to departure. The CDC is a good resource for recommendations pertaining to international travel immunizations: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/ The country of Mexico, including Baja, has a high incidence of Hepatitis A, a contagious liver disease. While we take all precautionary steps to prevent the spread of Hepatitis A at our hotel and on our trips, for complete protection we recommend our clients get vaccinated for Hepatitis A.

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For Women Only Even if you aren’t anticipating your menstrual period, come prepared for it. You can use sandwich-sized Ziploc baggies during the day to store feminine products while you are on the river or hiking, and you can then discretely dispose of the baggies when you reach camp. When possible, we recommend o.b.® tampons, which are 1/3 the size of regular tampons, tuck discreetly into pockets and have less paper wrapping. If you use pads, be sure to bring extras. Many women suggest bringing a small supply of baby wipes. We provide some feminine products on most trips for emergencies.

GETTING READY

Physical Requirements No prior kayaking, snorkeling or camping experience is necessary for this trip, which focuses on a variety of activities including kayaking, snorkeling, hiking and fishing. All these activities are easy to learn and your experienced guides will teach you all you need to know to enjoy them. Kayaking expeditions will vary daily from 4-10 miles, depending on weather, desires and locations.

Wear a Type III Coast Guard approved personal floatation device (maximum chest size of 56 inches)

Climb in and out of the kayaks multiple times each day

Navigate uneven terrain in camp and on hikes

Carry your own bags (20–30 lbs) from the boats to your camping location and back

Self-rescue by climbing back into the kayak or the skiff with the help of another person in the event of an involuntary swim

Physical Preparation Due to the physical nature of this trip, we highly recommend that you engage in regular exercise for at least three months prior to departure to ensure preparedness. No gym membership required! Simple exercises like push-ups, sit-ups and squats go a long way to improving core fitness. Start with these exercises and do three sets of ten repetitions each, three to four times per week. Aerobic training is also easy to accomplish without expensive equipment. Take 30-40 minutes two to three times a week and go for a brisk walk, easy jog or bike ride around town. If you have access to a pool, lake or the ocean, swimming is obviously an ideal choice for aerobic exercise. It provides a full-body work-out and is training that may come in handy in the event of an involuntary swim. It is important to push yourself in the months leading up to your trip by increasing your strength training repetitions and the pace of your aerobic training. Getting in shape will certainly add to your enjoyment of the trip. We Provide

Skilled professional guide service

6 nights catered camping

3 nights hotel accommodation (based on double occupancy)

All meals as outlined in the itinerary (B-breakfast, L-lunch, D-dinner)

2-person tents on a shared basis (there is a $75 charge for a private tent)

Personal flotation device (PFD) which must be worn at all times in compliance with safety regulations

Camp chairs

Eating utensils, cups and plates

Highest quality sea kayaks and related equipment

Transfers as listed in the itinerary

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Available For Rent Please make sure to reserve all equipment rentals on your trip registration form. Payment for equipment will be collected in La Paz prior to your trip departure in cash. Single supplements must be prepaid.

• Single Room & Tent Supplement: $195. Please note: if you are a single traveler and willing to share, we will waive the single supplement if we’re able to pair you with another same sex single.

• Single Tent only: $75 • Sleeping Bag Only: $15 each (no pad rental is necessary, as a cot with pad is provided) • Snorkel Gear Set: $15 per set. Sets include mask, snorkel and fins. • Mask & Snorkel or Fins separately: $10 each • Wetsuit: $15. Highly recommended for trips late November through April.

PACKING FOR YOUR TRIP Clothing During the day – Start with a swimsuit and/or swim trunks and synthetic or merino wool shirt as a base layer. Additional layers can be added and subtracted depending on the weather and temperature. In camp – When the weather is warm, lightweight cotton pants/skirt or shorts and shirt make great camp wear. Those so inclined may enjoy wearing a cotton skirt or sarong in the evening. In the winter (Dec-early Mar), a set of long underwear is the perfect base layer under long pants and a fleece sweater on cool mornings and nights. Footwear During the day—The best all-around choice is an amphibious sport shoe or sport sandal with a heel strap. Aqua socks are fine in the kayaks or on sandy beaches. In camp—We recommend footwear with a sole in camp due to risk of kicking a rock buried in the sand, or stepping on a sharp stick. Flip flops or “Crocs” are OK for wearing in camp only. Please note: If you buy new shoes or sandals for the trip, make sure you break them in first! Headwear During the day—Wide-brimmed hats are a good choice for sun protection. You may also want a ball cap to wear. In camp—When the weather is cool, you’ll want a beanie-style hat to wear in camp. They are the perfect remedy for bed-head as you rise from your sleeping bag to secure your morning cup of coffee or tea, or for retaining warmth in the evening hours after the sun sets. To Avoid Being Cold Synthetic or merino wool long underwear is a must-have on winter (Dec-early Mar) kayak trips. It can be worn under shorts, rain gear, T-shirts, etc., then stripped off when the chill of the morning has worn off. It keeps you warm even if it’s wet (which can happen easily), dries quickly, and it’s compact enough to be stuffed into your small waterproof bag or daypack after you take it off. It can be layered under your waterproof rain jacket and pants. Be aware that cotton items, once wet, do not insulate; only synthetic and wool materials will keep you warm during cool, wet weather. Raingear Raingear protects you from rain and wind. It is one of the essential items that all passengers should have no matter what time of year you are traveling. Look for jacket and pants that are 100% waterproof, not just water resistant. A hooded jacket is recommended, as well as secure closures around your head, neck, wrists and

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ankles. Do not bring a rain poncho as it cannot be worn under your PFD. Sun Protection Protecting yourself from the sun should be taken very seriously. A hat, sunscreen, lip balm and sunglasses are a must. In many cases, a long-sleeve shirt is the best method for preventing sunburn on your upper body. Light-weight long pants may also be appropriate to protect your legs when not in the kayak. Bugs & Mosquitoes Due to the dry desert nature of Baja, it does not tend to be buggy. However, some years have sufficient precipitation to support mosquitoes, gnats and no-see-ums. It’s a good idea to bring insect repellent along, just in case. Sleeping Gear You can bring your own sleeping bag or you can rent one from us. A cot with pad is provided. SUGGESTED PACKING LIST Equipment and Personal Items:

□ Sleeping bag and small pillow. (Sleeping bags are available for rent) □ Day pack or fanny pack □ Water bottle: 1 heavy-duty and minimum 1-liter capacity with a carabiner to attach it to the kayak □ Headlamp or flashlight with spare batteries □ Plastic bags: for separating wet/dirty clothing □ Sunglasses (preferably polarized) with securing strap and a spare □ Quick-drying towel and washcloth □ Beach towel □ Toiletries: biodegradable that lathers in saltwater □ Sunscreen and lip protection: waterproof & SPF 30 or higher □ Moisturizing lotion or cream □ Insect repellent □ Personal first aid kit (Band-aids, antibiotic ointment, ibuprofen, moleskin, eye drops, etc.) □ Spare pair of glasses and/or contacts □ Cash for gratuities

Footwear:

□ Amphibious sport shoes/sandals or aqua socks □ Athletic shoes or light hikers □ Hiking socks

Clothing:

□ Long-sleeved shirt: lightweight and light color for sun protection □ Long pants: lightweight and light color for sun protection □ Shade hat and/or visor or ball cap with securing strap □ Rain jacket & pants: waterproof (not water resistant). A hooded jacket is recommended. □ Swimsuit / swim trunks: 2- piece suits recommended for women. Tankinis are a great option. □ Underwear: quick-drying □ Quick-dry shorts: 2-3 pair □ Quick-dry T-shirts/tops: 4 □ Lightweight fleece jacket and/or sweatshirt □ Casual town clothes

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Additional Essentials (December through early March trips): □ Set of lightweight synthetic or merino wool long underwear top and bottom □ Heavy fleece top (instead of lightweight) □ Warm hat and socks

Optional Items:

□ Snorkel gear (also available for rent) □ Wetsuit (also available for rent) □ Paddling gloves □ Kayak seat pad □ Small dry bag (for personal items when kayaking or riding in the skiffs) □ Sarong or sundress □ Bathing wipes: pre-moistened disposable towels □ Binoculars □ Camera and accessories □ Sketchbook, notebook and pen, paperback book □ Bandana

Packing Your Gear Please pack your gear in a duffel or soft luggage as it will be carried as packed in the motorized skiffs. Dry bags are not necessary. A word of warning: Mexico has very strict and harsh laws regarding possession of illegal drugs. For your own peace of mind, only carry medications in its original prescription bottle or packaging. Extra Luggage Items you do not want to bring to Espiritu Santo Island or Magdalena bay may be left at the hotel in La Paz. Valuables We recommend that you leave your valuables at home. While on the trip you can store your passport, wallet and other items in your duffle. Gratuities If you feel your guides have provided a very special trip for you, you may leave a gratuity with the trip leader to be shared among the crew. This tip is entirely at your discretion, though we recommend a general tipping guideline of anything between 5% and 10% of trip cost. If you plan to tip, remember to bring cash. Something Voluntary In reviewing your statement, you’ll note a $1/person/day donation to Waterkeeper Alliance, a non-profit conservation organization dedicated to fishable, swimmable and drinkable waterways worldwide. One-hundred percent of these funds go directly to worldwide watershed protection, and your contribution is tax-deductible. This donation is voluntary and may be removed from your invoice if you choose not to participate. Please notify our office if you would prefer to delete the donation from your balance. If you enjoyed your trip, consider donating to the O.A.R.S. Foundation. This organization is a not-for-profit 501 (c) 3 organization with the express goal of providing opportunities for young people to experience the magic of the outdoors. Visit www.oarsfoundation.org to learn more about how a tax-deductible donation can change young lives for the better.

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HELPFUL LINKS Shop for the latest in top-quality gear for your trip www.oars.com/OARStore O.A.R.S. practices Leave No Trace outdoor ethics www.lnt.org Watch our “How To Pack For A River Trip” video www.oars.com/videos/how-to-pack Additional information about the area www.explorebajasur.com Terms & Conditions Reservations & Deposit

A $500/person deposit is required at time of reservation. The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. Cancellations and Refunds

If you find it necessary to cancel your trip, please notify us as soon as possible. The cancellation fee after you’ve made your deposit can range up to the entire trip cost, based upon the number of days prior to your trip that we receive your cancellation notice. We regret we cannot make exceptions for personal emergencies. For this reason, we strongly urge you to investigate trip insurance (see Insurance).

Date of Cancellation Cancellation Fee 90 days or more prior to your trip $250/person 89 - 60 days prior to your trip $500/person 59 - 30 days prior to your trip 50% of the trip price/person 29 – 0 days prior to your trip 100% of the trip price/person

Medical

Under most circumstances, if you are of an adventurous spirit and in reasonably good health, you should have no problem enjoying this trip. People with medical conditions, including pregnancy, should have a physician’s approval before taking an adventure travel trip.

Insurance

We require that you purchase emergency medical evacuation insurance to participate in this expedition. Call Travel Insurance Services at 800-937-1387 or visit www.travelinsure.com/what/imedhigh.asp for inexpensive options that cover this requirement. We also strongly recommend that you protect yourself, your belongings, and your vacation through the purchase of a travel insurance plan. A travel insurance plan covers your non-refundable payments in most cases, should you have to cancel your trip due to illness or injury—yours or that of an extended family member—even at the last minute. Check that the plan you choose includes the required emergency medical evacuation coverage mentioned above. Evacuations can be prolonged, difficult, and expensive. Personal belongings and cameras are carried entirely at the owner’s risk, and O.A.R.S. International accepts no responsibility for lost, damaged, delayed or stolen property. Visit www.travelinsure.com/cobran/OARS

Liability Release

Everyone is required to sign a standard liability release form before the trip, acknowledging awareness that there are inherent risks associated with the trip. Due to the nature of the activities, a condition of your participation is that you will sign this form and return it to our office before the trip begins. Anyone who refuses to sign the form will not be allowed to participate, and consistent with O.A.R.S. International cancellation policy, there will be no refund of the trip fees at that time.

Responsibility – An Important Notice

O.A.R.S. International, Inc., Sea & Adventures, Inc. and cooperating agencies act only in the capacity of agent for the participants in all matters relating to transportation and/or all other related travel services, and assume no responsibility however caused for injury, loss or damage to person or property in connection with any service, including but not limited to that resulting directly or indirectly from acts of God, detention, annoyance, delays, and expenses arising from quarantine, strikes, theft, pilferage, force majeure, failure of any means of conveyance to arrive or depart as scheduled, civil disturbances, government restrictions or regulations, and discrepancies or change in transit over which they have no control. Reasonable changes in itinerary may be made where deemed advisable for the comfort and well-being of the participants, including cancellation due to water fluctuation, insufficient bookings (this trip requires a minimum of 4 guests), and other factors. There is risk in sea kayaking, particularly during rough water conditions. Sea kayaks, skiffs, or other boats do capsize. You could be swept overboard. Your guide will make every attempt to assist, but you must be strong and agile enough to “self-help” without further endangering yourself or others. We reserve the right not to accept passengers weighing more than 260 pounds or with a waist/chest size exceeding 56 inches.

We are experienced at accommodating people with various disabilities. Please give us an opportunity to make you feel welcome. However, we need to discuss any special requirements ahead of time. We may decide, at any time, to exclude any

O.A.R.S. Baja Sea Kayaking & Whale Watching Trip Planner

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person or group for any reason we feel is related to the safety of our trips. On advancement of deposit the depositor agrees to be bound by the above recited terms and conditions. Prices and itinerary are subject to change without notice.

Sea & Adventures, Inc.:

Sea & Adventures, Inc., a travel partner of O.A.R.S. International, is the operator of this trip. A representative will meet you at the start of the trip and escort you throughout the program. These staff members are the very best and will strive to ensure your complete satisfaction.

© 2015 O.A.R.S. International, Inc. 11/13/14 TP