Los Barriles Kayak, Paddleboard, & Snorkel Rentals

Yes you can! The lagoon’s waters are the perfect place to try kayaking for the first time due to the calm waters. Kayaking is easy to learn, but we caution you... it is very addictive!

If you are looking for more information on beginner kayaking, check out TripOutside’s blog post on Kayaking for Beginners!

Falling out of a kayak is very rare; however, there is always a risk for it to happen. If you are a weak/inexperienced swimmer or have a fear of the water, we recommend you wear your flotation at all times while in the kayak.

Yes you can! The lagoon’s waters are the perfect place to try paddleboarding for the first time due to the calm waters. Paddleboarding is easy to learn, but we caution you... it is very addictive!

If you are looking for more information on beginner paddleboarding, check out TripOutside’s blog post on Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) Guide for Beginners!

Falling off a paddleboard is extremely common when learning how to use an SUP for the first time and even common as an experienced paddleboarder! A leash is attached to the board and should stay attached to your ankle at all times so when you fall off the board does not float away and you can use the leash to pull it back towards you. If you are a weak/inexperienced swimmer or have a fear of the water, we recommend you wear your flotation at all times while in the kayak.

Los Barriles is part of the vibrant Sea of Cortez ecosystem, offering encounters with a diverse array of wildlife while snorkeling, kayaking, or paddleboarding:

• Tropical Fish: Look for colorful species like angelfish, parrotfish, butterflyfish, and triggerfish swimming around rocky reefs and coral outcroppings.
• Rays: Mobula rays (famous for their acrobatic leaps) and eagle rays are commonly spotted, particularly from October to March.
• Sea Turtles: Green sea turtles and olive ridley turtles are occasional visitors, especially near reefs and seagrass beds.
• Dolphins: Bottlenose and spinner dolphins are often seen swimming near paddleboarders and kayakers, especially in the early morning.
• Whale Sharks (rare but possible): These gentle giants sometimes pass through the area in late fall.
• Humpback and Gray Whales: From December to March, whales migrate through the area, often breaching or tail-slapping within sight of kayakers.
• Mobula Ray Schools: During their migration (April to June and October to December), thousands of mobula rays can sometimes be seen gliding beneath the water or leaping into the air.
• Frigatebirds and Pelicans: These are commonly seen soaring overhead or resting along the shoreline.
• Ospreys: Look for them nesting along rocky cliffs or diving for fish.
• Blue-Footed Boobies: Occasionally spotted near the water's edge.
• Octopuses and Eels: Found hiding among rocks while snorkeling.
• Starfish and Sea Urchins: Scattered across sandy and rocky seabeds.
• Crabs and Lobsters: Often visible in shallow, rocky areas.

The best time for these activities is October to May:

• Calm Waters: Morning hours are typically the calmest, making it ideal for paddleboarding and kayaking.
• Visibility: Snorkeling conditions are best during these months due to clearer water and less wind.
• Seasonal Highlights: Winter months bring whale sightings and the mobula ray migration, adding a magical touch to your adventure.

• Punta Pescadero: A stunning snorkeling spot with rocky reefs and clear, turquoise waters full of marine life.
• Bay of Dreams (Bahía de los Sueños): Great for paddleboarding and kayaking, with calm waters and abundant sea life.
• Los Barriles Shoreline: Launch directly from the beach for kayaking and paddleboarding. The area near the Hotel Palmas de Cortez often has calm waters and a chance to see rays or turtles.
• El Cardonal: A less crowded area with pristine waters and great opportunities for wildlife viewing.

Sharks are rarely encountered near Los Barriles in shallow snorkeling, paddleboarding, or kayaking areas. However:

• Species Present: Harmless reef sharks, like the white-tip and nurse sharks, are sometimes seen in deeper waters or dive sites.
• Safety: These sharks are not a threat to humans and are generally shy, avoiding interaction. Stick to guided tours or recommended areas for added safety and peace of mind.

Yes, snorkels allow you to breathe with your face in the water at the surface. If you’d like to dive down, though, water will enter the snorkel, so you’ll need to hold your breath until you resurface. Once back at the surface, you can clear the snorkel by blowing out the air in your mouth hard. That should clear the snorkel, but if it doesn’t, tread the water, remove the snorkel from your mouth, and dump the mouthpiece out.

Common sunscreens contain chemicals that can harm coral reefs, as the particles are small enough to be absorbed by corals, causing toxicity and coral bleaching. Reef-friendly sunscreens are formulated without these harmful chemicals. Reef-SAFE sunscreens go a step further by using non-nano particles, which are too large for corals to ingest, helping to preserve marine ecosystems. 

Please avoid sunscreens with oxybenzone, octinoxate, and parabens. Consider wearing sun-protective clothing, like long-sleeve rash guards, as an alternative to sunscreen. If you choose a mineral-based sunscreen, ensure it is labeled ‘non-nano.’