About Paddling South
Guiding Baja Kayak Trips Since 1983
Meet the friendly guides and staff of paddling south
Paddling South has been leading safe and fun kayaking trips in Baja since 1983.
It is known as one of Loreto, Baja’s oldest travel companies. It was started by Trudi Angell a respected long time local paddler of Baja. Paddling South provides a wonderful suite of self-supported kayak trips with offerings of skiff (boat) supported trips. Giving a complete range of experiences suited for any kind of adventure traveler.
Our local partners, Jorge Salas and Antonio Hernandez own and operate Loreto Kayak Tours who have been outfitting the Paddling South trips for 15 years. As well as being amazing guides, they are the “boots on the ground” providing the local expertise and logistical support to create unforgettable experiences for all our clients.
Jorge Salas
Lead Guide
Loreto Kayak Tour Owner
Raised in Loreto, Jorge is lead guide, and a partner in our local outfitting company, Loreto Kayak Tours. In 1997 he graduated from R.A.R.E., a natural history training institute, and went on to receive a Baja Guide Scholarship from the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS).
In the Loreto branch of our state university he trains Alternative Tourism students in sea kayaking, hiking, mountain biking, birding and Leave No Trace concepts. He is highly trained in all aspects of trip leadership. Jorge’s professional and friendly attitude always keeps us smiling.
Antonio Hernandez
Lead Guide
Loreto Kayak Tour Owner
Antonio Hernandez, … a local, born and raised in Loreto is one of our head guides, and also a partner in our local outfitting company since 2007. Excelling in sports and studying sports-education he has transferred his skills to the coast and mountains of his hometown and now works as leader on most all of our tours.
Many of our guests who have paddled with ‘Toño’ request him as guide on their return tours. Antonio’s enthusiasm is inspiring, his sense of humor, infectious, and… encourage him to sing a bit… you’ll be back too!
Steve Hayward
Director of Programs
Paddling South
Steve has been guiding, developing programs, and managing for Sea Trek for over 25 years. He has enjoyed paddling in Chile, Alaska, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Ireland, Wales, BC, and Baja. Steve has been our Baja Program director for 15 years now.
With the advent of SUP, Steve has been focused on developing exciting inter-island adventures via paddle boards, on our traditional kayaking routes down in Baja. He is fully committed to “downwind” paddling during the tempestuous “el Norte” blows we see in the mid-winter on the Sea of Cortez, and enjoys free diving and sharing the many secrets of the unforgettable desert and marine environment of this unique and memorable part of Mexico on the calmer days.
He will usually be the first person you see when you step of the plane down in Loreto for our Baja tours, and if he shows up in your camp later in the week, you can be sure he will likely have something fresh and delicious from the sea to deliver!
Galen Licht
CEO/Co
Owner Paddling South
Galen Licht has been paddling since about the time he could walk. His love for kayaking has taken him to rivers all over the US, Chile and Canada. He won the 2010 Santa Cruz Surf Kayak Contest and has been in the top three in World Championships in Spain, Costa Rica and Ireland.
Galen graduated from UC Santa Cruz with a degree in Environmental Studies. His studies took him to Peru to Study Climate Change and the impact it is having on the livelihoods of rural Andean populations. After completing his studies he continued to work in the outdoor education and leadership industry. As Director of the UCSC Wilderness Orientation Program he introduced a Sea Kayaking program that has continued to attract students of diverse backgrounds. Most recently before Sea Trek, Galen worked with NOLS leading 30 day expeditions in Alaska. He has taught leadership skills to US Naval Cadets, College Students, Corporate Executives, Teens and a variety of Inner City groups. He now lives on a 36 ft motor boat in one of the Sausalito Marina’s with his girlfriend, Kiki.
what our clients say
Reviewed February 11, 2016
Best Kayaking, Guides and Fun in Baja
Hey nature and adventure lovers. If you are in Baja... you must go for a kayak paddle with Paddling South. And activity enthusiasts will enjoy peddling (bicycling) through Baja's environs. English-speaking guides are so knowledgable, customer-driven and fun. And, for something different, contact SADDLING SOUTH and try a mule ride into the La Giganta Mountains. + More
Reviewed March 13, 2016
Canyon Rock Art Pack Trip: great scenery, relaxed schedule, interesting hiking
Two friends and I did the 5 day (4 night) rock art pack trip with 5 other guests to the painted "caves" (they are actually overhangs). It was a great experience but much harder than my two friends expected (we are in our late 60s to mid 70s, do substantial hiking). The organization at times was not optimal. The paintings are astounding; words and photos cannot do them justice. The scenery is wonderful. This is a trip well-worth doing, and it is best to do a trip of this duration. +More
Reviewed January 24, 2016
Baja California coast and island kayaking trip, 8 days
Paddling in stunning scenery, with Jorge, an excellent well informed guide. Meals, varied and dellicious with fresh fish on several occasions. This is our third trip in this area with Paddling South. +More