Anonymous - 5-27-2004 at 06:37 PM
Has anyone been here? Would love any details on getting there, getting from Alcatraz to the Pacific coast, military concerns, camping, etc...
Isla Santa Margarita
Jack Swords - 5-27-2004 at 07:42 PM
If you are referring to the island off Magdalena Bay it offers good camping, but no water, etc. We kayaked from Puerto Chale over to Isla Creciente
but it is low and full of mosquitoes. On Isla Santa Margarita there are lots of places to camp. Never saw the military, got lost on the mainland in
mangroves, had a great time. Peterson's Baja Adventure book references some aspects (shipwrecks) of this island.
Margarita
bigzaggin - 5-28-2004 at 08:07 AM
Always wondered about the place...a few more questions if I might:
1.) Did you leave your car in Chale? How was that?
2.) On Margarita, did you camp on the bay side? Were you able to get to the Pacific side? How "wide" is the island?
3.) How long was the paddle from Chale?
Thank you!
Isla Sta. Margarita
Jack Swords - 5-28-2004 at 08:19 AM
We have kayaked all over Mag Bay and other places. The best method for securing our car we found was to park it next to a locals house (with
permission) and have him take care of it. We pay him when we return and have never had a problem (except trying to leave our new friend-Mexican
hospitality!) This we did in Puerto Chale. We spend some time before leaving talking to kids, visiting, etc. so we are "friendlies". We camped on
the bay side, hiked the island. It is a large island, but getting to the Pacific was no problem. The "bocas" or openings to the Pacific are washing
machines with standing waves at certain tidal changes. Really something to see! (life jacket handy time). The paddle was not difficult, but you are
low and can't see over mangroves, take a GPS. Take water, lots!