BajaNomad - Family Vacation of a Lifetime

Family Vacation of a Lifetime

Big Al - 9-16-2005 at 11:01 AM

OK here is the deal. We are headed down to La Paz for a week on October 19. We are two families. The wives and kids are flying down and me and my friend are driving down there. We have chartered a 41 foot sailboat with a Boston Whaler in tow and two kayaks. This is a family vacation, looking for some nice beaches/harbors to day camp and possibly night camp. However we can sleep on the boat comfortably. We will do some snorkeling and fishing and whatever else we feel like doing. Anyone have some pointers for someone who has never been to La Paz. I am looking for fishing and snorkeling locations and tips. We are looking for advice on camping, sailing, bugs, fishing, snorkeling, what to bring etc.

Thanks in advance.

Big Al

wilderone - 9-16-2005 at 11:08 AM

Head north. Bring fish seasoning. You will have an absolutely wonderful time.

Cincodemayo - 9-16-2005 at 11:16 AM

I'd be headed North to this location myself.

Where is that?

Big Al - 9-16-2005 at 11:24 AM

5 de Mayo, which beach is that?

Cincodemayo - 9-16-2005 at 11:30 AM

Called Santispak..

Cincodemayo - 9-16-2005 at 11:31 AM

The other end of the beach.

comitan - 9-16-2005 at 11:50 AM

Al

Its conception bay, tooo far from La Paz in one week.

Anonymous - 9-16-2005 at 12:12 PM

Buy Gerry Cunningham's and Jack Williams' guide books for starters.

JZ - 9-16-2005 at 12:13 PM

Buy Gerry Cunningham's and Jack Williams' guide books for starters.

bajajudy - 9-16-2005 at 12:50 PM

Al
Who are you chartering the boat from?
I would go to Aqua Verde if you have time but there is plenty to do, lotsa islands to visit right around La Paz.
I am very jealous. That is the one thing that I have not done yet and I am an old salt from years past.
We carry a boating guide, I will get it out and see what it has to say about that area.
Fair winds and following seas, mi amigo!

Mike Odell?

Anonymous - 9-16-2005 at 01:05 PM

Maybe Mike can kick in with some great advice. He knows those waters very well and fishes em pretty hard!

Cerralvo, the Bajo and the 88 spot for fish.

Big Al - 9-16-2005 at 01:30 PM

Does anyone know if the no-see-ums will be a problem at this time of year? Will they get into a tent?

Thanks

bajajudy - 9-16-2005 at 01:47 PM

Al dont sweat the small stuff :biggrin:

Everyone says that the Avon skin so soft works for the little buggers. I dont specifically know the seasons for them but bugs are all around in all different varieties. Cutter Deep Woods with DEET works on just about everything and although you can find it here who wants to spend their vacation running from one store to another speaking spanish asking for it.

so, from whom are you chartering your boat

[Edited on 9-16-2005 by bajajudy]

Big Al - 9-16-2005 at 02:09 PM

I am worried about the kids getting eaten by the bugs. I want this to be pleasant for everyone.

The charter is through Seascape Charters.

comitan - 9-16-2005 at 02:45 PM

Al

The new tents mostly have no-seeum screens, but if you are out at Isla San Jose in the evening you will not be able to get out of your tent even in the morning,the safest place is on the boat, I understand its an MorganOI 41, will sleep a lot of people.

Jack Swords - 9-16-2005 at 02:52 PM

This will be our 7th year cruising out of La Paz on our sailboat. The nearest island Espiritu Santo/Isla Partida is the closest (15-27 mi). For a first anchorage stop in the large anchorage between the two called Caleta Partida. It is huge and well protected. You can take the Whaler outside and up the next cove to do some excellent diving (around a rocky reef). Other great anchorages are Caleta Cardonal (good hiking), Ensenada Grande, little islets Gallo and Gallina. Isla Los Islotes 1/2 mile off the tip of Isla is good diving, possibly with sealions. Isla San Francisco is 20 mi N of Partida with good ancharage, Evaristo village and cove across from San Francisco is safe and has nice people. 26 mi north is my favorite...Los Gatos...truly spectacular. Then another 15 miles is Agua Verde. Lots of spots to dive, hike, camp, etc all along the way.

I believe you cannot camp on Espiritu/Partida without paying a fee. Mary Schroyer at Marina de La Paz has the particulars. Call her on VHF Ch 16. Also, please give Bob (Seascape) a hello from Jack and Mary Kay on La Paloma.

Have a great trip, we're headed down the end of November for another 6 months of cruising this wonderful area.

Jack Swords

comitan - 9-16-2005 at 03:04 PM

When at Isla San Francisco you should go to the fishing village on the other side called Isla Coyote you might be able to buy lobster, then across from there o0n Isla San Jose there is a logoon worth exploring. I believe on a 7 days trip its not advisable to go farther north. Get the guide books.!!!!!!

elgatoloco - 9-16-2005 at 03:05 PM

http://www.dancingroots.com/

We use Crocodile. It has worked very well for us. The roll-on is easy to use/apply. Check it out.

Natalie Ann - 9-16-2005 at 03:19 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Big Al
I am worried about the kids getting eaten by the bugs. I want this to be pleasant for everyone.

The charter is through Seascape Charters.

Al - I am a bug magnet. My skin is light; I'm real sensitive to even no-see-um bites - mosquito bites grow to the size of golf balls (just kidding!) :no:

... but I do get serious reactions. Consider me an expert on which products keep the pesky critters at bay.

Judy's right, Deep Woods off with DEET.
It's almost as good as straight deet, and can be applied directly to the skin. Seems to last longer if you spray lightly and then gently rub it to an even covering. We try to have one person do the 'distribution' because palms of hands must be thoroughly cleaned after application. Remember to tell you kids to keep their hands out of their eyes and their mouths.... if they don't, you'll hear about it (burns eyes and tastes like, well, never mind).

Sounds like a wonderful vacation you'll be having. Lookin' forward to hearing about it when you return.

bajajudy - 9-16-2005 at 05:13 PM

Al
I have come up with a solution to all your problems....I will go with you and shoo away any unwanted insects, people, dogs, cats, you name it, I will shoo it.
:biggrin:

Al G - 9-16-2005 at 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajajudy
Al
I have come up with a solution to all your problems....I will go with you and shoo away any unwanted insects, people, dogs, cats, you name it, I will shoo it.
:biggrin:

Bajajudy,
Your are my kinda person!!! :bounce:

I am your back-up. You should take me too! I'm Useless, but in a fun kinda way.

[Edited on 9-17-2005 by Al G]

bajaden - 9-16-2005 at 11:33 PM

Quote:

Does this mean its over between you and me Judy. Women are so fickle. Actually You got great advice. I do think that Agua Verde is a little far, but it is beautiful.

Big Al - 9-17-2005 at 12:35 PM

anyone have any suggestions for the drive down. It will be two guys in a big truck so we can cover a lot of miles in the day. We thought we would leave San Diego really early in the morning. I believe we have to get our tourist cards at the border, any advice for this? What about where we should stay the first night? I figure if we leave at 5 in the morning we can drive about 12-14 hours without driving in the dark on the two lane road. Where do you all recommend we spend the first night? I was hoping to get to Santa Rosalia, is that reallistic? Can we maybe make it a little further? I know the road to BOLA and a little farther south well. I never push the speed limit too hard, the road scares me.

vandenberg - 9-17-2005 at 12:55 PM

AL

Santa Rosalia will be roughly 600 miles. There are a couple of new motels in San Ignacio. Should be able to make that easy,and then another short 400 miles to La Paz from there. Hope you have a wonderful trip.
Drive carefully !!

Sharksbaja - 9-17-2005 at 01:06 PM

Al, since you are not familiar with the drive plus the fact that you may want to enjoy the drive, don't push yourself.
Considering you have to stop and get a tourist card and most likely stop a few times along the way , my advice would be a more realistic distance. Say Catavina or BOLA even Guererro Negro, but the surroundings are not to thrilling there. Plus driving at night is VERY dangerous on Hwy 1.

It's about 10 hrs from the border to S. Rosalia if you are making decent time.

bajajudy - 9-17-2005 at 01:22 PM

Al
If you wind up in San Igancio that first night, stay at Ignacio Springs B&B. Terry and Gary are terrific hosts and she will send you off the next morning with a full tummy and a smile on your face. It is about 500 meters off #1 on the left side of the road. If you get there early enough you might just luck into a killer dinner too.
If you wind up in Guerrero Negro, stay in Malarrimo(how the heck do you spell that DK?). The rooms are no great shakes but you can walk to the restaurant and the food is almost always good. If you like oysters, they have farm raised that are wonderful on the half or fried.
If you do make it to Santa Rosalia, stay at La Cassitas just south of town on the left side of the road. Although I have never stayed there, Bob and Susan say it is very nice and you certainly couldnt beat the view as it is on the cliff side.
Also, you can get the visa ahead of time various ways...
To be honest I havent done it in so long I would hesitate to give advise but I bet someone else can help you with that.
Getting excited are we?

[Edited on 9-17-2005 by bajajudy]

JZ - 9-17-2005 at 01:56 PM

My advice is put on the bug stuff before going on any islands. Stay way from any large gathering of birds, as there are bound to be lots of bugs.

JZ - 9-17-2005 at 01:58 PM

Also, bring stuff you treat jelly fish stings. If you swim, you WILL get stung. Not really a big deal.

jerry - 9-17-2005 at 02:05 PM

i get all my tourst cards, boat permits, insurences, fishing lisences from vagabundos del mar they will send all them to ya in the mail and the membership is only $35.00 works great for me have a good one jerry

comitan - 9-17-2005 at 02:06 PM

Yes it can be a big deal, if you get the little black strings all over you which can happen, the venom can give you the worst cramps you ever had, and can make you go into shock. This mostly can happen if you are in a cove and a south wind blows thousands of them in while you are diving. I might add also that if you come in contact with a ManOWar jellyfish, you will have a very painful rash like burn, that some people seek medical attention.

[Edited on 9-18-2005 by comitan]

[Edited on 9-18-2005 by comitan]

The Drive

Big Al - 9-17-2005 at 03:02 PM

Sharksbaja, I am very familiar with the drive to BOLA and on down to Punta Maria. So I am not worried about the driving part it is I am not familiar with good places to stay and eat south of there. Catavina or BOLA would not be far enough south for our schedule. We will be driving hard but safe.

Just want a reallity check on how far we can realistically get in the first day

comitan - 9-17-2005 at 03:09 PM

Al

Leaving SD ar 5AM and driving the hours you plan on driving should get you to Santa Rosalia easy.

Sharksbaja - 9-17-2005 at 03:13 PM

I see yer point Al. I ALWAYS drive through when headed north from Mulege. It's usually getting dark but not too many cows in the road towards TJ. I usually take 11/2 day to get there however. Good luck Al, sounds like you said. Have a fantastic time. We will be expecting a trip(some pics?) report upon your return. Suerte

remember your sun block and hats and all the other stuff

Sharksbaja - 9-17-2005 at 03:30 PM

Not if yer drivin' a PT Cruiser :lol:

comitan - 9-17-2005 at 03:33 PM

I think he meant Visciano for gas GN-SR.

Bob and Susan - 9-17-2005 at 04:26 PM

It's a LONG drive to Santa Rosalia from TJ in one day but I've done it....without a trailer...

stay at Brenda's http://www.santarosaliacasitas.com/

If she's full then go somewhere else!!!

Way NICE!!!!
CLEAN!!!! Big SHOWERS!!! Coffee!!!! :light:

I like to FUEL (Diesel) the small town before Guerrero Negro...the tamale lady is there!!! MMMM!!! :saint:

[Edited on 9-17-2005 by Bob and Susan]

JZ - 9-17-2005 at 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by comitan
JZ

Yes it can be a big deal, if you get the little black strings all over you which can happen, the venom can give you the worst cramps you ever had, and can make you go into shock. This mostly can happen if you are in a cove and a south wind blows thousands of them in while you are diving.

Comi: I told him there was a high probability he would get stung, but was trying to say not to fret it. I'm talking about getting stung by one or two, not an army like you say, which obviously would be a big deal... duh?

jerry - 9-17-2005 at 07:08 PM

take a small bottle of ammonia with you for the jelly fish stings so you wont have to pee on anyone have a goon one jerry

JZ - 9-17-2005 at 11:30 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by comitan
I'm sorry I offended you JZ, I'm editing your name off the post that I was just warning what can happen with jelly fish. In the future I will make it a point not to address you in any of my posts. Have a nice evening.

No offense taken, you can address me anyway you see fit!

Big Al - 9-18-2005 at 04:01 PM

Where in San Diego can I buy Gerry Cunningham's and Jack Williams books?

JZ - 9-18-2005 at 04:07 PM

West Marine. You can buy Gerry's online. http://www.gerrycruise.com/.

Both are must haves!

comitan - 9-18-2005 at 04:09 PM

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/094442841X/103...

Marina La Paz was carrying Jack williams guide.

[Edited on 9-18-2005 by comitan]

Bob and Susan - 9-18-2005 at 04:11 PM

...yea ...

don't waste gas looking...have it come to you :lol:

http://www.amazon.com/

[Edited on 9-18-2005 by Bob and Susan]

bajajudy - 9-18-2005 at 04:19 PM

We have Jack Williams guide, too

bajajudy - 9-18-2005 at 04:20 PM

And this one by Rains

JZ - 9-18-2005 at 04:44 PM

The one by Rains is not as good in my opinion. It covers all of Mexico, so doesn't give any one area enough info. But if you into this type of stuff, you should buy and read everything you can.

bajaden - 9-18-2005 at 11:57 PM

Not to beat a dead horse, but I drive from Sacramento to Mulege in 2 days all the time. Their right about leaving at the crack of dawn. I cruise through the border crossing easily at that time. You should have no problem, unless you get turned around in TJ where they seem to change thier route just for fun. Who makes the road signs in that town?

Sharksbaja - 9-19-2005 at 12:10 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajaden
Not to beat a dead horse, but I drive from Sacramento to Mulege in 2 days all the time. Their right about leaving at the crack of dawn. I cruise through the border crossing easily at that time. You should have no problem, unless you get turned around in TJ where they seem to change thier route just for fun. Who makes the road signs in that town?

Same here Den. I usually get as far as Harris Ranch first night then S.D. the next then Mulege the next. No sweat.

It only takes me 2 days to get home however. First leg Mulege to Bakersfield or thereabouts then all the way home the next. It's 15 hrs ea day driving.

bajajudy - 9-19-2005 at 06:58 AM

Yum filet mignon from Harris Ranch.
Or liver and onions.

Opps sorry about that.....Baja

[Edited on 9-19-2005 by bajajudy]