We are eight people coming to Bahia Concepcion in March to learn how to kayak/snorkel. We're not bringing our camping gear this trip so we are looking
for a place to stay that is comfortable, rustic is okay. I was thinking of taking kayak lessons at EcoMundo. Anyone have an opinion on this? They have
some cabanas there too, are they comfortable/clean? Any other suggestions? What about Hotel San Buenaventura? We prefer something on the beach or
close by...Thanks!bajaden - 10-3-2005 at 10:25 AM
Im not a big fan of EcoMundo. I'd say its one step above camping. To call them cabanas I think is being kind. Just my opinion. Hotel San Buenaventura
is a bit pricey for what you get. You might inquire at Posada and see if any of those places are for rent. Some usually are. By wanting to be on the
beach, your really limiting yourself.marla - 10-3-2005 at 10:30 AM
Hi. Well, we don't have to stay on the beach, but my family is coming all the way from Utah and wants to have a beach experience and not do too much
driving. What is Posada?? Thanks!Sharksbaja - 10-3-2005 at 10:34 AM
If you come down during Semana Santa you will be overrun on the beach by camping Mexicans(you'd almost think it was their country)Anonymous - 10-3-2005 at 12:47 PM
I rented ?aks at Ecomundo and they did not have the back supports in them they are supposed to and those make a HUGE difference in your experience.
There are some "cool" hotsprings along shorelines there that are fun to hang in. Just look for the minerals on the rocks.marla - 10-3-2005 at 01:19 PM
Hmm well I am completely ignorant about kayaks, never been in one. But my sister in law already has back problems, she would be miserable I think if
there were no back supports of any kind. Any other suggestions for kayaking and guides in that area? We aren't going over Semana Santa which this year
is the middle of April since Easter is late.Bob and Susan - 10-3-2005 at 01:48 PM
Our neighbor runs a nice place....
Luxury Camping
On the Beach with Bath and 2 clean double beds $25 a nite
Just in the back $20 a nite
I would also recommend Loreto. There are several groups to choose from and they can custom your kayaking trip based on number of people, time, etc...
There is also much more to do in Loreto when your not on the water.
Our favorite is Trudy Angel @ paddling south. She can be reached at tourbaja.com
Julie Ramos
Iguana Inn
Loreto
Loreto
jrbaja - 10-3-2005 at 03:43 PM
is about 1 1/2 more hours driving but more equipped for kayak rentals and businesses. Concepcion Bay in my opinion would be a better place to learn as
it is more protected from wind/waves.
Both places are beautiful!
But, back problems and kayaking are usually not a good combination. Snorkeling up to a hot spring on the other hand...
Just some points to ponder.Dave - 10-3-2005 at 04:18 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by jrbaja
Snorkeling up to a hot spring on the other hand
or "in". Bob and Susan - 10-3-2005 at 04:23 PM
I think Loreto has more tourist services for kayaking but....
It's 10 miles to the island...thats a LONG way for beginners.
The bay of Conception has lots of small islands and coves within kayaking distance...much smother...sometimes
Remember when you kayak out...you have to kayak back...and that's harder to do
Rent your kayaks here and haul them down...then you have them everyday.
They'll look good on top of you car
You guys are just
jrbaja - 10-3-2005 at 04:27 PM
cracking yourselves up! Very good advice though.marla - 10-3-2005 at 05:38 PM
Thanks! We're going to Loreto for first couple of days, then to San Ignacio, then to Concepcion....So in March do we need to make reservations for a
family of eight? Or can we just show up and find lodging? I wish we could go now, I am ready.rpleger - 10-3-2005 at 05:57 PM
Ecomundo is OK. ?What do you want, first class or an adventure? Ecomundo is fun, beach living, with good restaurants close by.
a2marla - 10-3-2005 at 06:14 PM
We don't need luxury, we are often tent campers. But we aren't bringing any camping gear and I want to at least be comfortable. I don't want to find
any bugs in my bed.roundtuit - 10-3-2005 at 06:48 PM
EcoMundo has plapas right on the clean beach with hammocks or cots. Kayaks avaible for rent, small resturant for food and drinks.
Never stayed there but looks clean and only steps to the waterbajaden - 10-4-2005 at 04:26 PM
You asked about Posada. Its a beach community right next to EcoMundo. I know you can rent kayaks at Ray's place at santispac beach. I agree with the
others. If your first timers, stay in the bay. Lots of close islands, and bring your diving equipment.Baja&Back - 10-4-2005 at 10:28 PM
You could try Playa Buenaventure. (Mark & Olivia, 01152-615-161-1077. Rates: RVs $15/nite, rooms $60). They have a guesthouse they rent out.
Should be good for 8. Also good food in the bar/grill. Kayak rentals. nice people.
This is not the Hotel Buenaventura next door - different owners.Bajagato - 10-5-2005 at 07:22 AM
Marla,
If you or family have back problems, you have to have the back supports in the kayaks. Beleive me, a person with a bad back, its the only way to go.
As far as Ecomundo goes, if you check the cabana and make sure it has some kind of mattress on the cement slab they call a bed, then it would not be
bad. Chris and I went there for one of the nights of our honeymoon, rented one of the cabanas on the beach and all there was to sleep on was a cement
slab. We ended up going to the Hotel Serindad as we could not possibly sleep in those accomodations. We also tried to use our Discover Baja discount
there and were told he had to raise the price to give us the discount, sounded a little wrong to me. The water there however is really wonderful to
play in! Have fun wherever you go!!! And post a report so I can live vicariously through you!Natalie Ann - 10-5-2005 at 08:03 AM
I agree with B'gato - EcoMundo is no place for someone with a bad back to call home, even for a few days. It is however a wonderful location, a nice
place to relax with a cerveza or soda.
This is EcoMundo's main building.marla - 10-5-2005 at 11:04 AM
Wow great info! How far is Playa Buenaventura from EcoMundo, do you think? I have only been to Concepcion once 10 years ago and I dont really remember
it.marla - 10-5-2005 at 11:11 AM
Hey, Bajagato. The picture on the EcoMundo website for the honeymoon palapas shows a bed with bedding....Do you think they've improved since you were
there?
well marla, they told us it was the honeymoon palapa when we reserved it, and there was no mattress of any sort. Maybe you can email them and ask them
about the sleeping accomodations. I looked at that link and that may have been the same palapa we had. However there was NO bedding, and no mattress.
I would assume they have remedied the situation, we asked for our money back since we had to high tale it to Mulege before dark to get another place
to stay. The setting is wonderful, I just was not impressed by the "honeymoon" palapa (which had been advertised to us as WITH a bed) or the
management.roundtuit - 10-5-2005 at 11:25 AM
New younger couple took over in April, so I'm sure there are going to be some new young ideas. Meet them and they seem full of energy and pleasant to
talk too.losfrailes - 10-5-2005 at 05:57 PM
On the bay just south of Santispac and just before Posada is a wonderful bed and breakfast called Casa De Los Suenos.
They have kayaks and you can kayak right up to the hot springs. Plus ambience you cannot beat.
The chef is superb, the accomodations excellent, and the hospitality shines.
Jerry and Eileen Evanshen, are the owners/hosts and outdo themselves for guests.
Check out their place right here.
Its a cellular and will sometimes not be available, but be patient. They will answer!
[Edited on 10-6-2005 by losfrailes]Bob and Susan - 10-5-2005 at 06:16 PM
This is a nice place...you won't be disappointed...Anonymous - 10-5-2005 at 07:01 PM
another option is Los Naranjos,several miles north of Santaspac. They have nice bunglows for $20 a night, each one has 2 double beds ,toilet, cold
showers, hot plate & fans. You could rent kayaks at Ray's on Santaspac. I believe I have seen kayaks with back rests at Ecomundo. There has been
a change in ownership? ( lot of rumors down here) They used to have a website.
You are going to have a wonderful vacation, Baja is a beautful & interesting place. I have been going
there for40 years, not the same but still great.
Baja13oladulce - 10-5-2005 at 11:56 PM
I'd stick to Bahia Concepcion because of your large group and novice kayakers. The area near Santispac and Ecomundo is great to launch from because
there are islands at various distances offshore to paddle to for the different skill levels in the group. There's less wind at this end of the bay
too.
Buenaventura is more exposed to wind and there's not as much to see along the shore for those with less endurance who won't be traveling far.
Even with backrests, sit-on-top kayaks aren't comfortable for very long if you have back problems. The key is to have options for those who can only
tolerate short trips.
It doesn't sound like you guys will have the racks etc to haul kayaks around. I think I'd try the place Bob and Susan mentioned if you want to stay on
the beach. Then go to Ecomundo and rent the kayaks daily. You could paddle back from Ecomundo to Naranjo but we rented kayaks for my 62 y.o. Mom and
young niece a few years back, and the paddle from Ecomundo out to Naranjo was just about the limit for these 1st timers.Bob and Susan - 10-6-2005 at 05:43 AM
I think this trip Susan and the girls want to kayak across the bay to the other side and see that old house site that Sharksbaja went last year.
They will be looking for the freshwater spring.
They are bringing 3 kayaks this trip....
I'll drive the boat across if they get in trouble....it has a motormarla - 10-6-2005 at 01:10 PM
Thanks for all the expert advice!!! The only problem with this trip is it is not until MARCH. I might have to make a midterm trip down there too I
think.
