Natalie Ann - 10-10-2005 at 07:45 AM
Two friends of mine are planning a vacation to Baja from the San Francisco Bay Area; they have 2 weeks and will be driving, would like to camp (tent)
when possible. One has driven to and camped at Concepcion/Requeson; for the other, a first Baja experience. One feels seeing whales is most important;
snorkeling tops the list for other. They would like to spend the most time having fun and the least time driving. They have asked me for advice.
Although I am quite familiar with the whale watch situation, I know nothing of snorkeling. Where would you folks recommend my friends go for
snorkeling? I assume they will need wetsuits that time of year - what thickness? What do you know of camping spots in the recommended snorkeling
areas? Know that I/we appreciate your help.
elgatoloco - 10-10-2005 at 08:46 AM
I agree that the oppurtunity to see the whales should be taken advantage of, at least until they have some at the Steinhart.
The most favorable places for snorkeling during whale season (winter) are the beaches of Concepcion, Requeson, Coyote, for example. A suit in the
2/3mil range SHOULD be comfortable depending on personal temperature tolerance. You can always go higher and stay out longer.Some of us with higher
value insulation can do with less. 
If you friends swim in the ocean
regularly at home they could probably go naked! 
.
I would think they have plenty of time to do both and they have to pass the whale areas to get to the snorkel areas so everyone goes home happy!
Anonymous - 10-10-2005 at 08:55 AM
They will not need wet suits for the sea of cortez side except if there are a lot of jelly fish around. two years ago we snorkled up untill the last
of Nov and the water was fine. By the way, since I am not house sitting this time down you will have to settle for those vegitarian beans at the camp
site. with a few beers everything tastes better and after awhile you don't even care! What are your plans now?
Natalie Ann - 10-10-2005 at 09:44 AM
Thank Matt, I was hoping they would do well at Concepcion.
And Sherry - don't try to hide behind that Anonymous title... I can see you! We're talking snorkeling February here; I've been there and the water is
too darn cold for me. Plans - I leave for the South end 'o month through just before Thanksgiving. Will you be coming down La Paz way this trip?
Pulmo Reef
Skipjack Joe - 10-10-2005 at 09:46 AM
The Pulmo reef is a wonderful place to snorkel and I would recommend it for your friend(s). It's an easy shore dive as the coral reef stretches from
shore to deeper waters. During low tide you can see the reef protruding through the surface. There is very little surf there and usually no wetsuit is
required. During the winter months the water does dip into the mid sixties or so and it may not be comfortable to stay in for a long time.
I haven't been there in years but there used to be places to camp near the point itself. There were beach houses to rent right next to the reef at
that time also.
So, I'm not to clear as to the accommodations these days but the snorkeling is certainly tops.
skipjack
wilderone - 10-10-2005 at 10:01 AM
Bahia de Los Angeles for snorkeling. La Gringa area, or have a boat take you out to the nearby islands for the day. Hike on the islands too. But the
water will be a bit chilly. Camping readily available in the area.
Natalie Ann - 10-10-2005 at 10:32 AM
xlnt suggestions - thanks Skipjack and wilderone. I'm getting eager to show my friends all the wonderful choices.
bajaden - 10-10-2005 at 11:00 AM
There's some good snorkeling out around Punta Chivato. Also around the point from El Patron. Called Punta Prieta I believe. There's also good diving
at some of the islands in Conception. You can rent kayaks on some of the beaches.
Will be a bit nip in Feb. I suggest jumping in SF bay once a week between not and then and you'll do just fine when you get here. Just don't forget
the crab.
Sharksbaja - 10-10-2005 at 11:09 AM
Correto Den. One can find nice snorkeling around the corner from the lighthouse at Pta. Prieta. Just need someone to point out the road that leads
there. I like to wear my "skinsuit" to avoid stings and sunburn and it really helps in December(brrr)
Natalie Ann - 10-10-2005 at 12:08 PM
Way cool... thank you Sharky and Den.
And Den, you might want to put your glasses on.... it's my friends who are doing the trip, not me. Well, I'm going South to La Paz - ya want that
dungeness, you'll have to put in an appearance in La Paz. Otherwise wait for spring. Remember... patience is a virtue, and virtue is its own
reward.
bajaden - 10-10-2005 at 10:35 PM
Patience and virtue. Gone, along with my crab. Story of my life, but thats another story. Mine........
Sharksbaja - 10-10-2005 at 11:50 PM
Sure tht's not "rock" crab