BajaNomad

?LA Bay late May Kayak, Snorkel trip?

jimqpublic - 4-28-2006 at 02:29 PM

After a great whale watching and camping trip to Laguna San Ignacio and Bahia Concepcion in March, I want more. The wife and kids are going out of town at the end of May so I'm thinking of a solo Baja trip.

Let's call it a week, probably around Memorial Day. I don't want to drive too, too far. It seems that Bahia de Los Angeles would be the best place.

A few questions:
-Water temp that time of year?
-Wetsuit needed? I was thinking of getting a 2/3 mm Farmer John.
-Is snorkeling good in LA Bay? Meaning lots of neat stuff to look at in about 15' of water?
-As a complete novice fisherman, (other than trout in the Sierra as a kid) with no gear, would one of the local fishing guides set me up for a day trip?
-With gas prices and all, I was thinking of taking a bus (from Los Angeles) instead of driving. Is it likely to be a long, long, hot wait at the LA Bay turnoff trying to hitch a ride with a big duffel of gear? Obviously I'd have to rent the kayak if I take a bus but I'd be dollars ahead on the gas (I think).

Initially I was thinking of making this trip to Loreto via air, but obviously that's a lot more expensive with AeroCalifornia out of service.

Thanks
Jim

[Edited on 4-28-2006 by jimqpublic]

David K - 4-28-2006 at 05:01 PM

My opinion... May is one of the finest months in Baja (October is the other).

Take your own vehicle... gas in Baja is CHEAPer than here!

Water warming up, but take the wet suit.

Snorkling good in L.A. Bay (La Gringa and islands).

bajarich - 4-28-2006 at 05:51 PM

I have found a neoprene wet suit hood makes all the difference in the world. If the water is cold on your head, your whole body will get cold sooner. I bought a smaller hood that is used for surfing and it works fine.

[Edited on 4-29-2006 by bajarich]

capt. mike - 4-29-2006 at 06:42 AM

drive............without a doubt.:wow:

Hook - 4-30-2006 at 10:24 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by jimqpublic
After a great whale watching and camping trip to Laguna San Ignacio and Bahia Concepcion in March, I want more. The wife and kids are going out of town at the end of May so I'm thinking of a solo Baja trip.

Let's call it a week, probably around Memorial Day. I don't want to drive too, too far. It seems that Bahia de Los Angeles would be the best place.

A few questions:
-Water temp that time of year?
-Wetsuit needed? I was thinking of getting a 2/3 mm Farmer John.
-Is snorkeling good in LA Bay? Meaning lots of neat stuff to look at in about 15' of water?
-As a complete novice fisherman, (other than trout in the Sierra as a kid) with no gear, would one of the local fishing guides set me up for a day trip?
-With gas prices and all, I was thinking of taking a bus (from Los Angeles) instead of driving. Is it likely to be a long, long, hot wait at the LA Bay turnoff trying to hitch a ride with a big duffel of gear? Obviously I'd have to rent the kayak if I take a bus but I'd be dollars ahead on the gas (I think).

Initially I was thinking of making this trip to Loreto via air, but obviously that's a lot more expensive with AeroCalifornia out of service.

Thanks
Jim

[Edited on 4-28-2006 by jimqpublic]


Driving is the way.

Water temps will probably be in the mid 60s, maybe a little higher if the winds havent been a factor. Snorkeling is not as good as in the warmer areas from Mulege and down.

Get a tide table for the area. STRONG CURRENTS around the islas......but that is where the best snorkeling is.

I dont think you'd be waiting that long at the junction if you arent too scroungy looking. Gringos or Mexicans will pick you up....you might even flash a 50 peso note to a Mexican with the room to take you.

On the fishing, I have never hired a boat outta there, so dont know if they have tackle. But you can contract with a panguero to drop you at an isla and arrange for them to come get you at a future time. A shore set-up might be an asset in that case. Bring a few Krocodiles or Kastmasters and you're set. Maybe a few plastics, too; they will work but they will get chewed fast.

Roberto - 4-30-2006 at 10:37 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Hook
Maybe a few plastics, too; they will work but they will get chewed fast.


A funny note on plastics - I frequently bring down some "Fish Trap" type lures with me. One time, I was talking to a Mexican friend/fisherman about how much they get chewed up and he told me, laughing, that "we call them chiclets here". Chiclets is, of course, the name for chewing gum, from the brand.