RICHARDH - 11-26-2006 at 03:47 PM
I'm planning a visit to Baja next spring, and I'm wondering about San Carlos, Puerto Lopez Mateos, Mag Bay, and the intricate, protected waterways
north and south of Mag Bay and whether there is an interesting, natural interface there habitat-wise between desert and the waterways. Would one need
to travel the waterways by panga or kayak in order to appreciate that area? (And how easy is it to get lost there in the waterways?) Or can it be
appreciated by land travel? Is there vegetation at the periphery of the waterways? Are there any tide pools there? And do the grey whales hang out
throughout those waterways?
bill erhardt - 11-26-2006 at 05:54 PM
Richard...... Yes there is an interesting interface between desert and the waterways off Mag Bay. Attached is a picture I took a couple of weeks ago
of pelicans coming in to roost at dusk along the shore of Isla Magdelena north of Puerto Lopez Mateo. Either a panga or a kayak would be a good way
to explore these waterways. If you get off the main channels, however, the various courses can quickly become a maze and it is easy to get lost if
you are not familiar with the area. A GPS would be a good idea. The main flora along the banks of the estetro is mangroves. The roots of these
mangroves are habitat for young fishes upon which larger fishes feed which in turn provide good fishing action and table fare for those willing to
take the time to tease them out. Beginning next month the whales move into the estero to provide both great entertainment for those interested and a
hazard to navigation for all. This time of year I spend just time enough in the estero to reach Boca de Soledad to exit into the Pacific for the
sport fishing outside. When the whales arrive I and everbody else will be slowing down and hugging to the banks to avoid possible collision that
would be unpleasant for both the boater and the ballena.
Skipjack Joe - 11-26-2006 at 06:20 PM
Below is a small image of the area you are about to visit. The mangroves hug the shoreline but there are openings that allow you to launch your craft.
Yes it's easy to get disoriented once you enter this labyrinth.
It's very isolated in there. You feel all alone. The silence is very pleasing. It's an experience you will enjoy.
Cypress - 11-27-2006 at 05:38 AM
Mag Bay sure looks good from here. The inshore fishing must be great.