BajaNomad

Are reservations a good idea?

Bajagato - 9-26-2007 at 01:15 PM

Thankfully, in 25 days, we are finally taking a trip to Gonzaga Bay to fish, kayak, camp, drink etc! I am so excited. Haven't been to that area in awhile and WAY ready to get the kayaks in the water. What I am wondering is, we are going to camp at Papa Fernandez a few nights and maybe Beluga (I think thats what its called) but in between we are hoping to get two rooms at Alfonsinas. This would be mid week, but what I am wondering is, should I bother to try to reserve rooms? I have heard storied on this board before that people have had reservations and then get there to no rooms. So I am wondering if I can get some experienced advice as to if it is worth bothering with? Worse case I suppose is to camp the entire time, and thats doable, just thought I'd ask the experts!
Thanks!

Diver - 9-26-2007 at 02:19 PM

http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=14873

larry - 9-26-2007 at 03:13 PM

It sounds like you have flexibility, so wouldn't be best to get down there, have a meal in the restaurant and then reserve rooms for a few days ahead. That way you can chose your days with their consultation and the reservations might mean more having been made in person.

btw, Beluga is a great spot to camp.

PUNTA FINAL IS ALSO NICE

BAJACAT - 9-26-2007 at 06:14 PM

HAVE FUN I WISH I WAS YOU,

Minnow - 9-26-2007 at 06:23 PM

Here is some info that might help.

Rooms at Alfi's are around 40 bucks a night. Most people don't know that the have showers out back that you can use for 20 pesos. If you are friends with Antonio, ie.. give him some fish, he will let you camp at the end of the spit for free, and you will have easy access to the bano's. Reservations are pretty much useless.

Beluga is like 20 dollars a night to camp. They have communal showers. No restaurant.

Papa's has a restaurant, and you can dry camp out by the lighthouse for 5 bucks. The also have a few shacks for rent cheap.

Have fun.

[Edited on 27-9-2007 by Minnow]

David K - 9-27-2007 at 08:51 AM

Here are photos for Campo Beluga from the trip web page I made: http://vivabaja.com/207/page3.html

Here is my original Nomad trip report page on Campo Beluga from February, '07: http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=22826#pid2067...

The restaurant was to be operating by April '07, and the camping charge was $15 per night.... bathrooms and showers (several) were clean.

Minnow - 9-27-2007 at 09:58 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by David K
The restaurant was to be operating by April '07, and the camping charge was $15 per night.... bathrooms and showers (several) were clean.


That doesn't surprise me. Mexicans take one look at my extremely Nordic looking mug and always up the price.:lol:

Everywhere I go that I want a price on something I try to send my Mexican wife in first. It doesn't always work, as sometimes they see me hiding around the corner.:lol:

larry - 9-27-2007 at 11:11 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Minnow
Quote:
Originally posted by David K
The restaurant was to be operating by April '07, and the camping charge was $15 per night.... bathrooms and showers (several) were clean.


That doesn't surprise me. Mexicans take one look at my extremely Nordic looking mug and always up the price.:lol:

Everywhere I go that I want a price on something I try to send my Mexican wife in first. It doesn't always work, as sometimes they see me hiding around the corner.:lol:

larry - 9-27-2007 at 11:12 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Minnow
Quote:
Originally posted by David K
The restaurant was to be operating by April '07, and the camping charge was $15 per night.... bathrooms and showers (several) were clean.

I also paid $15 last December, up from $10 the year before. The showers are not communal, but they are not hot water either. The whole campground is very well kept.

Minnow - 9-27-2007 at 12:05 PM

That is interesting guys. I have to admit though, we did not stay there just popped in and took a look around and asked how much. Wife just confirmed they did tell us 20bucks. I guess my point was why pay anything when you can camp on the most beautiful part of the beach, right next to the best amenities for almost free, or get a room for just a little more.

Bajagato - 9-27-2007 at 01:31 PM

Thanks for all the info. We are definitely going to check out Punta Final, as we have been to Gonzaga/Bahia Willard, several times but have never made it out to Punta Final. I heard it was nice. We have stayed at Papa Fernandez ( even two nights on my honeymoon!) and like it there. I have never eaten at the restaurant, but will this time. We will just play it by ear regarding Alfonsinas. Never have stayed there but again, have drank and ate there several times. If we have lots of fish ( which I think we will, we always do good in that area just from shore and this time we have our kayaks), we'll share some fish with Antonio for sure. Looking forward to stopping in on Coco too. We are bringing some close camping friends of ours with us that have never visited this area of Baja so it should be a blast to show them around and enjoy the best of what Baja has to offer! Can you tell I am excited??? 24 says and counting! :bounce:

Minnow - 9-27-2007 at 02:33 PM

You are certainly going at the most beautiful time of the year. Water is still warm, fishing is good, and not too hot.

If you like clams you can get all you want at two headed cove out by punta final. You do need a boat/kayak to get there though.

Cap - 9-27-2007 at 02:58 PM

One trick for rooms at Alfonsina's is getting there early in the day. The whole bird in hand applies here (mostly to my benefit). I can't blame them; communications are strained with very sparse english speaking help, no phone service, and guests that frequently don't show.
Beautiful spot and great food and people, enjoy!

rockman - 10-6-2007 at 12:06 PM

For an up-to-date, detailed reference and description of the entire Bahia Gonzaga - Coco area, see Baja Life magazine, issue #22 (2007).