BajaNomad - Must See's for a First Timer

Must See's for a First Timer

EMAM - 2-3-2008 at 02:50 AM

First I'd like to say "Hello" as we're new to this site.

My wife and I fulltime in our RV and host a travel Website. We are headed to Baja for the months of March and April to try and spot some whales and abosorb some of the beautiful sights that you all talk of.

My question is probably one that is asked often, but I looked through many of the other posts and couldnt find one to suit my curiosity.

What are the "Must See's" and where are my best chances for spotting some whales? We are going to be traveling with another couple that we met on antoher forum for the Safety in Numbers suggestion, but I'd like to hear from the experts on spots that we shouldnt miss.

Thanks for all the valuable Info, and I cant wait to start posting pictures to show our first trip South of the Border

Thanks

DianaT - 2-3-2008 at 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by EMAM
First I'd like to say "Hello" as we're new to this site.

My wife and I fulltime in our RV and host a travel Website. We are headed to Baja for the months of March and April to try and spot some whales and abosorb some of the beautiful sights that you all talk of.

My question is probably one that is asked often, but I looked through many of the other posts and couldnt find one to suit my curiosity.

What are the "Must See's" and where are my best chances for spotting some whales? We are going to be traveling with another couple that we met on antoher forum for the Safety in Numbers suggestion, but I'd like to hear from the experts on spots that we shouldnt miss.

Thanks for all the valuable Info, and I cant wait to start posting pictures to show our first trip South of the Border

Thanks

Welcome! There are so many "must" sees---really depends on what you like. However, here are just a couple of my suggestions.

If you are a fulltimer, I assume your Moho is rather large, but you probably have a toad?? But all that is a consideration as to where you will go.

Warning---we have met a number of first timers who said that when they got to San Quintin they almost turned around and went home thinking that all of Baja was going to be like that---KEEP GOING---don't give up.

Short list--
Catavina---not really a town, but a unique desert----magnificent. There is an RV park of sorts on the highway, but if you can live without hook-ups, some people park behind the La Pinta (Desert Inn) or go to the Santa Inez Ranch---very close.

Whales---From our experience, early March is still good. We like all three lagoons, but our favorite is San Ignacio, but Guerrero Negro is the first one along the way.

To see the whales in Ojo de Libre by Guerrero Negro, you can stay in town and take a tour, or if you don't mind taking your Moho over a good dirt road, you can camp right on the lagoon---no hook-ups, but a really beautiful place to be and then you can hire the panga right there.

For San Ignacio, some like to stay with Moho at Rice and Beans on the highway---not our favorite place---very bland food, IMHO, and others camp by the lagoon at the entrance to town. To whale watch, you can either take your toad out to the lagoon, but that road can be awful, or hire a tour right in town.

Others will have very different opinions and add a lot more. But one of my other "must" see is the San Javier Mission outside of Loreto.

Ask some specific questions about areas and I am sure you will receive lots of answers.

Have Fun
Diane

[Edited on 2-3-2008 by jdtrotter]

David K - 2-3-2008 at 10:00 AM

I made a web page just for people like you! It is a way to have a look at various places in Baja to heklp you decide what appeals to you... Have a look at: Self Guided Baja Photo Tour

It a list of links to many sites in Baja (mostly Baja Norte) I have photos and details of from my trips. The links are grouped to several destination points.

Steve&Debby - 2-3-2008 at 10:45 AM

I would recomend gatting the book Camping Mexico's Baja by Mike and Terri Church(the baja bible).This is a great book and gives you recomendation for camping and sightseeing,it also gives directions. My wife and I just returned from a great trip to Baja. A couple of our favorites are Bahia de Los Angeles and the Bahia Concepcion/El Coyote,Mulege, Loreto and everyplace in between and beyond. :yes:

BAJACAT - 2-3-2008 at 02:02 PM

Welcome to Bajanomad, I have to agree in the "what you like part". for me is the Missions sites and cave art,some people like to be close to the water.All depends on what you looking for.Must see's, could be The Catavina's rock art,San Borja,La Lobera,ect ,ect the are somany places to list, problably David Kier, self guide tour would be the best way to on this. have fun and be safe.

LA LOBERA ,NEAR EL ROSARIO...

la lobera.JPG - 11kB

EMAM - 2-3-2008 at 03:57 PM

Thanks for all the info everyone. This site is keeping me in front of the laptop for many days now

Reading and jotting down notes

I guess I should have stated in the oringinal post that we have a Ford F-250 and tow a 25' Travel Trailer. We're both photographers and enjoy ruins, ghost towns and anything else that is beautiful to photograph.

We carry two sea kayaks with us and the camper is set up with solar so Boondocking is usually what we prefer and look for. So any campsites on the water would be great.

I've still got a lot of reading to do, but thanks for the suggestions

Just a few pictures that I probably should have posted in the first thread

Pat

David K - 2-3-2008 at 04:04 PM

Thank you Pat...

If I can be of any assistance, please feel free to contact me for any more details beyond what are found in the link I gave above or at the bottom of all my posts here, on Nomad... The Baja Trip Reports Forum on Nomad is a great resource, as well...

Best wishes on you both having many great days exploring the peninsula that has so intoxicated us, here on Baja Nomad!

David Kier, info*at*vivabaja.com (*at*=@)

EMAM - 2-3-2008 at 04:11 PM

Thanks David, It looks like your site alone will keep me up for the next few days...LOL

So much for catching any of the game tonight.

I'm sure I'll have a few more questions for you, and what a great forum of helpful people! I'm so glad I found it!

Pat

Sallysouth - 2-3-2008 at 08:36 PM

I may have missed this, but what is your starting point? I'm sure DK's site will give you a lot of info.Sounds like you want to see it all, and it's a good idea to read all the replies here.How much time do you have for your journey??

shari - 2-3-2008 at 09:10 PM

welcome to the wonderful world of Nomadlandia! You will be hooked in no time...we look forward to your posts when you find all those favorite spots mentioned...hope you make your way out to our secret spot here! It's the bomb!

EMAM - 2-3-2008 at 10:09 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Sallysouth
I may have missed this, but what is your starting point? I'm sure DK's site will give you a lot of info.Sounds like you want to see it all, and it's a good idea to read all the replies here.How much time do you have for your journey??

Our starting point is going to be coming across at TJ early in the morning after first light. I've learned that it is best to put some distance between us and that area as early as possible.

One we are through there, our plans are for our first night to stay in or around Catavina. Then down to Guerrero Negro to try our hand at photographing some whales. (Fingers Crossed)

The couple we're planning on traveling with has done the trip many times, and they will be our tour guides. I'm sure once we get the swing of things, we'll make a few side trips on our own, but my main concern was finding if there was anything that was a MUST SEE.

Where is this secret camp you speak of? We might just need to come find this wild bunch that is providing me with so much info. I'm thinking a few cases of Cervesa need to be paid back in return :spingrin:

I'm going to go get the book you recommended tomorrow and keep reading this forum till we leave on the first week of March.

Thanks
Pat

oxxo - 2-4-2008 at 08:21 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by EMAM
We are going to be traveling with another couple that we met on antoher forum for the Safety in Numbers suggestion,

In my opinion, the threat of 'banditos' on Baja hiways is exaggerated. The trouble is almost exclusively between TJ and Ensenada on the toll road late at night. We drive from CA to Los Cabos roundtrip at least 4 times a year by ourselves. WE NEVER DRIVE AFTER SUNDOWN. We have never had the hint of a problem, except arguments about which are the best taco stands in each town.

Your biggest concern will be towing the trailer on Hwy 1 which is very narrow with no shoulder. You will have to really concentrate on keeping your rig centered in the lane, especially when meeting oncoming trucks and busses.

We all have our individual 'must sees' in Baja. Since this is your first trip, just sit back and observe. There will be jaw dropping views and experiences around every bend in the road. You will discover your own favorite 'must see' places.

I agree that the most tedious part of the trip is the first 3 or 4 hours south of the border down to San Quentin. We just grit our teeth to get past that. However, being an old farm boy from the San Joaquin Valley, I find the lush agricultural fields around San Quentin quite interesting and comforting. The rest of the trip is pure enjoyment. Have fun!

We are crossing the border tomorrow morning heading south and "home."

David K - 2-4-2008 at 10:05 AM

oxxo gives good advice... South of Ensenada area the road becomes a 2 lane trip through the coastal hills to Colonet, then is pretty straight but lots of ag towns to San Quintin/ Lazaro Card##as with lots of slow trucks and local autos... Just be patient and don't have a 'must get to by' schedule... Relax, you are in Mexico now!

Just south of Lazaro Card##as (San Quintin-2) the highway reaches Km. 0 and the pavement shrinks to 19 feet wide, no shoulders, up on a raised roadbed and few turnoffs... THIS will be your first taste of adventure and skill driving with a trailer like yours!

El Rosaro (at the bottom of a long grade) is the gateway to central Baja's desert wonderland. You will top off your gas tanks at the Pemex, owned by Baja Nomad member 'BajaCactus'...

Here is one example of Mexico #1, south of San Quintin (photo by jrbaja):

[Edited on 2-4-2008 by David K]

DSCF0034 copy.jpg - 26kB

tripledigitken - 2-4-2008 at 10:27 AM

I would suggest if you visit LA Bay, to do a day trip to Mission San Borja. You can comfortably do it in your truck in less than a day, with plenty of time to photograph the area. It is one of my favorite spots in BCN. You will have a great time shooting pictures there.

Enjoy you trip.

Ken

Hook - 2-4-2008 at 11:41 AM

At that time period, the must-dos for me are the areas from Santa Rosalia to Bahia Concepcion and BOLA. The Catavina area would be a close second.

The Pacific side can be very cold and windy through much of that period...........but I'm from SoCal and cold is a relative term. The Pacific side doesnt get pleasant IMO until AT LEAST late June. We do like warm temps, though.........doesnt seem like a trip to Mexico without them.

shari - 2-4-2008 at 12:29 PM

I agree that San Borja is a must see and seldom visited...leave the camper and do a day trip...don't miss a little soak in the hot springs! and bring some goodies for Jose's family there and some coffee and tin of evaporated milk wouldn't hurt either!

David K - 2-4-2008 at 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by shari
I agree that San Borja is a must see and seldom visited...leave the camper and do a day trip...don't miss a little soak in the hot springs! and bring some goodies for Jose's family there and some coffee and tin of evaporated milk wouldn't hurt either!

Jose and some of his family in 2003:

His kids are great... here with Sarah and Andee:

They may even let you ride a mule!:

Here's Jose's daughter 'Brisa' and my Sarah:

As a guest in Baja, you will be welcomed like family at the remote ranchos... it is part of the Baja feeling! Jose or one of the kids will provide tours of the mission, fruit orchard, hot springs or even distant sites such as rock art at Las Tinajitas or a mule ride on the Camino Real, etc. A day trip to San Borja and Montevideo is well worth it!

Sallysouth - 2-4-2008 at 02:38 PM

One of my personal favs is Isla Carmen, a boatride from Loreto or Puerto Escondido, even Juncalito.Take your snorkle gear, a lunch and umbrella and hire a panga to take you to some beautiful little coves.Turquoise water and lots of fish around the rocks and reefs. There is also some good camping (RV) at Juncalito, no hook ups tho.

[Edited on 2-4-2008 by Sallysouth]

BajaDanD - 2-4-2008 at 04:32 PM

Try the camp ground at Ojo de liebre/Scammons lagoon the turn off is a few miles past Guerrero Negro you can camp right next to the water there is a resturant there and a whale tour office There will still be plenty of whales there in Mar not that many still there April.

2005 whales 2 010 (2).jpg - 43kB

Whales

BajaDanD - 2-4-2008 at 04:33 PM

[Edited on 2-4-2008 by BajaDanD]

[Edited on 2-4-2008 by BajaDanD]

[Edited on 2-4-2008 by BajaDanD]

If you look closely the mother whale is right under us.

[Edited on 2-4-2008 by BajaDanD]

2005 whales 2 012.jpg - 46kB

EMAM - 2-15-2008 at 10:49 PM

Thanks for all the great info!! I'll be sure to post pictures on our return!