BajaNomad

Baja again, or San Carlos?

Sparetimewanted - 5-2-2008 at 06:57 PM

I hope I'm not violating any standards by asking a question that involves the mainland, but I appreciate everyones experience and input.

Every year me and a buddy drive down to some remote parts of Baja with our kayaks and paddle and camp and fish. I love the beauty and remoteness of Baja among other things.

This year my buddy has suggested that we try the mainland side, north of San Carlos to be exact. His plan is to drive to SC, and get about 30 miles north, then kayak south to town over the next few days.

I know SC is a fairly big town but on Google Earth it looks like it there isn't much dreaded civilization north of town. Anyone have any comments, opinions or suggestions? I know the drive will be less adventurous, but assume the water will be clear and fish filled, beer will be cold and people will be similar to Baja people.

Gracias, Rick

Hook - 5-2-2008 at 07:00 PM

When are you going?

Oso - 5-2-2008 at 07:11 PM

I'm interested in hearing of your experience as I'd also like to do the same.

capt. mike - 5-3-2008 at 07:19 AM

check it all out San Carlos north to Kino Bay.
camp it up, sparse beaches.
its my new target.

Hook - 5-3-2008 at 08:52 AM

When is important. Significant stretches where you are exposed to the NW winds of winter/spring. I have traveled this coast a few times in boats. But some very nice secluded beaches, too.

Gerry Cunningham's Cruising Guide to San Carlos is a must.

Not sure how far north you can drive from SC due to roads that must go inland in places and are blocked by private land. Consider contracting a boat to haul you up or hang around the main marina and talk up a gringo to taking you north.

Might even be ME, depending on WHEN you are planning on going.

I dont think I'd call SC fairly big. Maybe 4000 in the warm months. Probably twice that in the high season.

[Edited on 5-3-2008 by Hook]

[Edited on 5-3-2008 by Hook]

Pescador - 5-3-2008 at 05:24 PM

We have done that stretch in sea kayaks, started at San Carlos, went north of Punta Colorado and then returned and it is a wonderful trip. You should have a great trip if you plan carefully and take the usual precautions things should work well. When we did the trip, we got stuck for a couple of days in a major blow that came from the south and we were stuck in shore with horrible rains and seas that were treacherous, but after that cleared everything was fine. There are some great campsites with more protected places to tuck in for the evening. Be sure to carry all the water you are going to need and a fishing pole is a good thing. In two areas there were roads coming down to the water and we opted not to camp in those areas for safety and security reasons but the rest of the time we had marvelous camping. I think the rocks, cliffs, and coves are prettier than most areas that I have kayaked in Baja since they seem a little more picturesque and impressive.

Packoderm - 5-3-2008 at 07:33 PM

I'd do Baja again because I would then be able to post a trip report without it being sent to the Off-Topic.

Camping North of SC

landrover65 - 5-3-2008 at 10:20 PM

Here's the website of a friend who camped along this stretch of coast Dec 2007. He went in with his truck but did kayak while there. He encountered the private land problem.

http://www.chucksweb.net/Trips/2007/SanCarlosDec07/SanCarlos...

Sparetimewanted - 5-4-2008 at 06:34 AM

Thanks for the replies. We are planning a trip in October. Our range is usally limited by how far we can drive from San Diego in one long day. I imaging eht heat will be similar to baja that time of year. Not sure about winds or protected spots to camp.

Hook - 5-4-2008 at 06:54 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Sparetimewanted
Thanks for the replies. We are planning a trip in October. Our range is usally limited by how far we can drive from San Diego in one long day. I imaging eht heat will be similar to baja that time of year. Not sure about winds or protected spots to camp.


October should be fantastic. Much reduced chance of NW winds; it will likely be S winds. IF a chubasco is near, you could face conditions Pescador faced..........but that could also happen in Baja.

In terms of the amount of available protected coves for kayaks as well as haulout, there are many options. But I wouldnt go much further north from SC than 30 miles. Many good ones in that stretch.

Thats a shrimping month. MIght be worth paddling over to a trawler if he's anchored near you. They can have halibut, too.