BajaNomad

Island permits

AndyP - 2-21-2014 at 10:11 AM

In 2011 I was able to purchase a yearly "Passport" island permit for visiting the islands in the Sea of Cortez. It was around $25 and much more cost effective and convenient for me than the daily $5 permits. I bought it La Paz at a government office near the Walmart.

I'm wondering if it's possible to buy these permits in BOLA, or anywhere on the way there from the border? If not, what about in Mulege or Loreto, or possibly even online?

bill erhardt - 2-21-2014 at 10:50 AM

Andy......The annual park permits can be purchased in Loreto at an office near the marina.

Alm - 2-21-2014 at 03:03 PM

There is some protection of biodiversity - commercial fishing is prohibited in this area. Other that that, there is very little conservation efforts and not much enforcement. When kayaking there and other "marine parks" a while ago, I could not only "visit", but camp on the islands with no question asked.

AndyP - 2-21-2014 at 03:27 PM

Gnukid I had a brief look at your linked articles and they seem... less than legitimate to me; we obviously have very different views on conservation issues. Here's a read that in my opinion has more relevance to my question:

http://www.onearth.org/article/sea-of-wonders

On my last trip the only place I was checked for a permit was on Espiritu Santo during a busy part of the season. The cost is reasonable enough that I'm willing to pay it even if I probably won't be checked, as it seems like a good cause at least in theory and I'd like to support it.

basautter - 2-22-2014 at 04:01 PM

I did not know permits were required for visiting islands in Baja. Is this for all islands (around Gonzaga Bay and LA Bay)? Also, what are the chances of getting caught if you stop for a quick shore landing?

55steve - 2-22-2014 at 04:59 PM

Yep, permits are supposed to be purchased to set foot on these islands as well.

Your chance of being caught is virtually nil - that being said, if the $$ are used to actually preserve the area then it's worth it. I really don't see a direct link between the money spent and any sort of conservation though.

I have visited the lagoon at Smith Island sans permit - just snorkeled the lagoon, picked up a couple bits of drifting trash and left it a little better than we found it
Quote:
Originally posted by basautter
I did not know permits were required for visiting islands in Baja. Is this for all islands (around Gonzaga Bay and LA Bay)? Also, what are the chances of getting caught if you stop for a quick shore landing?

Alm - 2-22-2014 at 05:46 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by 55steve
I have visited the lagoon at Smith Island sans permit - just snorkeled the lagoon, picked up a couple bits of drifting trash and left it a little better than we found it

Ditto. Always take time to collect and burn "their" garbage. Mostly, left there by local fishermen. I have to say that islands included in "parks", whatever their status is, are at least kept clean.

woody with a view - 2-23-2014 at 09:31 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by 55steve
Yep, permits are supposed to be purchased to set foot on these islands as well.

Your chance of being caught is virtually nil - that being said, if the $$ are used to actually preserve the area then it's worth it. I really don't see a direct link between the money spent and any sort of conservation though.

I have visited the lagoon at Smith Island sans permit - just snorkeled the lagoon, picked up a couple bits of drifting trash and left it a little better than we found it


had no idea a permit was needed. we left fish carcasses for the wildlife to feast on....

Nye - 2-23-2014 at 10:57 AM

watch out for rattlesnakes w/o rattles or perhaps im thinking of somewhere else-hv a great day.

Marc - 2-23-2014 at 02:19 PM

Years ago there was an office of some sort in BOLA at the turn south to Gecko, selling permits. The office was staffed by a gorgeous gal.

David K - 2-23-2014 at 05:30 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Nye
watch out for rattlesnakes w/o rattles or perhaps im thinking of somewhere else-hv a great day.





bkbend - 2-23-2014 at 05:47 PM

Office in Bahia de los Angeles is on the main street, west side, past the park. Enforcement is spotty but they do get out on the water once in a while and check. I think it's when someone buys a permit and they have money for boat gas.

AndyP - 2-23-2014 at 06:44 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by bkbend
I think it's when someone buys a permit and they have money for boat gas.


Ha! you're probably right.

Gulliver - 2-23-2014 at 10:01 PM

Sat on Rattlesnake Beach South of Puerto Escondido last week and watched a bottom dragger working the West side of Danzante. All sorts of dead puffer fish washing up. Probably had a "research" permit. Some conservation effort!

Alm - 2-23-2014 at 11:23 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by woody with a view
had no idea a permit was needed. we left fish carcasses for the wildlife to feast on....

Carcasses of any kind I don't even notice. What Mexican fishermen normally leave (though not in the parks) is not carcasses, - I'm sure they make 100% use of their catch, with bones and all. Instead, they leave mounts of outboard motor oil cans, empty beer bottles, all kind of plastic and shreds if toilet paper stuck in cacti and mesquite trees like some "white Christmas". Toilet paper has become a real plague since it's been introduced to Mexico some years ago, - I wish it hasn't been :)