BajaNomad - July Baja Trip

July Baja Trip

jmason - 4-19-2015 at 03:23 PM

My son and I are thinking of doing a father and son Baja trip in mid-July for about 7 - 10 days. I've been in Baja on numerous trips, mostly to surf, camp and do a little fishing. I've driven to Cabo on one trip and survived a head-on collision (not my fault) just south of Catavina on another trip. However, I haven't been in Baja for 8 years, and I definitely have the itch to go. Our son is 18 years old. He isn't a passionate surfer like I have been, but would like to do some fishing, spearfishing, snorkeling and even a little surfing (as would I). We aren't super-knowledgeable fishermen but enjoy fishing. We would be driving a two-wheel-drive truck and going as far south as Bay of LA or possibly Mulege or Loreto. We would camp on the Pacific side of Baja (most likely) and probably stay in a hotel or casita on the Sea of Cortez side to avoid the constant heat. At this point, we are still bouncing ideas around. Does anyone have any ideas, recommendations or words of caution? Can anyone recommend a good panguero in the towns mentioned above or a good place to stay in those towns? Any comments would be appreciated.

woody with a view - 4-19-2015 at 03:37 PM

it'll be hotter than balls on the gulf in July!

focus on the pacside. scorpion bay and those areas will be hot as well, but can produce fish and the occassional wave!

David K - 4-19-2015 at 03:53 PM

To us, July is the best time to go to Baja.. including the Sea of Cortez, where the water is warm enough to not need a wet suit, day or night.

One week is really a short time to do much south of L.A. Bay, since that gets into a 2 day drive one way if you begin near the border early. 4 days driving and 3 having fun (unless you have fun driving like I do) may keep you in the northern state.

2WD is okay, but bring a tire pump should you deflate because of sand or just to help the tires on dirt roads.

A list of what you want to do with places that provide them may be good to help you plan! Use my Self Guided Baja Tour Photo pages to see what is there (at all the sites listed) to help narrow down the list. My interests are unique sites showing Baja's history and geology, as well as beautiful beaches... http://vivabaja.com/tours

Bahia Asuncion in Baja Sur, is a LONG day's drive from San Diego or Calexico, but it offers a LOT of options (surfing, fishing, swimming, fossil hunting, bed & breakfast run by Nomad Shari)... and it's all paved road to there now.

Giant cave art can be accessed off a good 2WD dirt road between El Arco and Punta San Francisquito, if that is interesting... and that road does go through to Bahia de los Angeles, but it is a lot of dirt miles that way. See my 2012 trip pictures that include those things I listed: http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=61576

Bajahowodd - 4-19-2015 at 03:56 PM

Woody is right in that the Sea of Cortez side is much hotter than the Pacific side. And, I cannot imagine anyone surfing on the Sea of Cortez side, absent some storm.

That said, there are a number of fine hotels in Loreto that have A/C, not so many in Mulege.

Alm - 4-19-2015 at 03:59 PM

They all advertise "low summer rates", but hotel with A/C even in small towns like Bay of LA is still expensive (think American prices), or A/C works a few hours only.

Gulf side is nice for snorkeling, but for fishing-only, especially in summer, I would go to Pac side. On gulf it will be hot as hell.

I wouldn't drive as far as Loreto, just don't see any benefits considering your trip goals and season.

Yep, deep Vado at Catavina (I recall a few, but one is particularly bad) is still there.

[Edited on 4-19-2015 by Alm]

Whale-ista - 4-19-2015 at 04:58 PM

Stick to Pacific coast. I drove from San Diego to Cabo Pulmo mid-June last year and spent a few weeks sightseeing. If this summer is anything like last year- it will be HOT by July, esp further south on the Cortez side.

+Agree with others re:driving time- better to spend more time on a beach or boat or board w/cold beverages vs. driving.

Bob and Susan - 4-19-2015 at 05:46 PM

the drive from mulege to the border today was 12 hours
normally its 12 1/2 to 13

actually june july and august is "high season"
the hotter the better
the "real" fishermen fish when the fishing is "HOT"

in july the dorado are jumping everywhere
these are the green/blue fish that
jump out of the water when hooked

loreto is a great summer fishing location....
don't be "fooled" by snowbirds that don't fish in summer

edit: it IS hot in summer :saint:

[Edited on 4-20-2015 by Bob and Susan]

MMc - 4-19-2015 at 05:54 PM

July is a perfect month to see the Pacific side. 7 to 10 days is a great a great trip. You can get to central Baja in a days drive from the border. The Spur will have all the things you are looking with a 12 hour drive. The area from Bahia Tortugas to Abreojos has everything you need, Fishing, Surfing, Snorkling, Spearfishing. Shari can take care of you Asuncion. BajaBlanca has a B&B in La Bocana. Campo Rene is also cool . there are great beachs where you can be all by yourselves. Pick a spot along the spur, set up base and have a good time. I love all those things and I go there that time of the year. If you can barrow a kayak even better.

jmason - 4-19-2015 at 11:47 PM

Everyone's comments are appreciated. There are lots of options. My son and I don't have the exact same priorities, because he isn't as passionate about surfing as I am. However, on most other aspects of a Baja trip, he and I are pretty much on the same page.

Thanks again.

basautter - 4-20-2015 at 05:51 AM

I would recommend Gonzaga Bay (stay at Alphonsina's) for the gulf side. Great fishing and beaches, pongas for hire, but no waves for surfing. It will be very hot a muggy, but they have AC. Enjoy!

Russ - 4-20-2015 at 06:51 AM

For only a week I'd cross the border early, 4 or 5 am. And head straight to Bahia Asuncion. Both Shari (http://baja.com/bahia-asuncion/hotels/la-bufadora-inn/) and Jean (http://www.bahiaasuncionbb.com/) are great choices and can help get the most from a short trip. You'll want to bring warm cloths though and the water is still on the cold side. Kids are out of school and you could hire one as a guide.

dtbushpilot - 4-20-2015 at 07:04 AM

What Russ said....

Ateo - 4-20-2015 at 08:06 AM

What Mmc said. Head to the Abreojos area. Most everything you want to do can be achieved there. Or you can come down and meet me in San Juanico for some 2 foot perfection.

How about some credit for the idea? Thanks! LOL

David K - 4-20-2015 at 08:08 AM

Quote: Originally posted by David K

... Bahia Asuncion in Baja Sur, is a LONG day's drive from San Diego or Calexico, but it offers a LOT of options (surfing, fishing, swimming, fossil hunting, bed & breakfast run by Nomad Shari)... and it's all paved road to there now. ...

mtgoat666 - 4-20-2015 at 09:15 AM

Quote: Originally posted by David K

How about some credit for the idea?

Quote: Originally posted by David K

What type of reward do you think nomadlandia owes you? :lol:

dtbushpilot - 4-20-2015 at 09:31 AM

Quote: Originally posted by David K

What DK said....

wilderone - 4-20-2015 at 09:57 AM

For only 7 days, I'd pick a spot or two and stay put. Punta Baja might be nice for the first couple days; Erendira for surfing. then Bahia de Los Angeles - rent a panga. It will be hot - start activities early in the morning; bring something to set up for shade. One advantage to a July trip is the days are long - you can drive until 7:30 before it gets dark. You can buy ice in BOLA. Then plan your next trip.

BajaBlanca - 4-20-2015 at 10:08 AM

So, I think your son and you will enjoy the Pacific side too unless you are really OK with heat and humidity.

Bahia Asuncion will receive you with open arms- a wide bay,good fishing and snorkeling.

We would love to meet you here in La Bocana and we offer fishing, mtn biking and kayaking on the 10 mile lagoon, as well as two or three really good restaurants - Punta Abreojos is only 10 miles away with surf .....but we are very quiet compared to Bahia Asuncion. Lots of lunches and partying over there!

What a great idea to do a father and son trip! Be sure to let us know it all goes.

Bajahowodd - 4-20-2015 at 03:47 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Ateo

What Mmc said. Head to the Abreojos area. Most everything you want to do can be achieved there. Or you can come down and meet me in San Juanico for some 2 foot perfection.

Abreojos is notorious for moskas.

chuckie - 4-20-2015 at 03:52 PM

And you are notorious for negatives....

Bob53 - 4-20-2015 at 04:44 PM

Pacific side will definitely be cooler but I love the gulfside in the summer. Fishing is incredible and the water is warm. And if you go to BOLA, you'll get a chance to see or swim with the whale sharks. Costa del Sol has clean air conditioned rooms for about $60 a night. There are cheaper hotels but this one is pretty nice. There are several pangas for rent there. Here is a link for more info on this place. http://www.bahiadelosangeles.info/

Alm - 4-20-2015 at 04:47 PM

Moskas = fishes.
Surf on the Pac side, yes.
Snorkeling on the Pac side - oh please, let get real there...

MMc - 4-20-2015 at 04:58 PM

Alm, please dive where you want. Some of us know a thing or two about diving on the Pacific side. Not all divers need bath temp water.

Warf - 4-20-2015 at 05:03 PM

Here's a spot that might work for you: just north of Guerrero Negro is the little town of Jesus Maria. There is a road there over to a nice little bay on the Pacific named Bahia Manuela. Turn right on the paved road that heads towards the coast, then look for a dirt road that takes of at a diagonal to the southwest. Good fishing and snorkeling (there is a fish camp there at the estero) and surf on a south swell. Climb the volcano for a stunning view of the area. Pick your camp spot above the high tide lines...I've seen folks there who didn't recognize the tide lines on the road and were flooded out, a real bummer if you're tenting.

MMc - 4-20-2015 at 05:12 PM

This is Punta Morro Santa Domingo, It only takes a north swell it is in the shadow from the point to the south Punta Eugenia. He wants some surf too. This is a pretty cool spot however.

Jmason check your U2U upper right hand of the header.

Quote: Originally posted by Warf

Here's a spot that might work for you: just north of Guerrero Negro is the little town of Jesus Maria. There is a road there over to a nice little bay on the Pacific named Bahia Manuela. Turn right on the paved road that heads towards the coast, then look for a dirt road that takes of at a diagonal to the southwest. Good fishing and snorkeling (there is a fish camp there at the estero) and surf on a south swell. Climb the volcano for a stunning view of the area. Pick your camp spot above the high tide lines...I've seen folks there who didn't recognize the tide lines on the road and were flooded out, a real bummer if you're tenting.

[Edited on 4-21-2015 by MMc]

BajaBlanca - 4-20-2015 at 05:16 PM

I don't snorkel and as far as I know, few have done it in La Bocana but I thought there was snorkeling in Asuncion??? I may be mistaken .... in August and September the waters here are quite warm but in July still cold cold cold.

Every town is so wonderful and each has something different to offer. My husband swears that Baja trips are not vacations at all but rather adventures.

Have fun and yes, the moskas or flies are bothersome in Abreojos but surely they will not bother you while surfing!

Warf - very nice post and welcome to bajanomad.

David K - 4-20-2015 at 05:23 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Warf

shari - 4-20-2015 at 08:56 PM

for a father/son trip, I think you would like our area in central baja...nice thing about Asuncion is there is some stuff for your son to do here...lots of teens who surf too and can take you guys out to the spots...also a choice of eateries and good spearfishing, snorkeling, diving and shore fishing in front of our campground that is in town at the beach and has what you need including internet...look forward to meeting you both!

seeing as it is another El Nino year...the water temps are likely to be in the upper 70's in July like last year and pleasant air temps.

[Edited on 4-21-2015 by shari]

jmason - 4-20-2015 at 11:17 PM

My son and I want to snorkel and spearfish, as well as fish. The warm water on the gulf side is very appealing to us. If we can find a comfortable place to stay to get out of the heat, we might go for the gulf side and try to find some surf on the way down and back. We also want to go fishing on a panga, but we are a little prone to seasickness and don't want to take pills or wear patches for motion sickness if we can avoid it. Obviously, there is almost no swell on the gulf side compared to the Pacific side (unless the wind comes up). This is a plus for the gulf side when fishing.

All the comments are really appreciated. They are giving us a lot of food for thought.

jmason - 4-20-2015 at 11:56 PM

Thanks for the post on Bahia Manuela/Morro Santa Domingo. That sounds very interesting. I've surfed at "the wall" to the north, but never at Bahia Manuela. I would like to check it out during a future winter trip.

BajaBlanca - 4-21-2015 at 05:08 AM

Shari is spot on - this will be an El Nino year and the air and water temps will be muy caliente on both sides of the peninsula.

No matter what, sure hope you have a blast.

David K - 4-21-2015 at 08:07 AM

Quote: Originally posted by jmason

Thanks for the post on Bahia Manuela/Morro Santa Domingo. That sounds very interesting. I've surfed at "the wall" to the north, but never at Bahia Manuela. I would like to check it out during a future winter trip.

Just fyi, it is Laguna Manuela... should you need to ask directions, etc.

A couple miles before the lagoon where the road ends, a road branches off to the north, then swings to the west over some sand hills and reaches the long, long beach (that runs north from Morro Santo Domingo to Miller's Landing/ El Tomatal) where, if you drive south a bit to where the cliff begins, is some of the greatest surf fishing in Baja.

Called "Variety Beach" by some, we were never disappointed with catches of corbina, croaker, halibut, calico bass, etc. back in the 1980's. Use Google Earth to see the road to Variety Beach. Bring or get bait (mussels, sand crabs, grunion were our choices).

[Edited on 4-21-2015 by David K]

Bajahowodd - 4-21-2015 at 04:46 PM

Quote: Originally posted by chuckie

And you are notorious for negatives....

In retrospect, I realize that I misspelled Mosca. That aside, You, are a MOSCA.

Bajahowodd - 4-21-2015 at 04:49 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Alm

Moskas = fishes.
Surf on the Pac side, yes.
Snorkeling on the Pac side - oh please, let get real there...

Sorry, but I meant to spell it Moscas, which means flies.

honda tom - 4-22-2015 at 12:57 PM

july in Loreto is great fishing. smooth water, no seasickness problems. Beautiful Islands with private coves for snorkeling. When you are on the water you don't notice the heat, but an air conditioned hotel room is a must. I use the captain Alejandro, that works for Panchos sportfishing. He is located 200 feet in front of the entrance to the desert inn. Do not go out with pancho or his son (nice guys but lazy) make sure you get Alejandro and tell him what you want to do. He will bring his hawaiin sling and snorkel gear and you will be impressed! He loves the water, fishing and hunting and has lived there all his life. I will dig up a phone # for you if interested. 8-10 days is my typical trip to loreto in july or aug. Plenty of time! I have good hotel info for you as well.

Bajaboy - 4-22-2015 at 01:11 PM

I agree with Shari about Bahia Asuncion area. Normally in summer the water is too cold to swim in until late July. This year, the water was 68 degrees in June. I suspect it will be even warmer this year.

There is plenty to do and to explore around there. I love the Gulf side but as others have said, be ready for heat. I would rather be outside doing something rather than sitting in my air conditioned hotel room.

Regardless, have fun and post a trip report.

[Edited on 4-22-2015 by Bajaboy]

Skipjack Joe - 4-22-2015 at 01:50 PM

On the other hand the gulf side will have good fishing and it's more beautiful than the pacific side. Most people associate baja with that clear water in the cortez.

If you're going to the gulf side plan on starting to fish at 5AM and being back by 10AM. The rest of the day is spent chilling out somewhere in the shade. Some handle the heat better than others.

Oh, and you may be disappointed with L Manuela. It can blow pretty hard there every day. I wouldn't go there for 'a real baja experience'. It's a fine place - a place to go to after you've enjoyed the better spots.

desertcpl - 4-22-2015 at 03:11 PM

Loreto for sure, your son will love it and you will to

honda tom - 4-22-2015 at 07:23 PM

I stay on the water usually til 2 to 3 pm.... and don't notice the heat. Back to the hotel and in the pool a bit. shower up and head to dinner. Last year did an overnight to la paz and got a 40 dollar room with air, and back the next day , then set up our last day of fishing. The water in Loreto is crystal clear for snorkeling, you cant get that water on the pacific. Snorkeling into caves off Isla Carmen is one of the highlights of my life, showing it to others is a close second.

jmason - 4-22-2015 at 11:47 PM

Skipjack Joe,

Thanks for the heads up on Laguna Manuela. I was wondering about the wind. I know it blows like heck at Abreojos in July. I believe the marine layer in that area can be quite thick that time of year and can be chilly.

Everyone's comments are great! Thanks.

EnsenadaDr - 4-24-2015 at 10:14 PM

remember the couple that decided to trek Baja for fundraising in the middle of the summer? That taught me a lesson. Whatever happened to them anyways? I don't even remember their names.

David K - 4-24-2015 at 11:32 PM

Quote: Originally posted by EnsenadaDr

remember the couple that decided to trek Baja for fundraising in the middle of the summer? That taught me a lesson. Whatever happened to them anyways? I don't even remember their names.

John and Rachel Pack (Baja Good Life Club)?
http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=59754

July Baja Trip

jmason - 5-10-2015 at 10:33 PM

Can I buy Mexican fishing licenses online? If so, where?

ehall - 5-11-2015 at 05:10 AM

I think we got ours thru discover baja website. They do tack on a surcharge. I think total cost was $36 for a week and $56 for a year.

MMc - 5-11-2015 at 06:40 AM

Try this:
http://www.bajasursportfishing.com/

jmason - 5-17-2015 at 12:46 AM

A few members have made comments about fishing in the esteros (Manuela, La Bocana and el Coyote), and they are much appreciated. Can any other members comment on the current condition of these fisheries? Are any of these places being gill netted currently? I can understand how gill netting could ruin these places.

jmason - 5-17-2015 at 10:01 PM

Also, a friend of mine told me today that the farmers in San Quintín are upset and blocking Mex 1 in protest. Does anyone know what is going on? It sounds like a real mess if you are trying to drive through that area.

Ateo - 5-18-2015 at 06:59 AM

Quote: Originally posted by jmason

Also, a friend of mine told me today that the farmers in San Quintín are upset and blocking Mex 1 in protest. Does anyone know what is going on? It sounds like a real mess if you are trying to drive through that area.

Do you have Facebook? If so, join TalkBaja for current reports on the San Q issue.

jmason - 5-18-2015 at 01:22 PM

Ateo,

Thanks for your recommendation. I found very useful comments in this group regarding the two questions that I recently posted.