BajaNomad

Baja Whale-watching Tips (short list of contacts)

Whale-ista - 2-9-2016 at 11:03 AM

I'll be doing a presentation in San Diego tonight on tips to traveling south to see whales in Baja.

As part of the presentation I've put together this list of helpful information: car rental, sources of maps, insurance etc., and a few places to stay during the trip: en route, in towns near the lagoons, and at the lagoons themselves (Ojo de Liebre and San Ignacio).

I discuss only the northern lagoons- not Magdalena Bay, which is beyond the driving time of many visitors from San Diego who have only a few days for their journey.

This list is far from complete- it represents what I can fit on one sheet of paper to give away at my presentation tonight, near Old Town in San Diego. (Miles are estimates- during the presentation I'll discuss more about driving safety in Baja.)

If you want to join us tonight, Feb. 9, details and RSVP here:
https://www.facebook.com/events/870988753017511/

And if you'd like to add to the list with your own favorites- thank you!

Lori
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Baja Whales Travel Basics (As of February 2016)

MAPS, INSURANCE, TRAVEL INFORMATION
Discover Baja- in San Diego (619) 275-4225
Offers discounts at various hotels and restaurants with membership $39/year
Sells auto insurance (REQUIRED), pre-paid FMM cards, guide books etc.

Auto Club of Southern California, membership required. Visit offices- various locations- for Baja maps for members

RENTAL CARS
Cal Baja Rental Car
info@cabaja.com
Phone: 1.619.470.RENT (7368)

HOTELS/CAMPING/SPORT FISHING
San Quintin
(about 200 miles south of border)

Don Eddies: (pets allowed)
Located 3 miles off main highway near inlet; popular with sports fishing crowd.
http://www.doneddies.com
RV parking, hotel, restaurant
USA 866-989-6492
01152-616-1651132
01152-1-616-1192966
Mexico: 616-1651132
616-1192966

Los Olivos Campground and Hotel Jardines (pets allowed)
011 52 (616) 165 6060
carmen@hotel-jardinesbaja.com
Operated by same family, located 1 mile off main highway.
Very popular restaurant next to hotel.

El Rosario
(about 245 miles south of border)
FILL GAS TANKS HERE- last gas for 185 miles; have lunch at Mama Espinosas, stay at Cactus Hotel. Other options are available including RV parking.

Next hotel is 70 miles of very curvy/narrow highway south- as with other areas, not recommended to drive after dark due to "open range" and wildlife.

Town of Cataviņa
(about 300 miles south of border)

Mision Cataviņa (pets allowed)
200-124-9123
Nicely restored hotel with full bar, restaurant, pool.
Beautiful gardens behind, with local desert plants.

Other smaller hotel options also available, and RV parking at Santa Inez with very basic facilities.
Gas is available- sold from containers. Be prepared to pay more vs. Pemex.

Next gas: town of Jesus Maria

Next hotels: Guerrero Negro
(about 420 miles south of border)
Malarimo Hotel (no pets allowed)
An "established" hotel with long history- no pool
RV parking behind- $15/night
Full service hotel, restaurant, WiFi

Hotel TeraSol (pets allowed)
New, modern & comfortable full service hotel, restaurant
WiFi, secure gated parking. 011-52-(615) 157 0133

Next stop: whales!
Ojo de Liebre lagoon*
(about 440 miles south of border)
Turn off Hwy. 1, about 6 miles south of town, travel 12 miles to the Visitors Center. Camping: $10/night
Palapas, rustic bathrooms/showers (warm water subject to available gas); fire rings; restaurant; limited water- bring your own for camping/cooking.
English guide-Shari Bondy, Palapa #1

Next town: Vizcaino, about 60 miles south of GN
Good place for gas, groceries, only ATM until Santa Rosalia

Next town: San Ignacio
Beautiful oasis, palm groves, historic mission
(about 500 miles south of border)

Hotel La Huerta (pets allowed)
mercadolahuertasanignacio@hotmail.com
From USA 011 52 615 154-0016.

Leave town and drive about 30 miles of paved road, 10 miles rough dirt/sand/gravel/washboard to get to...

San Ignacio Lagoon*
(about 550 miles south of border)
Kuyima Campground $12/night
Nice ecotourism facilities: solar/wind powered restaurant, meals served family style. English speaking guides available.

*At both lagoons, pangas are available. Latest charge was $45/person at both lagoons for outings of 1.5-2 hours.

THIS LIST IS FOR CONVENIENCE ONLY. Contact information may change- check before departure.

Hotel reservations recommended during peak whale watching season, especially if traveling with large group and/or pets (only limited rooms are offered for pets at most of these places).

Have fun, travel safe- post photos!

Insurance & Whales

bajaguy - 2-9-2016 at 11:18 AM

Insurance - Bajabound - bajabound.com

Easy on-line purchase

Whale Tour - Whale Magic http://www.whalemagictours.com/





[Edited on 2-9-2016 by bajaguy]

Bajaboy - 2-9-2016 at 12:55 PM

I would recommend eating at La Parcela 12 after leaving San Quintin. Some of the best and affordable food in Northern Baja.

And I don't care much for Mama Espinosa's. Just east of the restaurant (Mama's) are some incredible tacos. I also enjoy eating at Las Pasaditas on the south east end of town. Otherwise, good info.



[Edited on 2-9-2016 by Bajaboy]

Udo - 2-9-2016 at 01:40 PM

Assuming that all the mentioned restaurants are near San Quintin?
After leaving San Quintin...that covers a lot of area.

Just east of the restaurant...La Parcela 12? If you mean Mama Espinoza, east would put you in the hills.
Quote: Originally posted by Bajaboy  
I would recommend eating at La Parcela 12 after leaving San Quintin. Some of the best and affordable food in Northern Baja. And I don't care much for Mama Espinosa's. Just east of the restaurant are some incredible tacos. I also enjoy eating at Las Pasaditas on the south east end of town. Otherwise, good info.

Parcela 12

bajaguy - 2-9-2016 at 01:42 PM

Parcela 12 is just south of San Quintin, on the east side of the highway if you are headed south

https://www.facebook.com/pages/La-Parcela-12/338499866201067

Udo - 2-9-2016 at 02:01 PM

Thanks, Terry...

Now the original post location makes sense. I'll put it on my short list of restaurants to visit.

bajaguy - 2-9-2016 at 02:07 PM

I'm not sure if this referrers to El Rosario or San Quintin......" Just east of the restaurant are some incredible tacos. I also enjoy eating at Las Pasaditas on the south east end of town.".........however with the mention of Mama Espinoza I am assuming El Rosario.
Quote: Originally posted by Udo  
Thanks, Terry...

Now the original post location makes sense. I'll put it on my short list of restaurants to visit.