OpenRoad
Newbie
Posts: 3
Registered: 12-13-2007
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Driving Baja or The Keys (new here, pls help in any way)
Hello everyone,
Im new to this site, its great, but I dont have a whole lot of time to research so Im hoping input from u guys will help.
I have time from NOW(well a week or so from now) until mid January to travel. Right now its up in the air between Florida Keys and Baja.
I have some questions, but first some backround on me. Im 26, experienced backpacker(Mexico, Belize, Cuba). Also spent a few months in Honduras last
year diving(Im Advanced PADI Diver). Also I have a Toy Tacoma 4x4 w/ TRD). I love the freedom of the road(just wish the Tacoma was a convertible
 .
The Keys are primarily a backup as its still the US, expensive and with the money I have itd be a short trip to Florida!
I really want to drive to San Diego to see a close friend stationed near there in the USMC, then just head south.
Surfing- how difficult is it to find a place or people who are willing to get u started? Its something i always wanted to do . ALWAYS )maybe a
short surf camp or the like.
Diving- are there alot of little places without websites, that are cheaper, smaller etc? (not the "resort" feeling) I guess Utila spoiled me.
Backpackers- Are there more than a handful of Backpackers in Baja? From what Ive read it seems there are more of the older set with a bit of
money(nothing wrong with that) but Ive spent many nights at 5-15 dollar a night placesI wouldnt trade for Paris's Hilton, because of the overall feel
of these places and ease of meeting other travelers.
Any Input would be greatly appreciated.
Also, my truck is a 4door, so more than happy to help surfers who would help me. or anyone else really...i try to be a nice guy
Thanks in advance for any responses.
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vandy
Senior Nomad
Posts: 538
Registered: 10-10-2003
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Moneywise: Baja
Surfing: Baja wins again
Diving: Baja*
Backpacking: Baja
4x4: Baja
You'll have some time to meet people, maybe nomads, who can make a HUGE difference in Baja activities.
Instead of the very organized commercial nature of the Florida Keys, things in (Southern) Baja work on a much more personal level (unless you're going
to Cabo San Lucas).
For surfing lessons, go to a popular spot and ask around; I can't help you there, unless it's body surfing.
The best diving I've ever seen was from a sailboat with a person I met with a compressor...he'd kill me if I gave away some of the gorgeous seamounts'
locations in the Sea of Cortez.
Backpackers do exist in Baja, although the infrastructure (no hostels, few supplies in remote areas, like long stretches of highway 1) doesn't support
it.
Backpacking to me is taking a 2 or three-day hike into the mountains up a beautiful stream.
Note that I recommend Baja Sur. I have nothing against North Baja except it sucks.
Of course I'm not opinionated!
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OpenRoad
Newbie
Posts: 3
Registered: 12-13-2007
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Thanks for the response Vandy. Im definitely ruled out the keys for now.
Baja it is.
One thing I am torn by whether to drive my truck, or fly to san diego and see about renting a bike( I have an old XRL650, but its not in condition to
ride) for a few weeks. I live in New Orleans so its quite a drive to San Diego.
Also being from NOLA Im quite used to partying, so its not exactly something im lusting after in Baja, BUT if Im there for New Years Eve is there
anything I should know about(big party in Cabo etc).
Vandy- just curious what in your opinion sucks so much about the North?
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JESSE
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3370
Registered: 11-5-2002
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Baja is still the best
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vandy
Senior Nomad
Posts: 538
Registered: 10-10-2003
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A vehicle in Baja, to me, is a must-have. Baja is a place where the remote spots are the best, and I have to carry supplies and camping equipment,
not to mention snorkel gear, fishing stuff, kayak, etc.
Motorcycles can be fun, but not very comfortable:
http://www.fieldandstream.com/fieldstream/fishing/photogalle...
Renting a car for a few weeks? Plus finding a place that lets you bring it across the border? Plus insurance?
I'd either drive from NO or buy a vehicle in San Diego...maybe your buddy can help out. Get insurance at the link on top of the page, or through
Discover Baja Travel Club. Or Lewis and Lewis. Or Vagabundos. One year is pretty cheap (like under $150).
Why does Baja Norte suck?
It takes too long to weed out the gems from the truly dreadful up there.
Just the opposite in Baja Sur.
Actually, I consider Baja, Mexico to start when you see the first cirios (boojums) as you head south.
New Year's Eve party? Probably in CSL at Cabo Wabo or some such den of iniquity. I may even stop by Tanga Tanga for a few beers on the street,
people-watching, eating, then leaving town well before dark.
Even better, hook up with some of those people you'll meet and have your own party.
Good luck, safe travels, have a blast, hasta luego.
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vandy
Senior Nomad
Posts: 538
Registered: 10-10-2003
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Try this link for the motorcycle fishing trip:
http://www.zootit.com/motofishbajatrip/
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Marie-Rose
Senior Nomad
Posts: 894
Registered: 10-2-2003
Location: Victoria, B.C. and Todos Santos
Member Is Offline
Mood: Worried...
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| Quote: | Originally posted by OpenRoad
Hello everyone,
Im new to this site, its great, but I dont have a whole lot of time to research so Im hoping input from u guys will help.
I have time from NOW(well a week or so from now) until mid January to travel. Right now its up in the air between Florida Keys and Baja.
Surfing- how difficult is it to find a place or people who are willing to get u started? Its something i always wanted to do . ALWAYS )maybe a
short surf camp or the like.
You might want to try hanging in Pescadero. Lots of beginner surfers at Los Cerritos which may be a problem around the holidays. Apparently last
Christmas was pretty crazy. Certainly lots of locals that are willing to give lessons. Pescadero is a small, friendly town. Lots to do around New
Years in Todos Santos as well.
I would certainly consider bringing the Tacoma!
Might see you there!! |
Remember, when in Mexico, yes may be no and no may be
maybe!
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shari
Select Nomad
Posts: 13048
Registered: 3-10-2006
Location: bahia asuncion, baja sur
Member Is Offline
Mood: there is no reality except the one contained within us "Herman Hesse"
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Hey Openroad...come on down...the kids here are happy to help you learn to surf and we have a bunch of boards too, my 18 yr old daughter is just
learning too...check our website www.bahiaasuncion.com for how to get here and you will be more than welcome and have a blast here...WAY better than Florida!!! Come to the surf
competition Dec.22-23 and ya might as well join our christmas/newyears PAAARRTTTEEEEEEE. see ya soon amigo...
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