Category Archives: Baja Outdoor Adventures

Baja Outdoor Adventures

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Kayaking on the Sea of Cortez with BOAThe weather right now is beautiful in Southern Baja. It’s a great time to get out and explore! I recently took two mini-vacations—one trip kayaking on the Sea of Cortez and the other whale watching in Magdalena Bay.

Sea kayaking in the Sea of Cortez is such a pleasant way to explore the rugged coast line and access secluded beaches. Paddling over the rocky areas gives you a great view of the vast life below the surface—sea anemones and urchins, snails and clams, schools of fish swimming past and crabs scrabbling over the rocky points. There’s a variety of birds to see as well—pelicans, seagulls, frigate birds and cormorants flying overhead and diving into the water to fish, while herons and egrets stay close to shore. Kayaking around Espiruto Santo island near La Paz also allows a close up view of a sea lion colony.

Baja Outdoor Activities (BOA) is offering a 20% discount to Baja residents and Journal del Pacifico readers on selected trips this season. Contact them today for more information. Call (612) 125-5636 or email: paddle@kayakinbaja.com for more information.

BOA Baja Outdoor Activities

Whale watching in Magdalena Bay is a once in a lifetime experience. Living here for over 16 years, I can’t believe that I’ve never done it before, so when Todos Santos Eco Adventures offered me the chance to join in with one of their groups I jumped. Most of my group members were retirees in their 60’s.

Our overnight trip started with an 8 am pickup by Mauricio, guide extraordinaire. The comfortable van whisked us to Lopez Mateos where we enjoyed lunch before heading out in the channels to view mother gray whales and their babies. The calm, shallow area allows you to see these gentle giants close up. Mauricio spotted whales and pointed out how to tell mothers from babies, which are actually born black but turn gray as they develop white patches from a skin parasite and barnacles attach themselves to their upper body. I was in charge of counting how many whales we spotted, but I confess, after 20 or 30, I lost count.

As we were making our way back towards land, we spotted one last group and stopped the boat. JoAnn and I eagerly splashed the water inviting the whales to come closer and visit us. One young whale came closer to take a look—boy was I surprised when it came up out of the water right by my face!

petting a gray whaleWe were amazed as the young whales made repeated trips over to the boat, lifting their faces out of the water to touch our hands. Our boat of “seniors” quickly sounded like children as we excitedly stuck out our hands to get a chance to touch their soft noses. The huge mother whale stayed back, but lifted her whole head out of the water to take a good look at us and give us a close up view of her face. She then went under the boat to scratch off barnacles—looking down at her back you could see them so clearly. She also rolled over and laid under the boat showing her belly. It was incredible to see such a huge, graceful creature close up.

We had dinner and spent the night in Puerto San Carlos and then headed out the next morning in Magdalena bay where the juveniles and adults hang out and mate. This is where you can get views of jumping and rolling–lots of tail views and flippers.

Our tired, but happy gang enjoyed one last lunch before climbing back into the van and our return to Todos Santos. For more information on whale watching in Magdalena Bay, contact Todos Santos Eco Adventures at: tsecoadventures@hotmail.com

Mother and baby Gray whale in Magdalena Bay

 

Festival 2013

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Carnaval La Paz, photo by Fernando Sanchez Bernal, La Paz, Baja, Mexico

Reina Calafia 2009: Fhannya Urbina from Carnaval La Paz, photo by Fernando Sanchez Bernal, La Paz, Baja, Mexico

February and March are a festive time in Baja California Sur with Carnaval La Paz, the Todos Santos Art Festival with the Artist’s Studio Tour, and the Festival de Cine de Todos Santos.

There is still plenty of music going on and two theater plays—one in Todos Santos, “To Salsa with Love,” and another in Los Barriles, “Aloha, A Hawaiian Night’s Dream.” “To Salsa with Love” has a special Valentine’s showing with dinner starting at 6 pm.

You can also enjoy a Valentine’s Dinner in one of the most romantics places in Baja at Hotel Guaycura.  The three course dinner menu, specially prepared by Chef Jean Pequignot, is 480 pesos.

See “Events” for more information.

 

BOA kayak on the Sea of Cortes, La Paz, Baja, Mexico

BOA kayak on the Sea of Cortes, La Paz, Baja, Mexico

Baja Outdoor Activities (BOA), the local sea-kayak outfitters based in La Paz, are thrilled by the rebound of interest in sea-kayaking expeditions in Baja. Owner, Ben Gillam, testifies that part of the growth is due to an increased awareness of just how amazing the Baja wilderness is, “sea-kayaking offers a unique and unobtrusive way to explore some of the most spectacular wilderness areas that we have right on our doorstep, well, just outside the back door.”  These days it’s a common occurrence to paddle-board alongside a 25’+ whale shark or to be sea-kayaking in amongst a pod of dolphins or a passing sea-turtle. You just have to get outside to enjoy it firsthand! For the rest of this season (until mid-May) BOA is enticing locals to join them by offering a 20% discount on various sea-kayaking expeditions. Contact office manager Beatriz Loubet soon at Beatriz@kayactivities.com or (01-612) 125-5636. To join the BOA community send a friend request to http://www.facebook.com/baja.outdoor.activities or peruse their Baja adventures on www.kayakinbaja.com

Phil and Flute, Sierra de la Laguna, Baja, Mexico

Phil and Flute, Sierra de la Laguna, Baja, Mexico

After you kayak around the islands in the Sea of Cortés, take a trip to the sierras and see the magnificent island in the sky. It’s easy to arrange a day hike or multiple day trip with Todos Santos Eco Adventures.

Chocolates La Laguna serves up a variety of locally made luxury chocolates from their shop behind the bookstore in Todos Santos.

You’ve probably sampled some delicious treats from Mayra’s Kitchen at an art opening, wedding or party. See her ad to arrange catering for your next event—large or small.

Robin Austin, the Phairy Godmother, is an expert in cuts, color and hair styling. She specializes in weddings and formal hair. You can find her salon behind the Pura Vida Health Food Store in Todos Santos.

Whether you’re planning your whole vacation in the old town of San José del Cabo, or just spending the night, Hotel Posada Sr. Mañana’s is the traveler’s place on the edge of town—conveniently located to both the historic district and outdoor activities. They can help you with your surf, bike, or kayak adventure and offer wifi, music, books and hammocks for chilling.

Todos Santos Music Festival Plaza Concert, photo: Vivian Johnson, Todos Santos, Baja

Todos Santos Music Festival Plaza Concert, photo: Vivian Johnson

The Todos Santos Music Festival was a huge success again this year, raising money for the Palapa Society of Todos Santos A.C. and children’s education. This year, over 31 musicians, including two bands from Mexico City, entertained crowds at the Hotel California and with two not to be forgotten concerts in the town plaza. Journal del Pacifico is proud to be a sponsor and organizer of this event. The musicians all had a great time exploring Baja California Sur and entertaining visitors and locals—both at the main shows and at more intimate venues around town—including two trips to meet the kids at the new Palapa Society. Photographer Vivian Johnson shared a few of her photos in this issue of Journal del Pacifico. You can see more on the Todos Santos Music Festival Facebook site.