Gulf of California Archives : TRAVEL/FOOD

Known for its legendary breaks, unparalleled beauty and the second longest wave in the world, San Juanico in Baja California Sur (BCS) has emerged as the must-hit spot for ardent surf fanatics seeking an unsurpassed wave experience. Nestled along the eastern side of BCS in the Comundú region, the picturesque and untouched area, also known to Americans as ‘Scorpion Bay,’ showcases epic swells that cater to surfers of all skill levels – from barrel-filled points to mellow rollers.

It’s no surprise that despite San Juanico’s small size, it has long been a bucket-list item for west-coast surfers. San Juanico’s world-class waves offer some of the longest rides on the planet, lasting up to two minutes long. On big days, when all of the break points in the bay connect, these waves provide seemingly endless, smooth rides that are the stuff of surfers’ dreams. With the town well off the beaten path, surfers in San Juanico will find serenity within the secluded waters.

Photo courtesy of Kirt Edblom/Wikimedia Commons.

As for the journey to San Juanico, travelers begin by flying into Loreto (LTO) from the United States with airlines such as Alaska Airlines and American Airlines – with Alaska offering direct flights from Los Angeles (LAX), and American offering direct flights from Phoenix (PHX) along with seasonal direct flights from Dallas (DFW). Surfers in Southern California can also cross the border via the Cross Border Express (CBX) and fly into Loreto directly via Volaris. Once in Loreto, travelers will need to rent a car and embark on the three-and-a-half-hour journey to San Juanico. Along this drive, travelers can navigate the scenic route, augmented by stunning vistas of the La Giganta mountain range and tranquil beaches like Juncalito.

Accommodations in San Juanico are equally captivating – with rustic yet comfortable retreats providing a peaceful oasis amidst the desert-meets-sea landscape of BCS, like Casitas San Juanico or, for travelers craving adventure, they can pitch a tent with the San Juanico’s robust camping community.

taco — Photo courtesy of El Burro Primavera

Guests can immerse themselves in a laid-back atmosphere and enjoy warm welcomes at local eateries like El Burro Primavera – known for their micheladas and fresh ceviche tacos. Part of San Juanico’s charm is that the town still doesn’t have an electric grid, and while this is due to change in the future, for now, it provides an even more serene local experience for surfers seeking a remote escape. Visitors should be aware that there is no easily accessible bank, so bring plenty of pesos prior to arrival.

Photo courtesy of Adam Jones/Wikimedia Commons.

As the town of San Juanico continues to capture the hearts of travelers, surfers have been clamoring to experience its uniquely unspoiled beauty amidst the prospect of progress. The timeless allure of the area’s epic waves remains, inviting surfers to embark on this bucket-list journey.

About Baja California Sur

Photo courtesy of Kirt Edblom/Wikimedian Commons.

Known for its extraordinary marine life, whale watching is one of the area’s most well-known tourist attractions along with sportfishing, kayaking and bird watching. More information on Baja California Sur and the state’s northern regions is available at Visit Baja Sur.

BAJA CALIFORNIA SUR ONCE AGAIN WELCOMES WHALE MIGRATION SEASON

Baja California Sur, the southern half of Mexico’s Baja Peninsula, is the annual winter playground for whales of many species where the spectacular sight of whales in near proximity becomes downright commonplace. Whether in the lagoons and bays off the Pacific Coast or around to the eastern side of the peninsula up into the Gulf of California, whale watching in Baja California Sur is a bucket list adventure for the whole family.

Each year more than 20,000 gray, humpback, and blue whales (among others) travel 6,000 miles from the cold waters off Alaska to mate, socialize and give birth in the shallow, nutrient rich bays and lagoons of Baja California Sur. As they engage in this extraordinary pilgrimage, they also provide a magical opportunity for locals and tourists alike to witness the graceful creatures in their winter habitat.

The routes and habits of the various species differ, as do their personalities and interest in us as the human onlookers. But all offer fascinating insights and experiences with some of the planet’s most enigmatic creatures.

The charming municipality of Loreto is well known for its natural beauty and intimate proximity to some of nature’s finest offerings, but nothing comes close to the awe-inspiring sight of a blue whale, the largest animal on earth. Blue whales, often shy and elusive, make their way south along the western side of the peninsula but for a few winter months they can be found exploring up into the Gulf of California and in the tranquil waters of the Bay of Loreto.

With its crystal-clear waters, the Bay of Loreto National Marine Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site within the Gulf of California is the perfect place for travelers to get up close with blue whales. Local companies such as Tours Loreto and Wild Loreto Tours offer tours where visitors observe these creatures, who grow more than 100 feet long and weigh as much as 30 elephants combined.

In Mulegé, further north, gray whales make their way to the lagoons of San Ignacio and Ojo de Liebre, part of Mexico’s El Vizcaíno Biosphere Reserve—the largest wildlife refuge in Latin America which was established in 1988. These shallow lagoons have been the breeding grounds of gray whales for thousands of years.

Visitors can take small boat excursions out to lagoons to witness the whales as they near the boats. Known to poke their heads out of the water and interact with humans who come to watch them, gray whales have developed a reputation of being some of the most socially receptive and mellow whales in the ocean. The nearby small municipality of Comondú also offers whale watching excursions in the ports of San Carlos and Adolfo López Mateos where humpback, gray, and finback whales all can be spotted.

Whale watching is highly regulated in Baja California Sur, with the safety and preservation of these mammals and their ecosystems always taking priority. Tours consist only of small groups, led by marine biologists and local whale experts who are familiar with all the various species and conservation efforts.

As an area known for its rampant wildlife, seabirds and other marine mammals such as dolphins and sea lions can also be found in Loreto, Mulegé and Comondú. Baja California Sur also offers other ocean activities such as diving, kayaking, and snorkeling, making it a paradise for adventure seekers. Travelers can explore the area on-land further by mountain biking, hiking, or exploring the town and enjoying family-owned shops and restaurants.

About Baja California Sur

Situated between the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of California, the state of Baja California Sur encompasses the southern half of the Baja Peninsula. The climate is perfect for fishing, boating, surfing, and diving, making the destination an adventurer and thrill-seeker’s dream. The state features breathtaking scenery from the windswept ocean beaches on the west to the tranquil, turquoise waters on the east. In between are canyons, desertscapes and lush oasis ripe for exploration. Known for its extraordinary marine life, whale watching is one of the area’s most well-known tourist attractions along with sportfishing, kayaking and bird watching. More information on Baja California Sur’s Loreto and northern regions can be found at Visit Baja Sur.

Photo credit Visit Baja Sur.