Cortez Explorers - A PADI 5 Star IDC Center » Travel

Baja Nomads is “a must” to check out before traveling South.

Mick Chapman — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 21:25:19 +0000

BajaNomad Forums

Whenever I am about to head South to Mulegé, I always take time to check Baja Nomad forums (http://forums.bajanomad.com/). The information on road conditions, accommodations and weather can be invaluable. You do not need to subscribe to view the posts and they have nicely segregated the groups into clear sections. The following are ones that I use regularly:

They have other groups as well: Baja Photo Gallery, Baja Travel Companions or Convoys, Baja Political Forum, Baja Restaurant Reviews, Baja Accommodation Reviews and others…

Now, as with all forums, there are a wide spectrum of people sporting their own opinions and agendas. So as usual, you may need to take what you read (especially in the political and review forums) with a pinch of salt. However their factual groups (which I use) – such as road conditions, by people who have just traveled south, are invaluable!

Now, if you are interested in knowing what the fishing is like in any given area, Baja nomads are sometimes helpful, but the definitive site is mexfish – so point your browsers over to http://www.mexfish.com/ -

A trip to Bahia de Los Angeles

Mick Chapman — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 12:32:35 +0000

Heading into Bahia de Los Angeles

Bahia de Los Angeles, Baja, is about an 8 hour drive from the San Diego border; it is 40 minutes, by good road, from Route 1, yet is is rarely visited by people heading south.

In the summer the waters heat to the low 80s and as there are currents in the area, the water remains clear; offering excellent visabilty and photographic opportunities.

There are several large islands offshore which funnel large pelagics, often confined to 20/30 miles off of the coast, to come much closer inland. Blue Whales and Whale Sharks, (some of the most sought after animals to view), can be found just minutes from the beach.

The town itself is basic, but there are small hotels to accomodate your needs. One of the newer and most popular places to stay is Costa del Sol. It is clean, very well located (in town) and the service is excellent. To view a complete list of accomodations in the area view http://www.bahiadelosangeles.info/.

Overlooking the bay.

During the summer there are several fisherman that will take you out on their Pangas and look for Whales and Whale Sharks. In Mulegé we occasionally see Whale Sharks as well as Blue and Fin Whales. However, if you are looking for a more guaranteed approach to finding the giants of the sea, then take a diversion from your planned trip South (or North) and stop off in Bahia de Los Angeles.

The weather in the summer is not as oppressive as it can be further South. However you are still looking at the thermometer reaching into the nineties by early August. The waters here are cooler, however. This is due to the unique topography of the surround large islands and inlets. These islands serve to push the cooler, deeper, waters of the Sea of Cortez, up to the surface. This upwelling brings nutrients and becomes a perfect place for large pelagic fish to feed. Visibility is usually good, over 80′; and while you are never guaranteed to see anything on any given day – your chances here are better than almost anywhere else on the planet.

Cortez Explorers will be taking several excursions North, from our home base of Mulegé, this summer. Most of the viewing of whales and whale sharks are done from Pangas and with just a snorkel and fins. So even those who are not certified SCUBA divers are more than welcome to join us. If you are interested in coming with us, please feel free to contact us to find out more information on up-and-coming trips.

Diving with Whale Sharks & Manta on the Eastern US Seaboard?

Mick Chapman — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 19:09:12 +0000

It sucks to travel half way around the world to dive with big pelagics, only to find out they they have decided to go on their vacation the same week. However, not 500 miles south of the US border in Bahia de Los Angeles we have Whale Sharks. We would love to guarantee their presence for you, but although they are frequent visitors in the summer months, it is never prudent to guarantee.

Sure, we would really prefer you come with us to dive with Whale Sharks and Mantas in Baja, but we would be remiss if we did not tell you about the offer that the Georgia Aquarium is selling for about $325; Yes, you can dive in their big tank with the Whale Sharks and Mantas!

They are in a tank, right? So no need to worry if they are not there, or have migrated South for better hunting grounds. The other animals you experience are Hammerheads, Napoleon wrasse as well as countless reef species. The are all right there, in front of you without the need for $3000 live-a-board or looong 14 hour flights to remote destinations – they are right THERE.

There is a great write-up and review that can be found here (scubanews.com). The Georgia Aquarium also has a direct link to this program, that can be found here (georgiaaquarium.org).

So if you want to be guaranteed Whale Sharks, I would suggest that this is the place to go!