Posted by Roxanna McDade on Wed, Sep 01, 2010 @ 12:06 PM
By Andrea Julian
Mexico is famous for its killer waves and is an international surf destination. The best part about Mexico's surf spots is that the best ones are located just a short drive from the U.S. along the Baja Peninsula. You won't have to ship your board or buy expensive airline tickets. Just grab your board, purchase a Mexican auto insurance policy online from www.mexpro.com and in less than a day you can be riding high on some of the best waves in the world.
Baja California Norte
Ensenada One of the most famous breaks in Ensenada lands on the little island of Todos Santos just off the coast of Ensenada (not to be confused with the town of Todos Santos in southern Baja). Known as Killers, this is powerfully big deepwater wave that is best hit early in the morning (pre-dawn). Not for armatures, Killers is a serious wave for serious surfers. San Miguel, just north of Killers, is one of the most consistent waves in northern Baja. Get here early to snag a spot in the line up because it blows out after 11 AM.
San Quintin Zone The area between Punta San Jose and Punta Baja is known as the San Quintin Zone. This rocky stretch is loaded with surf spots and has the advantage of being less crowded than Ensenada. Expect to find many rocky points with adjacent beach breaks, with larger swells on the outer reef from the Colonet to Camalu area. There are a number of towns in the area to supply surfers with food and gas, and a number of RV parks, restaurants and bars are in the area as well.
Baja California Sur
Todos Santos Just one hour north of Cabo San Lucas is the town of Todos Santos, which has some of the best breaks in the Baja. Los Cerritos and San Pedrito, just south of Todos Santos in the tiny fishing village of Pescadero, are the two best breaks in the area. Los Cerritos is an exposed point break that is consistent year round and has the added bonus of being fairly deserted most of the time. San Pedrito, a consistent exposed beach break, is typically more crowded.
Cabo San Lucas Many surfers have found surf paradise at Lands End. There are three main surf areas here. The East Cape is a south-facing beach that is famous for its right point breaks. Costa Azul faces southeast and is one of the more popular Cabo surf spots because of its consistent rock reef breaks. The west facing Pacific Coast that runs north of Cabo has fairly dependable rock-reef and beach breaks. In addition to great swells, the town of Cabo San Lucas offers plenty to do outside of the water, with plenty of bars and restaurants to keep surfers entertained day and night.
Baja has the advantage of having great surf year-round. In the winter months, water temperature can be cooler so bring along a wetsuit. Baja is also a free zone, meaning Americans can travel there without a vehicle import permit and immigration does not apply. You will still need paperwork for your vehicle, including proof of registration and Mexican auto insurance. Other than that, all you need are your boards and shorts, so what are you waiting for? Surfs up!
Posted by Roxanna McDade on Thu, Aug 12, 2010 @ 07:00 AM
From the Baja Times
International Seafood Fest, Aug. 21:
Some of the finest restaurants in a city known for great seafood will be at this 22nd annual event in the garden/beach area behind the Rosarito Beach Hotel. More information at www.caniracrosarito.com.
Governor’s Cup Fishing Tournament, Aug, 21:
You can even compete at catching seafood the same day you sample some prepared by experts. More information on this event out of Puerto Salina is at www.apescar.net.
Rosarito Beach Pro-Am, Aug. 21-22:
If you love the ocean and surfing is your thing (either watching or competing) this event near the Rosarito Beach Hotel is for you. For more: 800-962-2252 or www.rosarito.org.
Rosarito “Q” 2010, Aug. 27-29:
If you never thought you’d see a Kansas City Barbecue Society-sanctioned cook-off in Rosarito featuring U.S. and Mexican teams, you were wrong.
That’s’ just what will take place this year, with $20,000 in prize money and events for the whole family --- not to mention some tasty food to sample.
But make no mistake, the meat might be tender but the competition will be tough, with some masterful teams trying to out cook each other in various categories.
Not everyone who competes can win, but anyone who attends this great event will be a winner. For additional information: hsilvestre@aol.com or 951-445-1903.
Remember more event details, including ones in upcoming months, plus great deals always are available on the Rosarito Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau website: www.rosarito.org.
Posted by Roxanna McDade on Wed, Aug 04, 2010 @ 05:10 PM
by Glynna Prentice,
International Living
If your idea of the perfect vacation or retirement spot is by an ocean where the beach living is easy, look no further than Mexico. With nearly 6,000 miles of coastline, Mexico offers plenty of gorgeous beaches to choose from, as well as plenty of well-known resorts. But why stick with the tried-and-true? Here are five Mexico resorts that offer the best in beach living…and several of these may be off your radar.
For Water-sport Lovers Head to Loreto, Baja California Sur
Loreto sits on the Sea of Cortez, looking out at the bay that Jacques Cousteau dubbed “the world’s aquarium.” The Sea of Cortez teems with marine life, making it an excellent place for scuba diving, snorkeling and whale-watching. In fact, in Loreto you can enjoy just about any water sport ever invented. Get tired of the water? Just head to the desert and mountains outside town for a little hiking. For nature-lovers, it doesn’t get much better than Loreto.
This Mexico resort offers small-town living with a twist. The local population is less than 20,000, but Loreto gets tourists and snowbirds to liven things up. For big-city amenities, it’s only a few hours’ drive to La Paz, the state capital. And it’s only 700 miles to the U.S. border with Arizona and California (so you can actually drive here).
Some people come down for a visit and find that they never want to leave… It happens easily when you stay at a small B&B where you feel like one of the family. Or you can arrange to rent a house or condo for a few weeks. Both options are possible here.
Two Mexico Resorts Off the Beaten Path
San Pancho and Sayulita, in the state of Nayarit are two small towns at the southern tip of a 100-mile stretch of Pacific coast that’s been dubbed the Riviera Nayarit. They’re less than two hours north of Puerto Vallarta, one of Mexico’s most international beach resorts. But San Pancho and Sayulita are a world away from Vallarta’s glitz. In these little towns you’ll find low-rise homes and boutique hotels, dirt streets, a laid-back feel—and plenty of art galleries. The expats who have moved here are an artsy crowd.
On this part of the Riviera Nayarit, you can feel blissfully away from it all…yet be within hailing distance of Puerto Vallarta’s urban vibe. Head north up this coast and find plenty of small fishing villages that are practically undiscovered. But that’s changing…Mexico’s tourism development agency FONATUR has picked this entire coast for major development.
Use San Pancho or Sayulita as a base for exploring the area…or just kick back and enjoy their artsy ambience.
Laid-back in Puerto Escondido, state of Oaxaca.
This little town on Mexico’s southern Pacific coast has long beaches where the afternoon sun seems to shine brighter than it does in other places. Puerto Escondido is a Mexico resort with a laid-back vibe and a small expat community of young, hip beach lovers who’ve mostly come here for a single reason: to surf.
That’s because Puerto Escondido is one of the top 10 surfing meccas in the world. In fact, if you’re a serious surfer, you’ve no doubt heard of Puerto Escondido.
For the rest of us the town has largely remained unknown. That’s because Puerto Escondido is also hard to reach. But that’s due to change. Mexico is building a high-speed road to connect Puerto Escondido to the state capital, Oaxaca. The trip, which now takes nine hours along a winding mountain road, will be cut down to three hours when the highway is finished.
When that happens, Puerto Escondido’s beaches and bright sunny afternoons will be within easy reach.
Caribbean Beaches of Playa del Carmen, state of Quintana Roo.
Ten to 15 years ago, Playa del Carmen, on the Yucatán Peninsula’s Caribbean coast, was a simple fishing village where you got the ferry to the island of Cozumel. Today it’s a chic destination on its own—and the heart of the stretch of Caribbean coast known as the Riviera Maya.
In Playa del Carmen you’ll find beautiful beaches where you can enjoy swimming, parasailing, body surfing, and fishing off the coast. On shore, Playa offers everything from high-end, boutique stores selling designer wear to funky stalls where you can buy crystals and get your hair braided. The restaurant options are equally varied.
For comfortable beach living, there’s not much you can’t find in Playa these days, thanks to the range of shops and services. For anything you can’t find, just head to Cancún, less than an hour away. In fact, Cancún’s international airport is only half an hour from Playa—making this trendy town easy to reach.
If you want a beach town with upscale amenities and a bohemian edge, then Playa del Carmen may be the place for you.
Great Seafood at Progreso, state of Yucatán.
Progreso is the largest town on the Yucatán Gulf Coast, a stretch of coastline running west and north of Mérida, the state capital. Progreso is a port and cruise ship stop, a low-key Mexico resort with a population of about 10,000.
Enjoy lunch at a seaside restaurant along Progreso’s boardwalk (malecón), then skip across the sand for a quick dip in the warm Gulf waters. Seafood is excellent and cheap here—you can get a plate of seafood ceviche that will serve two for only about $10.
One of the best things about Progreso is its easy access. It’s only half an hour from Mérida, with its big-city shopping (English-language cineplexes, shopping malls and U.S.-style warehouse stores) and international airport. But Progreso is also well-connected to all the other little beach towns along this stretch of coast.
And what a coast it is…with stretches of empty beach or sandy coves where flamingoes feed, and little fishing villages where boats bob at their moorings.
The Yucatán Gulf coast remains one of the best bargains in coastal Mexico. Along this coast you can still find houses near the beach for well under $100,000. Even in Progreso this price will get you a home within a short walk or drive of the beach.
So come on down to Mexico, where there’s a beach town for every taste.
Posted by Roxanna McDade on Thu, Mar 11, 2010 @ 07:00 AM
By Christine Pollock on Suite101.com.
A vacation to Mexico can be more than a honeymoon getaway. The country is famous for its beaches and is also filled with history and culture that can appeal to family members of all ages. Visit the Mayan ruins and soak in the beauty of nature, smelling the flowers and watching the children chase butterflies as the snow back home melts from everyone’s minds.
All Inclusive Family Vacation
Alleviate budgeting worries when traveling to Mexico by taking an all inclusive vacation for a Mexico winter getaway. All fees are taken care of before setting foot on resort properties so there is no need to keep a tab on food or entertainment bills. Many resorts offer all-inclusive packages for family members who want to sample a variety of activities from golf to spa treatments to kid activities and waterparks. Don’t forget the pools and beaches, either. Look for resorts that are connected to other resorts that allow guests to visit without additional fees.
Adventure Vacations in Mexico
Take a tour of Mexico taking advantage of the waterways. Vacations such as Baja Blast: A Family Adventure Trip help families take a break from winter by offering adventurous activities that celebrate life in Mexico. These activities include surfing in the warm Lost Cerritos waters, riding horses on the sandy beaches, kayaking in the sea and swimming with wild sea lions. Local families join in the fun with tourists by playing games, playing music and showing off their crafts and handiwork.
Tours of Mexico
Families with older children that like to explore new areas and delve into new cultures might appreciate taking a multi-day island tour. Drive around on a bus to visit areas of historical significance while a tour guide answers questions and offers information on the area. Some tour groups such as Mexico’s Ancient & Colonial Cities tour spend as many as nine days days exploring areas of interest. Many of these tours come with food and bottled water included.
Posted by Roxanna McDade on Wed, Mar 03, 2010 @ 09:41 AM
Press Release from Surfline.com March 2, 2010
While not advancing from semi-final one in the 18 to 20 foot lumpy swell conditions, it was Gabriel Villaran (Peru) who was awarded a perfect 10 and the events Biggest Wave Award in heat number two. Hawaiian hell man Mark Healey took top honors winning the overall big wave event.
Todos Santos Big Wave Event, a paddle in only event, is the last stop of the Big Wave Tour which features 24 of the world's best big wave riders, including Peter Mel, Greg Long, Grant Baker, and Shane Dorian.
The call was made to run the event Sunday February 28th 2010 with swells at 18 to 20 ft at the Baja California, Mexico Island of Todos Santos at "Killers".
With the major sponsor of the event bailing out a week before the start of the waiting period (due to internal issues), surfers were unanimous in their desire to have the event anyway even with a minimal budget and no prize-money. "The event was as core as it gets. No money on the line, just a passion for big waves. I'm stoked to have been a part of big wave event history", says Gabriel of his experience.
Watch the Todos Santos Video Teaser below...
View photos and more at www.todossantosevent.com.
To get Todos Santos Big Wave Event RESULTS CLICK HERE.
Posted by Roxanna McDade on Tue, Feb 09, 2010 @ 03:38 PM
Surfing in Baja Mexico!
Baja Surf Adventures created this great video showing the kind of fun you can have when you go to Baja for surfing. Now is the season, so sign up now!
Don't forget your Mexico Auto Insurance when driving your board down for fun in the sun! Contact Mexpro.com to quote, print and purchase your online policy now! You can be on your way in minutes!
Posted by Roxanna McDade on Mon, Jan 18, 2010 @ 10:00 AM
According to ESPN, "the North Pacific wave machine is in full effect and shows no signs of letting up anytime soon." One can easily see the results on California beaches, but in the Baja you'd have to look hard to fight over a wave.
To get the Baja Norte Surf Report click here.
For the Baja Sur Surf forecast click here.
Get the new Surfline iPhone application to get the surf forecast anywhere. Read more...
Posted by Roxanna McDade on Mon, Jan 18, 2010 @ 09:41 AM
Todos Santos Big Wave Event
Over the past month, there have been more surfable days at Jaws, Mav's and Todos than the previous four years combined. Many surfers are heading that way for the Todos Santos Big Wave Event. The competition takes place in Baja California Norte, Enseñada, Mexico, on the Island of Todos Santos at “Killers”. The waiting period is from February 1 to February 28, 2010. The event will be held on the biggest/best day of the waiting period. Swell and weather forecasting will allow to call the event 72 to 48 hours in advance. The paddle-in surfing international competition will earn the winner a $10,000 minimum prize.
Read ESPN News...Todos Santos: Starting To Stir
Click here to go to the Todos Santos Event website.
Big Wave Invitees Include:
- Greg Long (California) – Quiksilver Eddie Aikau 2009, Red Bull Big Wave Africa 2003 & Mavericks Big Wave Contest 2008 Winner – Current Big Wave World Tour leader.BWWT current #1
- Peter Mel (California) – 2009 -2010 Big Wave World Tour current runner-up.BWWT current #2
- Carlos Burle (Brazil) – Reef @ Todos 98 Winner – BWWT current #3
- Kelly Slater (Florida) – 9 times World Champion (ASP – Association of Surfing Professionals) – Quiksilver Eddie Aikau 2002 winner – BWWT #4
- Grant “Twiggy” Baker (South Africa) – Red Bull Big Wave Africa 2008 & Mavericks Big Wave Contest 2006 Winner – BWWT #5
- Taylor Knox (California) – Current ASP top surfer – 1998 K2 Challenge winner
- Coco Nogales (Mexico) – Mexican Big Wave Legend
- Shane Dorian (Hawaii) – Hawaiian Surf Legend
- Ramon Navarro (Chile) – Winner of the “Monster Drop” at the 2009 Eddie Aikau
- David Rutherford (Mexico)
- Oscar Moncada (Mexico)
- Gabriel Villaran (Peru)
- Garrett McNamarra (Hawaii)
- Mike Parsons (California)
- Ross Clarke Jones (Australia)
- Nathan Fletcher (California)
- Rusty Long (California)
- Evan Slater (California)
- Mark Healey (Hawaii)
- Jaimie Sterling (Hawaii)
- Danilo Couto (Brazil)
- Chris Bertish (South Africa)
- Ryan Seelbach (California)
- Andrew Marr (South Africa)
Posted by Roxanna McDade on Mon, Nov 30, 2009 @ 11:32 AM
By Roxanna McDade
El Golfo de Santa Clara, called “El Golfo”, is a small, peaceful fishing village located just 60 miles south of Yuma, Arizona. Expansive white beaches on the lovely Sea of Cortez host pelicans and many other shore birds. The area is also known for its miles of sand dunes.
One can camp anywhere along the beach. RV parks and hotels can be found along the beach, as well.
Some of the activities one can enjoy while in El Golfo include:
- Visiting shrimp farms.
- Exploring abandoned salt mines.
- Fishing in the protected Biosphere.
- Bird watching in the protected Biosphere.
- Scuba diving or snorkeling on massive reefs.
- Touring the extensive sand dunes.
- Guided fishing trips.
- Rent ATV’s.
- Lounging in the sun and surf.
The few restaurants in the small town of El Golfo serve delicious seafood (El Delfin recommended), great tacos and ice cream. It is easy to buy fresh produce, fish and meat. Be sure to clean produce well with purified water.
The beach stretches on for 30 miles or more south, one can drive or walk, watching the fishing boats (pongas). Beaches are virtually deserted--the perfect place for a Mexican holiday. Be sure to drive on the beach rather than the hard pack, which is deceptively difficult to maneuver.
Check the tide charts before you set up camp. The tides are crazy, fluctuating 20 feet or more. A camping spot could quickly be under water if one does not pay attention to the tides.
A 28-mile beach excursion from El Golfo to the "2nd light house" is a nice day-trip. There are miles of trails with amazing views of the sea, mountains and desert around El Golfo.
One of the El Golfo websites describes the area as follows: "If you like sand and sea, you will love El Golfo! El Golfo is one of the best-kept secrets in the Western Hemisphere."
For more information, check out these websites:
http://www.gulfofsantaclara.com/
http://www.visitelgolfo.com/?hop=swg8open
Before driving to El Golfo for your Mexican holiday, don't forget to purchase Mexican car insurance from www.Mexpro.com.
Posted by Roxanna McDade on Mon, Sep 21, 2009 @ 04:27 PM
The 10 Best Surf spots, according to the Mexico Guru:
- Sayulita, Nayarit - Good waves, a large surfcommunity and frequent surf contests. Catch the north swell December throughearly April.
- Pascuales, Colima - Huge beach break - very powerful - for experienced surfers only.
- Mazatlan, Sinaloa - Excellent conditions year-round from beginner to expert. Check out Playa Bruja, Playa Olas Altas, Cerritos Beach, Cagadazo Beach and Playa Los Pinos.
- Todos Santos, Baja California Sur - Good surf spots between Los Cabos and Todos Santos.
- Ensenada, Baja California - Good surfing in Santo Tomas north of town. Camping available. Best time is fall and winter - bring a wetsuit.
- Huatulco, Oaxaca - La Bocana beach, Barra de la Cruz, 20 km east is great. Summer and fall are the best.
- Punta de Mita, Nayarit - Good waves off the beach near the end of the point in Banderas Bay.
- San Pancho, Nayarit - Small waves here, better in Sayulita (10 minutes by car). A good place to stay is Costa Azul, where daily minivan trips are offered to surrounding surf areas.
- Los Cabos, Baja California Sur - Surf spots mainly outside the resort, on the Pacific.
- San Blas, Nayarit - Las Islitas was once famous for the longest wave in the world - now a good jetty and shore break at Borrego Beach. Best surf is in the summer. Surfers hang out at Pompis Ramada on Borrego.
Before you go, don't forget to get Mexico Car Insurance from www.Mexpro.com.