One advice we always give to friends and family is to get informed on the basics of the city or country they are traveling to. This, to us, automatically reduces the stress caused by ‘the unknown’ and lets you fully enjoy the adventure.
May this list help you have an even more pleasant time in Baja…
1. Not all beaches are suitable for swimming
Baja is a surfer’s dream for a reason… Many beaches have very strong currents that can be dangerous even for professional swimmers. Just be sure to ask a local if the one you are interested in, is suitable.
In Los Cabos, especially, you’ll see ropes dividing the ocean. This is for your safety and needs to be respected. The squares delimit the area suitable for swimming; water taxis, speedboats and water scooters, use the rest to come and go.
2. It’s a snorkeling heaven
Keep your head in the water at all times. You’ll be amazed with the amount of species that coexist in a small radius.
But, unless you are used to freezing-cold-leg-numbing water, don’t forget to rent a wetsuit (tours may include them). We made the mistake of going to the whale shark tour without one, and it totally ruined the experience. Plus, it covers your body from the jellyfish.
3. Pack water shoes
The beauty of Bahía Concepción and Balandra is that the low tide allows you to walk deep into the ocean. Just be aware of stingrays, jellyfish and other fauna. For example, drag your feet while walking, to push away the stingrays instead of stepping on them.
4. Pay in pesos
Everything is listed in dollars, but is taken below price (sometimes way below), so it’s better to pay in pesos. Also, carry cash, because many tours and shops don’t accept cards.
5. Bargain!
Not so much, as you would in India, but definitely some. Even us, Mexicans, have to cut the price with the line: “Me estás viendo la cara de gringo” (Do I look like a gringo to you?). Which means, they totally take advantage of foreigners, especially while shopping crafts and booking tours.
Warning: most of the crafts you see in Baja you can find in other states of Mexico five times cheaper or more. For example, the same ‘alebrije’ we saw in a shop in Todos Santos for $300 mxn, we found it in Coyoacán (a bazaar in Mexico City) for $15 mxn.
6. Crazy climate
As in Mexico City, locals joke about having all the seasons in one day. So, pack both jeans and shorts, and don’t forget your jacket.
If you are planning on visiting islands, snorkeling, swimming with whale sharks or sea lions, or whale watching, ask the people you booked the tour with for the wind conditions. This will determine whether you can or can’t do the activity, and when will it be best to do so.
7. Rise-early
Almost all tours begin between 7am – 8 am, and the earlier you start, the best weather you get; which is vital for some activities.
8. Tricky highways
A big part of living the real side of Baja is to rent a car and admire the beautiful views of the Transpeninsular Highway, while cutting through the dessert, with the bright blue ocean picking through the backdrop of red-ish mountains.
Be careful. Although most of the highway is straight, there are some curves that can be dangerous if taken at high speed. Also, while driving, be aware of the strong winds, and the crossing of some ranch animals.
Along the highway there are military checkpoints. Don’t be alarmed. They’ll ask the driver to step out and open the trunk, and then proceed with some question on where you are going to, what do you do back home, etc.
9. Safety first
Here’s a story about how my oldest brother was never robbed in Mexico, but got his bag stolen at a Starbucks in Vancouver. Insecurity is everywhere. But, yes, especially in Mexico you have to be more careful…
-Keep your documents locked in your suitcase. You don’t need them for any attraction in Baja California.
-Don’t wander around alone, especially at night. Driving at night is also not recommended.
-Follow your instincts. If you don’t feel safe, go elsewhere.
-Please don’t do drugs. You really don’t want to engage with the cartels.
-Do your research and ask locals about the current situation of the city you are traveling to.
-Keep your belongings with you, and in crowded places wear your backpack in front.
10. Rent a car
There’s no Uber and the local taxis are really expensive ($500 mxn the ride, aprox.), so save your money and rent a car. Quick tips here:
-Pull out your bargaining skills. We rented an Attitude at the airport’s Firefly counter (on high season) for $350 mxn per day with 90% coverage. The listed price was $1,200 mxn.
-Do not rent the smallest car. Highways have strong winds, and some are dirt roads.
-Take photos or video of all the imperfections and show them to the person filling the paperwork.
-Unless they tell you otherwise, fill the tank with the green pump (also called ‘magna’). It is cheaper.
-Check the spare tire and tools.
-The car comes with a full tank, but don’t forget to put air into the tires on the nearest gas station.
-You can leave the car in other cities, just ask for the surcharge.
-The sidewalks are painted with colors (green, red, blue, white). White is for everyone to park; blue is for the disabled ones; red is not allowed, and green means ‘private’, usually used by the stores and restaurants for their clients.
