Baja Hotel Based~More Trip Info

MORE TRIP INFORMATION

ACCOMMODATIONS: Our 9 day adventure in Baja includes 8 nights of double occupancy lodging (both in Loreto and in Ciudad Constitucion) with all meals provided.  We will spend 6 nights at the   Hotel Oasis, a lovely waterfront hotel in the quaint and historical  town of Loreto. Two nights will be spent in Ciudad Constitucion at Hotel Victoria. Please note, elevators are rare in this region of Baja! At Hotel Oasis some rooms are accessible by stairs and we can assist you with your luggage.

OUR MEXICAN BASED OUTFITTERS: We are thrilled to be under the care of  Loreto Sea and Land Tours while in Loreto as we explore the wonders of Baja. Like Blue Water Ventures, Loreto Sea and Land Tours  provides naturalist-led adventures and active vacations with an educational focus. On Baja’s Pacific side we are so happy  to be under the care of Camacho’s Tours based in Puerto Chale and Gracia’s Tours based in Lopez Mateos.  All three outfitters are dedicated to providing quality wildlife experiences.

MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS: As new information unfolds regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, we will update this link as we learn new requirements if any, for travel between Mexico and the United States.

During our travels if anyone is exhibiting flu or COVID like symptoms, we will require  that you take a COVID 19 test. We plan to bring a supply of testing kits, however please bring several personal  kits. If someone tests positive, you will be isolated from the group until  arrangements can be made for your evacuation  from our program.  All costs of an evacuation is the responsibility of each participant. Now more than ever, it is important  to secure  travel insurance. You  may purchase through this link Travel Insurance or choose a company of your choice.

Mexico, including Baja has a relatively high occurrence of Hepatitis A. While all precautions at our hotel and base camps are made to prevent the spread of this serious liver disease, we recommend getting a vaccination for Hepatitis A. Make sure that your Tetanus (Td or Tdap) vaccine is current as well. For updates on travel to Mexico, please visit the CDC Mexico . The seasonal flu vaccine may protect against several other flu strains. Dengue Fever and the Zika Virus are both transmitted by mosquitoes and exists in Mexico (although currently very few cases of Zika reported in Baja). A strong repellent is a good defense against mosquitoes. See more recommendations below under the heading: INSECT REPELLENT. Please consult your physician regarding your trip. All medical precautions are the decision of each participant. Be sure to pack all medications in the original prescription package or bottle to avoid problems while clearing customs.

Boat rides may be bumpy and jarring with the prevailing winds across the Baja Peninsula, however sometimes, there is little jarring. We can not predict marine conditions far in advance. If you have a chronic back, shoulder  or neck  injury or condition you may find the boat rides uncomfortable and we don’t  recommend joining us.  Please call us if you have any questions regarding the activities planned at 831 459 8548.

WATCHING WHALES IN BAJA: Each year we have the greatest privilege to observe  California Gray Whales in the calving and mating lagoons of Baja. From one year to the next, our experiences are unique,  never quite the same.  Our guides look forward to sharing this experience and with great anticipation. We may observe and interpret a variety of whale behaviors such as logging, spy hopping, tail slapping, breaching and even the simply profound moment when a whale rises up in exhalation. A small percentage of California Gray Whales  are known as “The Friendlies”, a whale that makes a very close approach to a whale watching vessel.  Our experiences may vary greatly each day and even from one boat to the next.  Gray Whales make the choice to interact with us and to what level. They are sentient beings that will exhibit a variety of fascinating behaviors  with  the level of interaction entirely on their own terms. In the Sea of Cortez, we hope to observe  several whale and dolphin species as well as other marine life. As we explore their aquatic home, the scenery is absolutely  stunning. Among the  larger baleen filter feeding cetaceans we may see are blue, fin and humpback whales. While we may  observe a variety of surface behaviors, close approaches, the so called  “friendly behavior”  known among the  Gray whales are  rare. Throughout Baja, we will follow guidelines closely and observe respectively.

CLIMATE: February temperatures may range from 60-85 degrees during the day and 45-70 degrees at night. We may experience windy conditions especially on the Pacific side of Baja so warm clothing (a heavy rated fleece jacket/ warm cap), a waterproof windbreaker and good rain gear is required. Water temperatures in the Sea of Cortez will be in the mid 60s. Bring a waterproof sun block/lip balm with a protection factor of 20 or higher.

LOCAL CUISINE: Dining at a variety of local restaurants will be an intricate part of our cultural experience each day. You may anticipate fresh seafood, chicken, beef,  soups,  local fruit, corn and flour tortillas. Loreto is known for a special preparation of local clams. Vegetarian meals will be available at all meals. We recommend that you bring some of your favorite snacks to supplement meals. Please specify any dietary restrictions or allergies on the waiver form that will be sent to you.

PHYSICAL CONDITIONING: While experience in whale watching  or hiking is not required to participate in this program, good general health is recommended. Your guides will offer a variety of side excursions most days for those who want to keep active.  There may be one short snorkeling opportunity, although this will depend upon weather conditions and whale activity. Please call us if you have any questions regarding the activities planned at 831 459 8548.  Snorkeling equipment and wetsuits will be provided. The longest hike we may take is 5 miles on flat terrain.

SNORKELING: During this program, our primary focus is observing whales and wildlife from our motorized skiffs. However, depending upon the weather and whales, we may make a stop at a beautiful beach for snorkeling, relaxing or beach combing. Colorful reef fish such as the Cortez damselfish and King angelfish as well as an array of invertebrate species can be observed along the rocky reefs. Our outfitter will provide us with snorkel gear and wetsuits or you may bring your own.

If you are buying new snorkel  gear, you should prep it before Baja. There is a film on new masks that can be removed with nongel, non whitening “cheap” toothpaste. Here’s a link on how to clean your mask. A dive shop where you purchase gear can help you with proper fit and cleaning method. You may also buy a small bottle of drops that helps to clean the masks (bought at your dive shop).

IMPORTANT UPDATES ON SNORKEL GEAR: A few years ago, learned about the potential dangers in full face masks. Apparently, in some models CO2 builds up inside the mask leading to blackouts, potentially fatal. Here are just a few articles regarding the dangers of full face masks. With that said, Blue Water Ventures is banning the use of full face masks while we snorkel in Baja and on all of our snorkeling programs. In Baja. we use fins and sometimes kick into some current or enjoy long snorkels. You may argue that you did your own research and purchased the top of the line full face mask. However, we can not assume this risk nor ask our guides to shadow anyone in the water who chooses to wear a full face mask. Full face masks can not be used.

ACTIVITIES INCLUDED:  Whale Watching, bird watching, hiking, historical interpretation, town walks, beachcombing, intertidal exploration,  natural history talks, snorkeling if weather permits  and enjoying delicious local cuisine are all included.

CORAL SAFE SUNSCREEN: If you have had a chance to look over our website packing list, you will have noticed several brands of Coral Safe Sunscreens. There are many out there, some that claim to be safe but actually are not. A key ingredient to avoid is oxybenzone, harmful to marine life. Two brands that we personally like are: Raw Element and Stream2Sea, although there are other good brands on the market. Review this link for more details Coral Safe We truly appreciate your consideration of coral safe sunscreen to help reduce our impact on the fragile marine ecosystem. A small amount would be needed if you plan to snorkel. 

INSECT REPELLENT: Mosquitoes and  sand gnats may  be encountered in Mexico.  Dengue Fever and the Zika Virus are both transmitted by mosquitoes and exists in Mexico (although currently very few cases of Zika reported in Baja). A strong repellent is a good defense against mosquitoes and other insects that we may encounter. A layer of lightweight, light in color clothing is an effective defense against insects. In recent years, clients have been very happy with a Eucalyptus Lemon Natural Repellent    as an alternative to products with Deet. We also highly recommend Avon Skin so Soft Bug Guard  when we encounter no see ums (sand gnats). However, since our program is hotel based  and there are few insects while boating, we are not expecting many insects.

Schooling mobile manta rays captured under our ponga with a Go Pro

SEA SICKNESS PREVENTION: If you are prone to sea sickness, we highly recommend bringing some form of prevention. Medications such as Bonine or Dramamine are usually effective although drowsiness or thirst can be a side effect. Many clients have been very happy with Scopalimine patches that requires a prescription. Your local pharmacist or physician can advise you. Many health food stores will recommend herbal remedies such as Motionease for sea sick prevention and we have found this brand quite effective. In the past, several clients have successfully used “sea bands” which employ a pressure point on the wrists rather than medication. Sea Bands have no side effects and can be purchased at most dive shops or online at Prevention.

CAMERAS: Photographing a whale or other marine animals can be exciting as well as distracting! Sometimes its highly recommended to leave the camera behind and simply be in the moment! Your Blue Water Ventures guides will photo document your trip and we will send a photo link to you. Over the years, we have preferred the Olympus Tough Underwater Camera with the round lens rather than the square lens. Other clients have been extremely happy with the Cannon or Fiji underwater cameras. GoPro cameras work extremely well with their wide angle setting as whales approach us, but are less effective for distance. Be sure to review your equipment prior to arrival. We will gladly offer any guidance on your equipment that we can.

Relaxing at the Hotel Oasis after a day of whale watching

CAMERAS, CELL PHONES, ETC: If using a digital camera, you may want  to bring an extra battery.  We will have access to electricity  during our hotel stays. Most of you will have  cell service while in Baja, at least each night back  at the hotels.  You may want to call your provider before you depart to see what the fees are for calls and texting. Another option is to set up a Skype account on your “smart phone” before leaving home. Apps such as Messenger and Facetime should work during our hotel stays.

WIFI CONNECTION: Wifi connection is available at our hotels in Baja.

PASSPORTS: Everyone is required to have a current passport for entry into Mexico. It usually takes 6 weeks to process a passport. For information on obtaining a passport, please visit: passports where you can also find information on how to obtain a passport quickly. Most post offices provide the service to process US passports. On your outbound flight, all passengers may be  given a tourist visa to complete. Please hold onto this form as you will need to provide it as you depart Mexico. You will pay a fine if this form is lost.

MONEY: There is no need to exchange US dollars into pesos before your arrival into Mexico. Most restaurants and stores accept US currency. After your arrival into Loreto,  the only costs you are responsible for during our program are: airport baggage fees, phone calls, unscheduled boat excursions, activities not described in the itinerary, airport transfers, personal liquor, and any airport departure taxes (some airlines include these taxes in your ticket and this varies year to year). We recommend bringing small bills (1’s, 5’s, 10’s, 20’s) since pesos may be given as change. Credit cards are accepted at many stores in both Loreto and Ciudad Constitucion.

TIPPING: It is customary to tip our Mexican Guides while in Baja. We have factored in a per person tip to be shared among our boat captains and  guides. Tips are included in your trip cost. However, as is customary in hotels you may choose to leave a small tip in your room for hotel staff each morning. Us dollars are fine but no US coins. You may consider a tip for your Blue Water Ventures assistant guide. $50 per person would be greatly appreciated.

Bird watching  in front of our Hotel in Loreto

DONATIONS: Members of the local fishing villages would greatly appreciate any used clothing or shoes you would like to donate. Fleece jackets, rain coats, pants, T-shirts and shoes of all kinds (Tevas, hiking or tennis shoes ) and sizes would be a wonderful contribution. Clothing for children of all ages is needed. Please ask your Blue Water Ventures guides when best to drop off your gifts at our orientation meeting Day One.

DELAYS: Blue Water Ventures is not responsible for any costs incurred due to delays that may occur due to transportation (airline), weather, road conditions, government intervention, sickness or other contingencies for which we are unable to control.

USEFUL MAPS:   Baja

HOW TO REACH US IN MEXICO IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY BACK HOME: In the event of an emergency only, please  text or call Kim Powell’s cell phone at: 831 345 2417. You may also call and leave a message at Hotel Oasis (Day 1-2, 5-8) at:  + 52 613 135 0211  or  their  WhatsApp# at:  +52 613  111 0808.  On  Day 3-4, messages can be left at  Hotel Victoria on their Whats App # + 52 613 113 3049.

ILLEGAL DRUG USE: The Mexican government has very severe penalties for the use of illegal drugs. Do not bring illegal substances into Mexico or purchase/use them during this program. Products containing CBD oils or THC remains a debatable topic for international travel so please do your own research if you plan to bring them.