By Megan O’Leary | ExotiKite Kiteboarding
The thermometer reads 90 as we barrel up Highway 1, the main highway running the length of Baja California. We are headed to Abreojos, located on the Pacific Ocean, two hours south of Guerrero Negro. About 30 minutes after you take the turn off towards Abreojos, the temperature drops and the crisp smell of salty ocean permeates the air. Soon, you can see the Pacific and hear the waves crashing.
Camping is free. Just take out what you bring in!
We pull into our camp spot for the night, nestled between two sand dunes. After a long day on the road, we fall asleep to the crashing waves and cool breeze. In the morning we wake at sunrise. I turn on our camp stove to make coffee and look up to see a seal sunning himself on the beach. Just off the rocky point there are dolphins playing in the waves and whales breaching. I feel like I am on a set of National Geographic with this morning symphony of wildlife. It is absolutely stunning.
La Bocana and Abreojos are just a few minutes apart with La Bocana offering tamer conditions.
Abreojos and the neighboring La Bocana are traditional Mexican fishing pueblos with about 3000 residents between them. Almost everyone in town works or has worked in the fishing industry. The rights to the fishing territory are owned by a few families in each town and almost all of what is harvested has already been bought on the international market. They catch and sell everything from abalone and lobster to yellowtail and flounder. These fishermen know what they are doing and are fierce about maintaining sustainable fishing grounds. Speaking with one of the many enlightened fisherman, he said the importance of quotas and licensing was so there would be fishing around for his children and grandchildren. Fishing is their life, a passion beyond just a way to make a living.
Plenty of room to set up and then some!
We travel to Abreojos and La Bocana for the climate, waves and wind. Typically there is wind everyday, kicking in around 1pm and blowing until sunset. That leaves mornings for lingering cups of coffee, surfing, stand up paddleboarding, fishing, good books and long walks on the pristine beaches. Once the wind starts in it gradually builds creating what any seasoned windsports addict would refer to as epic, and at times intimidating, conditions. Mix the rolling swell in and you have a wind seekers dream.
La Bocana, a quick drive 10 miles north over salt flats, is a bit more tame. It doesn’t appear to be as developed as Abreojos, but has very good accommodations with a delicious restaurant attached and a large supermarket. So if you’re not into roughing it and camping in the sand, this is a great option.
If you’re not into camping, this is your alternative…
The waves and wind in La Bocana are also smaller and not as forceful. It is a perfect place for beginner to intermediate wave riders to gain some confidence before attempting the point at Abreojos. This is where ExotiKite Kiteboarding has set up our summer time Pacific wave riding camps. We have about four sessions a summer and take anywhere from two to six students to enjoy learning to ride waves with style and ease. The cost is only $1250 which includes accommodation, instruction, equipment, and food (alcohol not included). Transportation is optional for an additional fee.
Grab an early sesh or chill out with a good book before the wind picks up.
Whether you are fishing, surfing, kiteboarding or just exploring, Abreojos and La Bocana will not disappoint. Even if you only want to relax and beachcomb you will find iridescent abalone shells, scallop shells and sand dollars. It is our summertime haven. This year we will bring our kids, and cannot wait to show them the wonder of the wild Baja Pacific.
For more information on Exotikite’s Pacific Wave Camps please contact them at [email protected]