Enjoying The Beaches In Baja, Mexico

No trip to Mexico would be complete without soaking up sun and playing in the refreshing waters of Baja. Most travelers will find that Baja, Mexico offers a variety of beaches, islands, and bays to meet almost any aquatic need. You can take full advantage of Baja waters to swim, snorkel, scuba dive, fish, surf, or kayak. Just remember to bring plenty of water and sun block since corner stores are not always around in Baja, Mexico. The key to enjoying the waters around Baja, Mexico is to understand the basics of Baja beaches.

The Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortes surround the Mexican peninsula known as Baja. People familiar with these waters will tell you that swimming on the Pacific side can be dangerous. The Pacific waters hide strong undertows, swift currents, and boast powerful waves. With no lifeguards on duty at most beaches, or even hotel pools, Baja swimmers are left to their own judgment when deciding to swim. If swimming is your goal, then heading over to beaches located on the Sea of Cortez is your best bet. These waters are calmer and offer safer swimming conditions. However, do not let rough waters turn you away from the Pacific Ocean.

The Pacific Ocean side of Baja, Mexico offers beaches like the La Playita or little beach. This is a great beach to watch local fisherman reel in their catch of the day. Many of these fisherman are fourth or fifth generation anglers. Observing these local fisherman is taking in a part of Mexican culture. This side of Baja also offers some small islands that you can boat to and you may find prime swimming conditions. Todos Santos Islands are a perfect example of the sort of place that offers more tranquil waters. Estero Beach, a little south of Ensenada, is a great place for the family to enjoy beach activities. This beach is actually located on an estuary and boasts a fabulous boardwalk and volleyball playing area.

The best swimming though is found on the Sea of Cortez side of Baja, Mexico. Here is where you will find Rosarito Beach, which is a hustle and bustle of families, couples, and locals enjoying the beach life. The majority of activity takes place near the Rosarito Beach Hotel. Medano Beach is another popular beach with safe swimming and tons of tourist offerings. Local sellers will hock their wares to you while you sunbathe selling everything from hats to handmade crafts. Medano houses bars, restaurants, and hotels along its coastline. This beach is known as the party beach and is a great place to see and be seen while in Baja.

Playa La Paz is another great beach for swimming and activities. Located along the Malecon in La Paz, Playa La Paz is clean and convenient. The Malecon is like the life center in La Paz, so a trip to Playa La Paz does not take you very far from things to see and do in La Paz. With such a variety of beaches available, it may require more than one trip to Baja to see them all. Just remember, the best thing about Mexican beaches is that they are all public. So do not be deterred by a large hotel sitting on an immaculate beach. As long as you respect private property, all beaches are fair game. Finding a private path to them is the challenge.