Dry and barren, but you can find some diamonds in the rough if you know where to look. Photo: Konrad
Surf trips sometimes fail to align with the forces of nature, and getting skunked isn’t exactly unheard of. Fortunately, Baja Norte is packed with alternative sources of stoke, including remote natural hot springs, beautiful estuaries, free yoga, and cave-dwelling wineries. Here are four places you must visit while in Northern Baja while the surf is flat.
1. Rancho San Carlos hot springs
Cost: $70.00 MXN per day and $120.00 MXN for camping (On June 3rd, 2015, 1 US dollar ≈ 15 Mexican pesos).
The beautiful Rancho San Carlos hot springs. Photo: Geoff Kober
The 11-mile drive to Rancho San Carlos hot springs winds through a valley on a dirt road and requires confidence and good judgment. An all-wheel drive vehicle is ideal, but many two-wheel drive sedans can successfully make the trip. The dirt road is decorated with an assortment of large rocks, potholes, and several shallow stream crossings. Make sure to check the weather, as this drive can be extremely time-consuming and/or dangerous after a heavy rainstorm. The drive takes around 45 minutes and is easy to follow with the assistance of several signs guiding the route.
Amenities include eight natural hot spring pools, bathrooms, cabins, and camp sites that included grills and picnic tables. Typically, this place is empty and can comfortably accommodate a few large groups. Two of the pools are very large and the temperature varies from each pool so there is a comfortable option for everyone. For overnight guests, the pools are open to use throughout the night and early into the morning. Rancho San Carlos hot springs is the perfect place for meditation and relaxation while secluded in the serene mountains of Baja Norte.
2. Estero Beach Resort
Cost: $30.00 USD per night for camping, $110.00+ for rooms.
Lovely sunset walk along the Estereo Beach Resort. Photo: Geoff Kober
Estero translates to estuary in English. Where the ocean meets fresh water, a unique habitat exists where spawning and feeding for a variety of organisms is essential. The picturesque Estero Beach offers fantastic fishing spots and great areas for viewing wildlife. The resort is a clean, safe, and a fun place to spend the night in a beautiful setting.
The cheapest option for an overnight stay at the Estero Beach Resort is camping. The sites were originally designed for RVs, but there is plenty of space in the surrounding lawn to pitch a tent. Make sure to avoid setting up camp next to the sporadic sprinklers and be aware of the several streetlights that are left on throughout the night, so to you light-sensitive sleepers, bring an eye mask.
Especially for the camping nomad, the Estero Beach Resort offers glamorous amenities at a reasonable price. Several pools and hot tubs provide a relaxing alternative to hours in the ocean. There are also a couple of restaurants and bar options on the property to treat yourself to a nice meal during your stay.
3. Shanti Yoga Studio
Cost: First class is free, $80.00 MXN for single additional classes.
Free yoga? Yes, please! Photo: Shanti Yoga Ensenada
Everyone’s aware of the significant benefits of yoga to improve your surfing abilities. A perfect option for a flat day in Ensenada is a session at the Shanti Yoga Studio. The first lesson is free, so this is a great chance to try out a foreign yoga class. The instructor speaks very little English, but fortunately yoga can easily be followed visually. Yoga mats and blocks are provided free of charge. Make sure to submit this online form before attending your first yoga class.
4. Valle de Guadalupe
Cost: $15.00 USD for camping
Who doesn’t love wine? Photo:Geoff Kober
North of Ensenada rests the Valle de Guadalupe, a beautiful area encompassing the best of Baja Norte’s wine country. Reminiscent of Napa Valley, the area consists of beautiful rolling hills, creating an ideal microclimate with rich soil, perfect for growing grapes. There are many different winery tours and tastings to visit throughout the area.
One of the first stops is Bibayoff Winery, owned and operated by a Russian family for over 100 years. Along with a variety of fine wines, Bibayoff provides inexpensive camping within a small pine grove on their property. Other wineries in the area offer fine dining, vineyard tours, and wine tastings. Many of the wineries are set in unique picturesque locations, including caves filled with aging wine. For more extensive information, visit Baja Bound’s Baja Wine Country site.
There’s no doubt that it’s best to plan a surf trip around a good swell. For those with limited travel availability, there’s the potential to expect surf and find none. Fortunately, when visiting Baja Norte there are many alternative options to occupy down-time until the waves fill in. With various options for adventure, exercise, and relaxation, everyone (including surfers) can have a fun-filled Baja Norte vacation, even when it’s flat.
