WHALE WATCHING IN SAN FELIPE MX

On February 26, my friend Steve and I left San Diego for the west coast of Baja. We're both employed as biologists that work with endangered species, but we had never experienced the endangered gray whale except at a distance. After stocking up at Trader Joes and a five-hour drive, we arrived at the Old Mill Motel in San Quintin and had a wonderful lobster dinner, the biggest lobster we'd ever seen on a plate! The next day we continued south past El Rosario, where the road turns inland, and soon stopped to gawk and photograph the cirios (boojum trees), which are related to our ocotillos but are single-trunked and taper at the top, looking as if they originated in a Dr. Seuss book. We stopped to admire the blue palms in Catavina then decided to continue driving all the way to Guererro Negro, which borders Scammon's Lagoon. But it was very windy with no boats going out, and the tour boats were booked for the next day, so we reserved two spaces ($49 each) for the following Saturday on a whale-watch boat with Mallarimo, which includes a great tour company, a hotel and wonderful restaurant. We continued south to San Ignacio and stayed at a funky $25/night hotel owned by Oscar Fisher, who I "met" in Bruce Berger's book "Almost an Island." It was exciting to meet a character I'd read about, and I asked him if he'd seen Bruce lately and he mentioned that Bruce comes through San Ignacio about once a year and visits him and other friends. We left the next morning on the rumored-to-be-bad dirt road to San Ignacio Lagoon, allowing 2 hours to get there for the whale-watch tour ($45 per person) we'd reserved the previous day with Kuyima, the best local tour company for whale-watching (they do tours of local cave paintings as well). Except for a rocky 1/4 mile up a hill out of the town of San Ignacio, the road was great, and we arrived with an hour to spare. We'd packed all our camping gear and lots of water and food, but Kuyima has a simple but wonderful lodge right on the edge of the lagoon with great meals, and they rent tents and camping equipment, so we barely touched our food, and most of the camping equipment stayed in the back of my truck. At 10 am, after a short lecture on safety, our small panga put out into the lagoon, and we soon were surrounded by whales spyhopping (sticking their heads up out of the water) and approaching us. We could see why gray whales are called a baleen whale, so named because of the bristly-fringed plates called baleen on either side of the whale's jaw. The baleen filter ocean water to catch small animals in the water. When mothers with their newborn whales surfaced and approached the panga, it was tough to stay calm--the feeling of being so close to such gentle and huge (babies weigh over 1,000 pounds at birth; adults weigh 30 to 40 tons) animals is indescribable! We were treated to a wonderful seafood dinner that night and chatted with some new friends from England who'd shared our panga. The next day was very windy, so instead of going out to see whales again, we returned to San Ignacio for breakfast and drove to Santa Rosalia for the day, about 40 miles southeast and on the Sea of Cortez. Santa Rosalia was the former base of a French copper mining company, with wonderful architecture dating to the late 1800's. FOR THE COMPLETE STORY:

THE RICH HISTORY OF SAN FELIPE

Located by the Sea of Cortez only 130 miles from the Calexico-Mexicali border, San Felipe is a beautiful town with islands off the coast and unspoiled waters with outstanding fishing. It is a Mexican haven and a good choice for a relaxing and serene getaway. The beach is one of the highlights in San Felipe. The sea is warm and calm, making San Felipe a hidden Baja paradise. There are many fun things to do in San Felipe things to do in San Felipe . Before San Felipe became popular as a tourist destination it was known for fishing. Expeditions are still readily available either choosing to catch a boat by the Malecon in the morning or go out to sea for a couple of days. San Felipe`s entertainment hub is in downtown around the area referred to as the Malecon, which is a boardwalk along the waterfront with sports and karaoke bars, restaurants, clubs and shops. On weekend evenings, it is common for several bands to compete along the boardwalk. This is very popular with locals and visitors, of course, you are welcome to join in. If you feel the urge to dance to the band music, by all means, go ahead. Another popular activity is cruising along the Malecon, with cars circling the four blocks, jamming music and having a great time. There is always the lively weekly swap meet on Saturday mornings at the Cachanilla at El Dorado Ranch, eight miles north of San Felipe. Although San Felipe has an airport six miles outside of town, it is primarily used for charter flights. Most visitors to San Felipe drive down via Highway 5 Driving to San Felipe from Mexicali south along the eastern coast of the Baja Peninsula. The road conditions from Mexicali to San Felipe are good and continuously improving. For the first 30 - 40 minutes from Mexicali there are two lanes in both directions. They then merge into single lanes in both directions. In case of a breakdown there are emergency service trucks provided by the tourism board, popularly referred to as Green Angels, that patrol the highway to give assistance when needed, free of charge. With many Americans now living in San Felipe there are many shops to meet their needs providing all the basic services such as gas stations, tire repair shops, banks and ATM machines, cyber cafes, grocery stores and a hospital. FOR FULL ARTICLE:

WHALE WATCHING VACATION DEAL IN Laguna Shores Resort.

WHALE WATCHING ADVENTURES The whales arrived early this year and can be seen from December to the end of February. Come experience an exhilarating whale watching tour, take advantage of this once a year opportunity and after come back to relax at our #PrivateParadise - Laguna Shores Resort. Discover the winter season weather and all of the other activities available for you and your family’s pleasure. Subject to availability. Whale Watching Package Details: This package includes a 50% discount off our normal room rates. Plus we can help you program an exciting Whale Watching Adventure, each ticket for the Whale Watching tour costs 55.00 USD / person, Our starting package price is $244.95 USD ( 2 weeknights and a Whale Watching tour for 2 adults) We offer everything you need to have a fantastic family vacation or a romantic get-away. And you will never have to get up early to secure a chair lounge by the pool or a Palapa by the beach. So book today and take advantage of this once-a-year opportunity and special discounted rate. Check our Calendar Page to see what’s going on in town in November, December & January. Activities at Laguna Shores Take the Kayaks out and navigate through the waterways of the Estuary at High Tide. Play a round of Miniature Golf or go Cycling around the Resort or anywhere you want. Hang out by the 5,800 sq. Ft. Crystal Blue Infinity Edge Pool while the kids frolic on the beach. There is also Tennis, Beach Volleyball, two Swimming pools, a Game Room with Foosball, Ping-Pong, Billiards and more, Swim-Up Palapa Pool Bar, Outdoor Fire Pit with seating, Common BBQ Areas, Playground, Wireless Internet, books, movies, a Protected Estuary, and miles and miles of beach to play upon. And there is even more to explore and discover when the tide goes out. Drive here from USA Travel 58 miles south of the border on highway 8, just before Puerto Peñasco, there will be a direction sign that reads Laguna Del Mar. You will make an immediate right hand turn at the roundabout – a hard right. If you end up going around the circle just cross back over the highway and head straight – otherwise you will be going around and around in circles, which may be humorous to watch, but not so fun for you. Enjoy your stay "Each room comes with a full kitchen so bring food in case you want to cook or come eat at our restaurant and let us cook for you"

Trip Preparation SwimSuits & Beach Towels Sun Block and Sun Glasses Check-in Bring your confirmation letter to the security gate Sign in at the Front Desk FOR MORE INFO: http://www.lagunashoresresort.com/getaway-packages-travel-mexico/Winterseassonpackage

Airline starts direct flights to San Felipe, Mexico

Seaport Airlines is now offering direct flights from San Diego to San Felipe, Mexico.

The airline will fly from Lindbergh Field to San Felipe four times a week with a nine-passenger Cessna Caravan. CBS News 8 spoke with passenger Margaret Downing on Monday's inaugural flight who lives in San Felipe part time. She says the drive usually takes her more than five hours, and the direct flight to San Felipe will cut her travel time down to less than an hour. "Especially coming back the other way, avoiding the wait at the border is a big benefit for a lot of people," Downing said. Airline officials say one-way tickets will run about $120 to $180. ***************************************************************************************************************************** complete article at: http://www.cbs8.com/story/27635322/airline-starts-direct-flights-to-san-felipe-mexico

3 GREAT PLACES TO DINE IN SAN FELIPE,MX!

Just 120 miles south of California, this Mexican fishing village was founded in 1916 and is surrounded by both sea and desert. Over the years, it has become a well-known vacation spot because of its miles of beaches and sand dunes as well as its shops and nightlife. After a drive to the valley of the giant cacti or a trip to the springs and waterfalls, visitors can dine at of several good restaurants in San Felipe.

*************************************************************************************************************************************************************** George's Hotel & Restaurant Bar Less than five miles from the Tijuana Cultural Center, this fine dining facility serves a variety of traditional Mexican dishes. Located within George’s Hotel, this restaurant allows guests to avail of the function rooms for parties and special events. Diners will enjoy sampling signature dishes like George’s Fajitas, which is composed of shrimp, beef, chicken and clams. For a selection of beers and cocktails, patrons can take advantage of the full service bar. Guests who prefer to explore the outdoors can go for a stroll to the bay area for sport fishing and boating, or head over to the sand dunes for ATV driving. George's Hotel & Restaurant Bar Ave. Mar de Cortez #1073 Downtown San Felipe, BC, Mexico 686-577-1971 georges.com.mx El Secreto ******************************************************************************** Located within the San Felipe Marina Resort, El Secreto offers everything from fresh seafood and local mountain quail to choice cuts of Sonoran beef. Kashmir, its fully stocked bar located at the beach, serves beers, wines and cocktails as well as local delicacies and light meals. During summer, this waterfront property provides outdoor seating around the pool and at the patio area. On weekends, it serves barbecues and provides music and dancing for entertainment. For added convenience, those who are returning from a fishing trip can request the chef to prepare a meal from their catch. Occasionally, this food establishment also hosts culinary events that showcase the preparation and cooking techniques of traditional Mexican dishes. El Secreto Highway 5, South of San Felipe San Felipe, Mexico 800-291-5397 686-577-1569 sanfelipemarina.net El Restaurante de la Langosta Roja (The Red Lobster Restaurant) ********************************************************************************** Centrally located in the town proper and just two blocks away from the beach and shopping area, this newly renovated dining facility offers Italian-style seafood dishes. Alfredo Berlingieri, a well-known chef and creator of the fettuccini Alfredo, gave six of his best recipes to this restaurant. This includes the Zuppa Stracciatella o Romana, Insalata di Fruto di Mare, Spaghetty Pasta a la Carretera, Curvina and Beef Filet Sicilian Style. Aside from its breakfast, lunch and dinner selections, Langosta Roja also provides a dedicated menu for Mexican dishes. Its full service bar has a variety of wines, beers and classic cocktails like margaritas, daiquiris and cosmopolitans. After a sampling of restaurant’s specialties, diners can take a short walk to the beach to relax and unwind. El Restaurante de la Langosta Roja (The Red Lobster Restaurant) Calzada Chetumal #125 San Felipe, BC Mexico 686-577-0483 sanfelipelodging.com **************************************************************** THE COMPLETE ARTICLE CAN BE FOUND AT: http://traveltips.usatoday.com/good-restaurants-san-felipe-mx-26934.html *

the best bars in san felipe,bc,mx

San Felipe Mexico night clubs and bars. San Felipe is a mix of local tradition and the ever-expanding development and growth to meet the modern taste of visiting tourists. You can visit with the locals in cantinas that have been around for decades, watch local or US sports in sparts bars, dance is modern dance clubs or sit in a quiet bar with a margatita and people watch. Take your pick San Felipe has it all for bars, clubs and night life. Al's Backstreet Bar A great corner bar where the locals hang out for cold beer, margaritas and Als home-made tequilla. Behind the Bancomer bank. Beachcomber - Rockodile Great bar with attentive servers and good music. It caters to the younger crowd so be prepared for loud music. At the corner of Chetumal and the Malecon. 011 52 (686) 577-1453 Bar Miramar Fun bar with a ping pong table, pool tables, dance floor, and booth seating. At the end of the one-way street, Malecon. 011-52 (686) 577-1192 Caliente Sports bar with pool tables and sports betting. Mar de Cortez Across and down from Bancomer bank. La Ponderosa Sports bar Mar de Cortez # 236 The Barefoot Bar A rustic icon in San Felipe at the El Cortez hotel serves cold drinks and a limited food selection. Great view in the center of all the fun in San Felipe. Domicilio Conocido, San Felipe 21850, Mexico. 011-52 (686) 577-1055

CRIME and VIOLENCE in SAN FELIPE,BAJA CALIFORNIA MEXICO

I was really concerned the first time I went over the border into Baja because of all the crime reported in the media. But, after I got there and saw how wonderful the people are in San Felipe and how safe it is I realized that everything would be ok. Since that first trip I’ve been there at least 30 times and am excited about owning property in Baja. A woman can walk the streets in the evening alone and still be safe. This is not your father’s Mexico. The streets are clean, the people are kind and grateful that you are visiting their fishing town, and since Mexico wasn’t a part of the secondary market economy nightmare, the government is putting a great deal of money into the San Felipe Marina, infrastructure, and their new 4 lane highway from Mexicali to San Felipe. When you look at the crime statistics > total crimes (per Capita) (most recent) by country> per 1,000 people. The US is rated 8th with 80.0545 per 1,000 people and Mexico is rated 39th with only 12.8406 per 1,000 people. I like to joke with people when they ask me if I’m afraid to go to Mexico and I say, “If I can just get through Los Angeles, I’m not afraid at all.” Nationmaster total crime Claremont is currently my hometown, and Los Angeles is less than an hour away. Did you know that Los Angeles is rated the 6th most crime-ridden city in the United States? I make this point because; since I am not involved in anything that goes on in Los Angeles I have not been at risk. The same goes for San Felipe. The nearest crime is 325 miles away. If you aren’t involved in smuggling drugs or firearms, you aren’t at risk. Listen to your local news and count the number of crime reports you hear in just one evening. If you’re reading this, my guess is that you weren’t involved so you weren’t at risk. Notice when the most Mexico crime reports or warnings are broadcasted. Spring Break for our kids here in the US is when the most warnings are issued from our government. Could it be because our government doesn’t want US money going to Mexico? What a surprise! When you take into account this report on the Crime Statistics per country the US tops the chart. Could it be that you would be safer in Mexico than in the United States? Nationmaster crime per capita Communities you can find the complete story at: http://www.bajaseasideproperties.com/index.php/crime-in-mexico/ **************************************************************************************************************************************************************