Todos Santos – An Adventure in Nature
If you are visiting southern Baja and it is nature you want, there is plenty of it in Todos Santos. There are daily tours to the Cactus Sanctuary, where you can learn about all kinds of cactus, even edible ones. There are desert canyon hikes, horseback riding on the beach and bird watching at any of the estuaries that dot the seashore. Here, you will see many migrant birds that visit, along with the regular cohorts: pelicans, herons, egrets, gulls, frigates, ibis, ducks, cormorants, sandpipers, stilts and many more.
Of course, there is also snorkeling and swimming with the playful sea lions at Los Islotes sea lion colony. December through March marks the time for whale watching. Several species of whales migrate through southern Baja each year. And there is nothing more special than holding baby sea turtles and helping them go on their very first sea excursion. La Sirena offers completely environmentally friendly Eco Adventures including kayak/snorkeling, Sea Turtle Volunteer Opportunities, surf instruction, waterfall hikes, fishing and whale watching excursions.
At night, you can take a star gazing tour with a local astronomer and learn about the Aztec and Mayan’s mythology relating to the heavens. Eco Tours offers a ‘Stars and Champagne’ tour for just $40 a person. Whatever you choose to do be sure to take some time out to watch the sunset over the ocean. Make sure you look for the green flash that happens as the sun dips under the horizon. It is not just a fable. It a true sight to behold.
One experience you won’t want to miss is visiting the San Vincente’s Mountain Potters. Here you will meet the native ranchers and see how they’ve made a living off the mountain they’ve lived on for centuries. These potters make beautiful designed ceramics that are great gifts to bring home for someone who appreciates fine cookware. The pots can be put straight on the stove top, in the oven, and are very easily cared for. Doña Ramona’s ranch offers pottery and cooking classes as she shares stories from her life in the mountains. She will give you a tour of her ostrich den, the kiln and the chapel on her property that houses the priest that visits the village every fortnight.
You can go by yourself or have Eco Tours arrange it for you for $80 per person (Minimum of 4 people). It’s a full day trip and will take about 45 minutes each way to drive.
The one thing Todos Santos has become most known for is the surfing. It has some of the best surf breaks in Baja. With 70 miles of pristine beach and several world-class surf breaks, it is a prime destination for surfers at every level. Keep in mind that the beaches are without lifeguards or comfort facilities with the exception of Playa Los Cerritos, which has a new restaurant on the beach this year. There you will find the classic Mexican Fish Tacos cooked fresh under the palapa.
Cerritos Surf Break is located on Km. 64 on the highway. Watch for the marker, as there is no sign. Drive through the deserted campground to park. Cliffs are at the western end of the beach. Cerritos’ beach break is very consistent, so there is not a lot of waiting time between sets. This creates plenty of “white water” for beginners to practice their new moves.
San Pedrito Beach is another popular surf break. (Take highway 19 out of Todos Santos and turn right off of the highway at about KM 60, onto a dirt road. You will see the San Pedrito RV Park sign. This is where you need to turn.) If you paddle out into this right point break and the sand bar is at the right height, you can catch some nice lefts that peel into beautiful tubes. This spot is not for the faint of heart. The bottom is rocky and the breaks are big. If you are not an advanced surfer, you can come and watch in awe as others cut up the wave. There are many options for surf lessons. Eco Adventure and La Sirena offer them at $55 per hour and minimum 2 people. That includes lessons, surf board, wet suit or rashguard. La Sirena lets you keep the equipment for the rest of the day so you can practice your new moves.
Todos Santos regularly hosts art, film, jazz, reggae and Latin music festivals and surf competitions throughout the year. This art and surf Mecca is one to celebrate. With the rich culture and rustic atmosphere, it is a perfect place to escape from your worldly troubles.
