Baja California

INCREDIBLE BEACHES, WORLD-CLASS WATERSPORTS, EXOTIC WILDLIFE– BA JA CALIFORNIA IS THE PERFECT SUN & BEACH DESTINATION.

Mexico’s Baja California peninsula – comprising the states of Baja California in the north and Baja California Sur in the south – offers two of the world’s most attractive coastlines within a matter of kilometres of one another. To the west is the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean, with its exceptional surfing waves and picture-book sunsets; to the east, the peninsula is bordered by the magnificent Sea of Cortez, dotted with charming unpopulated islets and sustaining one of the richest marine ecosystems on the planet.

Along each side, visitors can find some of the country’s best beaches, including long, uninterrupted expanses of sand, as well as small, secluded coves, tucked away beneath the cliffs. Baja California remains among the most attractive destinations for the beach-lover to swim, surf or simply lie back and bask in the sun.

ENSENADA

The 4 million visitors who flock annually to Ensenada know precisely why they come – it is one of Baja California’s most exciting cities, with excellent hotels and restaurants, plus a fine selection of beaches to match any in the region. The long oceanfront is characterised by its open public spaces, while the beaches welcome everyone from families looking to relax in the sun, to surfers seeking a thrill ride.

Estero Beach favours those looking either to laze or to explore the brilliant underwater world populated by dolphins, sea lions and exotic reef fish. Meanwhile the likes of San Miguel Beach offers some strong waves ideal for surfing.

Both Baja and El Faro beaches are slightly south of downtown Ensenada and popular with visitors of all ages. There are numerous options for places to stay, and a wide range of amenities close to the beautiful sands.

LA PAZ

The capital of Baja California Sur, La Paz, sits on a bay over the Gulf of California, towards the southern end of the long peninsula.

Most visitors will want to spend some time getting acquainted with the region along La Paz’s malecón, or waterfront promenade, which offers uninterrupted views over the blue waters of the bay. You can find a place to eat and drink, or simply to watch the pelicans and herons swoop across the water and around the yachts moored in the harbour.

Before too long, you’ll be drawn to the ocean yourself, and a short distance north of the city you’ll find the likes of Caimancito, Coromuel, Tesoro and Pichilingue beaches, all of which are well equipped to cater for hours spent on the sand.

Slightly further away, the beaches of Balandra and Tecolote are sublime examples of Mexico’s unrivalled coastal beauty. The waters are vivid turquoise and crystal clear; the sands white, wide and often empty.

Playa Balandra

LOS CABOS

Situated at the southern-most tip of the Baja California peninsula, Los Cabos is the place where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific Ocean – and where the best of both regions sit side by side.

For obvious reasons, the beaches and the water are the focal point of everything in Los Cabos, with possibilities for some of the best fishing, scuba diving, kayaking and relaxation in the whole of Mexico. Although undertows can be strong in the area, and swimmers should always check with locals to remain safe, there are several exceptional beaches with fine water conditions.

These include the awe-inspiring Santa Maria Beach, which is a protected marine sanctuary, as well as Chileno and Pamilla beaches, which offer excellent facilities. The longest swimmable beach is Medano, while one of the most appealing, though accessible only by boat, is the secluded and aptly named Lover’s Beach. But beware – Divorce Beach, equally beautiful, is not too far away!

Playa BalandraBalancing Rock, Playa Balandra

ROSARITO

Only about 40 minutes south of the US border, the beach in Rosarito leaves you in no doubt that this is Mexico: mile after mile of sand, with the pristine blue waters of the Pacific lapping peacefully over them. When you add the daily sight of the enormous orange sun disappearing into the ocean on the horizon, it’s easy to see why this area has proved a magnet to holidaymakers for nearly 100 years.

Rosarito Beach is typically wide and features all the nearby amenities one could wish for: sun-shades, beach bars and options for equipment rental, all a short walk from numerous hotels.

The city also comes alive at night, with a vibrant party scene. The elegant Rosarito Beach Hotel has long been the best known building in the area, dating from its heyday as the preferred destination for Hollywood stars in the 1920s seeking to defy the draconian prohibition laws of the US.

TODOS SANTOS

While plenty of beach resorts in Baja California make sure visitors are never too far from a restaurant or hotel, the shoreline near the “Magical Town” of Todos Santos tends to be far more secluded. This is the place to discover some of the most untouched coastline in the region, and enjoy Baja California at its most serene.

The small Playa Las Palmas is a typical example – reached by a dirt road and tucked between two rocky promontories, it has the atmosphere of a private beach, surrounded by palm trees and a reed lagoon.

Playa Los Cerritos is significantly longer and wider, and more popular with surfers, but is no less clean and pristine. Surfers also love Playa San Pedrito – as do visiting whales, which can often be seen blowing water into the air not too far from shore.