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This is one of our most popular SCUBA
Safaris that we’ve done every year since 1985!
This biannual get-away in Baja, Mexico is an exciting
cooperative adventure. There is so much material
for this trip we’ve included a short table
of contents:
Trip Details | Baja
Update | Dave’s
Travel Tips | Dave’s
Riding & Driving Tips | Diving
and Swimming Tips | Liability
Statement—Statement of Understanding |
Painted Caves Trip
We have added two great new Baja trips which
may run later this year: Baja
Freediving and Baja
Boat Camping (Snorkeling & Diving). Check
out the separate pages for these exciting new
trips!!
 Baja
Extravaganza
This Baja adventure is a cooperative trip designed
so that everyone has a good time. This trip is
not for everyone—a truly cooperative spirit
is required. This is the trip of trips, you can
join the caravan or catch a flight to Loreto for
$450. Everyone helps cook, clean etc. It is better
than normal camping. We rent one or more 20' x
20' (or larger) grass shacks called Palapas where
we store our toys, cook and find shelter from
the sun. We have fresh water showers and flush
toilets. A typical day would start with a dive
in the morning—leaving around 8 am and back
by about noon for lunch. Then relax on the beach—windsurf,
kayak, mountain bike, fly a kite, read a book,
snorkel, fish or hike. There are a lot of things
to do. On the October trip the water is warm (70–80°
F). Game fish include: dorado, roosterfish, grouper,
red snapper, etc., March water temperature is
cooler (65–70° F). Game fish include
yellow tail, grouper and red snapper. Yum! Food,
one of the best parts of the trip: in the morning
we decide what’s for dinner—that day
we spend collecting it. Fresh seafood—lots
of it! Yum. Water—we purchase purified drinking
water in town. The town of Mulegé (population
~3000) is about a 20 minute drive from the beach.
It is a beautiful oasis providing a peaceful living
environment for its inhabitants and it is well
worth checking out.
 Things to do include:
- The old prison
- Art stores
- The 1700s mission
- Tourist stores
- A walk along the river to the Mulegé harbor
- Good restaurants and bars
- The activities in
the town square
- Great ice cream at several shops
Services that Mulegé has:
- Several small grocery stores
- Small First Aid Station with doctor—supplies
are limited
- Dive shop with compressor—supples are limited
- Many churches
- Several
small auto parts stores and mechanics
WHO:
Divers & non-divers, all ages!
WHEN:
TBD. An extra week
add-on is $150.
WHERE:
Mulegé, Baja California, Mexico (600 miles south
of the border)
COST:
$499.00
per person for food, toys and beach fees (this
is not-for-profit trip).
 ACTIVITIES
INCLUDED IN COST:*
- Windsurfing
- Kayaking
- Sailing
- SCUBA diving
- Snorkeling
- Dolphin boat rides
- Hiking, cave exploration
- Mountain biking
- Nightly social & campfire
- All meals (great food!!)
* If an item such as dive boat, windsurfer, etc.
becomes unusable, no refunds will be made. Efforts
will be made for any need replacements at an additional
cost. This is a non-profit trip and all money
will be used to pay trip expenses.
ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION:
If you are interested in flying—cost is about
$270 (LAX to Loreto) if you reserve early, we will
pick you up at the Loreto Airport. Please call to
arrange days so we can pick you up at the airport
(or rent a car).
HOW TO SIGN UP:
A non-refundable
$100.00 deposit is required to hold your spot.
An additional $399.00 is payable two weeks before
the trip.
TRIP NECESSITIES:
Due to the fact that we caravan down, we
ask that you take only the essentials. These are
the items we suggest:
- Clothes for both warm days and cool nights (one
night in the high dessert can be chilly)
- Sunscreen (lots of it!)
- Hat
- Sun glasses
- Good book
- Bathing suit
- Towel
- Bedding (sleeping bag/pillow)
- Small beach chair
- Dive gear
- 3 mm or 6.5 mm wetsuit (no hood)
- Fishing pole
- Camera & film
We don’t need much. Most
days will be spent on the beach in bathing suits.
Mexico fishing licenses are required if you intend
to fish and must be obtained before the trip.
We can obtain one for you after the pre-trip meeting
at a cost of between $20 and $32 depending
if you want a one week or one year permit. We
will have a pre-trip get together to discuss the
trip in more detail. If you have any questions,
please give us a call. We look forward to having
you join us on this fabulous get-away! Hasta Luego!
Back to the Top
Baja Update 2003 Trips: Baja is just around the
corner! It’s time to get excited and prepared
for the trip. We will be meeting Thursday (time
& place TBA) to load your stuff for the drive
down, please do not be late. We will depart at
8 am Friday. Don’t miss the caravan! Things to
do before the trip:
- Dig up your passport, or
an original copy of your birth certificate will
also work.
- Change some money into pesos, I suggest
around $30 dollars. Most banks require a week
to order foreign currency and sometimes more.
We can also do it at the border, and maybe get
a better rate.
If you plan on SCUBA diving here are the minimums
that you will need:
- wetsuit
- mask, snorkel, fins, booties & gloves
- regulator
- weight belt
- depth gauge/timer & compass, knife
- one tank and backpack
- BC
- underwater flashlight(for night dives)
- chem. lights
- dive tables / computer, scuba C-card, and
log book
- dive whistle (required)
If you are a diver, don’t feel
you need to SCUBA dive. Free diving in Baja is
incredible. Over the years there are a number
of trip that I never put on a SCUBA tank. For
those of you who don’t have the hard gear, (reg.,
BC, tank, weight belt, wet suit), you can rent gear
from Aqua Safaris for $100 for the entire trip.
Other things you will need to come up with:
- lots of sun screen
- sleeping bag
- tent (optional, more for the wind than rain)
- tarp/ground cloth
- plastic bowl, cup/mug, utensils
- 5 gallon collapsible water jugs (helpful)
- towel
- music tapes for road
- CB Radio (If you have one)
- camera and film (film is very expensive in Mexico)
- personal medications
- $100 for trip expenses
- Major credit cards and
travelers checks can be used at larger stores
in some cities, and are good to have.
- Toys, i.e., windsurfer, kayaks, mountain bikes, frisbees,
small beach chair.
When packing for the trip,
keep it light, we have very limited space for
gear. The less stuff the better. During the day
expect temperature to be in the 80s, and at night
in the high 50s. We should be wearing shorts
most of the trip, we may however, be spending
one night in the mountains, so bring a jacket.
Also, we might visit a restaurant, bar and disco,
so bring something appropriate.
Back to the Top
David’s travel tips:
- Don’t drink the water! This
includes, coffee and tea (it’s not boiled long
enough).
- Don’t ask “Is the water good?” because
of course it is, for them. It takes time to adjust
to the water, and we don't want to spend our vacation
adjusting. Ugh.
- Avoid raw vegetables (it’s the
water used to wash them). Mulegé is OK.
- Drink lots of water (we will purify it), dehydration
is a leading cause of travel sickness.
- If you
enjoy eating at street “taco stands” as I do,
avoid those that don’t have refrigeration for
the food. Also, look at the cooking oil on the
grill to make sure it is fresh (clear), and drink
a lot of water to flush out your system.
- Bring
snacks for the road.
- Respect local customs, Mexico
is a poor yet very conservative country. If you
are interested in visiting the local missions,
the women in the group should wear a long skirt/pants
& something over the shoulders, men should wear
long pants w/out hats.
- I have yet to have a problem
in Baja with the police. However, if there is
a problem, ie. traffic citation, it is common
to pay the fine on the spot. A good phrase to
learn in Spanish is “can I pay the fine here?”
- Do not bring DRUGS!!! No pot, no nothing. Unless
you and everyone in the car with you wants to
spend the rest of your young lives in jail. There
is lots of pot down there, don't buy it! Some
of our US tax $ goes towards Mexico's sting operations,
and the minimum jail sentence is seven years.
- Chances are that some time during our travels,
our cars will be searched. Do not bring anything
illegal, NO GUNS!
- Bring sun screen and use it,
sun exposure is the leading cause of sickness
on this trip.
- When buying gas in Mexico, make
sure the gas pump is set back to zero before they
pump gas. Also, bring a calculator and use it
to figure out gas cost and your change. Just the
presence of a calculator will deter any wrong
doing.
- Check the fluid levels in your car when
you get gas, and add octane booster which is provided.
- Bring spare parts, ie. oil, fan belt, spark plugs,
spark plug wire, fuel filter, radiator hose tape,
radiator sealant, and maybe a repair manual.
- The speed limit in Mexico is generally 100
km/hr (60 mph), 40 km/hr (25 mph) in town.
- Be careful driving
at night. Horses, cows, and other animals may
wander onto the road. We will be driving in a
caravan, and the lead car will have off road lights.
- It’s a long drive down. Don’t over extend yourself
driving. If you’re tired, let the other cars know
(via CB radio), we can stop, take a break and
switch drivers. If no one is rested enough to
drive, we will stop for a rest until there is.
Most importantly, a good relaxed attitude is needed.
One might say Mexico operates in low gear. So
relax, shift down and go with the flow.
Back to the Top
Diving and Swimming tips:
We will have
a pre-dive talk before our first dive; non-divers
should attend. We will discuss local marine life
dangers, and other environmental differences between
California and Sea of Cortez diving.
- Before the
trip, review the dive tables
- Don’t touch marine
life unless you know what it is.
- Things that
are white or red generally should be avoided.
- The sea creature responsible for injuring more
divers is the sea urchin. Keep neutrally buoyant
and in control.
- Strong currents sweep the area.
Know how to avoid them, and use them to your advantage.
- Wear a whistle and a scuba tube!
- Log your dives,
and calculate no decompression limits.
- Safety
stops are a must, and ascend slowly.
- Do not push
your limits, dive and swim safely
- Know emergency
hand signals
- Tell someone medically knowledgeable
if you’re not feeling well. One should know before
the trip that the nearest recompression chambers
are in San Diego, and the local hospital (First
Aid Station) is very limited. So be careful, don’t
push the dive tables, do safety stops and no macho
stuff.
Well, that’s some of the important info
more to come on the way down. We will be conversing
over the two-way CB radio provided for each
car. So, write down some jokes, learn some songs,
we will entertain each other. See you on Thursday
at 8 pm and then again on Friday at 8 am!!!
—David Houghton
Any question give me a call: Shop, 831-479-4386
or Home, 831-426-1144, pager 408-697-2525.
Back to the Top
Baja Drivers Information Sheet
Being prepared: The vehicle should be in top condition,
free inspection services can be used to ensure
you car is in good working order. The engine should
have had a recent tune up and oil change. Tires
should be in good condition and have a safe amount
of tread thickness including the spare. Seat belts
should be in working order and worn by everyone.
Proper tire inflation is very important; follow
recommended tire inflation pressure in vehicle
owners manual. Air filter should be checked for
cleanliness. Unfortunately, Aqua Safaris can not
take responsibility if your car is damaged or
breaks down, this is the owners responsibility.
In the event of a major break down, a car can
be towed to the border for about $600.00 cash.
Do not bring: Please remove any illegal substances,
weapons or drugs from your vehicle. Zero tolerance
for pot and other drugs is observed by Mexican
authorities. If any quantity of substance is found,
your vehicle can be seized permanently, and in
some cases, everyone in the vehicle may be taken
to jail. Minimum jail sentence for drugs is seven
years. It is likely that we will be stopped, searched
and questioned about drugs, weapons and fruit.
The Mexican authorities employ dogs as well as
other means to search for drugs and guns. If you
need to bring drugs or guns DO NOT COME ON THIS
TRIP!!! We have not had any problems in the past.
Drugs in Mexico are no joking matter, please refrain
from talking about it on the CB radio; transmissions
are monitored by Mexican authorities.
Extra parts:
- fuel filter
- fan belts
- vehicle repair book
- water hose
- spark plugs
- 2 quarts of oil
- 5 gallons of water
Insurance: All vehicles need
to be insured in the US for the drive down and
proof of insurance must be carried. Once in Mexico,
most US insurance is not valid, and Mexican insurance
supplied by the Mexican Government must be purchased.
Insurance plans will be purchased at the border
on the way down. Mexican Insurance is very restrictive,
drivers should read the back of the policy carefully
to understand the restrictions and requirements.
Aqua Safaris will reimburse drivers for Mexican
insurance for the following limit:
- Collision
- lowest blue book value of your vehicle (this
is the max. insurance they will pay regardless
of what you buy, read policy)
- Medical expenses
for passengers inside of car—please buy the
Maximum available
- Medical expenses for people
you hit—Aqua Safaris will only pay for the minimum.
- Those that drive the vehicle should be named
on the insurance policy (this may no longer be
required, but a good idea regardless)
- Dates
insurance should be valid are those the vehicle will be in Mexico.
When you go to buy insurance you must
have: 1) valid registration 2) make and year 3)
vehicle milage 4) names of likely drivers 5) registration
of trailers It is the driver’s responsibility
to obtain the proper insurance and know and observe
the regulations. Aqua Safaris will reimburse drivers
for the above insurance from the groups general
fund, and has no responsibility in the event of
a claim. At the option of the driver and those
riding in the vehicle, more insurance can be purchased.
CB Radios: If you do not have a CB radio, Aqua
Safaris will provide one to you on loan. It is
your responsibility to take care of the radio.
CB radio tips: Radio range is limited to line
of sight—Two radios can not transmit on the
same channel at the same time; no one will be
heard. Wait for a break, then transmit your message.
- Channel 11 will be our Baja Caravan designated
channel (this is the channel designated by the
Mexican Government).
- All Vehicles need a handle(name),
ie. my truck is “Great White”
- Never key (push
in) the mike if the antenna is not attached to
the radio
- Have passengers operate CB not drivers,
please keep both eyes on the road
Driving in Mexico:
Keep an eye on your temperature, oil and fuel
gauges. If we find a problem with your car early,
often it can be easily fixed. We will stop for
fuel when the first vehicle has 1/2 tank of fuel.
We keep a 1/2 tank reserve because frequently
gas stations run out of gas or are unable to pump
gas due to power outages. We will also carry 5
gallons of gas per car as a reserve. If your car
passes a gas station with 1/2 tank or less it
is likely that your car will not make it to the
next. That would not be good! When fuel is added
to your vehicle make sure you add the required
octane booster; remember, if your tank is 1/2
full don’t use too much booster or your car will
not run well. Please clean your windows and check
your engine oil and belts at every gas stop. After
a major stop, please check all fluid levels and
tire pressure. Driving laws are similar in Mexico
with some distinct differences, information on
driving laws in Mexico can be obtained from AAA
or other Mexican Government insurance carriers.
The roads can be narrow, and the shoulder of the
road can be soft; please stay on the road for
your safety, and the safety of your passengers.
Back to the Top
Painted Caves Trip
A trip is
offered in Mulegé to see the painted caves. This
is a beautiful drive up the Mulegé River visiting
old style Mexican Rancheros somewhat unchanged
for hundreds of years. See how these people survive
in this harsh, arid environment. Other highlights
on the way to the caves include stopping and learning
about native plants and their uses by the native
inhabitants. The caves themselves are located
about one hour walk up the headwaters of the Mulegé
River. Depending on the water level you may need
to swim through parts. A local guide provides a
dry bag and float for cameras and other valuables
you don’t want to get wet. The cave paintings
themselves are very interesting, among the oldest
discovered in Mexico. The standard rate for this
trip is around $50 (US) per person + tip. As a
group we usually are able to negotiate a rate
of $30 + tip. This includes lunch and drinks.
Back to the Top
Statement of
Understanding/Release of Liability
Your responsibilities:
No one is responsible for your safety besides
yourself. SCUBA diving, driving and riding in
cars/trucks/vans etc., mountain biking, water
skiing, windsurfing, kayaking, swimming, boat
rides, horse back riding, etc. are all dangerous
and expose you to risk including serious injury
and death. Prior to engaging in any activities,
remember that we are a long way away form medical
help, and we are in a foreign country. Please
use extreme caution and judgement and be safe.
By embarking on this Adventure, I ______________________
am willingly accepting these risks, and take 100%
responsibility for my safety and well-being. I
will in no way hold Aqua Safaris
responsible for myself or my belongings.
___________________________
Date_______________
I ________________________assume
the risk of personal injury, property damage or
wrongful death. I hereby voluntarily release Aqua
Safaris and associates of all liability, including
property damage, personal injury, or wrongful
death however such may occur even if caused by
negligence. I, the undersigned, further agree
to wave/relinquish my rights as well as the rights
of any heirs, executors, or anyone else to prosecute
or present any claim whatsoever against Aqua Safaris,
Aqua Safaris owner, employees and independent
contractors. I agree that any and all court costs,
including Aqua Safaris and associates court costs
and attorney fees, arising from any claim and
defense of such claim brought against Aqua Safaris
and associates, will be paid for by me the undersigned
or my estate. The undersigned acknowledges that
he/she has read the above statements and fully
understands the rights that he/she is giving up
by signing this document. He/she further warrants
that he/she understands that this adventure/expedition
is potentially hazardous, and it is up to the
individual signed below to ensure their personal
safety during all activities. Furthermore, it
is the undersigned’s responsibility to insure
that they are physically fit and knowledgeable
enough to safely engage in SCUBA Diving and other
activities. Be Safe!
________________________ Signature of Participant____________
Date
_________________________Signature of Witness
Emergency Information:
I am allergic to the following:
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Contact: __________________ Relationship to you:
_________________
Phone #: __________________
Dr. ______________________ Medical Group: ____________________
I have the following medical conditions:
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
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Aqua Safaris Travel Center