BAJA.TV / practice your own brand of freedom tm / San Quintin

San Quintin
by Carlos Fiesta

San Quintin is home to one of the largest bays on the west coast of Baja. This mostly agricultural town is roughly a four hour drive south of the International border. It is the last coastal tourist town before the main highway heads down and over to the Sea of Cortez.

Boating and fishing are popular here, as is claming. There are no main tourist centers here yet. There are, however, three small motels on the bluffs overlooking the bay, and a very large La Pinta hotel south of town, right on the beach.

A variety of services can be found along the highway running through town, including restaurants, gasoline, two banks and other miscellaneous services.

Because of the relatively close proximity to the U.S. border, several different plans are under way to develop this area for tourists. Waterfront homes, a marina, a golf course, and lots more are on the drawing boards.

San Quintin is often considered the pivotal town where Baja civilization ends and the real Baja begins. Heading south, visitors find the decompression process kicking in more completely, and that 'Baja mode' really begins to take over!

          
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San Quintin Beaches 

San Quintin has great beaches and without question are some of the best on the penninsula. Also contributing to the uniqueness of the area is the large bays that have made San Quintin so popular over the years. Collectively, these bays are some of the biggest on Baja's west coast, and offer excellent opportunities for fun and adventure!

          
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CAMPING - RVs:

There are miles and miles of open areas to camp both north and south of the San Quintin area, both inland and at the beach. However, if some degree of civilization or amenities are desired, traditional camping areas are available.

          
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FISHING - BOATING:

The surf at the entrance to the 3 large bays is usually quite rough making it very difficult for commercial fishing boats to enter the bay. As a result tourist typically catch halibut, mackerel, perch, and croaker which are readily available in the bays. Yellowtail, yellow fin, sea bass, rock cod, link cod, and sometimes dorado can be found in the open sea. Surf fishing is usually good on the beaches south. Boat rentals can be arranged at the Old Mill Hotel and the Cielito Lindo Hotel.  

          
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HOTELS - LODGING:

First class accommodations are not San Quintin's strongest suite, although there are plans on the drawing board to change that. Meanwhile, the existing hotels and motels provide a good place to hang your hat while exploring the Baja peninsula.  

          
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RESTAURANTS - BARS:

There are many restaurants and bars scattered along the Transpeninsular Highway between Lazaro Cardenias and San Quintin. There are also quite a few taco stands, which offer a great way to grab a quick snack (and they are cheap!).  

          
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SHOPPING:

Highway One goes through town for a couple of miles, offering just about everything a Baja traveler might need. Gasoline, pharmacies, liquor stores, taco stands, tire repair . . . you name it. Load up now because these things are in short supply over the next few hundred miles. Next significant shopping down the highway is Guerrero Negro.

          
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TRANSPORTATION:

Buses traveling the Baja Highway make a stop in Lazaro Cardenas, just north of San Quintin, on the west side of the street. There are a few taxis in town, and 2 PEMEX gas stations stations.

Don't even think of heading south from here with the hope of finding gasoline or supplies!

There are some services in El Rosario, but not many. If the gas station in El Rosario happens to be closed, your out of luck. Best bet is to fill up here, which should get you to Guerrero Negro. The PEMEX at the Bahia de Los Angeles junction has been closed for some time.

          
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SIGHTS OF INTEREST:

The National Observatory is approximately 60 miles north-east, off the main highway on a fairly good dirt and gravel road past Meling Ranch. Regular passenger cars should have no problem during dry conditions. The observatory sits on a high peak in the mountains of Sierra San Pedro Martir. The road goes all the way up to the observatory, although a 'do not enter' sign indicates that they prefer that you walk the last half mile of paved road. On a clear day the view from the nearby rocks allows you to see both the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez!

          
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RECREATION:

Beach activities are the main focus in the San Quintin area. Both the bays and the open beaches offer plenty of opportunity for recreation.

BIRD WATCHING, The bays and marshes south of town offer some of the best birding on the Baja Peninsula. A large variety wildlife and enjoyable climate ad to the fun.

CLAMMING, All 3 bays, plus the beaches along the ocean are productive at low tide. For access to the bays, head for the Old Mill area. For access to the ocean, the beach near the La Pinta Hotel is a good choice.

HUNTING, The tidal flats and marshland just south of San Quintin provide good hunting for duck and goose in winter, and for quail all year long.

KAYAK, Kayaking in the bays is a pleasant experience because of the calm water. Ocean kayaking and wave riding is good south of the bays, with easy launching.

SCUBA DIVING, Located 5 miles southwest of Cabo San Quintin, Johnston's Seamount offers good visibility, plenty of sea life, and interesting pinnacles and reef structure.

SURFING, Good surfing can sometimes be found at the beach break at Picacho, north of the bays, and at the point break at the end of the San Quintin peninsula.