10 Things To Do in Bahia De Los Angeles, Baja California (2024)
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Bahía de los Ángeles is a remote town sheltered by the spectacular bay along the Sea of Cortez. Mostly known for its recreational activities and gorgeous scenery, it’s also one of the most popular destinations for camping in Baja California, with many travelers coming here to experience the serene environment and enjoy the outdoors.
Also known as La Bay or BOLA, this hamlet offers panoramic views of the Sierra de la Borja mountains and Angel de la Guarda island to the east, so you will always have a spectacular backdrop for your photos.
In 2007, the Mexican government designated the area as the Bahía de los Ángeles Biosphere Reserve to protect the unique flora and fauna, and now it’s one of the top destinations for eco-tourism in Mexico.
If you are considering a trip to Bahía de los Ángeles, keep on reading. I visited Bahía de los Ángeles several times and wrote this article to share my expertise with you.
Where is Bahía de los Ángeles?
Bahía de los Ángeles is located on the eastern shore of the Baja California Peninsula.
Bahia De Los Angeles Baja California Things To Do
1. Take a boat tour
A boat tour is the most popular activity in Bahia De Los Angeles. The bay is renowned for its rich marine life including dophins, manta rays and even whales, making it a popular destination for eco-tourism and recreational activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, and swimming.
The waters are home to diverse marine species, including whale sharks, dolphins, whales, sea lions, and various types of fish.
The bay is surrounded by several islands, including the Guardian Angel Island (Isla Ángel de la Guarda), the largest island in the Gulf of California (also known as the Sea of Cortez). These islands provide opportunities for hiking and wildlife observation.
Depending on the tour, your guide can also organize a short hiking excursion to one of the islands.
I took a tour of the bay with Capitan Rojo, a tour company that is run by Sergio, a local tour guide with many years of experience who is very knowledgeable and passionate about marine life and the entire area. He takes pride in teaching tourists about the conservation and importance of these incredible species.
✅ I highly recommend taking a boat tour with Sergio, and you can contact him via WhatsApp, at + (52) 616-107-9829
2. Kayak or paddle board along the bay
You can contact one of the local tour guides who will rent you a kayak or bring your own. Kayaking and paddle boarding is a perfect way to enjoy the calm waters of the bay, especially in the morning before it gets windy.
3. Visit Playa Gringa
Playa Gringa is one of the most popular beaches in Bahia De Los Angeles where you can enjoy camping at the bay and climb on top of Punta la Gringa, a rocky point at the end of the beach that offers spectacular views of the entire bay.
As anywhere else in Baja, wear good hiking shoes to protect your feet from the spikes that grow on many plants in the desert.
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4. Watch the sunrise
When the sun starts peeking out from the mountains in the morning, the entire bay looks spectacular as it gets lit up by incredible colors. Trust me the colorful show is worth waking up early!
4. Go camping
There are several campsites around Bahía de los Ángeles. Some may offer basic amenities such as restrooms and showers, while others may be more rustic. Playa La Gringa and Campo Archelon are examples of campsites in the area.
Check if the campsite requires reservations, especially if you are here in winter when many people come to camp from the U.S. and Canada. Some popular campsites may fill up quickly during peak seasons, so you should plan ahead.
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5. Do night photography
Bahia De Los Angeles is a remote town that has no light pollution which means it’s a perfect place for night photography. Grab your camera and capture the incredible dark skies around you.
6. Take photos of the Puntas Arenas lighthouse
Another popular spot in Bahia De Los Angeles is Puntas Arenas where you can find a lighthouse. It’s a perfect spot for taking photos and enjoying calm views of the bay.
7. Go scuba diving or snorkeling
If you visit Bahia De Los Angeles during the summer when the water is warm, consider booking a snorkeling or diving tour to see the marine life in the Sea of Cortez.
The most popular tour operator that provides diving tours to the nearby Coronado Island is Ricardo’s Diving Tours, and you can reach them at +(52) 200-124-9264.
8. Visit Nature Museum
Visiting a museum might not be the most obvious thing to do in Bahia De Los Angeles, yet, the town has a small museum called Museo de Naturaleza y Cultura, or Museum of Nature and Culture, where you can learn some interesting facts about the culture and history of the region through fun displays.
It has no official entrance fee, as all fees are based on donations.
9. Swim with whale sharks
Swimming with whale sharks in Bahia De Los Angeles is a one-of-a-kind experience. Swimming with whale sharks in Bahia De Los Angeles is possible only from July through November, you should book a tour with one of the local tour operators to try it.
Whale sharks are the largest fish in the world. They can grow to more than 40 feet (12 meters) and can weigh several tons.
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Swimming with them is perfectly safe, as they are known for their gentle and non-aggressive behavior, but you need to maintain a certain distance, and your tour operator will brief you about it before you begin your tour.
I recommend Sergio from Capitan Rojo, which can be reached at: + (52) 616-107-9829
10. Take a day trip to Guerrero Negro
Guerrero Negro is a small town in Baja California Sur that’s home to the largest salt flats in the world. It’s also one of the best places in Baja California to see the great whales, and the best part is that you can even pet them on your tour!
If you are visiting the area from January through late March, make sure to visit Guerrero Negro, and book a tour with Mario Tours, one of the best operators of whale watching in Guerrero Negro.
Bahia De Los Angeles Baja California History
Originally inhabited by the Cochimies, the area was colonized after Spanish missionary Juan Ugarte arrived in 1721.
Several mines were opened after silver was discovered in 1880, leading to growth in the population of the area, as mines needed workers.
The development reached its peak around 1910 when the region was ravaged by filibusters. Most miners left the area but a few who stayed established ranches. Many of the current inhabitants of Bahía de los Ángeles are descendants of the mining pioneers.
Tips for visiting Bahia De Los Angeles, Baja California
✅ Wear sunscreen
Sun protection is essential due to the strong sunlight, especially during the hotter months. Make sure to bring sunscreen, a hat, and other protective gear if you plan to spend time outdoors.
✅ Put on good hiking shoes
The area around the Bay of LA has a rough desert terrain with a lot of cacti and other plants that have spikes. Don’t make my mistake and put on a pair of gym shoes if you don’t want spikes in your feet 🙁
✅ Don’t rely on your cell phone
Cell phone service in Bahia De Los Angeles is virtually non-existent, so you need to use maps and consult with locals for directions to explore the area.
✅ Watch out for rain storms
Given the desert climate, rainfall is generally scarce in Bahía de los Ángeles, but when it rains, the only road leading to town can get flooded making it difficult to pass for some cars.
✅ Keep your tank full
Bahia De San Felipe has only one gas station that closes at 8 p.m. If you want to drive around, you will need to make sure to get gas before it closes.
✅ Stay more than a day
Bahía de los Ángeles boasts plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures, so you should make the most out of your trip and stay a couple of days. Besides taking a boat tour of Bahia De Los Angeles, you can camp, explore the abandoned mines, check out local beaches, and go off-roading.
✅ Bring plenty of cash
Bahía de los Ángeles is semi-off grid meaning that things like gas, Internet, and services are not always readily available here. There are also no ATM’s in town, which means you need to bring enough cash, especially if you want to take boat tours.
How To Get To Bahia De Los Angeles, Baja California
Since Bahia De Los Angeles is remote, the only way to get here is by car. You can cross the U.S.-Mexico border in a car or rent one in Tijuana and Ensenada.
The most common route is to enter Mexico at the border crossing in Mexicali and then drive south on Mexican Federal Highway 5 (Mex 5) towards San Felipe. From San Felipe, you’ll continue south on Mex 5 to reach Bahía de los Ángeles.
✅ RENT A CAR FOR YOUR BAJA ROAD TRIP
Important Tips For Driving to Bahía de los Ángeles
➡️ Check Road Conditions
Road conditions in Baja California can vary, so it’s a good idea to check for any updates or warnings before you travel.
➡️ Have proper documentation
Ensure you have all the required documentation, including a valid passport, visa (if necessary), and any permits needed for your vehicle.
➡️ Get anough gas
Bahía de los Ángeles is a remote area, so make sure to have enough supplies, especially if you’re driving. You will not find gas stations from San Felipe to Bahia De Los Angeles.
➡️ Learn the language
Knowing some basic Spanish can be helpful, as English may not be widely spoken in remote areas.
➡️ Rent a 4×4 car
Outside the main road, Bahia De Los Angeles has a network of dirt roads, that are not suitable for a regular car. If you don’t have a 4X4 car it’s a good idea to rent one.
Renting a car for your trip to Bahía de los Ángeles
I recommend renting a 4X4 car for your trip to Bahía de los Ángeles.
While you don’t need a 4X4 car vehicle to get to Bahía de los Ángeles, having one will make your trip a lot easier once you get there. Most roads around Bahía de los Ángeles are unpaved, and some can have lots of rocks and sand, making it difficult for a regular car to pass.
If you want to explore the area and get off the beaten path, rent a 4X4 vehicle.
✅ RENT A CAR FOR YOUR BAJA ROAD TRIP
Where to find a car for your trip to Bahia de los Angeles
A good place to find car rentals for your Baja road trip is DiscoverCars, which offers tons of great deals on many types of vehicles. I’ve booked my cars with DiscoverCars and always had a good experience, so I highly recommend their services.
Also, you should know that US car rental insurance is not valid for rental cars in Mexico. But you can get Mexican car insurance from DiscoverCars ahead of your trip.
Bahia De Los Angeles Hotels
Los Vientos Hotel – one of the most popular hotels in Bahía de los Ángeles, Los Vientos (translated as the winds) is a beachfront hotel with a restaurant, terrace, and a swimming pool. It also has free parking and a wonderful breakfast.
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Is Bahia De Los Angeles safe?
Bahia De Los Angeles is one of the safest destinations in Baja California, but it’s the remote location and lack of services and amenities that present some challenges when it comes to safety. Always have your gas tank full, drive only during the day, and check the weather, as parts of the road to Bahia De Los Angeles get flooded during the rain.
Bahia De Los Angeles Crime
Bahía de los Ángeles has a population of about 1,000 people, and crime here is very low. Make sure to watch your belongings and don’t flash anything expensive, as the town is very low-key, with most people living a simple life.
Getting insurance for your trip to the Bay of LA
It’s a good idea to get travel insurance for your trip to Bahia De Los Angeles for extra protection. The insurance will cover you in case of accidents, hospital visits, and other events that could disrupt your travel plans.
Safety Wing is perfect for long-term travelers who plan to stay in Belize for a couple of weeks. I’ve used Safety Wing insurance several times and always had a great experience with them.
Bahia de Los Angeles weather
Bahía de los Ángeles has a desert climate with extremely hot summers and relatively mild winters. October is a great month for visiting as it marks a transition between summer and winter when temperatures are considerably cooler.
Here’s a general overview of the weather you can expect in Bahia De Los Angeles:
Summer (June to September):
- Daytime temperatures during the summer months can be hot, ranging from around 90°F (32°C) to over 100°F (38°C).
- The region may experience occasional humidity due to its proximity to the Gulf of California.
- June is the peak season for tourism, especially for water sports and whale watching.
Fall (October to November):
- Fall brings a gradual decrease in temperatures. Daytime highs can still range from 80°F (27°C) to 90°F (32°C), but nights may become cooler.
- The fall months are a good time to visit if you prefer slightly milder temperatures and want to avoid the peak tourist season.
Winter (December to February):
- Winter is the coldest season in Bahia De Los Angeles, but temperatures remain relatively mild compared to many other destinations.
- Daytime temperatures typically range from 65°F (18°C) to 75°F (24°C), and nights can be cooler, sometimes dropping to around 50°F (10°C).
- Winter is great, as you can enjoy outdoor activities without the intense heat and summer crowds.
Spring (March to May):
- Spring sees a gradual warming of temperatures. Daytime highs start to climb, ranging from 75°F (24°C) to 85°F (29°C).
- Spring is another good time to visit before the peak summer season, offering pleasant weather for various activities.
Baja De Los Angeles Baja California Restaurants
📍Alejandrinas – The best restaurant in Bahia De Los Angeles that serves authentic Mexican food. I visited Alexandrines several times during my visit and enjoyed their sopes, guacamole, and delicious rice.
📍Las Hamacas – A popular restaurant in Bahia de Los Angeles with a great ambiance that serves freshly prepared meals made from seafood. They have generous portions and great prices.
📍Doña Guille – The best spot for tacos in Bahia De Los Angeles, this small eatery serves carne asada, fish, and shrimp tacos.
📍Pizzas Mama Mia – If you want pizza while visiting Bahia De Los Angeles, this is the best place. Mama Mia offers pizzas, pasta, burgers, and salads.
📍Liz’s Restaurant – One of the best-rated restaurants in Bahia De Los Angeles, Liz’s Restaurant offers delicious food, ambiance, and outstanding customer service.
San Diego to Bahia de Los Angeles
The journey from San Diego to Bahía de los Ángeles involves a combination of driving and, optionally, flying or taking a bus. Most travelers drive from San Diego to Bahia De Los Angeles which takes about 8 hours.
By Car:
Drive to the San Ysidro Port of Entry at the Mexico-United States border. After crossing the border, you’ll be on the Mexican Federal Highway 1 (Carretera Federal 1, or simply Mex 1). This highway leads south and is the main route for traveling through the Baja California Peninsula.
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Drive to Ensenada
Continue south on Mex 1, passing through cities like Tijuana and Rosarito. Eventually, you’ll reach Ensenada, a coastal city in Baja California.
Continue South to San Felipe
From Ensenada, continue south on Mex 1 towards San Felipe, a town along the eastern coast of the Baja California Peninsula.
Drive to Bahía de los Ángeles
From San Felipe, continue south on Mex 5, which will take you to Bahía de los Ángeles. The drive from San Felipe to Bahía de los Ángeles takes around 4-5 hours, covering approximately 250 miles (400 kilometers).
What’s the closest airport to Bahia De Los Angeles?
The closest airport to the Bay of LA is Tijuana International Airport which is 684 miles away. It takes an average of 7.5 hours to get from Tijuana Airport to Bahia De Los Angeles.
Things to do in Bahia de Los Angeles: FAQ’s
Is there cell service in Bahia de los Angeles?
There’s no cell phone service in Bahia De Los Angeles. As soon as you drive into town, your cellphone service will disappear, and you will find it only in hotels, campgrounds, and some restaurants.
When is the best time to visit Bahía de los Ángeles?
If you are looking for comfortable weather and an opportunity to enjoy water activities, visit in September when it’s not too hot, and you can still dive, snorkel, and swim with whale sharks, as the water temperature is still very mild.
It’s also a perfect time for hiking, as you can enjoy outdoor activities.
Summer is also a popular time to visit, but temperatures are usually very hot during this time because of the desert climate. Many foreign visitors come to the Bay of LA in summer to take advantage of snorkeling, diving, and sports marine wildlife.
Many foreign visitors also come to Bahia de Los Angeles during winter. While December and January are the coldest months in the region, they offer mild daytime temperatures perfect for spending time outside without dealing with sweltering heat.
How many days do I need for Bahía de los Ángeles?
Plan at least 2 days for your trip, and possibly more, depending on the time of the year. Despite being a small town, Bahia de Los Angeles offers plenty of activities that make for a fun adventure.
If you are visiting Bahia De Los Angeles during summer, plan 3-5 days for your aquatic adventures, as you can snorkel, dive, and swim with whale sharks. In addition, you can enjoy hiking and visiting nearby mines and a small local museum to learn local history.
Final Word:
Bahia De Los Angeles was one of my favorite stops on the Baja California road trip. It feels like a world away from some of the most popular destinations in the region, and you will not find over-tourism or high prices here. If you want to see one of the most beautiful places in the region, see the incredible marine animals, and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere, make sure to put this place on your bucket list.
Baja California Travel Planner
Do I need a visa for Baja California?
If you are traveling to Baja California from the United States and Canada or Western Europe, you don’t need a visa. Click here to check Mexico visa requirements for your country. iVisa a website that can help you with a visa to Mexico.
Do I need a car in Baja California?
You need a rental car to see the best of Baja California, as most places aren’t accessible by public transportation. I recommend DiscoverCars for car rentals in Baja and other parts of Mexico.
Click here to check prices on car rentals in popular detsinations in Baja
Do I need a travel insurance in Baja California?
Personal travel insurance in not required in Baja, but it’s a good idea to get one ahead of your trip. Travel Insurance Master will cover you in case of hospital visits, missed flights, lost or stolen belongings and other accidents that could happen on the road.
Do I need a car insurance to drive in Mexico?
A Mexico car insurance is required for ALL vehicles entering the country. Note that your US insurance will not be valid in Mexico. Baja Bound Mexican Insurance is a popular website to find insurance for your car, RV, boat, motorcycles and other types of transportation.
Where can I find the best Baja tours?
the best websites for finding tours all over Baja is Viator. Guided tours are usually available in bigger cities like Cabo San Lucas, San José del Cabo, La Paz and Tijuana.
Where can I book flights to Baja?
Click here to find cheap airline tickets to Baja
Where do I find cheap hotels in Baja?
Booking.com is the best website to find hotels all over Baja, but you can also use HostelWorld to find hostels. VRBO is a perfect place to find apartments and home-style places to stay in Baja.
Can I drink water in Baja California?
While major cities like Cabo and La Paz treat their water, it’s generally not advised to drink water in Baja California. Always carry your water bottle with you, or better yet, buy a water bottle with filtration for your trip.