Three weeks on a Mexico beach

Posted by: Rooster

Three weeks on a Mexico beach - 01/14/12 07:05 PM

Need advice on beach camping!! A buddy and I are spending three weeks in Mexico! Was wondering if there anything that anyone could tell me to make things go smoother?( I've camped in Mexico many time but this with be the first time with family)
Posted by: skcreidc

Re: Three weeks on a Mexico beach - 01/14/12 09:52 PM

This is really more of a backpacking forum, but I'll bite. Part of the answer depends on where you are staying. But in general, it is good to have a roomy sturdy tent, some sort of shade for the hot days, and I like to bring a large patch of fake lawn to put in front of the tent entrance to help keep the sand out. Even in the winter, there are some pretty warm days. It can be really windy so bring your sand spikes.

Some areas in Mexico have large numbers of stray dogs that have the busy campgrounds staked out. You are going to have to figure out your strategy for dealing with them; they will try to get into your tent at night to sleep with you. You could wake up in the middle of the night to your better half screaming about some strange animal in your tent. "Honey, its just a dog" may not work too well to calm her down (especially with the way some of these poor things look).
Posted by: Rooster

Re: Three weeks on a Mexico beach - 01/15/12 08:00 AM

Just cuz I'm not in the backwoods doesn't mean I'm not backpacking...(and i said a buddy!!! So I dont think I'll be calling him "honey")lol!!! But thanks for the advice=)
Posted by: skcreidc

Re: Three weeks on a Mexico beach - 01/15/12 09:40 AM

laugh Well, cause you mentioned family...I just assumed. So all my previous advice is usless (except for maybe the part about the dogs grin ). So where are you backpacking? This is kind of key as to if I can actually help. I have been backpacking a lot in Mexico. Along the beach...not so much. Usually going from spot to spot surfing in that case.


Posted by: Rooster

Re: Three weeks on a Mexico beach - 01/15/12 10:26 AM

Going to start in guaymas/ San Carlos then head south for a week and a half... No set turn around point just a date we have to be back by...this will also be my first adventure using a tarp shelter as my primary!! Hoping for good weather!! You said surfing? I've heared the east cost is better for that then the west...true?
Posted by: skcreidc

Re: Three weeks on a Mexico beach - 01/15/12 12:48 PM

Sounds good! You probably already know, but be set up for wind. If you are going soon, you are probably going to get stormy days intermixed with really nice ones. One of my favorite spots to visit is San Blas. Really nice beach and rivermouth area, kind of touristy now. Used to have a "pirate" bar established in the late 1500's (or so they said). It's located at Matanchen Bay North of Puerto Vallarta.

With surf, its often just the experience of the trips taken that form an opinion. No surf...no fun sometimes. At a lot of these spots you need to go thee at the right time of year. The west coast of mainland Mexico, with spots like Puerto Escondito, Pascuales, and all the points in between need a south swell to get going. Matanchen Bay used to be in the Guinness world book (for longest right I think). I don't really know the East side, but I'm sure there can be good surf there too.



Pascuales during a September swell. Lets see...78 degree water, no crowds (back then), and a solid 6 to 8 foot swell. Looks OK to me grin
Posted by: Rooster

Re: Three weeks on a Mexico beach - 01/15/12 01:50 PM

We'er headed out fist week in march, taking greyhound to Nogales getting a charter bus from there to guaymas... On foot from there... Trying to stay on the beach as much as physically posibla( cliffs, tiedes, what not!!) found out taking greyhound is the cheapest way to get there... So it will be road/backpacking trip!! Best of both worlds!!
Posted by: skcreidc

Re: Three weeks on a Mexico beach - 01/17/12 04:00 PM

The area you are going is relatively safe; away from the problem areas. You have been down there numerous times before so you know where to get water (and food for that matter); in town. There are lots of places to stop along the way for supplies, if needed. And the people are friendly. Sounds like you are set; just get past Mazatlan to San Blas.