Mexico
RVing in Mexico: When's best time to visit Baja?
By Dot and Bill Bell

Bill and Dot Bell

Dot and Bill Bell are Mexican RV experts who have taught and led seminars about camping in Mexico throughout Canada and the US. Their website, is considered the most up-to-date source about camping and RVing south of the border.

Questions this issue:
--Bell Caravan
--Best Baja Time
--Whales
--Baja Charity

Dear Dot and Bill,
Are will you do your training caravan this fall?
Pat & Mike

Hi Guys,
We are still finalizing plans. (We give a training seminar -- five hours -- before we leave the US and head to La Penita, a town an hour north of Puerto Vallarta. We also teach as we drive south. The purpose of the "caravan" is to make independent Mexican travelers -- rather than offer a guided tour like other standard Caravan operators).

Gray Whale at Scammons Lagoon Baja Dot Bell Photograph

Expect an announcement in the next month and keep posted to this site. Last year we had more than 500 inquiries and had to turn away 75 people who wanted to travel with us.

Dear Dot and Bill,
What is the best time of year to go to the Baja? We are planning to drive in May and were surprised to see that the Gray Whales had left the Baja by then. We were considering canceling the trip.
Cory and Jean

Hi,
The best time to drive the Baja? Every season has something for everyone. They don't call it the Magnificent Peninsula for nothing. That said, summers are sweltering so avoid all but the Northern coast of the Baja from June to September. But if you are looking for fish, this is the time to go. The warm waters are great for catching the big ones: Dorado, Sailfish and Marlin.

We consider the fall and spring the best time to camp on the Baja. The weather is heating up and the beaches on the Bay of Concepcion are paradise for RVers.

Friendly Gray Whale approachs tour boat Scammons Lagoon Baja Mexico Dot Bell Photograph

You are parked right on the beach of the Sea of Cortez on hard-packed sand. Vendors drive by daily selling everything from veggies to seafood as well as water and cerveza (beer). Everyone loves this beautiful area. The cost per night is less than $10. You will also miss the hordes of Snowbirds who flock during November to March.

From November to March, Northern Baja is very cool and temperate. Think Southern California. You may have to use your furnace in the mornings and you will be wearing long pants and sweaters. When you pass the Tropic of Cancer at the southern tip, all this changes and you get beautiful sunny weather.

As you have read, the Gray Whale migrates to its winter home and birthing lagoons on the Pacific Coast of the Baja in late December to March at Scammon's, San Ignacio and Magdalena Lagoons. These magnificent mammals give birth and nurse in the warm Mexican waters for three months before they migrate north. Just a month ago when we visited the Baja, our tour operator guaranteed we would see whales ten feet from the boat. An easy bet. We spotted hundreds of whales. At least a dozen "friendlies" came right up to the side of our boat. Our daughter Dylan actually had an opportunity to touch and pet a few Grays -- a lifetime memory.

Our advice to you is to enjoy your camping in May but return anothe time to see the whales. You will enjoy both visits.

While we are on the topic of the Baja. . .

RVers are known for their generosity to various Mexican charities and communities. Many people bring school or medical supplies with them to donate to a needy community. RVers, for example, can bring canes, walkers, crutches and wheelchairs that fly-in tourists would find difficult to pack. We recently received this letter from Tom and Rosalie Ellis,

Playa Escondida Baja is great place to RV in the Spring Bill Bell Photograph

Hi,
Regarding your questions and answers about what to donate in Mexico: We are past cruisers and now RVers who live part time in La Paz, Mexico on the Baja.

Club Cruceros is an organization in La Paz started by cruisers years ago that helps children in the poorest part of La Paz with hot breakfasts, school supplies, clothing, etc. One of its ongoing fund raisers is held every year on the first Saturday of December. The Sebasta (Rummage sale), silent auction, raffle, etc., is an all day event with all funds going to the programs for these breakfasts, etc.

RVers traveling to the Southern Baja with a stop in La Paz can drop off clothing, school supplies and other items at the office at Marina La Paz, near the center of town. Mary Schuler, one of the owners of the Marina, is very active in Club Cruceros and will take donations.

For more information about RVing and exploring Mexico, go to the Bell's Website or to ask your question about RVing in Mexico write editor@ontheroadin.com .

Traveler's Guide to Mexican Camping Headed to Mexico? Make this your guide. Authors Mike and Terri Church cover everything you need to know to RV in this inexpensive, fascinating land. More than 250 campgrounds listed, too!	Mexico By RV Have you ever wondered what it would be like to stay on one of the pristine beaches pictured in all the Mexico travel books, or explore the historic Colonial regions and visit the ancient ruin sites.	Frommer's Mexico 2005 Everything a visitor to Mexico needs to know about spending time in the country is here. This is not a camping guide, but anyone who plans to head south will find it a wealth of necessary information.

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