yakivet
Contributor
In early December my wife and I visited the Baja Outpost, a small hotel in Loreto Mexico for 3 days of diving. Although it was a short 4 day trip, we couldnt have had a better time. We flew Alaska Airlines out of Seattle, had a few hours in LA, and then took one of their 3X weekly flights into Loreto. Just a hint, the food in Terminal B at LAX is marginal. If you've got the time, exit security, walk to the international terminal, and you'll find a much greater assortment. Alaska is currenty flying from LAX to Loreto (LTO) on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.
In the last 15 years, we've visited a number of resorts throughout the Caribbean and Central America. No where have we ever received any finer hospitality and attention than we did while staying at the Baja Outpost. It started when the hotel paid for our cab trip from the airport. The accommodations were nice, the food was fantastic, and the service we received while diving was wonderful. We were provided with our own individual palapa (small hut). The beds were extremely comfortable and the rooms were clean . Maid service was daily, and there was more than adequate hot water for our "after dive rinse". No TV's and No Phones. What a blessing! By North American Standards, the courtyard at the hotel was a little rough, most likely the result of the hurricaine several years ago. It now provides the focus for the upcoming remodeling project to add a pool, swim up bar, and small retail shop.
Each evening we were able to dine with Leon, the Baja Outposts owner, his wife, and his children. Shrimp Pasta, Sautéed Fish with garlic, and Chicken Mole were a few of the spectacular meals. Breakfasts were great, with cereal, yogurt, fresh fruit and eggs cooked to order. Lunches were served during a surface interval, or after diving if only doing 2 tanks, while nestled on one of many empty beaches of the Loreto Marine Park.
Leons dive crew, Dive master David and Captain KiKi provided exceptional service. Although the water was a little colder than we had expected (68-72 degrees F) and the December air temp (70-78 degrees F) was cooler than anticipated, we improvised with some extended warming beach time between dives. I doubted Leons initial email advice of a 7mm wetsuit, but I now appreciate it. I wore a 3mm full suit plus a 3mm shorty. My wife wore a 5mm full suit from the dive shop plus her 3mm shorty. Visability ranged from a low of 25-30 feet to a high of 50-60ft. The December winds typically blow from the North, creating some afternoon "chop" on the water and some decreased visability. The evaporative wetsuit cooling and 70 degree December air temps really make you appreciate the warm beaches between dives.
If you are an individual that needs a marble shower and 24 hour room service, then the Baja Outpost certainly isnt the hotel choice for you. In fact, youd better not even bother with Loreto for another 15 years. Lorteto is still a pretty sleepy litttle town. No crime, and not much nightlife. Loreto's time is coming, The city is laying the infrastucture for development. It will only be a matter of time before the big hotels arrive and so do the people. Imagine Cabo San Lucas with a population of 7000 people and 30 years less development.
As Loreto goes, If youre looking for a quiet get-a-way, available adventure tours, a comfortable bed with some great food, and a proprietor that cares about your experience, then the Baja Outpost will definately fit the bill. :42:
In the last 15 years, we've visited a number of resorts throughout the Caribbean and Central America. No where have we ever received any finer hospitality and attention than we did while staying at the Baja Outpost. It started when the hotel paid for our cab trip from the airport. The accommodations were nice, the food was fantastic, and the service we received while diving was wonderful. We were provided with our own individual palapa (small hut). The beds were extremely comfortable and the rooms were clean . Maid service was daily, and there was more than adequate hot water for our "after dive rinse". No TV's and No Phones. What a blessing! By North American Standards, the courtyard at the hotel was a little rough, most likely the result of the hurricaine several years ago. It now provides the focus for the upcoming remodeling project to add a pool, swim up bar, and small retail shop.
Each evening we were able to dine with Leon, the Baja Outposts owner, his wife, and his children. Shrimp Pasta, Sautéed Fish with garlic, and Chicken Mole were a few of the spectacular meals. Breakfasts were great, with cereal, yogurt, fresh fruit and eggs cooked to order. Lunches were served during a surface interval, or after diving if only doing 2 tanks, while nestled on one of many empty beaches of the Loreto Marine Park.
Leons dive crew, Dive master David and Captain KiKi provided exceptional service. Although the water was a little colder than we had expected (68-72 degrees F) and the December air temp (70-78 degrees F) was cooler than anticipated, we improvised with some extended warming beach time between dives. I doubted Leons initial email advice of a 7mm wetsuit, but I now appreciate it. I wore a 3mm full suit plus a 3mm shorty. My wife wore a 5mm full suit from the dive shop plus her 3mm shorty. Visability ranged from a low of 25-30 feet to a high of 50-60ft. The December winds typically blow from the North, creating some afternoon "chop" on the water and some decreased visability. The evaporative wetsuit cooling and 70 degree December air temps really make you appreciate the warm beaches between dives.
If you are an individual that needs a marble shower and 24 hour room service, then the Baja Outpost certainly isnt the hotel choice for you. In fact, youd better not even bother with Loreto for another 15 years. Lorteto is still a pretty sleepy litttle town. No crime, and not much nightlife. Loreto's time is coming, The city is laying the infrastucture for development. It will only be a matter of time before the big hotels arrive and so do the people. Imagine Cabo San Lucas with a population of 7000 people and 30 years less development.
As Loreto goes, If youre looking for a quiet get-a-way, available adventure tours, a comfortable bed with some great food, and a proprietor that cares about your experience, then the Baja Outpost will definately fit the bill. :42:
