Kitesurfing Mexico, La Ventana
“I have spent a month for each of the last four years in La Ventana because it’s so consistent! The wind builds all day as the desert heats up and every few weeks an ‘El Norte’ cooler, stronger wind will bring some fun breaking waves on a couple of reefs close-by.”
Evan Netsch, Cabrinha team rider
Good for:
A huge area of open water to explore, high-calibre foiling conditions and a super laid-back atmosphere.
The Lure
Nestled on the edge of the crystal clear Sea of Cortez, La Ventana is serviced by a northerly wind that blows consistently from November through April, peaking in January and February, making it an ideal winter bolthole.
La Ventana has an authentic Mexican feel and it’s very popular with ex-pats, particularly American / Canadian kiters and windsurfers, who’ve migrated south to warmer climes in the winter.
La Ventana ocean view / Pelican Reef Resort / Photos: Pelican Reef Resort
Evan Netsch enjoying constant progression in the warm afternoon thermals! PHOTO: Seth Warren
The Setup
Grab your foil and explore the crystal blue waters of the bay or go on a downwinder from one of four main launch spots. There are numerous launching areas, including the hot springs to the north, Rosta Beach, the campground and south beach near the hotels. There’s a serious amount of freeriding and freestyle terrain though and all that open water makes La Ventana an ideal foiling destination on the lighter wind days.
You can do downwinders from four separate launch spots and this is also a dreamy foiling location, with obstacle-free, crystalline waters stretching out into the Sea of Cortez.
In the peak months of January and February, up to six foot swells can on occasion roll through and there’s plenty of freeriding and freestyle terrain for riders of all levels. La Ventana is popular with pros and amateurs alike for the same reasons – good conditions, great weather and lifestyle.
In the last few years La Ventana has become the go-to winter training camp for many of foil racing’s elite with a history of world class races having been staged there.
Drive 75 minutes south to Los Barriles and you’ll find more swell and also more wave spots across the peninsula, 90 minutes away.
Cortez Cruising / Small wave fun! / Photos: Pelican Reef Resort
Wind, weather & water
The wind in La Ventana is steady with most people regularly riding seven to 10 metre kites, though heavier riders will benefit from packing their 12s. The wind statistics for this area may not suggest it, but due to thermic effects the wind here is very reliable during the peak season of January to March, building through the early afternoon.
During the season, La Ventana can experience up to six foot swells at times, so be ready for those if you like waves and ramps. It’s cooler at this time of year but air temps range from 21 - 27°C / 70 - 80°F and drop to about 10°C / 50°F in the evenings, so bring a hoody and jeans for after sundown. The water temperature during the season hovers at around 21°C / 70°F so you can kite in boardies but consider a spring suit if you’re out for a long day. The same applies if you’re a beginner as this is an awesome place to learn to kite due to the warm water, lack of shorebreak and predictable winds.
Shops & schools
There are a couple of schools in La Ventana who teach all levels and there’s a well stocked shop selling SUP, kite and windsurf gear, should you decide to re-up your quiver while you’re in town.
THE OCEAN RODEO DEMO CENTRE AT PELICAN REEF'S on-site kite school has 25 years of experience and all students are supported with quads, radios and a jet-ski (on request). The school is fully equipped with the latest Ocean Rodeo gear and through an exclusive deal, guests can get 30% off any new OR product purchases.
www.pelicanreefventana.com
pelicanreefventana@gmail.com
Gear garage / Ocean Rodeo demo center / Downwind shuttle / Beach bar / Photos: Pelican Reef
TRAVEL AGENTS
Sportif Kitesurf Holidays provide kitesurfing and multi sport holidays to the very best destinations worldwide. Sportif centres have the latest equipment and highly qualified, experienced staff. Whatever your level, you'll find a range of flexible rental or instruction packages, with a choice of accommodation from budget to luxury 5* hotels, right next to the centres.
www.sportif.travel
info@sportif.travel
Accommodation
There’s a relaxed vibe around town and La Ventana is particularly popular with North Americans migrating south to warmer climes in their RV motorhomes. There are plenty of great accommodation options with everything from campsites and hostels to hotels and rental houses for short or longer stays.
Pelican Reef Beach Resort is in the centre of town and just upwind of the main launch area. The boutique style beachfront resort has a variety of lodging, from studios up to four bedroom houses, while the main villa can accommodate 8-10 people. Complimentary breakfast provided as well as free SUPs, kayaks, street bike and snorkel gear use. Yoga classes, beach bar and free downwinder shuttle service is exclusive to guests. Storage is available if you’re bringing your own gear.
Experience convenience and casual comfort in an authentic, rustic setting, whether you are into wind sports or just looking for a new, adventurous place to vacation!
- Rental prices for the exclusive use of the Villa: $650 USD/night ($850 during Christmas holliday weeks)
- Nightly room rentals: $125 to $145 USD/night – ($150 to $170 during Christmas holiday weeks)
- Studio nightly room rentals: $145 USD/night – ($170 during Christmas holiday weeks)
www.pelicanreefventana.com
pelicanreefventana@gmail.com
Accommodation setup at the Pelican Reef Resort Villa / Photos: Pelican Reef
Accommodation setup at the Pelican Reef Resort Studio - Casita Cardon / Photos: Pelican Reef
The DownWinderInn has 6 rooms in a garden setting conveniently located near great launch beaches. Each room has a queen bed, storage shelves, personal refrigerator, coffee maker, and complete bathrooms with hot showers! Roof tops are available for relaxation and eye candy. Enjoy the fabulous sunrises, sunsets, or just star gazing like you have never seen.
www.downwinderinn.com
info@downwinderinn.com
TRAVEL AGENTS
Sportif Kitesurf Holidays provide kitesurfing and multi sport holidays to the very best destinations worldwide. Sportif centres have the latest equipment and highly qualified, experienced staff. Whatever your level, you'll find a range of flexible rental or instruction packages, with a choice of accommodation from budget to luxury 5* hotels, right next to the centres.
www.sportif.travel
info@sportif.travel
No wind
If the wind doesn’t come through then there’s world class sport fishing to be had in the Sea of Cortez, as well as kayaking, paddleboarding, mountain biking and hiking.
If you want to explore on dry land then a trek around the nearby Sierra de la Laguna Biosphere Reserve is a great way to experience the natural landscape of the Baja Peninsula. The Sea of Cortez is also abundant with marine wildlife, so try to spot them while you’re out on the water or book onto a whale watching tour during which you might see whales, whale sharks, dolphins, sea turtles and sea lions to name but a few. The clear waters of the bay make it a world class diving location and there are a number of centres to choose from. Snorkelling is also popular.
This is a very family-friendly destination with plenty for kids to do and it’s also a good place for your young ones to learn to kite if they’re old enough due to the accessible conditions.
Nightlife is sedate but there are bars, often with live music and some excellent local-style restaurants serving fresh seafood and outstanding Mexican dishes.
For self-catering there’s a weekly organic farmers’ market and mini-markets around town. The city of La Paz, Baja’s state capital, is a 40 minute drive away with bigger supermarkets and more shops. On windless days you can visit the hot springs, go hiking and mountain biking in the mountains, or kayaking and paddleboarding in the inviting waters.
There’s also world class sport fishing in the Sea of Cortez. Look out for the abundant wildlife in the nearby Sierra de la Laguna Biosphere Reserve and whale watching and diving are also popular.
Fishing / SUP / Mountain biking / Cardon Forest / Photos: Pelican Reef Resort
Get around
As there are multiple launch a hire car is a good idea as it’ll allow you to reach all of the local spots (you can get one from the airport) but some accommodations offer shuttle services to the beach as well.
Most of the Baja Peninsula is safe and La Ventana is particularly so, but exercise caution if you’re going to drive around just as you would anywhere else.
Currency
Mexican Pesos - MXN
Most places take US dollars at a decent exchange rate. Local bank machines and OXXO exchange smaller US bills, however it might be easier to change your money at the airport or with your local bank before coming to La Ventana.
Food & Drink
For night moves there are several bars and a couple of clubs in town as well as a great array of restaurants serving fresh, local seafood and outstanding traditional Mexican food. Head down to the Playa Central once you’ve finished your session for a couple of margaritas and see where the night takes you!
If you’re self catering then check out the organic farmers’ markets that run throughout the week and you’ll find other essentials in the well-stocked minimarkets around town. La Paz is a 40 minute drive away with bigger supermarkets and more shops.
Complimentary breakfasts each day / Photos: Pelican Reef Resort
Aiprort
SJD - Cabo San Lucas International airport is a 2.5 hour drive to La Ventana. LAP - LaPaz Mexico is just 45 minutes to La Ventana by car and you can book a shuttle with Road Runner Shuttles via Pelican Reef’s website.
