Sting Rays and Semana Santa

With Easter this next Sunday Semana Santa should be in full swing on the beaches of Baja California. If you are uptight or like even the slightest amount of privacy this is not the time for you to go beach camping. However, if you want to imerse yourself in Mexican vacation culture this is the time. The beaches around Bahia Conception and La Paz are typically PACKED with families. There won't be room for a back cast and if you park to close to the water you may not be able to get out until the party ends sometime next week. Many Mexicans love to go camping at the beach and this is the big annual beach week. Plan accordingly!!!

Spring also brings large numbers of Sting Rays to shallow waters around the peninsula. While found year round in Baja waters they move to the shallows in March and April to mate. Shuffle your feet to avoid stepping on them. I wear Patagonia Marlwalkers and avoid wading in areas with high concentrations of Rays.

Although I've never been hit myself, I've witnessed the aftermath of more than one sting and it looks painful to say the least. Infection can be a serious problem so I recommend seeking competent medical advice. Fortunately, all the local doctors have treated many of these injuries and it won't cost too much.

For a classic Sting Ray tale check out Skipjack Joe's story on the Baja Nomad Forums.

For more information on Sting Rays check out:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sting_ray

http://www.clubcruceros.org/StingrayInjuries.html

http://www.elasmodiver.com/Chasing_Rays_in_Baja_Article.htm