About La Ventana, Baja California
Sur
La Ventana/El Sargento is a beautiful Bay in Southern Baja,
Mexico. The two towns have a combined population of about 400
people and are located approximately 45 minutes south of La Paz,
the capitol of B.C.S. These quaint villages are mostly inhabited
by fisherman and their families until the winter months when
300-400 North Americans arrive for the windy season. The village
has ten small grocery stores, two building supply stores, a
pharmacy and five or six small restaurants. Most everyone goes into
La Paz for the major shopping where grocery stores are similar
to those found in the States.
As of yet, there are no banks or ATM
machines in La Ventana, and credit cards are not accepted. Nearby
La Paz as well as Los Cabos both have a large selection of banks,
ATM’s and money exchangers, in addition to restaurants
and stores that do accept credit cards. Canadian traveler’s
checks are only accepted at a few banks and Canadian cash is NOT
accepted for exchange. Most tourists bring US Dollars and some US
traveler’s checks. La Ventana has recently become one of the
world’s foremost windsurfing and kiteboarding destinations.
During
the winter months (mid-Nov. to mid-March), the days are warm and
the nights cool. Average day temperatures reach 80 degrees fahrenheit
and drop at night to a low in the 60’s. Water temperatures
hover from 68-78 (all temperatures in fahrenheit). Summer temperatures
(April – Nov.) range between 85-105 during the day and 80 at night. The water is a perfect 80-90. The windy season Mid October
until April the thermal winds blow on an average of 4 days a week.
The average sail size for a man is 5.2 . When the El Norte comes
through the wind picks up to 30 plus knots making for great 4.2 conditions.
La Ventana is a very safe sailing spot, perfect for beginners and
experts alike. On the big wind days the outside channel is perfect
for riding large sea swell up to 10’ Feet, there are also great
wave spots on several of the reefs. If you’re a beginner the
inside areas around the campground are non-threatening and a safe
friendly place to learn.
Over the last few years kiteboarding has
become the newest sport in La Ventana. Besides the sandy launch along
the south side of the bay, the wind conditions are perfect for kiting
seven months of the year. For warmth, a thick shortie or lightweight
full-length wetsuit is sufficient. If you’re a beginner or
spend a lot of time in the water, you may consider a steamer. On
non-windy days there are plenty of other activities: kayaking,
mountain biking, dirt bike riding, scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing,
and hiking through the desert. In the summer months La Ventana becomes a fisherman's dream. The deep-sea fishing and diving are world renowned! Nothing is mandatory, reading and sun bathing or just plain snoozing is allowed. La Ventana is a peaceful, beautiful area with something for everyone.