Since RN 7’s southerly realignment, it’s longer (in distance) but shorter (in time) to Potrerillos, the upper Río Mendoza’s white-water rafting, kayaking, and riverboarding center. Now 53 kilometers from Mendoza—about eight kilometers farther than it used to be—Potrerillos (pop. about 300, elev. 1,351 meters) is growing because the Embalse de Potrerillos, a hydroelectric project, has relocated displaced people in sharp new houses with fine views and finer conveniences than they’ve ever had before. Whether once-isolated rural people will prosper in their new village environment on a major international highway is another issue entirely.

The road may be paved and fuel much easier to come by than in the early days of peninsular travel, but Baja California remains a classic route for travelers who enjoy the thrill of a long road trip. All you need is ample time, a reliable vehicle, and an ability to cope with unpredictable situations.

Bahía de los Ángeles is a good bay for novice windsurfers and kiteboarders because of the lack of large swells. Prevailing northeasterlies are strongest in the northern parts of the bay. Try the 10- to 12-kilometer (6- to 7-mi) downwind run from Punta La Gringa through the small islands west of Isla La Ventana, then all the way to the town waterfront.

The Santa Rosalillita area is a well-known surfing destination; in a northwest swell, the point break at the north end of the bay reportedly offers Baja’s longest ride (much depends on current bottom conditions). Windsurfers also enjoy the breaks and the bay’s steady breeze.

At the bay’s south end, Punta Rosarito produces decent reef breaks in swells from any direction. If the waves aren’t tipping right at either of these spots, follow the dirt road north out of Santa Rosalillita for 24–30 kilometers (14–18 mi) to breaks at Punta Negra, Punta María, and Punta Cono—all positioned perfectly to catch winter swells.

At the top of the bay’s western shore, a signed, four-kilometer (2.5-mi) road leads to Punta Arena, a sandy, windy point with a string of palapas and palapa huts—many of them permanent homes—for US$8 a night. This area offers the best windsurfing along the bay’s west shore; the winds also make this one of the more comfortable camping beaches in the summertime. The turnoff for Punta Arena is 13.2 kilometers (8.2 mi) from the Motel Serenidad turnoff from Mexico 1.

During the annual gray whale migration, January–March, the canals, bays, and bocas of the Bahía Magdalena complex are practically filled with undulating forms of friendly adult and juvenile whales.

This unique marine environment is only a 45-minute drive from Ciudad Constitución, yet many Transpeninsular voyagers pass it by.

Mag Bay, as gringos usually call it, offers the best windsurfing on Baja California’s Pacific coast. A strong year-round breeze, together with the relatively calm bay surface, creates perfect conditions for novice and intermediate windsurfers; experienced wave-sailors can experiment at or near the bocas, where breakers and stronger winds increase the challenge.

A protected run of 88 kilometers (52 mi) begins at Puerto López Mateos and ends at Puerto Cancún; you can lengthen this run to 113 kilometers (70 mi) by staying in until Puerto Chale.

The onshore surf at Playa El Médano is mild enough for launching wind- and paddle-powered craft easily, and you can rent from a number of vendors along the beach. Kayaks cost US$10 per person/hour or US$50 for a half-day.

The water is calmest in the morning, and it takes about 40 minutes to get to Playa del Amor, so it’s best to get an early start. Tell the vendors where you plan to take the craft; they’ll know the conditions and advise accordingly.

Watch out for powerboats, yachts, and cruise ships; larger craft have the de facto right of way. Novices should stick close to Playa El Médano, no matter what the conditions.

The gently curving shore of Bahía de Palmas, stretching 32 kilometers (20 mi) from Punta Pescadero south to Punta Arenas, began its commercial life in the 1960s as a fishing resort accessible only by yacht or private plane. Now that the Transpeninsular Highway swerves to within a couple miles of the bay, it has become a full-fledged fishing and windsurfing mecca.

During the high-wind season, November–March, hotels in Los Barriles can arrange package deals that include windsurfing seminars, use of state-of-the-art equipment, air transportation, and accommodations. Keep in mind that although lessons are typically geared to your level, wind and surf conditions at Los Barriles are best enjoyed by experienced board-sailors rather than novices.