Click on this link to see my Top 10 Places to eat in PCB.

I bet many people have never heard of Loreto, Mexico (also known as Concho).  If you are a fan of the ABC reality TV show “The Bachelor”, you might know that Loreto was the setting for the 7th season finale.

Loreta is located on the south east coast on the peninsula south of San Diego, California, on the coast of the Sea of Cortez, about 350 km (220 miles) north of the state capital, La Paz.  Baja is similar to the Florida Peninsula of the west coast.

The Baja peninsula is surrounded by the Sierra Giganta (mountains of the giants), one of the most rugged and spectacular parts of the peninsula.  You can easily visit the nearby islands of Coronado, Carmen, Danzante, and Monserat from Baja.

Loreto is where the dessert meets the bay!

There are several beaches to enjoy in the Loreto area: Nopolo, Juncalito, Ensenada Blanca, Aqua Verde & San Bruno.

The climate in Loreto is almost perfect with an average of 360 days of sunshine a year and an annual mean temperature of 24ºC (76 °F).   The temperatures are hot from June through October. The summer days have highs around 34 °C (93 °F) with high humidity.  In the spring months, the temperatures are moderate.  The autumn and winter months are usually windy.  From January to March, the winds blow from the NW  during the night and the North during the day.  The rest of the year, the winds blow usually from the West. Loreto’s yearly precipitation is low.   Occasional short-lived rainfalls, typically occur in August and September.

The temperatures and winds are important for the fishing buffs.   Many tourists enjoy fishing in “pangas” for “dorado” (Mahi-mahi or Dolphin Fish).  Local restaurants will even prepare the daily catch of the tourists.

Loreto offers some of the best kayaking, diving, snorkeling and fishing in the Sea of Cortez and the North Pacific.  I suggest you visit the quaint mountain villages, the beautiful white sandy beaches, see ancient cave paintings, or just sit by the pool or beach and relax.

There is a championship 18 hole golf course nearby, along with a tennis club with 10 courts, many restaurants and shopping facilities.

Loreto has an excellent museum alongside the historic, but still active, parish.

Loreto has an international airport and is serviced daily by Aero California from Los Angeles. Loreto is connected by Trans Peninsular Highway 1 that runs from San Diego to the tip of the peninsula.

The small fishing village of Loreto is soon to cash in on the next big tourism boom.  There is a  new mid-rise condominium project in the works right now.  A personal friend of mine is the developer and has been keeping me posted on the project.  The formal launch date is in February 2009.   It’s a name brand that you will recognize. This project will encompass approx 800 feet of private beachfront shoreline and will offer 201 whole-ownership condominiums.   First phase completion is slated for 2010.

The mid-rise buildings (4 to 6 stories) will provide views of spectacular ocean sunrises, pools and other recreation amenities.  The buildings are arranged in a manner that allows 70 degree ocean views from nearly every home, and mountain views from most.  There will be ample covered parking conveniently located throughout the community, in addition to private garages with storage that are an available option.

Yup, Loreto, Baja California Sur, Mexico is soon to cash in on the boom!

Before traveling to Mexico – click on the link below for some “Good to Know” important travel tips.

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/spring_break_mexico/spring_break_mexico_2812.html

For more information on Loreto click here to visit Professor Beach’s  website,

The Worlds Best Beachtowns

Did you know that Cozumel is an island in the Caribbean Sea?  In fact, it is Mexico’s largest island.  It is located off the eastern coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, opposite the Playa del Carmen, and close to the Yucatan Channel.  Cozumel is a very popular tourist destination and is known throughout the world for it’s scuba diving and snorkeling.  Some of the most spectacular coral reefs are found in Cozumel.

The island of Cozumel is approx 30 miles (48 km) going north & south and approx 10 miles (16 km ) going east & west.   It’s the largest Atlantic island of Mexico.   It’s approx 12 miles (20 kms) from the mainland, and approx 36 miles (60 km) south of Cancun, Mexico.

With the tropical climate of Cozumel, the weather can change from one day to the next.  It is warm year round with an average temperature of 81 F (27 C).  Heavy rains start in June and go on through October.  Even if it rains every day, the usual duration of a shower is short.  Humidity is naturally high during the rainy season.

The west side of Cozumel is calm – ideal for swimming, diving or just relaxing in the sun.  This part of the island is also the most developed with banks, markets, shops, restaurants and hotels.  The east side of the island is more secluded, with very few people living there and little activity.  There are some calm beaches with clear emerald green water.  There are at least 20 live reefs so close to the shore,  it makes snorkeling and diving a must. The island also has it’s share of Mayan ruins hidden in the jungles that can be explored by car, bike or foot.

The area’s diving and snorkeling are legendary.  Following a 1961 documentary by Jacques Cousteau, Cozumel earned a worldwide following of divers who ranked it one of the top five scuba diving and snorkeling sites on the planet.  The island’s surrounding waters are filled with undersea life, colorful reefs, and the wrecked hulls of Spanish galleons.  The area’s marine life & reef structures attract more than 75,000 divers from all over the world, every year.   With over 30 kms of reefs & water visibility up to 200 feet and over 200 species of tropical fish, Cozumel is considered by many to be the best.  It’s very easy to find dive shops – they are everywhere!

For non divers, the island has something for everyone.  Sightseeing includes some archaeological sites.  You won’t want to miss the shopping & dining in the village of San Miguel de Cozumel.   Nature lovers come to Cozumel to see giant see turtles laying their eggs from May to September and to view the island’s variety of exotic migratory bird life.

Fishing is also a major sport in Cozumel.  Species like dorado and barracudas can be caught.  It’s easy to find charter boats.  Other water activities include sailing, water ski & windsurfing.

According to Mayan legends, the home to Goddess Ixchel, the islanders built temples to honor her, the goddess of love & fertility.  In return, Goddess Ixchel sent the swallow, her favorite bird, as a gesture of gratitude, thus the name of “The Island of the Swallows”.

Before traveling to Mexico – click on the link below for some “Good to Know” important travel tips.

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/spring_break_mexico/spring_break_mexico_2812.html

Click here for more information on Cozumel and visit Professor Beach’s website

There you will find maps, airport information and other good stuff!

Doug with Cancun – Playa del Carmen (just South of Cancun) Real Estate Broker friend. We were touring available beachfront projects in Cancun.

Bay View Grand Condo Project on the beach in the Cancun Hotel District. Miami style projects with much lower Mexico style prices. Primary issue is a lack of financing for foreigners.

South Florida style condo projects on the beach in Cancun.

Fantastic waterfront views from completed condo project in the hotel zone in Cancun. Walking distance to the nightlife of Cancun.

True “pre-construction” Mayan Ruins near Tulum.

Doug at Mayan Pre-Construction.  I tried to sell condos that day but no takers as it didn’t look like the developer was going to finish the project.

If you would like to see more information about Cancun, Mexico, click here to visit Professor Beach’s website, The Worlds Best Beachtowns. Here you will find airport info, photos, maps and more!

Click on link below if you are planning a trip to Mexico for some important “Good to Know” information.

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/spring_break_mexico/spring_break_mexico_2812.html