Trip Information
Los Barriles, Baja California
Los Barriles is a beautiful ocean side town 1 hour North of Cabo San Lucas. The town is known for its amazing fishing excursions in the summer, and kiteboarding in the winter! This beautiful little town is big enough to provide incredible amenities while being far enough from the tourist trap destination of Cabo. Your tour guide Jesse McCourt has spent several winters down in Baja, and Los Barriles has become near and dear to him. We know by the end of your trip with us you'll be wanting to spend winters here each year as many other kiters do. To help you choose your best trip dates and options please review the below trip information. Feel free to call us with any questions you may have before booking. (562) 248-6996
Airport & Transportation
Airport Information
Air travel will not be included in the package. Each person attending the trip will be responsible for their own flight plans. Please make sure to book your flight to Cabo San Lucas Airport (SJD). Average flight cost from LAX to SJD is between $180 to $300 depending upon time of booking. We encourage you to book your flight as soon as you can to get the best price possible. We ask that all individuals send over their flight itineraries no later than November 1st to ensure a timely airport pick up and drop off.
Airport Shuttle Transportation Information
As part of your trip with us to Baja we have organized a private shuttle from Cabo San Lucas airport (Airport code SJD) to Los Barriles during the first day of the trip, and back to the airport on the final day. The private shuttle will be leaving the airport to the hotel in Los Barriles at 3:00 PM (MST)*. We ask that you make sure your flight arrives at least an hour before the shuttle to ensure your passage through immigration and customs, and a timely exit from the airport with all our guests. The driver will be waiting at the transportation pickup outside of Terminal 2 from 1:00-3:00 PM (MST)*. Once everyone has arrived and is accounted for you will begin your travels to Los Barriles. The drive time from the airport is about 1 hour. Be sure to take this into account when purchasing your return flight. The same shuttle will be brining everyone back to the airport on the final day of the trip leaving the hotel at 12:00 PM (MST)* arriving back at the airport around 1:00 PM (MST).
*Times subject to change to best accommodate the pick up and drop off of all individuals. Once spots are booked we will reach out to everyone to check their flight information to be sure that we have the best pick up and drop off times.
Daily Transportation
Your trip will include daily transportation around town to restaurants, kiteboarding lessons, and other activities on no wind days outside of Los Barriles .
Air travel will not be included in the package. Each person attending the trip will be responsible for their own flight plans. Please make sure to book your flight to Cabo San Lucas Airport (SJD). Average flight cost from LAX to SJD is between $180 to $300 depending upon time of booking. We encourage you to book your flight as soon as you can to get the best price possible. We ask that all individuals send over their flight itineraries no later than November 1st to ensure a timely airport pick up and drop off.
Airport Shuttle Transportation Information
As part of your trip with us to Baja we have organized a private shuttle from Cabo San Lucas airport (Airport code SJD) to Los Barriles during the first day of the trip, and back to the airport on the final day. The private shuttle will be leaving the airport to the hotel in Los Barriles at 3:00 PM (MST)*. We ask that you make sure your flight arrives at least an hour before the shuttle to ensure your passage through immigration and customs, and a timely exit from the airport with all our guests. The driver will be waiting at the transportation pickup outside of Terminal 2 from 1:00-3:00 PM (MST)*. Once everyone has arrived and is accounted for you will begin your travels to Los Barriles. The drive time from the airport is about 1 hour. Be sure to take this into account when purchasing your return flight. The same shuttle will be brining everyone back to the airport on the final day of the trip leaving the hotel at 12:00 PM (MST)* arriving back at the airport around 1:00 PM (MST).
*Times subject to change to best accommodate the pick up and drop off of all individuals. Once spots are booked we will reach out to everyone to check their flight information to be sure that we have the best pick up and drop off times.
Daily Transportation
Your trip will include daily transportation around town to restaurants, kiteboarding lessons, and other activities on no wind days outside of Los Barriles .
Hotel Playa Del Sol
We will be staying 7 days 6 nights at the beautiful Playa Del Sol ocean front hotel. This amazing hotel is located right on the beach at the center of the kite spot. Playa Del Sol has many accommodations for those looking to take in a much as they can during their stay. The hotel amenities include pool, restaurant, bar, pickle ball courts, hiking trails (5 minute walk away), ATV rentals, and is a short walk to all other bars and restaurants. This hotel also has some of the best WiFi in town. Perfect for individuals looking to work while they play! All rooms will be poolside with ocean view. You will have several choices for room options.
- Private room with 2 double beds This option is great for the individual or individuals who want to hang with the group, but would also like their own private quarters to relax and recoup after a long day of kiting.
- Private room with 1 King size bed This option is great for the individual who wants to indulge themselves during their stay in Baja. Perfect for the kiteboarding couple who want a nice looking to get the most out of their trip together.
Dining and Night life
The best part of Los Barriles is the amazing food and happy hours after a long day of kiting. To help you jump in on the food and excitement your trip will include a group welcoming dinner on the first night of the trip, and group farewell dinner on the final night. For the days and nights in between Jesse your guide will provide recommendations of favorite local spots. Feel free to join the group to these spots or enjoy a quiet evening on your own. Below are just a few of our favorites.
- La Casita-Amazing Sushi and dining
- Smokey's- Great happy hour every day. Mango margarita is a must try!
- La Playa- Great ocean view for breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Triny's- Great food and atmosphere for a quiet night out
- El Viejos- Best breakfast and Tacos
- Tio Pablos- Great for large groups and strong margaritas
- Vago's Bar- Play a game of pool and have a few beers with friends
- Many more!
Weather and wind Conditions
General Weather Los Barriles during the month of December is fantastic! Plan for warm mornings and afternoons with temperatures in the high 70s to low 90s. In the evenings temperatures do get a little chilly with temperatures in the high 50s. In general you'll be happy with board shorts and t-shirt in the day time, and pants and a jacket in the evenings.
WIND Conditions Los Barriles wind season is from November to February with wind average wind speeds between 15-25 MPH. These winds can become much stronger on somedays reaching 30+ MPH. Wind direction typically blows in from the North producing side shore wind conditions. Water temperatures can range between high 60's to mid 70's during the early part of the season, and low to high 60s later in the season. The riding area spans the length of a wide sandy beach with moderate to high chop. If it blows for several days in a row, a fun beach break will form at the North side of the beach great for strapless surf riding.
WIND Conditions Los Barriles wind season is from November to February with wind average wind speeds between 15-25 MPH. These winds can become much stronger on somedays reaching 30+ MPH. Wind direction typically blows in from the North producing side shore wind conditions. Water temperatures can range between high 60's to mid 70's during the early part of the season, and low to high 60s later in the season. The riding area spans the length of a wide sandy beach with moderate to high chop. If it blows for several days in a row, a fun beach break will form at the North side of the beach great for strapless surf riding.
Equipment & Lessons
During your trip your guide Jesse will be assisting everyone with riding tips, tricks, and assistance. Each individual purchasing a trip will have the option to bring their own equipment, and have Duotone gear provided (must be riding up wind consistently), or get lessons with our partner school Buena Vista Kiteboarding if you are new to the sport.
Brining your own equipment
Even though gear will be provided to those independent kiters who can stay up wind, we recommend you bring your own equipment to ensure the most time on the water. Take into account the above information about wind and water conditions. Most individuals flying in Los Barriles ride 9 to 12 meter kites with twin tip on a standard day. If winds pick up smaller sizes such as 7 meter kites may be on the water. If winging is your thing, most individuals are riding on 4 or 5 meter wings. We recommend bringing a full suit with 3/2 thickness if you prefer to be warm or a simple wetsuit top if you want a little freedom. The water conditions are great for twin tip, foil, and strapless surfboard.
Duotone equipment
If you are an independent rider who can stay up wind, you will have Duotone gear at your disposal! The gear will include kites, bar and lines, and twin tips from the 2022 and 2023 Duotone lineup. Trip organizer Jesse McCourt will setup equipment each day for individuals to use to their liking. Feel free to rotate through as many boards, kites, and equipment as you'd like! *Wetsuits and harnesses will not be included
Lessons with Buena Vista Kiteboarding
If you are new to kiteboarding/wing foiling or looking to progress your skills on this trip Off The Hook Kiteboarding has partnered with Buena Vista Kiteboarding to provide lessons. They come at our highest recommendation delivering the best service in Los Barriles. Head owner/instructor Mac Skaggs the man behind the operation! With 15 years of teaching kiteboarding under his belt, Mac Skaggs leads the jet ski-assisted lessons and tours here at Buena Vista Kiteboarding. Mac grew up in Los Barriles, Baja, Mexico, and is fluent in English and Spanish. As a local, he is an expert in the conditions that roll through during the windy season (November-April). From his decades of experience living in this area, he is knowledgeable about where is best for the variety of customized lessons that Buena Vista Kiteboarding offers.
Buena Vista Kiteboarding will be providing several different lesson options for individuals coming along to progress their skills in Baja. All options include all necessary equipment for your lessons provided by Buena Vista Kiteboarding.
Brining your own equipment
Even though gear will be provided to those independent kiters who can stay up wind, we recommend you bring your own equipment to ensure the most time on the water. Take into account the above information about wind and water conditions. Most individuals flying in Los Barriles ride 9 to 12 meter kites with twin tip on a standard day. If winds pick up smaller sizes such as 7 meter kites may be on the water. If winging is your thing, most individuals are riding on 4 or 5 meter wings. We recommend bringing a full suit with 3/2 thickness if you prefer to be warm or a simple wetsuit top if you want a little freedom. The water conditions are great for twin tip, foil, and strapless surfboard.
Duotone equipment
If you are an independent rider who can stay up wind, you will have Duotone gear at your disposal! The gear will include kites, bar and lines, and twin tips from the 2022 and 2023 Duotone lineup. Trip organizer Jesse McCourt will setup equipment each day for individuals to use to their liking. Feel free to rotate through as many boards, kites, and equipment as you'd like! *Wetsuits and harnesses will not be included
Lessons with Buena Vista Kiteboarding
If you are new to kiteboarding/wing foiling or looking to progress your skills on this trip Off The Hook Kiteboarding has partnered with Buena Vista Kiteboarding to provide lessons. They come at our highest recommendation delivering the best service in Los Barriles. Head owner/instructor Mac Skaggs the man behind the operation! With 15 years of teaching kiteboarding under his belt, Mac Skaggs leads the jet ski-assisted lessons and tours here at Buena Vista Kiteboarding. Mac grew up in Los Barriles, Baja, Mexico, and is fluent in English and Spanish. As a local, he is an expert in the conditions that roll through during the windy season (November-April). From his decades of experience living in this area, he is knowledgeable about where is best for the variety of customized lessons that Buena Vista Kiteboarding offers.
Buena Vista Kiteboarding will be providing several different lesson options for individuals coming along to progress their skills in Baja. All options include all necessary equipment for your lessons provided by Buena Vista Kiteboarding.
- Private kiteboarding/wing foiling lessons $110 per person/hour. If you just want to brush up on some skills, or get familiar with the area. This is a great way to get acclimated to a new kite spot! Work one on one with one of the Buena Vista instructors
- Beginner foil lesson tow with jet ski $125 per person/hour. If you have never foiled before and want to learn how, this package is for you! Learning to ride the board behind a jet ski provides a controlled environment that allows students to learn the feeling of the foil in open water, away from all obstructions with the steady, predictable pull of the jet ski. Great for those looking to wing!
- 8 hour kiteboarding package $880 per person. As one of our most popular offerings, we recommend signing up for this course if you have never kiteboarded before. Lessons are 100% customized to each student's progression level, and span 3 days following this general outline:
- Day 1: This 2-hour lesson starts on the beach learning the safety and set up of the kite gear and knowledge of the wind. Then we move on to launching & landing, kite flying, and water body-dragging.
- Day 2: During this 3-hour lesson, we focus on solo body dragging, using a two-way communication head set, with the student being followed by a jet ski for safety and accelerated learning time.
- Day 3: This 3-hour lesson starts with an introduction to the board, and moves on to practicing riding for the rest of the time.
No wind? No problem!
If we find ourselves a no wind day during our trip we have plenty of activities to fill our time! With so many amazing activities to enjoy in Baja you may actually look forward to a no wind day! ;)
- Pickle ball
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Mountain biking
- Jetski tows
- Day trip to La Paz
- Day trip to La Ventana
- Swim with whales in Cabo!
- Off road vehicle tours to swimming holes
- So much more!
TRip Guide-Jesse McCourt
A bit about your trip guide. Jesse McCourt owner of Off The Hook Kiteboarding will be assisting, guiding, and entertaining you during your stay in Baja! He wants to make sure each person has a safe and enjoyable experience in Baja. Each day he will be available to assist you with your kite setup, launch/land, provide riding tips, give safety talks, and provide some fun on the water. After the kite sessions he will be there to help you with your break down, and find entertainment for the night. He is well connected with many friends in Los Barriles so many good nights are to be had with friends old and new! So come join him for an incredible experience down in Baja!
Trip Policies
General Trip Policy
This trip is intended to be a safe fun trip for all individuals involved. Your trip guide Jesse will do everything he can to make this one of the best kite trips you've ever had! To make this a great time we encourage everyone to share the stoke of kiteboarding with each other in a positive, friendly, and respectful way. We ask to please respect this policy to ensure the best trip to all involved.
Cancelation Policy
For December trips the total cost of the trip is due at the time of booking to lock in your spot. This amount can be fully refunded by October 30th 2022. If you must cancel your trip between October 31st and November 15th you will receive a partial refund. Any cancellations after November 15th will be non refundable.
For January trips the total cost of the trip is due at the time of booking to lock in your spot. This amount can be fully refunded by November 30th 2022. If you must cancel your trip between December 1st and December 15th you will receive a partial refund. Any cancellations after December 15th will be non refundable.
Booking Deadline
To ensure a space on the December trips please book your space no later than November 15th. To ensure your space for the January trips please book no later than December 15th.
This trip is intended to be a safe fun trip for all individuals involved. Your trip guide Jesse will do everything he can to make this one of the best kite trips you've ever had! To make this a great time we encourage everyone to share the stoke of kiteboarding with each other in a positive, friendly, and respectful way. We ask to please respect this policy to ensure the best trip to all involved.
Cancelation Policy
For December trips the total cost of the trip is due at the time of booking to lock in your spot. This amount can be fully refunded by October 30th 2022. If you must cancel your trip between October 31st and November 15th you will receive a partial refund. Any cancellations after November 15th will be non refundable.
For January trips the total cost of the trip is due at the time of booking to lock in your spot. This amount can be fully refunded by November 30th 2022. If you must cancel your trip between December 1st and December 15th you will receive a partial refund. Any cancellations after December 15th will be non refundable.
Booking Deadline
To ensure a space on the December trips please book your space no later than November 15th. To ensure your space for the January trips please book no later than December 15th.