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.
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 OTH crew will be waiting at the Fisherman's Landing Bar outside of Terminal 2 from 1:00-3:00 PM (MST)* to meet and greet individuals as they arrive. Once everyone has arrived and is accounted for we will begin our 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.
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.
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 OTH crew will be waiting at the Fisherman's Landing Bar outside of Terminal 2 from 1:00-3:00 PM (MST)* to meet and greet individuals as they arrive. Once everyone has arrived and is accounted for we will begin our 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.
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 bar courts, hiking trails (5 minute walk away), ATV rentals, and 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.
- Shared room with 2 double beds $800/person This option is great for the individual who wants a price friendly trip, and doesn't mind sharing a space with another individual. We will do our best to introduce individuals who are sharing a room before the trip to make it a comfortable stay amongst new friends!
- Private room with 2 double beds $1,400 one guest/ $1,600 for two guests 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 $1,650 one guest/ $2,000 for two guests 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 Kiting 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.
Kiting 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.
Kiting 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 trip 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, have Duotone gear provided (must be riding up wind consistently), or get lessons with our partner school Buena Vista Kiteboarding. The options can be chosen as you pick your dates, and trip options.
Brining your own equipment
If you bring your own equipment here is what we recommend. 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 6 and 7 meter kites may be on the water. 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, but don't want to bother brining gear or don't have the right sizes we will be offering Duotone gear during your trip! The gear will include kites, bar and lines, twin tips, surfboards, and foils from the 2021 and 2022 Duotone lineup. Trip organizer Jesse McCourt will setup equipment each day for these 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
Off The Hook Kiteboarding has partnered with Buena Vista Kiteboarding to provide lessons for those looking to progress their kiting skills during their trip. They come at our highest recommendation delivering the best service in Los Barriles.
Head owner/instructor Mac Skaggs the man behind the operation! With 14 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
If you bring your own equipment here is what we recommend. 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 6 and 7 meter kites may be on the water. 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, but don't want to bother brining gear or don't have the right sizes we will be offering Duotone gear during your trip! The gear will include kites, bar and lines, twin tips, surfboards, and foils from the 2021 and 2022 Duotone lineup. Trip organizer Jesse McCourt will setup equipment each day for these 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
- Duotone lineup provided during your entire trip $600/person
- Kites- Neo, Neo SLS, Rebel, Dice (sizes 7-12)
- Bar options- Trust and Click bar in multiple sizes
- Twin tip options- Select, Select SLS, Jaime, Jaime SLS
- Surfboard options- WAM, WHIP, FISH
- Foil options- TBA
- Gear rental per day $125 (includes use of all kites and boards on beach that day and may be purchased during trip)
Lessons with Buena Vista Kiteboarding
Off The Hook Kiteboarding has partnered with Buena Vista Kiteboarding to provide lessons for those looking to progress their kiting skills during their trip. They come at our highest recommendation delivering the best service in Los Barriles.
Head owner/instructor Mac Skaggs the man behind the operation! With 14 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.
- Wind or No wind lessons $250 per person/day. This is an all day training option with guaranteed water time! The morning of your session before the wind hits Buena Vista will take you out for jet ski tows in the morning. If you are looking to work on water starts or maybe looking to introduce yourself to foiling on our trip this is a great option. Riding behind the ski allows you to work on your board skills without worrying about controlling the kite. Later in the afternoon after the wind builds. Each individual will be able to get a one on one 2 hour private lesson with Bb Talkin radio headsets from one of the Buena Vista team members. They can provide lessons for any skill level to help you progress during your stay in Baja! If the wind doesn't come up in the afternoon the Jetski will be available to help continue your board riding progression! Best option to take full advantage of your time in Baja.
- Private lessons $100 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
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.
COVID-19
Please refer to the linked website below for travel information in regards to COVID-19.
mx.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information-for-u-s-citizens-in-mexico/
Cancelation Policy
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 2021. If you must cancel your trip between October 31st and November 15th you will receive a partial refund for the cost of the options chosen during your trip (gear and/or lessons). Any cancellations after November 15th will be non refundable.
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.
COVID-19
Please refer to the linked website below for travel information in regards to COVID-19.
mx.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information-for-u-s-citizens-in-mexico/
Cancelation Policy
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 2021. If you must cancel your trip between October 31st and November 15th you will receive a partial refund for the cost of the options chosen during your trip (gear and/or lessons). Any cancellations after November 15th will be non refundable.