La Ventana

La Ventana is a former fishing village on the Gulf of California (Sea of Cortez), south of La Paz on Baja California Sur's east coast, founded in the early 1940s by a pearl diver. Its name ("the window") refers to the gap onto the Gulf between nearby Isla Cerralvo and Punta Arena, and that geography channels the winter 'El Norte' wind into a long, world-class kiteboarding bay. Warm, clear, turquoise water and a huge range of conditions - from glassy flat to wind chop - make it one of Baja's classic all-levels destinations.

beginnerintermediatefreerideflat water

titled 'La Ventana kite' - kite action at the spot — Andrea Tosatto from Torino, Italia / CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

kite surfers at La Ventana — Andrea Tosatto from Torino, Italia / CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

more kite surfers at La Ventana — Andrea Tosatto from Torino, Italia / CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

La Ventana beach — Andrea Tosatto from Torino, Italia / CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Wind

best months	Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr
season notes	El Norte winds sweep down the Sea of Cortez through the winter, typically building through the morning to a steady afternoon breeze.
avg knots	15-25
wind name	El Norte
direction to shore	cross-shore
quality	steady
typical kite sizes	9-12m

Water

type	mixed - flat patches to wind chop, small waves further out
temp summer c	29
temp winter c	21
wetsuit	boardshorts in summer/fall, 2/3mm shorty or top useful Dec-Mar
tides	minor effect on the main bay
currents	generally manageable close to shore
standing depth	yes in parts of the bay near shore

Levels

beginner	yes
intermediate	yes
advanced	yes
notes	Wide bay with room for beginners close in and more open water/chop further out for advanced freeride and downwinders.

Launch & crowd

description	Long sandy beach along the village with multiple launch points used by the local schools.
rescue	boat rescue available through local kite centers
busy months	Dec Jan Feb Mar
vibe	well-established international kite town with a strong seasonal expat/traveler community

Hazards

rocky patches in places along the shoreline
offshore/cross wind can carry riders out - respect your limits
afternoon wind can build quickly

Tips

wind typically builds through the morning into a reliable afternoon session
check with a local school on the day's best launch point along the bay

Travel basics

airport	LAP - La Paz (Manuel Márquez de León International)
getting there	about 45min-1hr drive from La Paz airport
accommodation	range of kite-focused hotels, guesthouses and vacation rentals in the village
cost level	mid
no wind	diving/snorkeling with sea lions at Isla Cerralvo, mountain biking, day trips to La Paz

Nearby: Los Barriles

Sources: en.wikipedia.org · oceanwindtribe.com