sea of cortez - Blue Latitude Press

2nd Edition
SEA OF CORTEZ
A Cruiser’s Guidebook
Shawn Breeding and Heather Bansmer
SEA OF CORTEZ
A Cruiser’s Guidebook
2nd edition
by Shawn Breeding and Heather Bansmer
Without the support of our amazing family and wonderful
friends, this book would not have been possible.
Thank you for all your support throughout this endeavor.
Sea of Cortez - A Cruiser’s Guidebook
2nd Edition
Shawn Breeding and Heather Bansmer
Published by Blue Latitude Press LLC
P.O. Box 2773
Kirkland, WA 98083-2773
(360) 421-1934
(801) 454-1934 fax
www.bluelatitudepress.com
www.exploringcortez.com
Text © 2009 by Shawn Breeding and Heather Bansmer.
All rights reserved.
Chartlets, maps and GPS waypoints © 2009 by Shawn Breeding and Heather Bansmer.
All rights reserved.
Photos © 2009 by Shawn Breeding and Heather Bansmer. Some photos are used by permission and are the property of their
original owners.
Aerial Photos © 2009 by Charles Chandler (www.charleschandlerphotography.com).
All rights reserved.
ISBN: 978-0-9800901-1-6
Library of Congress Control Number: 2009907477
Printing History
1st edition - 2007
2nd edition - 2009
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be translated or reproduced in any form without the prior written consent of
the authors and the publisher.
While the Authors and Blue Latitude Press LLC have made every effort to ensure that the data and information within this
guide is accurate and error-free, nevertheless, errors may occur. We ask that you notify us immediately of any errors that you
may discover. The authors and publisher do not assume and hereby disclaim any liability to any party for any loss or damage
caused by errors or omissions, whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident or any other cause.
Blue Latitude Press LLC and the Authors make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or
adequacy of the contents of this guide and expressly disclaim liability for errors and omissions in the contents of this guide.
No warranty of any kind, implied, expressed or statutory, including but not limited to the warranties of non-infringement
of third party rights, title, merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, is given with respect to the contents of this guide.
Reference in this guide to any specific commercial products, processes, or services, or the use of any trade, firm or corporation name is for the information and convenience of the public, and does not constitute endorsement, recommendation, or
favoring by Blue Latitude Press LLC and the Authors.
This guide does not replace prudent seamanship. It is intended as a reference and planning aid and not for navigation. The skipper of
the vessel is solely responsible for the safe operation and navigation of his/her vessel and the safety of the crew and/or passengers.
Table of Contents
23
43
About the Authors................................................ 6
About the Boat...................................................... 7
How to Use the Book............................................. 8
Mexico Information............................................ 10
Sample Itineraries............................................... 21
Chapter 1 - The Cape........................................... 23
Cabo San Lucas.................................................................... 25
San José del Cabo............................................................... 33
Bahía Los Frailes.................................................................. 35
Ensenada de los Muertos................................................. 38
Isla Cerralvo ..........................................................................41
Chapter 2 - Bahía de La Paz................................ 43
Canal de San Lorenzo........................................................ 45
Puerto Balandra................................................................... 47
Caleta Lobos......................................................................... 50
Playa Pichilingue................................................................. 52
Bahía Pichilingue................................................................. 53
Bahía Falsa............................................................................. 53
La Paz...................................................................................... 56
Chapter 3 - Isla Espíritu Santo............................ 72
Playa Bonanza...................................................................... 75
Bahía San Gabriel................................................................ 77
Puerto Ballena...................................................................... 79
Isla Ballena............................................................................ 81
Ensenada de la Ballena...................................................... 81
Ensenada del Candelero................................................... 83
El Mezteño............................................................................ 83
72
96
118
Caleta Partida....................................................................... 85
El Cardoncito........................................................................ 87
Ensenada el Cardónal ....................................................... 88
Ensenada Grande................................................................ 90
El Embudo............................................................................. 93
Los Islotes ............................................................................. 93
Chapter 4 - Canal de San José.............................96
Isla San Francisco................................................................ 98
Isla Coyote (Pardito)......................................................... 101
Cabeza de Mechudo........................................................ 102
San Evaristo........................................................................ 104
Nopolo................................................................................. 107
Bahía Amortajada..............................................................110
Punta Salinas (San Ysidro)...............................................113
Mangle Solo.........................................................................115
Chapter 5 - Isla San Diego to Isla Santa Catalina.... 118
Isla San Diego..................................................................... 120
Isla Santa Cruz.................................................................... 120
Timbabiche (Bahía San Carlos)..................................... 121
Puerto Los Gatos............................................................... 124
Punta San Telmo (Punta Prieta).................................... 127
Bahía Santa Marta............................................................. 129
Ensenada la Ballena.......................................................... 129
Bahía San Marte................................................................. 131
Bahía Agua Verde.............................................................. 135
San Cosme........................................................................... 139
Isla Monserrate.................................................................. 141
Isla Santa Catalina............................................................. 144
3
Table of Contents
146
183
Chapter 6 - Loreto Area.................................... 146
Los Candeleros.................................................................. 148
Caleta Candeleros Chico................................................. 150
Bahía Candeleros.............................................................. 152
Isla Danzante ..................................................................... 153
Honeymoon Cove....................................................... 153
Puerto Escondido............................................................. 156
Loreto................................................................................... 161
Isla Carmen......................................................................... 165
Bahía Marquer.............................................................. 166
Puerto Ballandra.......................................................... 168
Puerto de la Lancha................................................... 171
El Refugio (V-Cove)..................................................... 171
Painted Cliffs................................................................. 173
Bahía Cobre................................................................... 173
Punta Perico South..................................................... 175
Bahía Salinas................................................................. 176
Punta Colorada............................................................ 178
Isla Coronados................................................................... 180
Chapter 7 - San Juanico Area.............................. 183
Punta Mangles................................................................... 185
4
Caleta San Juanico............................................................ 188
Saquicismunde Cove....................................................... 191
Punta Pulpito...................................................................... 193
San Sebastian..................................................................... 195
197
215
230
Chapter 8 - Bahía Concepción.......................... 197
Punta Santo Domingo..................................................... 199
Bahía Coyote....................................................................... 201
Playa Santispac............................................................ 201
Posada Concepción.................................................... 203
Playa el Burro................................................................204
Playa Coyote................................................................. 205
Playa Santa Barbara....................................................206
Isla Requesón..................................................................... 207
Mulegé.................................................................................209
Punta Chivato..................................................................... 212
Chapter 9 - Santa Rosalía Area............................. 215
Craig Channel..................................................................... 217
Isla San Marcos................................................................... 217
Santa Rosalía......................................................................220
Caleta Santa Maria............................................................225
Cabo Virgenes.................................................................... 226
Punta Trinidad.................................................................... 226
Bahía San Francisquito.................................................... 227
Cala Mujeres.......................................................................229
Chapter 10 - Midriff Islands..............................230
Isla San Pedro Martir ....................................................... 232
Isla San Lorenzo................................................................. 232
Isla las Animas.................................................................... 232
Isla Salsipuedes.................................................................. 233
Isla Rasa................................................................................ 233
Isla Partida........................................................................... 235
Isla San Esteban.................................................................236
Isla Tiburón......................................................................... 237
Table of Contents
240
254
Chapter 11 - Bahía de las Animas........................240
Cala Puertocitos de Enmedio........................................ 243
Animas Slot......................................................................... 243
Anchorages in East Bahía de las Animas................... 245
Punta Islotes....................................................................... 247
Punta el Soldado............................................................... 249
Punta el Alacrán................................................................ 251
Punta el Pescador............................................................. 251
Ensenada el Quemado.................................................... 252
Chapter 12 - Bahía de los Angeles........................ 254
Puerto Don Juan............................................................... 257
Bahía de los Angeles Village ........................................260
Gecko Beach....................................................................... 262
La Mona............................................................................... 262
Ensenada la Gringa........................................................... 263
Isla la Ventana.................................................................... 265
Isla Coronado (Isla Smith)............................................... 267
Laguna Rada................................................................. 267
Isla Mitlán and Las Rocas.......................................... 269
271
280
Chapter 14 - San Carlos Area..................... 280
Bahía Kino........................................................................... 282
Pozo Moreno/Las Cocinas..............................................284
Bahía San Pedro................................................................. 287
Bahía Algodones............................................................... 289
Caleta Lalo........................................................................... 293
Martini Cove....................................................................... 293
San Carlos............................................................................ 295
Guaymas.............................................................................. 301
GPS Waypoints Table................................. 305
Charts.......................................................... 312
Bibliography............................................... 313
Index........................................................... 315
Overview Map............................................ 318
Also Available
Chapter 13 - North Sea...................................... 271
Pacific Mexico:
Isla Angel de la Guarda................................................... 273
Puerto Refugio............................................................. 274
Isla Estanque................................................................. 276
Bahía Willard/Bahía San Luis Gonzaga....................... 277
San Felipe............................................................................ 278
Puerto Peñasco.................................................................. 279
Exploring the
Pacific coast of
mainland Mexico from Mazatlán to
Bahías de Huatulco
A Cruiser’s Guidebook
w w w. b l u e l a t i t u d e p r e s s . c o m
5
Chapter 1
The Cape:
Cabo San Lucas to Isla Cerralvo
F
ound at the end of nearly 800 miles of rugged and sandy coastline, the Baja
peninsula comes to a “Land’s End” at the popular destination of Los Cabos
(The Capes), which includes the tourist towns of Cabo San Lucas and San José
del Cabo. From this cape, the gateway to the serenely beautiful Sea of Cortez
opens. Where cruisers have a chance to experience the true meaning of where
the desert meets the sea.
The cape is a unique area where two large bodies of water meet, with the
cooler Pacific Ocean combining with the warmer, protected waters of the Sea
of Cortez. This merging of nutrient-rich waters provides an excellent feeding
ground for a variety of fish and marine mammals.
While the cape region shelters boats from northwest wind and swell from
the Pacific Ocean, it can become a dangerous lee shore when southerly wind
and seas arrive. Northeast of Punta Gorda, following the southeastern tip of
the Baja peninsula is the region referred to as East Cape, where the anchorages of Bahía Los Frailes and Bahía de los Muertos are found. As boats head
farther east and around the cape, the rolling Pacific Ocean swell diminishes
in strength as it bends around the tip of the peninsula. However, the effects of
northwest winds blowing down the entire length of the Sea of Cortez generally
begin to be felt northeast of Los Cabos. Waves are built that are short in wave
length and steep in height, making for an uncomfortable trip north when the
wind is blowing from the northwest.
The cape area anchorages are also popular jumping off locations for
boaters heading to and from mainland Mexico destinations such as Isla Isabela, Mazatlán and Puerto Vallarta.
Punta Noroeste
San Lorenzo Channel
pg 42
THE CAPE
Punta Coyote
Overview
Pichilingue
Not for navigation
Isla Cerralvo
nel
an vo)
Ch
l
vo erra
C
ral
Cer al de
n
(Ca
Bahía de
La Paz
rra
No
vil
lo
La Paz
Si e
El Centenario
24˚
20'
10 n.m.
24˚
10'
Punta Sudeste
Punta Arena
a de La Ventana
La Ventana Bahía de La Ventan
Punta Perico
24˚
00'
pg 39
Bahía de Los Muertos
San Juan
de Los Planes
23˚
50'
San Antonio
Punta Pescadero
El Triunfo
Los Barilles
Sea of Cortez
Bahía de Las Palmas
Buena Vista
23˚
40'
rada
Colo
a
t
n
Pu
La Ribera
10
3
20
40
50
31
0
30
0
330
Sierra de la T
rinid
0
350
340
ad
Sierra d
e
0
33
30
30
0
60
70
Ma
g
80
270
60
ar.
tic V - 9.0E
Bahía Los
pg 36
Frailes
23˚
20'
90
)
009
(2
ne
o
Cabo Pulm
Pulmo Reef
ls
Todos Santos
20
oa
Tropic of Cancer
23˚
30'
Sh
l a La
gu n
a
Punta Arena
110
240
100
90
Boca del Tu
le
12
0
0
12
0
150
180
0
13
0
21
30
22
0
14
21
0
0
200
190
180
170
160
15
naja
la Ti
Punta
Punta Gorda
San José del Cabo
Golden
Gate Bank
pg 34
Punta Pam
illa
Pacific Ocean
pg 26
Banco
San Jaime
110˚ 20'
23˚
10'
Los Cabos
Int’l Airport
110˚ 10'
Cabo Falso
110˚ 00'
23˚
00'
Gordo
Banks
Bahía Chile
no
Punta Cabeza de Ba
llena
Cabo San Luca
s
109˚ 50'
109˚ 40'
109˚ 30'
109˚ 20'
www.charleschandlerphotography.com
The Cape
Looking southwest at Land’s End and the harbor of Cabo San Lucas.
Cabo San Lucas
C
abo San Lucas is a bustling tourist town located on the
very southern tip of the Baja peninsula. It is a Port of
Entry and a welcome stop for boats traveling down the remote west coast of Baja. There are marinas, fuel docks, a haul
out facility, marine chandleries, banks, and grocery stores to
replenish anything you may want, need or desire. For many
decades, Cabo San Lucas had remained a quiet, isolated
fishing village. Only within the past thirty years has Cabo
become the tourist destination that it is today. With world
class game fishing, five star resorts and endless white sand
beaches, Cabo San Lucas has become a famous holiday and
cruising destination.
The cape of Cabo San Lucas is a sliver of land projecting east towards the Sea of Cortez and lies 4 miles east
of Cabo Falso. The cape forms the southwestern edge of
Bahía de San Lucas, with Cerro La Vigía, a prominent
hill, rising from the tip. Lying off the eastern point of the
cape are a group of detached rocky islets named Isla Cerro Blanco and Isla Cerro La Bufadora. Wide berth should
be given when approaching from the west or south to avoid
these rocks when entering Bahía San Lucas.
Bahía de San Lucas is a large bay, well protected from
the winter’s typical northwest winds, with the protec-
tion of the cape shielding the anchorage from the rolling
northwest Pacific swells. A long white sand beach marks
the northern portion of the bay, which is lined with palm
fringed resorts and condos. At the western edge of the bay
is a dredged channel leading to the man-made inner harbor where the fuel docks, marinas, haul out facility and
dinghy dock are located. Moorings are located northeast
of the entrance to the inner harbor with a few available for
rent for transient moorage.
A deep underwater canyon runs roughly west to east
through Bahía de San Lucas reaching depths over 100
fathoms inside the bay. Anchoring can be a challenge due
to the canyon and its steep sides reaching into the anchorBahía Santa Maria
La Paz
Ensenada de los Muertos
Bahía Los Frailes
175
142
90
45
nm
nm
nm
nm
190
232
292
575
nm
nm
nm
nm
Cabo San Lucas to:
Mazatlán
Isla Isabela
Puerto Vallarta
Zihuatanejo
N
S
25
12'
8'
S
To
an
9'
el
éd
b
Ca
o
no
22'
46'
72'
Finger’
59'
102'
197'
253'
791'
610'
Range - 268° T
253'
22'
éda
El M
49'
a
Play
19'
72'
Jos
BCS003
138'
184'
108'
610'
732'
112'
43'
66'
72'
673'
131'
23'
66'
60'
673'
24'
46'
82'
112'
56'
36'
17'
43'
53'
76'
82'
102'
227'
919'
BCS001
66'
184'
32'
1093'
40'
40'
29'
102'
463'
282'
36'
72'
95'
82'
66'
19'
Depths in feet
46'
350
ne
0
10
161'
42'
59'
180
15
30
30
220'
102'
42'
20
160
22˚
54'
66'
76'
0
90
23
0
)
009
(2
0
12
22˚
52'
22˚
53'
102'
95'
371'
53'
nts”
ume
“Mon
46'
76'
66'
40
0
14
90
0
60
250
170
60
260
190
ar.
tic V - 9.1E
.25 n.m.
72'
330
340
200
1093'
0
Not for navigation
19'
0
21
0
33
53'
76'
0
32
22
0
853'
26'
CABO SAN LUCAS
167'
732'
394'
80
240'
1450'
1811'
184'
732'
197'
Bahía de San Lucas
791'
217'
167'
1224'
732'
174'
167'
282'
192'
70
154'
210'
0
853'
109˚ 52'
50
138'
154'
76'
217'
0
24'
181'
197'
492'
17'
154'
Wall’/
‘North da Rock’
a
190'
‘Aneg19'
59'
nes
‘Neptu
o’
‘El Arc
76'
Isla Cerro Blanco
167'
Isla Cerro La Bufadora
Playa
del Amor
72'
138'
204'
0
10'
95'
59'
95'
30'
43'
30'
59'
145'
190'
21
pg 28
12'
BCS002
351’
59'
76'
167'
109˚ 53'
100
110
0
12
Cerro La Vigía
43'
49'
102'
109˚ 54’
0
30
Fl(R)5s
30'
72'
131'
0
30
24
BCS003 - 22° 53.249’N, 109° 54.000’W
13
31
270
240
290
280
270
ondida
a Esc
Fl(G)5s Play
alconcito
ya B
Pla
24'
Playa Solmar
43'
72'
131'
BCS002 - 22° 52.850’N, 109° 54.320’W
Ma
g
180
53'
108'
197'
Soundings from Chart 21126
BCS001 - 22° 52.896’N, 109° 52.703’W
26
150
The Cape
The Cape
A view of Marina Cabo San Lucas and the surrounding hotels, restaurants and shops.
age. Off the white sand beach, anchorage can be taken in
approximately 5 to 8 fathoms on good holding sand shelves.
Keep in mind that winds can shift and should a south
wind pick up, anchoring too close to shore could place your
boat near a dangerous lee shore in breaking waves. This
situation happened during a late season storm in December 1982, in which many boats were damaged or destroyed
including Bernard Moitessier’s beloved boat Joshua. During the summer months, southerly winds become more frequent and can make Bahía de San Lucas a poor anchorage.
Cabo San Lucas is an official Port of Entry where boat,
captain and crew can officially be cleared into Mexico if
you haven’t done so already. The captain will need to visit
Migración (Immigration), the Capitania de Puerto (Port
Captain), Aduana (Customs), Administración Portuaria
Integral - API (Port Authority), and the bank to have all
papers and passports stamped, and official fees paid (see the
Immigration, Importation, and Visas section on page 14 for
more information on clearing into Mexico).
Marina Cabo San Lucas
M
arina Cabo San Lucas offers 380 slips ranging from
20 to 200 feet, each with electricity (110 and 220) and
water. The marina water is purified, coming straight from
the marina’s own desalination plant. The fuel dock is located near the entrance and can accommodate boats up to
200 feet in length and 12 feet of draft. Showers, laundry,
pumpout stations, cable TV and wireless internet are also
available. Located in the heart of town, Marina Cabo San
Lucas is surrounded by numerous restaurants, cantinas, hotels and shops. A launch ramp is available for trailer boats.
Marina Cabo San Lucas
Monitors VHF channel 88A
Lote A-18 de la Darsena
Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur
(624) 173-9140/ (624) 143-1253 fax
www.igy-cabosanlucas.com
[email protected]
27
The Cape
Administrative Office,
Restrooms, Laundry,
so
Pool, Parking
arai
to Pall
r
e
Dinghy
Pu M
d
Dock
r an
eatents
h
T
ps, ura
Sho Resta
Cabo Yacht Center
(Boat yard,
Travel lift)
a
t
i
n
o
aB
Plaz
nd
ps a ts
Shotauran
Res
P
CABO SAN LUCAS
INNER HARBOR
Not for navigation
D
nd
ps a ts
Shotauran
Res
E
C
F
Marina Fiesta
Resort
Mag. Var. 9.1E (2009)
B
.10 n.m.
G
A
I
l Méd
Cabo Hacienda
Resort
Playa
E
H
ano
a
Plaz
abo
C
a
in
nd
Mar
ps a ts
Shotauran
s
Re
J
Fuel Dock Office,
Restrooms, Laundry
Marina
Cabo San Lucas
K
Fl(R) 5s
Plaza Nautica
L
Hotel Tesoro
Los Cabos
Store
Fuel Dock
M
Main dock,
Cruise ship lauches
Q
D
N
O
Fl(G) 5s
A
Fuel
Dock
Marinas de Baja
C
Sportfishing and
tourist boats
Navy
A.P.I.
28
B
Marina Office,
Restrooms, Laundry
The Cape
Marinas de Baja
M
arinas de Baja is located just to the south after entering the breakwaters at Cabo San Lucas. There are 35
slips available that can accommodate boats from 23 feet to
120 feet. The marina’s services include a fuel dock, electrical and water hookups, showers, laundry facilities, and free
wireless internet.
Marinas de Baja
Monitors VHF channel 16
(624) 143-6523
www.marinadebaja.com
[email protected]
[email protected]
The haul out yard at Cabo Yacht Center.
Cabo Yacht Center
C
abo Yacht Center is a fully equipped marine haul out
yard with a 70 ton travel lift. Their services include fiberglass, stainless and aluminum repair, as well as custom
fabrication, painting, upholstery, engine work, electrical
troubleshooting, and maintenance services if you need to
leave your boat in Cabo San Lucas. The Cabo Yacht Center
also has a wide selection of items at their marine chandlery.
The Cabo Yacht Center is located at the head of the marina
near the boat ramp and the Marina Cabo San Lucas office.
Cabo Yacht Center
Monitors VHF channel 16
Cabo San Lucas Marina,
Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur
(624) 143-3020 / Toll free from the US (866) 702-6337
www.caboyachtcenter.net
[email protected]
Cape History
U
p until recent years, Cabo San Lucas has had a quiet,
but varied history, far removed from the tourist destination that it has become today. The original inhabitants,
the Pericu Amerindians, were a nomadic group of hunters and gatherers who lived off local plants, seeds, small
game and seafood. It wasn’t until the mid 1500’s that early
Spanish explorers came upon the small harbor and ultimately changed its future.
As Spain set up trade routes from the Philippines to
Acapulco, the protected harbor at Cabo San Lucas was used
as a trade stop along this route (see the pirate sidebar on the
following page). However, due to the area’s lack of fresh
water and the occasional encounters with the Pericu Amerindians, Cabo San Lucas remained relatively undeveloped.
By the early 1900’s, after an abundance of tuna was
discovered in the area off Los Cabos, it didn’t take long
before the fishing fleets moved in, piers were erected and
canneries were opened. With the increased fishing activity
in Cabo San Lucas, a small village was eventually formed.
By the 1930’s, the secret was out to the public that the Los
Cabos area featured year-round, world class sport fishing.
However, without any developed roads, the only people
able to access the prime fishing grounds were those with
private planes and yachts. To accommodate these wealthy
fishermen, luxury resorts were some of the initial hotel developments in Cabo San Lucas.
Realizing the tourism potential for the cape area, FONATUR (Fondo Nacional de Fomento al Turismo, or National Trust Fund for Tourism Development), along with
domestic and foreign funding, launched a development
program in 1969, which included building the inner harbor
marina, bringing freshwater to the town, and enlarging the
Log from the Sea of Cortez
“The tip of the Cape at San Lucas, with the huge gray Friars
standing up on the end, has behind the rocks a little beach
which is a small boy’s dream of pirates. It seems the perfect
place to hide and from which to dart out in a pinnace on
the shipping of the world; a place to which to bring the gold
bars and jewels and beautiful ladies, all of which are invariably carried by the shipping of the world. And this little
beach must so have appealed to earlier men, for the names
of pirates are still in the rock, and the pirate ships did dart
out of here and did come back.”
John Steinbeck
29
The Cape
airport. The transpeninsular highway, Mexico Highway 1,
was completed in 1973, opening a whole new world of tourism to Baja.
Today, Cabo San Lucas has grown to nearly 57,000 full
time inhabitants (2005 census), with over 430 boat slips in
the inner harbor, 8 world class golf courses, and numerous
daily flights arriving from cities around the world.
Pirates at Cabo San Lucas
In 1587, Sebastián Cermeño captained the largest
galleon of the Spanish fleet, named the Santa Ana.
Over 600 tons, this galleon was part of the trade route
fleet making regular trips to Manila in the Philippines
and returning to Acapulco hauling vast quantities of
gold, silver, silks, china and spices. From Acapulco,
these downwind sailing ships followed a westerly
route to reach the Philippines. After having stuffed
these ships nearly beyond capacity with valuables
from the Orient, these heavy boats had to follow the
great-circle route along the Japanese coast, across the
north Pacific, and finally down the North American
coast to Baja and mainland Mexico, leaving them
targets for any number of raiding ships hiding out
along the coastline.
Captain Thomas Cavendish of the ship Desire, sailing
under the English flag, lay in wait near Cabo San Lucas
for the Santa Ana and all her riches. Cavendish had
originally begun his adventure in July 1586, setting sail
from Harwich, England in attempt to circumnavigate
the globe. Along his path, Cavendish raided Spanish
or Portuguese coastal towns in the new world, and
pirated ships such as the Santa Ana for their treasures.
In November 1587, the Santa Ana rounded Cabo San
Lucas where Cavendish overtook and raided her cargo
which included over 122,000 silver dollars.
Cermeño, whose life was spared, made his way back
to Acapulco and continued captaining galleons
along the trade route to the Philippines. However
in 1595, Cermeño, who was returning to Acapulco
from a trip to the Philippines, once again lost his fully
loaded galleon, San Agustín, off Drake’s Bay near San
Francisco, California .
Cavendish went on to complete his circumnavigation,
and landed back in England in September 1588. In
1591, Cavendish set sail on another voyage aboard
the Lester, accompanied by a number of other vessels.
Cavendish died in the middle of the Atlantic in 1592
due to unknown causes, after returning from a failed
trip to Brazil.
30
Neptune’s Finger off Cabo San Lucas.
Groceries and Services
Airport
The San José del Cabo International Airport (SJD) is located
6 miles north of San José del Cabo and 12 miles northeast
of Cabo San Lucas. Numerous international and national
flights arrive and depart each day. Advantage, Alamo, Avis,
Budget, Dollar, Europcar, Hertz, National, Payless, and
Thrifty car rental agencies are all located either within or
nearby the airport.
Aramburo Plaza Supermercado
Located in the shopping center on Lazaro Cardenas and Ignacio Zaragoza. A supermarket style grocery with a large selection of domestic and imported foods including fresh produce,
meats and frozen foods. Very convenient to the marina.
Banks
There are a number of banks throughout town, conveniently located, all with ATMs.
Bus Station
Intercity - Located on Mexico Highway 19, just north of
the Mexico Highway 1 junction. Multiple bus lines travel
each day to and from La Paz. There are also daily buses
traveling to cities further north all the way to Tijuana.
Intracity - The Subercabos are the public buses that run
throughout the city. The Subercabos also have routes that
run along the highway to and from Cabo San Lucas and
San José del Cabo (there is a bus stop in front of the Puerto
Paraiso mall on Lazaro Cardenas). These buses are a very
efficient and inexpensive way to travel around the city as
well as traveling to San José del Cabo. There are specific
bus stops with covered seats, but the buses will stop where
ever you like, just flag them down.
The Cape
Log from the Sea of Cortez
“The great rocks on the end of the Peninsula are almost
literary. They are a fitting Land’s End, standing against the
sea, the end of a thousand miles of peninsula and mountain. Good Hope is this way too, and perhaps we take some
of our deep feelings of termination from these things, and
they make our symbols. The Friars stood high and protective against an Interminable sea.”
John Steinbeck
C.C.C.
Located on Highway 19 to Todos Santos on the northeast
end of town, near Soriana. A supermarket stocked with all
you might need or want.
Cape Marine
Located in Plaza Marina (Plaza Las Glorias) on Boulevard
Marina. Select amount of yachting and fishing equipment,
supplies and tools.
Cabo Wabo Cantina
On Calle Guerrero and Madero. Owned by the famous rocker, Sammy Hagar, the Cabo Wabo nightclub can keep you
up until the wee morning hours. Try the Wabo Grill, open
for breakfast, lunch and dinner, serving Mexican specialties.
El Squid Roe
On Lazaro Cardenas and Ignacio Zaragoza. A popular
Grupo/Anderson restaurant, serving tourist favorites. A
hotspot in the Cabo nightlife with dance floors and bars.
Latitude 22+ Roadhouse
On Mexico Highway 1 at km 4.5, next to Costco and behind the power plant. A popular boater’s hangout with
authentic marine decor, serving Mexican, American and
seafood dishes. The bar serves a tasty caesar and bloody
mary as well. Web site: www.lat22nobaddays.com
Mariscos Mazatlán
On 16 de Septiembre and 20 de Noviembre. Excellent fresh
seafood without the tourist hype or price. Mariscos Mazatlán
is a favorite for its casual, local flavor.
City Club
Located on Lazaro Cardenas and Paseo del Pescador. A
large, warehouse style supermarket. Daily membership
passes are available as well as annual passes.
Costco
Located on Mexico Highway 1 at kilometer 4.5. A large,
bulk style grocery and housewares store with many of the
same products and departments featured in Costco stores
found in the U.S. and Canada. Membership is required.
Home Depot
Located on Mexico Highway 1 at kilometer 6.5. The same
selection of products as in all North American stores.
Minerva’s Baja Tackle
Located on Madero and Boulevard Marina. A wide selection
of tackle and fishing supplies. Phone: (624) 143-1282, Web
site: www.minervas.com Email: [email protected]
Soriana
Located on Mexico Highway 19 to Todos Santos on the
northeast end of town, near CCC. A supermarket stocked
with a large selection of fresh produce, food staples, meats,
dairy and household items.
Restaurants
Cabo Coffee Company
Two shops located on Madero and Miguel Hidalgo, as well
as Boulevard Marina near the Giggling Marlin. Good coffee and wireless internet.
Playa del Amor
Playa del Amor, or Lover’s Beach (also previously
known as Playa de Doña Chepa) is a wonderful spot
to spend the day snorkeling or lounging on the
white sand along side the golden rock formation of
Land’s End. By dinghy, the beach is easily reached
from the harbor and landing is available on the sand.
Although the beach has a number of tourists arriving
by panga, it is well worth the stop. Snorkeling along
the protected shoreline of Bahía de San Lucas is a
great chance to experience the warm waters and
tropical fish of the Pacific. A small sand passageway
opens onto a larger beach that faces the open Pacific
- a perfect spot to soak up the sunshine and ponder
the open ocean at Land’s End.
31
The Cape
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2 - A.P.I. Port Authority
3 - Port Capitan
B
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A - Aramburo Plaza Supermercado
B - Cape Marine
C - City Club
D - Cabo Coffee Company
E - Cabo Wabo Cantina
F - Hangout Cafe
G - Latitude 22+
H - Mariscos Mazatlan
I - Squid Roe
J - Giggling Marlin
K - Minerva’s Baja Tackle
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32
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Blvd. Marin
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109˚ 55’
Photo: Puerto Los Cabos Resort and Marina © 2009
The Cape
The recently constructed Puerto Los Cabos Resort and Marina.
Puerto Los Cabos Resort
and Marina
San José del Cabo, located 19 miles northeast of Cabo
San Lucas, is the site of the new Puerto Los Cabos Resort
and Marina. The resort and marina are currently under
construction, although at the time of printing this guide, many
sections of the marina are currently open. Ultimately, the
marina will have 430 slips averaging 50 feet, with a maximum
length of 180 feet. The marina plans to have wireless Internet,
potable water, cable TV, pump-out stations, ample parking, a
crew lounge and business center, a swimming pool, a fitness
center, restrooms, showers, beach access, nature trails, picnic
and playground areas, 24 hour security, on-site port captain
clearance staff, and access to the Captain’s Club. For further
information on marina plans, and availability, contact the
Puerto Los Cabos Resort and Marina.
Puerto Los Cabos Resort and Marina
Paseo de Los Pescadores S/N, Colonia La Playa
San José del Cabo, B.C.S., CP 23400 Mexico
Phone and Fax: (624)105 6028
www.marinapuertoloscabos.com
[email protected]
A large cross sculpture overlooks the Puertos Los Cabos marina.
La Paz
Ensenada de los Muertos
Bahía Los Frailes
123 nm
72 nm
28 nm
San José del Cabo to:
Overlooking the marina towards the cross on the hill.
Cabo San Lucas
Mazatlán
Isla Isabela
17 nm
180 nm
223 nm
N
S
33
The Cape
PUERTO LOS CABOS
Not for navigation
Dry storage,
workyard
.10 n.m.
Boat ramp
I
M
Mag. Var. 9.1E (2009)
O
J
L
N
K
P
R
Q
C
S
Marina
Office
B
T
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V
Note: Marina is still under construction
Slips/facilities shown are installed (2009)
Contact Puerto Los Cabos Resort and Marina
for updates
Fuel Dock
A
rt,
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To A La Pa
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Obrego
D A
C
G
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F
Castro
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To
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34
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1
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tena
. Cen
Ave
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Ho
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A - Plaza Mijares
B - Estero San José
C - Palacio Municipal
D - Iglesia San José
E - Museum
F - Plaza San José
G - Mega Comercial (grocery)
H - Sea Turtle Camp
1 - Port Captain
BCS010 - 23° 03.300’N, 109° 40.230’W
BCS010
www.charleschandlerphotography.com
The Cape
Looking northward toward Cabo Los Frailes
Bahía los Frailes
B
ahía los Frailes is a popular anchorage for boats headed
north to La Paz and for boats getting ready to cross the
Sea of Cortez bound for mainland Mexico. It is a good north
wind anchorage with plenty of room for numerous boats.
The Tropic of Cancer crosses the area nearby at 23°27’ N.
When approaching Bahía los Frailes from Cabo San
Lucas or San José del Cabo, be sure to give the coastline
adequate room as many dangerous rocks lie up to 1 to 1.5
miles offshore. Manta Reef is one of these dangerous rocks,
found approximately 5 miles south of Cabo los Frailes and
1.25 miles offshore (Manta Reef was aptly named by local
diver Terry Kennedy whose first diving experience with giant
mantas was at this location). Seas usually do not break over
this reef, making it difficult to spot from any distance.
The trip from Los Cabos to Bahía los Frailes can be a
challenging, upwind beat at times. While the weather at
Los Cabos appears to be calm due to the protection of the
cape from northwest winds, the sea conditions as you near
Bahía los Frailes become less affected by the Pacific Ocean
and more affected by the Sea of Cortez. With a stretch of
nearly 600 miles, northwest winds can create short, steep
seas down the entire length of the Sea of Cortez, with the
East Cape lying at the end of those 600 miles. To avoid an
uncomfortable trip around the cape and north to La Paz,
La Paz
104 nm
Bonanza (Isla Espíritu Santo)85 nm
Ensenada de los Muertos
46 nm
Bahía los Frailes to:
San José del Cabo
Cabo San Lucas
Mazatlán
28 nm
45 nm
162 nm
N
S
listen to the weather forecasts for the Sea of Cortez to determine the wind and sea state for rounding the East Cape
(see the Weather section on page 17 for a listing of amateur
marine forecasts over the SSB and ham radio).
For boats approaching from the north, be sure to stand
off the coastline at least 2 miles when traveling near the area
of Cabo Pulmo due to dangerous reefs and shoals. Pulmo
Shoal is located 1.2 miles northeast of Cabo Pulmo and has a
reported least depth of 5½ fathoms. Approximately 0.8 miles
north-northwest of Cabo Pulmo, the shoreline turns in a
northwest direction. A dangerous shoal with a least depth of 6
feet, extends out 1.5 miles due north from this point to an approximate position of 23˚ 28.90’N 109˚ 25.70’W (BCS021).
This dangerous shoal occasionally has waves breaking across
it and should be given a large berth when traveling between
Bahía los Frailes and Ensenada de los Muertos.
Bahía Los Frailes is a large bay, free of dangers. A deep
underwater canyon running northwest to southeast extends
through the bay. A sizeable shelf runs along the northern
coastline towards the Friars. During north winds, good anchorage can be taken in the north-northeast portion of the
bay near the large headland of Cabo los Frailes. Anchorage
can be taken on the shelf in the northeastern portion of the
bay in 4 to 6 fathoms over a sand bottom. During strong
northerlies, Cabo los Frailes provides good protection from
the steep, square waves built through the nearly 600 miles
of fetch stretching the length of the Sea of Cortez.
To dinghy ashore, one of the best landing locations is
in the northern portion of the bay where the sand beach
meets the rocky hillside of the point. From here, there is a
good hike (scramble) that takes you to the top of Cerro los
Frailes, affording an exceptional view of the rugged, surrounding coastline and inland mountains. With no defined
trail, it is easiest to pick your way over rocks and through
the brush along the moderate ridgeline to the west of the
35
The Cape
BAHÍA LOS FRAILES
o
Pulm
Bahía
To Cabo Pulmo village
(2 miles)
23˚
25'
Depths in feet
Not for navigation
.25 n.m.
Cabo Pulmo
National Marine Park
Roca Blanca
Playa Arbolitos
ita
ren
Se
ya
Pla
Trail
No Anchoring
Zone
23˚
24'
Sea of Cortez
Cerro Los Frailes
755'
Cabo Los Frailes
Lagoon
23˚
23'
13
15
e Fr
BCS020
30
124
245
73
210
286
137
543
88
260
Un
22
der
8
383
134
nyo
n
0
340
0
350
10
20
33
0
32
330
30
0
60
30
0
132
30
40
31
0
168
0
50
290
280
ar.
tic V - 8.8E
80
90
270
ne
)
011
(2
110
240
250
0
13
0
21
180
BCS020 - 23° 22.863’N, 109° 25.286’W
150
BCS015 - 23° 17.937’N, 109° 24.777’W
(Manta Reef - not shown on chartlet)
12
0
0
23
36
109˚ 25'
0
12
0
24
0
109˚ 26'
100
90
260
22
Dangerous reef (BCS015)
5 miles south, 1 mile offshore
To San José
del Cabo
23˚
22'
60
Hotel Bahía
Los Frailes
70
7
Ma
g
16
r ca
242
105
32
Bahía Los Frailes
wa
te
30
Restaurant
64
68
59
179
57
123
iars
’
56
45
62
45
27
12
‘ Th
22
270
20
11
30
16
0
14
21
0
0
200
190
180
170
160
15
109˚ 24 '
BCS021 - 23° 28.900’N, 109° 25.700’W
(Pulmo shoal - not shown on chartlet)
www.charleschandlerphotography.com
The Cape
Hiking to the top of Cerro los Frailes, looking west-northwest.
hill and continue to climb up. Once at the top, you will have
a good view of nearby Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park
and Cabo Pulmo village. For a refreshing dip after a long
hike, there is good snorkeling and diving to be found along
the rocky shoreline of Cabo los Frailes.
Los Frailes is a fairly remote location on the East Cape
served by an unpaved road from San José del Cabo. An airstrip lies just inland of the anchorage and numerous fish
camps dot the beach near the arroyo. New homes are going up every year, taking advantage of the beautiful scenery
the East Cape has to offer. There is a hotel on the western
shore of the bay named Hotel Bahía los Frailes, which offers
cold beverages and use of their satellite phone for a premium
(they also serve meals primarily for their guests, but with
advance notice they will also cook for people not staying at
the hotel). Also in Los Frailes is a small restaurant, found
just south of the main community.
Off the beaten path is Tito’s in Cabo Pulmo village,
where cold cervezas can be enjoyed. A couple of small, casual eateries are also found in the village at Cabo Pulmo
along with Pepe’s Dive Center where rental equipment
and guided trips of the Cabo Pulmo reef can be arranged
(www.cabopulmo.com.mx). There are two wrecks found
near Cabo Pulmo, the freighter, Colima and a 90 foot fishing boat, both vessels found in 30 to 50 feet of water. The
Colima was lost in a storm in 1939 and the fishing boat
sank in 1978.
For the fisherman, Gorda Banks has been a longtime
hotspot favorite. Banco Gorda de Adentro (Inner Gorda
Bank) lies roughly 5 miles southeast of Punta Gorda and
has a least depth of approximately 48 feet. Banco Gorda de
Afuera (Outer Gorda Bank) found roughly 7 miles southeast
of Punta Gorda has a least depth of approximate 200 feet.
Roughly 7 miles south of Bahía los Frailes is Boca del
Tule, which is a known surf spot during periods of south-
Pulmo Reef
Arrecife del Pulmo, or Pulmo Reef at Cabo Pulmo is
the only hard coral reef found in the Sea of Cortez. In
1995, nearly 4 miles of water around the Cabo Pulmo
area were designated as a national marine park by the
Mexican government in hopes of protecting this special natural reef system. It is estimated that 200 species of fish and marine invertebrates live off or around
the reef making for a truly spectacular dive location. To
protect the corral from damaging anchors and chain,
boats are not allowed to anchor within Bahía Pulmo.
Local townspeople from Cabo Pulmo and Los Frailes
have come together and formed the Patronato Alliance, who along with the University of La Paz, are working towards integrating the protection of this fragile
reef system while still educating tourists wishing to
dive and snorkel on this remarkable reef. If you visit the
reef, keep in mind that like many of the national marine
parks in the Sea of Cortez, wrist bands are required for
each person, for each day you visit the reef.
erly swell. A series of breaks over both sand and reef can be
found here. Unfortunately, when surf conditions are good
at Boca del Tule, the anchorage at Bahía los Frailes is very
poor as the anchorage is open to southerly wind and waves.
37
The Cape
Looking southwest across Ensenada de los Muertos.
Ensenada de los Muertos
E
nsenada de los Muertos is a good north wind anchorage, popular with cruising boats heading north to La
Paz, south towards the mainland, or around the Cape.
During a short period in the 1920’s, the cove served as a
cargo port for off-loading supplies for a nearby silver mining operation. Years later, salt produced in local salt pans
was stored in a warehouse near shore and then shipped
out. With tourism booming in the cape region, Bahía de
los Muertos (Bay of the Dead), also known by developers
as Bahía de los Sueños (Bay of Dreams), is slowly acquiring
more luxury homes and a new golf course.
From Cabo Pulmo north, the coastline recedes back
towards the northwest, and the effects of the Pacific swell
slowly diminish as you enter the Sea of Cortez. There are
a few navigation hazards to be aware of on the way north
towards Ensenada de los Muertos. For boats traveling between Bahía los Frailes and Ensenada de los Muertos, be
sure to stand off the coastline at least 2 miles when traveling near the area of Cabo Pulmo due to dangerous rocks
and reefs, including Pulmo Reef and Roca Blanca, as well
as dangerous shoals stretching out into the Sea of Cortez.
Pulmo Shoal is located 1.2 miles east-northeast of
Cabo Pulmo and has a least depth of 5½ fathoms. North
of Cabo Pulmo, dangerous shoals extend roughly 1 nautical mile offshore with a least depth of 6 feet reported. This
dangerous shoal occasionally has waves breaking across it
La Paz 58 nm
Caleta Lobos 46 nm
Bonanza (Isla Espíritu Santo) 43 nm
Ensenada de los Muertos to:
Bahía Los Frailes 46 nm
Cabo San Lucas 90 nm
Mazatlán 190 nm
38
and should be given a wide berth, staying at least 2 miles
offshore in deeper water.
Seven miles northwest of Cabo Pulmo is Punta Arena,
a very low and distinctive sandy point that reaches out into
the Sea of Cortez. As the water shoals rapidly near and
around the point, it is recommended to stay in deeper water, at least 2 miles offshore, when rounding Punta Arena.
Many times waves can be seen breaking along the shallow
shores of the point.
Punta Colorada is 3.5 miles northwest of Punta Arena.
Detached rocks and shoal areas extend from the point. It is
recommended to lay a course at least 2 miles offshore between
Punta Arena and Punta Colorada to avoid these dangers.
Punta Pescadero is a large rocky point of land approximately 16 miles northwest of Punta Colorada, at the north
end of Bahía de las Palmas. Dangerous detached rocks and
shoal areas extend well off the point. Passage should be
made at least 2 miles offshore to avoid these dangers. Punta
Pescadero is the southern point of Bahía de los Muertos,
with Ensenada de los Muertos located in the northeast
portion of the bay, south of Punta Perico.
N
S
The beautiful waterfront restaurant, El Cardón Tequila Bar & Grill.
The Cape
ENSENADA DE LOS MUERTOS
Depths in feet
Not for navigation
1.0 n.m.
ta
Ven
na
24˚
04'
0
340
0
350
10
20
33
0
32
330
40
31
0
30
0
50
70
290
30
0
30
0
30
60
Ba
hía
nt
Pu
Fl(3)W
a
an
ent
V
a
l
a
ren
aA
la
de
90
270
Ma
g
270
80
280
60
ar.
tic V - 9.0E
)
011
(2
ne
110
240
250
24˚
03'
0
12
0
12
0
24
0
180
22
0
13
0
21
0
23
150
a
an
ent
La V .)
To .5 n.m
(6
100
90
260
Salt ponds
0
14
21
0
0
200
190
180
170
160
15
24˚
02'
Punta Perico
24˚
01'
623'
Cerro El Perico
24˚
00'
El Cardon
restaurant/bar
18
BCS030 28
18
Go
lf C
ou
rse
Pier ruins
Bahía de los
Suenos resort
1081'
33
42
20
25
36
50
160
90
123
23˚
59'
Ensenada de los Muertos
Cerro Gordo
100
155
109˚ 52'
109˚ 51'
109˚ 50'
109˚ 49'
BCS030 - 23° 59.215’N, 109° 49.620’W
109˚ 48'
109˚ 47'
39
www.charleschandlerphotography.com
The Cape
A northerly view of Ensenada de los Muertos with Isla Cerralvo in the distance.
When approaching Ensenada de los Muertos from the
north through the Canal de Cerralvo, be sure to give Punta Arena de La Ventana and Punta Perico a wide berth due
to detached rocks and shoal areas lying off the points. Do
not cut the corner into the anchorage when approaching
from the north as a reef lies off the point of land forming
the east side of the anchorage.
For good north wind and wave protection, anchorage
may be taken in 4 to 7 fathoms over a sand bottom, tucked
up inside Ensenada de los Muertos. An open, south wind
anchorage can be found off the northern shore of Punta
Arena de La Ventana. When rounding Punta Arena de la
Ventana, be sure to give it ample room as shoal waters surround the point.
A beautiful white sand beach lines the north and
northwest sides of the Ensenada de los Muertos, perfect
for strolling after a long day’s travel. For a night away from
the galley, the El Cardón Tequila Bar & Grill is located on
shore, serving cold beverages and a variety of Mexican and
American dishes. El Cardón monitors VHF channel 10,
and provides water taxi service to its patrons to save you
the time of launching your dinghy. The restaurant also has
wireless internet, satellite TV, a dinghy dock, and phone
service throughout Mexico, Canada and the United States
for a quick call home.
Bahía de los Sueños, the planned resort community
is quickly taking shape with a small, luxury hotel and golf
course. A 5,000 foot long, paved airstrip is also located nearby for tourists and home owners flying in to relax and play.
40
East Cape Wind Sports
The East Cape of Baja has long been world renowned as
a premier location for windsurfers and kiteboarders. The
relaxed, easy pace of life on the Baja Peninsula along with
its clear, warm waters and perfect wind conditions, draws
hundreds of wind sport enthusiasts to the East Cape every
winter. Camping, B&B’s and hotels dot the long, white
sandy beaches of areas like La Ventana and Los Barriles,
where rental gear and lessons are easy to come by. The
season generally begins in November and continues
through March, following the region’s typical north wind
winters. During strong north wind blows, the East Cape
windsurfers and kiteboarders capitalize on the Sea of
Cortez’s nearly 600 miles of wind driven fetch, building
waves to an exciting height, perfect for catching big air.
www.charleschandlerphotography.com
The Cape
Looking easterly at Punta Viejos and the southern end of Isla Cerralvo.
Isla Cerralvo
I
sla Cerralvo is a 16 mile long island lying roughly 6 miles
off the Baja peninsula. The waterway between the island
and the Baja peninsula is known as Canal de Cerralvo
(Cerralvo Channel). At times, wind, waves and currents
flowing through the channel can make for a rough trip.
With Ensenada de los Muertos only 7.5 miles south of the
channel, it is easy to get an early start and make it through
the narrowest part of the channel during the morning hours,
before the typical afternoon winds begin to pick up.
At its narrowest, the Cerralvo Channel is but 4.5 miles
wide near the southern end of Isla Cerralvo and across to Punta
Arena de la Ventana. The channel runs approximately 25 miles
in length and currents can attain rates of up to 2.5 knots.
From November to March, winds typically blow from
the north, down the Sea of Cortez. With the restriction of
the channel by Isla Cerralvo to the east and the Baja peninsula to the west, winds tend to funnel through the channel,
bringing with it, wind driven waves.
With adverse currents, strong winds and steep waves,
the Cerralvo Channel can become very challenging, so plan
accordingly. To avoid a trying day of bashing into wind
and waves, many traveling northbound choose a favorable
weather window, tidal flow, and travel through the channel
during the typically calmer early morning hours.
Isla Cerralvo has some off lying rocks and reefs on both
the north and south ends of the island. Islote de la Reina
(Arrecife de la Foca) lies 4 miles northwest of the north
end of the island. Roca Montaña lies approximately 0.8 miles
southeast of the southern tip of the island and comes within 7
feet of the surface. Both of these spots are popular for fishing
and diving with boats from La Paz and the La Ventana area.
Kiteboarders and windsurfers at Bahía La Ventana.
41
CERRALVO CHANNEL
0
21
Islote de la Reina
(Arrecife de la Foca)
0
10
Isla
160
30
30
40
70
0
0
12
80
90
14
60
250
90
0
15
60
260
)
009
(2
170
50
180
ar.
tic V - 9.3E
l
ne )
an lvo
Ch rra
lvo Ce
rra de
Ce nal
(Ca
vo
ral
Cer
0
24
23
0
109˚ 45'
20
(Canal de Cerralvo)
Depths in feet
350
190
0
Not for navigation
330
340
200
ne
5.0 n.m.
0
33
0
21
180
Isla Espíritu Santo
te
Punta Noroes
Sea of Cortez
0
32
22
0
Punta Perico
Roca Montaña
Punta Sudeste
Ma
g
Arrecife
San Lorenzo
a
El Limoñ
dor
El Mostra
Stong tidal
currents possible
0
Fl(3)W 12s
109˚ 50'
Punta Arena
de la Ventana
0
30
Ensenada de Los Muertos
Fl(2)W 8s
Viejos
Punta
as
s Gord
Piedra
Bahía la Ventana
109˚ 55'
0
ulle
Stong tidal
currents possible
Punta Gorda
Fl W 6s
110˚ 00'
La Ventana
El Sargento
z
Cru
nta
a Sa
t
Pun
110˚ 05'
100
110
0
24˚
25'
24˚
20'
24˚
15'
24˚
10'
24˚
05'
24˚
00'
109˚ 40'
12
Punta Coyote
San Rosario
110˚ 10'
0
30
B
Fl W Punta
110˚ 15'
13
31
270
240
290
280
270
renzo
San Lo
La Paz
Scout Shoal
de
Canal
Bahía de
La Paz
110˚ 20'
42
150
The Cape
Chapter 2
Bahía de La Paz:
San Lorenzo Channel to La Paz
T
he beautiful bays and coves found along the shores of
Bahía de La Paz and the nearby national park islands of
Isla Espíritu Santo and Isla Partida provide a picture perfect
cruising destination for boaters. Within a 30-mile radius,
there are over 20 spectacular anchorages, all set in the
warm turquoise waters of the Sea of Cortez.
Lying in the southeast corner of Bahía de La Paz is the
international port city of La Paz, which is host to a number of marinas, marine chandleries, haul out facilities, and
provisioning stores, making it a welcome stop for cruising
boats that have traveled down the isolated west coast of
Baja, or for cruising boats preparing to make the Pacific
“puddle jump” to the South Pacific islands. With a large
international airport, La Paz is also an easy destination to
reach for visiting friends and family or for those chartering
boats out of La Paz.
The city is true to its name, which translates as “The
Peace.” Known for its casual, easy-paced and peaceful lifestyle, La Paz is a favorite stop among travellers. The palmfringed malecón welcomes travelers and locals alike for
strolls along the city’s beautiful waterfront. A number of
sea-themed bronze sculptures highlight the malecón, making for striking photographs set against a sunset sky.
LA PAZ AREA
Playa La Bonanza
Isla
Espíritu Santo Punta Morritos
iel
br
Overview
hía
n
Sa
Ga
Ba
sa
p
Lu
pen
on
Dis
Pu
2.0 n.m.
Punta Lu
a
la
nta
24˚
25'
s
a
nt
Pu
Not for navigation
Sea of Cortez
Playa los Morri
to
pona
Rocas Suwanee
Arrecife San Lorenzo
San
nzo
Lore
nnel
Cha
Scout Shoal
Punta Arranca Ca
bello
Pu
nt
a
Punta Bulle
Ar
ra
nc
Punta S
a
lote
Playa Teco
n Loren
Puer
to
ell
o
te
Punta Coyo
24˚
20'
pg 48
Bala
Punta Diablo
pg 46
zo
aC
ab
ndra
pg 51
Roca Lo
bos
o bo
ta L
Cale
s
s
Isla Lobo
PlayaPichilingue
Bahía de La Paz
a
u
ng Fals
hili
c
i
P
Puerto
pg 54
do
e
10
20
0
32
40
0
330
31
50
0
30
Ma
g
270
90
)
009
(2
270
80
280
60
ar.
tic V - 9.4E
ra
Pu
nt
a
70
290
30
0
60
30
0
30
ne
24˚
15'
hía
0
350
Ba
340
Co
lo
0
33
Punta Prieta
250
110
240
260
100
90
pg 57
12
0
12
0
0
24
0
180
0
13
0
21
150
0
23
22
0
14
21
0
0
200
190
180
170
160
15
te
ago
El M
e
al d
24˚
10'
z
Pa
La
n
Ca
Ensenada
de La Paz
110˚ 25'
La Paz
La Paz
Int’l Airport
110˚ 20'
110˚ 15'
111
°
00'
W
44
'W
° 00
Cabo San
Lucas
iles
s Fra
ía Lo
Bah
'W
° 00
109
220
Bahía de Las Palmas
0
20
0
19
0
0
310
180
170
300
320
330
340
160
150
cV
neti ar. - 9.
ag
330
350
108
140
9)
(200
Los
Barilles
24
30
° 00
130
0
0
0
'W
12
10
90
San José
del Cabo
el
Bahía de Los Muertos
pg
Sea of Cortez
Topolobampo
Yavaros
20
60
110
La Ventana
La Paz
Isla
Cerralvo
Isla Espíritu Santo
ann
Ch
alvo
Cerr
230
Todos
Santos
pg
73
Isla Partida
pg
Isla San Francisco
San Lorenzo Channel
Bahía de
La Paz
San Evaristo
97
Isla San José
pg
Isla San Diego
Isla Santa Cruz
Isla Santa Catalina
119
240
50 n.m.
Agua
Verde
pg
Isla Monserrate
'W
30
00'
N
Pacific Ocean
Bahía
Magdelana
San Carlos
Ciudad
Constitución
Baja California Sur
Isla Danzante
Isla Carmen
147
° 00
250
80
23°
24°
00'
N
00'
N
Puerto Escondido
Loreto
pg
110
28
270
'W
0
° 00
29
240
111
27
210
0
Isla Coronados
M
112
° 00
'W
0
25°
° 00
'W
6E
70
Lag
un
a
60
10
anta
l a G ig
l
18
0
ra de
Sier
Channe
260
150
113
120
San José
50
e la
40
Sier
ra d
30
11
0
27°
00'
00'
24°
00'
Altata
25°
26°
Sinaloa
'W
N
N
N
N
° 00
00'
109
Sonora
Notes
90
0
21