Anchorage· Baja coast (San Francisquito)· Mexico

Bahía San Francisquito Anchorage

28° 26.2′ N · 112° 52.1′ W

Where the northern Sea of Cortez begins: spectacular scenery, almost nobody around, bigger currents and tides, much better fishing — and an anchorage for nearly any wind, including a tiny landlocked inner cove.

Practical

Three anchoring areas plus Caletas Las Mujeres just north. SE winds (spring/summer): south side of the bay east of the headland, sand 15-25 ft (sand ends toward the east end of the beach). North winds (fall/winter): NW corner, sand 15-35 ft on a sloping shelf — check your set; swell wraps in a long norther. The 'inner sanctum' cove: superior protection, 10-15 ft (Club Cruceros: 9-10 ft) with sand between grass patches; the narrow entrance looks intimidating but is straightforward and stays flat even in 30+ kn northers. Currents accelerate and eddy off the point. Small resort and private homes on the south beach. Good snorkeling along the north wall. The Log: remote and uninhabited, with no regular services — carry enough fuel for the whole Midriff trip. Practical Sailor's crew left at 3 am for San Francisquito to beat the wind, then slogged through wind-against-current chop; the Online Cruising Guide blog reports pilot whales, reef sharks and big bee swarms here in summer. Caletas Las Mujeres just north (see Caleta Mujeres Anchorage) are an overflow option. Club Cruceros: both outer anchorages are open to north winds; use the inner harbour (9-10 ft) in a norther. Rounding Cabo Vírgenes on the way north, stay several miles off — sudden high westerlies, chop and strong rips.

Best for

First taste of the wild north; all-weather shelter

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