Anchorage· Isla Espíritu Santo· Mexico
Ensenada de la Ballena
24° 28.5′ N · 110° 22.7′ W · approximate
The bay opposite Isla Ballena on Espíritu Santo's west coast, just north of the Gallo lobes - sheltered from northers and close to the Ballena caves and the Fang Ming wreck.
Practical
Coordinate is approximate: a water point about 200 m off the shore south of Punta Ballena (OSM cape 24.4744 N, 110.3863 W), checked against the OSM coastline; no published anchoring pin found. Baja by Sea calls the Gallo/Gallina bays 'Puerto Ballena'. Cruisers Academy notes more SW swell reaches the Ballena area than Candelero. Isla Ballena itself (30 m high) lies offshore to the west - give it room and watch for dive boats on the Fang Ming and Lapas 03 wrecks. Inside Archipiélago Espíritu Santo National Park: every person aboard needs the daily CONANP bracelet (225 MXN/person/day on the CONANP page) or an annual Conservation Passport. Naming: the CONANP park zoning maps label this northern lobe 'Ensenada de la Raza' (Baja by Sea uses both names - Ensenada de la Raza as the north lobe of Puerto Ballena); the map places the inlet at about 24.4746 N, 110.3753 W, consistent with this point.
Best for
Day stop near the Ballena dive sites