Anchorage· Isla Isabela· Mexico
Isla Isabela East Anchorage
21° 50.9′ N · 105° 52.7′ W
The small anchorage on Isla Isabela's east side, just south of the twisted rock pillars of Las Monas. Clear water lets you see sand patches between the rocks, frigatebirds wheel overhead, and in winter humpbacks blow close by.
Practical
Anchor in 15–20 ft on the few visible sand patches; this island has a reputation for eating anchors in rock, so dive on the anchor or use a trip line. One crew used 4:1 scope to limit swing. The anchorage holds about four boats; if it's full, anchor farther out in deeper water. It's protected from the west and from northwest wind, but rolly when swell wraps around. Go ashore at the fish-camp cove on the south side (Bahía Tiburoneros), where pangas pull up. Coordinate is the anchor position given in a 2010 cruiser log. Treat guidebook chartlets with caution. Park rules: CONANP's management program (DOF, 2006, Rule 40) designates the anchoring area for sailboats and yachts as off Bahía Tiburoneros on the south side, not here. The 2024 marine-park decree allows anchoring only at authorized sites. Cruisers have long used this spot, but rangers may move you on, so ask park staff. Landing or beaching any boat on Playa de Las Monas (the east-side booby nesting beach) is prohibited, so take the dinghy around to Bahía Tiburoneros to go ashore.
Best for
Overnight base for the bird walk
Season
Nov–May in NW conditions
Nearby
- Las Monas Pinnacles (Isla Isabela)0.1 NM away
- Bahía Tiburoneros Landing (Isla Isabela)0.3 NM away
- Isla Isabela Crater Lake Lookout0.3 NM away
- Isla Isabela National Park0.3 NM away
- Isla Isabela Park Rules (CONANP)0.3 NM away
- Isla Isabela South Anchorage0.3 NM away
- Mexcaltitán Day Trip22.8 NM away
- Isla del Rey and Piedra Blanca (Tatéi Haramara)37.4 NM away
Place data includes © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).