Anchorage· Yelapa· Mexico
Las Ánimas Day Anchorage
20° 30.7′ N · 105° 20.7′ W · approximate
A daytime hook off Playa Las Ánimas, the longest sand beach on the roadless south shore, lined with palapa seafood restaurants. Anchor for lunch and a swim, then move on before the afternoon breeze builds.
Practical
Coordinate is approximate: an open-water point about 450 m north of Playa Las Ánimas (OSM way 391996679, 20.50797, -105.34529). It is not a surveyed anchorage. SAIL magazine (December 2014) lists Las Ánimas with Quimixto and Yelapa as day-sail destinations across the bay. Noonsite (May 2026) does not list it as an overnight anchorage. Deep water comes close to shore on this coast, so sound before you drop. The anchorage is open to the north-northwest afternoon thermal and to any swell running into the bay. Water taxis from Boca de Tomatlán and Los Muertos pier land here all day, along with banana boats, so keep clear of the landing area. Land the dinghy through the shore break. The restaurants rent loungers and palapas. Playa Caballo (OSM 20.51005, -105.3396) is the next small beach east.
Best for
Lunch-and-swim stop on the south shore
Season
Nov–May mornings in settled weather