Anchorage· Isla del Carmen· Mexico
Puerto Ballandra (Isla Carmen)
26° 1.1′ N · 111° 10.1′ W · approximate
A snug, picturesque inlet on Isla Carmen's north-west side with clear water, a mangrove forest and hiking—many cruisers' favourite anchorage in the Loreto park.
Practical
Coordinate is approximate: inside the small inlet on the north-west coast traced from the OpenStreetMap coastline (checked in-water against the OpenStreetMap coastline). Well protected from north-west winds with good holding in sand in 15-20 ft (Blue Pacific Yachting); most crews stay two nights to hike the volcanic ridgeline and snorkel the points. Popular in January-February—arrive mid-week and early. Bees and bugs come looking for fresh water (Cruising World, noforeignland)—keep screens in and hatches closed in the mornings. Puerto Balandra interpretive trail: an easy 1.2 km loop through one of the park's best-preserved mangrove forests. Isla Carmen is privately owned—land only where trails are open, and expect to show your park pass. CONANP protected-area fee applies: a Loreto Bay National Park day pass (bracelet) was MX$215 per person in 2025, and the annual Conservation Passport (MX$3,620 in 2025) covers every federal protected area; buy online at descubreanp.conanp.gob.mx or from the rangers at La Dársena in Loreto, and carry proof aboard.
Best for
Two quiet nights, mangrove walk and ridge hike
Season
Nov-May; good in northwesterlies
Nearby
- La Salina Trail (Isla Carmen)2.7 NM away
- Bahía Salinas Beach (Isla Carmen)3.3 NM away
- Isla Carmen Bighorn Sheep Reserve3.4 NM away
- Bahía Salinas and Salt Works (Isla Carmen)3.8 NM away
- Bahía Salinas Wreck (Isla Carmen)4 NM away
- Puerto de la Lancha (Isla Carmen)4.1 NM away
- V-Cove (El Refugio), Isla Carmen5.1 NM away
- Blue Whale Season (Loreto)5.3 NM away