Seasonal· Puerto Escondido (BCS)· Mexico
Winter Northers (Loreto Islands)
25° 48.6′ N · 111° 18.2′ W · approximate
Cold-front 'nortes' that sweep down the Gulf from the US desert south-west in winter, blowing 25-35 knots in the Loreto corridor for one to three days and kicking up short, steep seas.
Practical
Coordinate is approximate: Puerto Escondido, the area's best shelter. Season roughly December-February with fronts possible November-April (Blue Pacific Yachting); the marina says winter winds average 5 mph but northers can reach 25-30 knots for several days. Plan: listen to forecasts, be in a north-protected spot (Puerto Escondido, Isla San Francisco's main bay, Puerto Ballandra) before the front arrives; most coast anchorages between San Evaristo and Agua Verde are unpleasant in a regular norther (Club Cruceros). Port captains close ports during strong northers—La Paz did on February 26-27, 2020. Winds can shift 180 degrees after sunset in many anchorages; lay out 5:1 all-chain.
Best for
Planning passages around winter fronts
Season
Nov-Apr; strongest Dec-Feb
Nearby
- Puerto Escondido Waiting Room AnchorageRight here
- La Bocana Beach Club (Puerto Escondido)0.3 NM away
- Blue Pacific Yachting Charter Base (Puerto Escondido)0.5 NM away
- Cordel Market (Marina Puerto Escondido)0.5 NM away
- Hidden Port Yacht Club (Puerto Escondido)0.5 NM away
- La Brisa Pizza & Bar (Puerto Escondido)0.5 NM away
- Loreto Fest0.5 NM away
- Marina Puerto Escondido Self-Service Laundry0.5 NM away