Puerto Escondido
Puerto Escondido is a natural anchorage about 25 miles south of Loreto. The port is an ideal “hurricane hole” due the the total 360º protection within the anchorage. The Sierra La Giganta Mountain Range provides the majestic backdrop for the port and surrounding area. Moorings are available and a newly installed PEMEX fueling dock provides easy access to marine diesel fuel. Many boats seek a safe haven during the hurricane season while others enjoy the port year-round.

Isla Carmen
Isla Carmen is the largest island in the area at 18.5 miles long and 12 mile wide at the northern end. However, the majority of the island is about 5 miles wide and has a mountain ridge running down the center with peaks from 500 ft. to 1,500 ft high. Carmen is unique in that it is the only island in the area that once had a permanent settlement in the northeast section. Salt was mined from a deposit that apparently is naturally replenished from the salt in the sea. The settlement is now a ghost town since operations ceased in 1983. There are a few sheltered coves on Carmen but most of the coastline is rugged with little shelter from the weather.

Isla Coronados
Isla Coronados is unique with its long white sand beach along the southwestern spit of land that extends toward the Baja Peninsula. Like all the islands in the region, Isla Coronados is uninhabited but is a very popular swimming destination and is very close to Loreto.

Isla Monserrat
Isla Monserrat is approximately 12 miles southeast from Puerto Escondido. The area is excellent for watching Blue Whale and Fin Back Whale mothers with calves from January through March. Rocks barely break the surface of the water just off the northern coast but offer excellent spear fishing. A small island a little further north has a large and protected Sea Lion colony.

Area map of the Sea of Cortez,
Central Region - Loreto to Puerto Escondido
Islas: Carmen, Coronado, Danzante, Santa CatalinaMonserrat