planning your voyage



As you’re planning your voyage through the Sea of Cortez we invite you to read our TOP Destinations guide below, where our experienced staff have compiled lists of some of the best cruising and fishing headlights of the region. Browsing this list will give you a taste of the adventure and possibilities ahead but it is only meant to whet your appetite for further exploration.

What does cruising mean to you and what experiences do you want to have along the way?
Where are the best anchorages that match your interests; and what hazards should you watch out for?

If you would like information and/or assistance in planning your ideal adventure our friendly and knowledgeable concierge staff can provide you with everything you need.



espiritu santo & isla partida



Easily the most popular cruising destination in the Sea of Cortez. In 1978 The Nature Conservancy designated Isla Espiritu Santo a protected area because it is one of the most ecologically significant and diverse regions in the Sea of Cortez. Bot Espiritu Santo and Partida, two islands separated by a narrow channel, are designated Parks and require $1 permit to land on the Islands. While fishing is prohibited within a one mile radius the island contains a variety of beautiful anchorages and a wealth of prime snorkeling, diving, and kayaking opportunities.

Distance from La Paz - 21 NM Most protected anchorage - Caleta Partida (on the western side of the channel between the islands)



bahía Agua Verde



A popular cruising destination, the sheltered bay and warm, clear waters provide opportunities to dive, snorkel, and relax against the backdrop of the Sierra de la Giganta Mountains.

Distance from La Paz - 95 NM Northwest



puerto los gatos



This anchorage is popular for the unusual rock formations in stunning colors.

Distance from Bahia Agua Verde - 18 NM south along the Coast Line.



isla san cosme



This tiny island is a day stop for those to soak in the nearby hot springs.

Distance from Bahia Agua Verde - 6 NM North.



Chose your Own Adventure – Looking to immerse yourself in a unique island culture? Isla El Pardito is the only island with a village in the Sea of Cortez. Looking for more places to snorkel?



- Cabo Pulmo Reef is the only coral reef found in the Eastern Pacific in the Northern Hemisphere and very popular with snorkelers. It is a National Marine Park and there are associated restrictions, which you can view at the park website.

- Bahia Coyote (Bahia Concepcion) has a wealth of snorkeling sites among the small bays and tiny islands that dot the region. The northern section of the Sea of Cortez offers numerous opportunities to snorkel in less-traveled areas.


•Isla Angel de la Guardia is the largest of the Midriff Islands and its warm, deep waters support an abundance of sea life.

•San Felipe is a great destination for dolphin lovers, especially near the rocky outcrop of Roca Consagracion.



• Looking for more places to dive? - The wreck of the Salvatierra ferryboat is located in the San Lorenzo channel just outside of La Paz. It sank in 1975 and lies at a depth of 60 ft.


- El Bajo seamount (roughly 6 miles north of Isla Partida in the open sea) is a group of pinnacles 60 ft. below the water; it is very popular with moray eels, mantas, whale sharks, and hammerheads.

- Isla Las Animas (off the eastern coast of Isla San Jose) is one of the most colorful dive spots in the Sea of Cortez and there are a number of underwater caves to explore.

- If you are headed north for the hurricane season, or just because, there are numerous top-notch dive locations in the Bahia de Los Angeles area. 

Practical Matters: Staying Ahead of the Weather




Weather patterns shift with the seasons and this will impact the best choice of shelter from winds. In the summer you will primarily be looking for overnight anchoring spots with shelter from southern winds. In the winter prevailing winds come from the north. 




Most protected anchorages or “hurricane holes” 
Puerto Escondido near Loreto 
Puerto Don Juan, Bahia de Los Angeles area
 Pichilingue Bay near La Paz – particularly safe because the bay is farther from the ocean than some, which means it is protected from ocean waves and the only concern is wind waves. 
Puerto Peñasco – mainland side of the Sea, North San Carlos and Guaymas – mainland side of the Sea, South.





2019 MARINA CORTEZ. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
ALL LOGOS, TRADEMARKS AND COPYRIGHTS CONTAINED ON THIS WEB SITE ARE AND REMAIN THE PROPERTY OF THEIR RESPECTIVE OWNERS.
USE OF THESE MATERIALS DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT BY THESES COMPANIES.
NO LICENSES OR OTHER RIGHTS IN OR TO SUCH LOGOS AND/OR TRADEMARKS ARE GRANTED.
POWERED BY 360BCS.COM