Books
Almost an Island - Almost an Island by Bruce Berger, takes readers beyond the Baja of guidebooks and offers a wildly entertaining look at the real Baja California. Bruce Berger recounts tales from his three decades in this extraordinary place, enriching his account with the peninsula's history, its politics, and its probable future—rendering a striking panorama of this land so close to the United States, so famous, and so little known.
Baja Catch - Baja Catch by Neil Kelly and Gene Kira is a detailed “instruction manual” for anglers who want to take a small boat to Baja California, Mexico, and camp and launch over the beach for some of the world’s best inshore sport fishing. The book includes tips, techniques, maps and fish identification.
A Cruising Cook's Guide to Mexico - A Cruising Cook's Guide to Mexico by Heather Stockard, provides invaluable information about food procurement and preparation, Spanish translations for ingredients and cooking terms, and tips on preparing for your cruise. If you're planning to cruise the Mexican coast by boat, this book will unlock all the culinary treasures you'll encounter during your trip.
Exploring Central America Part 1 & 2 - Enjoy many previously unpublished anchorages and hidden spots on the Pacific side of Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama and Ecuador. GPS waypoints, charts, weather information including, Tehuantepecers, Papagayos, and typical southern Mexican weather, entry and exit procedures for all countries, surf spots and much more.
King of the Moon and The Unforgetable Sea of Cortez - Baja California’s Golden Age 1947-1977
The Life And Writings Of Ray Cannon - King of the Moon and The Unforgetable Sea of Cortez are written by Gene Kira. King of the Moon, is a fictional story following the lives of the Rodriguez family and their community. Set in a remote Baja fish camp, the book describes the vivid desert and sea, its vibrant fishing scenes, and its truly unforgettable characters. The Unforgetable Sea of Cortez, is the true, colorful story of Ray Cannon, the pied piper of Baja California’s Golden Age. From his personal archives of thousands of pages and photos, preserved since his death by his lifetime companion, Carla Laemmle, are Ray Cannon’s greatest and wildest fish stories. And here is the story of the land he loved, its people, its natural beauty, and its happiest time.
Log from the Sea of Cortez - Log from the Sea of Cortez by John Steinbeck, is based on the author’s 1940 adventure with friend and biologist Edward Ricketts, as they ventured aboard the Wester Flyer, a sardine boat out of Monterey, California, on a 4,000-mile voyage around the Baja Peninsula into the Sea of Cortez. Their expedition wonderfully combines science, philosophy and a high-spirited adventure.
Moon Handbooks: Baja - Travel writer and Baja resident, Joe Cummings covers the entire peninsula from Tijuana to Cabo San Lucas.
Reef Fish Identification - Baja to Panama - A full color guide identifying reef fish from the Gulf of California to the Pacific coast of Panama, including offshore islands. More than 500 photographs of 400 species taken in their natural habitat.
Reef Fish of the Sea of Cortez - First published in 1979, this guide has become the standard resource for scientists, divers, and spearfishers interested in the fishes of the tropical Pacific Coast. The authors have revised and updated this edition to include the most current taxonomic information, additional species descriptions, and new illustrations.
Sea of Cortez Marine Animals - Sea of Cortez Marine Animals by Daniel Gotshall is a full-color guide to the nearshore marine fishes and invertebrates that occur from Cedros Island, Baja California to Cabo San Lucas, up into the Sea of Cortez, and the Revillagigedos Islands. Includes identification, size, habitat and range.
Sea of Cortez Marine Invertebrates - Sea of Cortez Marine Invertebrates by Alex Kerstitch and Hans Bertsch, describes with text and photos, 303 species of invertebrates that are found in the Sea of Cortez and as far south as Peru. Includes size, habitat and distribution.
Spanish for Cruisers - Boat Repairs and Maintenance Phrase Book - Spanish for Cruisers by Kathy Parsons, is a unique yachtsman’s phrase book, nautical dictionary, and conversation guide all in one. Spanish for Cruisers is divided into 25 topics specifically geared to boaters’ needs including emergency communications, marine hardware, engine repairs, electrical, boatyards, canvas, sail repair and shopping.
The People’s Guide to Mexico: Wherever you You Go...There You Are!! - The People’s Guide to Mexico by Carl Franz and Lorena Havens, offers the ideal combination of basic travel information, entertaining stories, and friendly guidance about everything from driving in Mexico City to hanging a hammock to bartering at the local mercado.
Whales and Other Marine Mammals of California and Baja - Whales and Other Marine Mammals of California and Baja by Tamara Eder, features photos, illustrations and range maps, as well as notes on conservation status, quick ID, similar species and more. Whale accounts feature graphics of dive sequences to assist with identification.
Book Stores
Baja California Sur, Mexico
Allende Books - La Paz, Baja California Sur
Caballo Blanco Books - Loreto, Baja California Sur
El Tecolote - Todos Santos, Baja California Sur
La Tienda - Mulege, Baja California Sur
Ross Marine Services - La Paz, Baja California Sur
Sinaloa, Mexico
Marina El Cid - Mazatlan, Sinaloa
Nautica Costa Bonita - Mazatlan, Sinaloa
Total Yacht Works, Mazatlan, Sinaloa
Sonora, Mexico
Club de Capitanes - San Carlos, Sonora
Marina San Carlos - San Carlos, Sonora
Washington, USA
Armchair Sailor - Seattle, Washington
Bellingham Chart Printers - Friday Harbor, Washington
Captains Nautical Supplies - Seattle, Washington
Fisheries Supply - Seattle, Washington
Pacific Marine Exchange - Bellingham, Washington
Village Books - Bellingham, Washington
Wide World Books & Maps - Seattle, Washington
Oregon, USA
The Bookloft - Enterprise, Oregon
California, USA
Baja Fish Gear - Lomita, California
Beacon Marine - Ventura, California
Downwind Marine - San Diego, California
Minneys Yacht Surplus - Newport, California
Safe Navigation, Inc. - Long Beach, California
Seabreeze Books and Charts - San Diego, California
Vagabundos del Mar - Rio Vista, California
Waypoint - Alameda, California
Connecticut, USA
Landfall Navigation - Stamford, Connecticut
New York, USA
Longitude Books - New York City, New York
Florida, USA
Bluewater Books and Charts - Fort Lauderdale, Florida
British Columbia, Canada
Bluewater Cruising Association - Vancouver, British Columbia
Ontario, Canada
The Nautical Mind - Toronto, Ontario
Charter Companies and Cruise Ships
American Safari Cruises - The 120 foot, m/v Safari Quest, takes guests on a remote cruise through the islands of the Sea of Cortez. Wildlife encounters, kayaking, hiking, and horseback riding are a few of the many of the adventures experienced on the Safari Quest.
Cruise West - Cruise West’s international fleet of 9 small ships is thoughtfully designed to deliver up-close experiences that no large vessel can offer. The 217 foot m/v Spirit of Endeavor and the 257 foot m/v Spirit of Yorktown allow passengers to observe the Sea of Cortez’s natural beauty and cultures.
Linblad Expeditions - For over 20 years, Linblad Expeditions has been exploring Baja’s Pacific coast and Sea of Cortez. The 152 foot m/v Sea Bird and sistership, m/v Sea Lion, along with the 174 foot m/v Sea Voyager, take passengers on a unique wildlife adventure along Baja’s coast.
Moorings - Moorings offers bare boat and captained charter boats, both sail and power. Their Moorings base is located in Costa Baja Resort and Marina in La Paz.
Ursa Major - Built in Ireland with Old World style craftsmanship, the 65-foot m/v Ursa Major takes guests on an intimate tour of the Sea of Cortez. With gourmet meals and seakayaking, the Ursa Major provides a wonderful adventure exploring the Baja coast.
Waypoint Yacht Charter Services - Waypoint Yacht Charter Services is an independent, worldwide yacht charter broker including both luxury yachts and sailboats.
Club Cruceros Founded in 1988, Club Cruceros is a non-profit organization that provides a wonderful service to both the boating community as well as the local community of La Paz. The club hosts a number of charity events throughout the year as well as a daily (except Sundays) coffee hour. Club Cruceros is located at Marina de La Paz.
Hidden Port Yacht Club Established in 1993, the Hidden Port Yacht Club, located in Puerto Escondido, was formed to assist the local community of Loreto and Puerto Escondido. Through charity events, the club as been able to provide support to a number of schools, hospitals, and various other organizations. The HPYC also hosts the annual Loreto Fest which takes place in late April/early May each year.
Conservación
de Territorio Insular Mexico - ISLA With funding and support
from a group of international donors, ISLA was formed in 1997 to help the newly created Gulf
Islands park system carry out
urgent measures to protect the
marine and island ecosystems in
Loreto and Espíritu Santo.
Ocean Oasis Ocean Oasis began as a passion for the Baja California peninsula and the Sea of Cortés and evolved over twenty years. Summerhays Films, the San Diego Natural History Museum, and PRONATURA, Mexico's oldest and largest conservation organization, joined in partnership to create a giant-screen film highlighting the immense natural richness of the region. They called it Ocean Oasis in celebration of the abundance of life in an ocean surrounded by a desert.
San Diego Natural History Museum
Sea of Cortez Expedition and Education Project
Sea Watch Founded in 1993, Sea Watch is a program directed towards the conservation of Mexican fisheries by helping to stop illegal commercial fishing practices and working with the Mexican government to develop sustainable fishing regulations.
Rowcliffe's Insurance - Rowcliffe's Insurance specializes in watercraft insurance. They offer affordable, no hassle policies over the phone, fax or email. Offering full coverage and liability only policies.
The Cape Area
Marina Cabo San Lucas - Marina Cabo San Lucas offers 380 slips ranging from 20 to 180 feet, each with electricity and water. A launch ramp is available for trailer boats near the dinghy dock. A fuel dock and small convenience store are located near the entrance of the marina and can accommodate boats up to 200 feet in length and a 12 foot draft. Shower and laundry facilities are also available. Located in the heart of town, Marina Cabo San Lucas is urrounded by numerous restaurants, cantinas, shops and resorts.
Marina de Baja - Marina de Baja currently has 35 slips available, however a second phase of development will add another 36 slips to the marina. The marina’s facilities include a fuel dock, electrical hookups, showers, laundry and wireless internet.
Puerto Los Cabos Resort and Marina - Located in San Jose del Cabo is the new development of Puerto Los Cabos Resort and Marina. Although the area is still under construction, a small portion of the marina is currently open. The final plan for the marina alots 430 slips, with a maximum length of 180 feet. A fuel dock, water, electricity, cable TV, wireless internet, showers, laundry, restaurants, shops, and other amenities are planned for the marina. Contact the Puerto Los Cabos Marina for information on opening dates, plans and availability.
La Paz
Costa Baja Resort and Marina - The newest resort and marina inLaPaz, Costa Baja Resort and Marina houses a total of 250 slips in its inner and outer harbors ranging in size from 30 to 250 feet. The marina’s facilities include a 500-foot long fuel dock, boat ramp and trailer storage, water, electricity, wireless internet, showers, laundry, crew lounge, shuttle service to town and propane drop off service. Surrounding the marina is the resort’s Pueblo Marinero or Marina Village with a number restaurants and cantinas, a marine chandlery, a convenience store, gift shop, dive shop and shell museum. Costa Baja Resort and Marina is also home to the Moorings Charter fleet.
Marina Palmira - Marina Palmira has 186 slips ranging in size from 22 to 130 feet in length. Amenities include water, power, wireless internet, showers, laundry, shuttle service to town and a propane drop off service. Surrounding the marina are a number of businesses, including restaurants, a small convenience store and marine chandlery, a dive shop and a hotel.
Marina de La Paz - Founded in 1983, Marina de La Paz was the first floating marina on the Baja peninsula and second in all of Mexico. There are over 150 slips ranging in size from 15 to 70 feet as well as side-ties for vessels up to 200 feet in length. The marina’s facilities include a fuel dock, boat ramp, dinghy dock, water, power, wireless internet, showers, laundry and propane drop off service. Located in the heart of downtown La Paz, Marina de La Paz is centrally located with a number of marine chandleries, services, restaurants and shops nearby.
Marina Fidepaz Singlar - Part of the Mexican government’s tourist project, titled “Escala Nautica” or Nautical Staircase, Marina Fidepaz is one of the newest marinas and haulout yards in La Paz. The marina offers 39 slips ranging from 10 to 140 feet in length. The marina offers water, power, showers, laundry, a lap pool and wireless internet. The Marina Fidepaz also has a fuel dock, boat ramp, 75-ton marine travel lift and a large concrete storage/work yard. The marina provides a guided panga to assist boaters in navigating the channel to the marina.
Puerto Escondido
Puerto Escondido Marina Singlar - The marina and haulout facility at Puerto Escondido is part of the Mexican tourism agency’s project, “Escala Nautica” or Nautical Staircase. The marina has 10 slips available and also has 117 mooring buoys throughout the bay. Water, power, showers, laundry, a lap pool, fuel dock and boat launch ramp are available. The marina also has a 50-ton marine travel lift and large concrete work/storage yard.
Santa Rosalia
Santa Rosalia Marina Singlar - Part of the Mexican government’s tourist project, titled “Escala Nautica” or Nautical Staircase, Santa Rosalia Marina Singlar is the newest marina in Santa Rosalia. The marina has 20 slips available with water and power. Also available are a fuel dock, trailer boat storage, showers, laundry, a lap pool and wireless internet.
San Felipe
San Felipe Marina Singlar - Singlar’s marina at San Felipe has 15 slips available and a fuel dock. Water, power, a boat launch ramp, showers, laundry and wireless internet are available.
Puerto Peñasco
Puerto Peñasco Marina Singlar - Part of the Mexican government’s tourist project, titled “Escala Nautica” or Nautical Staircase, Singlar’s marina is the newest in Puerto Peñasco. The marina has 11 slips available along with a fuel dock. Water, power, showers, laundry and wireless internet are available. The marina also has a first aid clinic, convenience store and a restaurant/cantina.
San Carlos
Marina Real - Marina Real has 356 slips, each with power and water, accommodating boats up to 63 feet in length. The marina has a fuel dock, boat launch ramp and showers. Marina Real also has a marine haulout facility with short and long term storage.
Marina San Carlos - Marina San Carlos has slips ranging from 24 to 51 feet, each including water and power. A fuel dock, boat launch ramp, 10-ton crane, showers and laundry service are available. Marina San Carlos also has a large marine haulout facility named Marina Seca which has a work yard, boat transport service, as well as long and short term storage.
Guaymas
Guaymas Marina Singlar - The marina and haulout facility in Guaymas is part of the Mexican tourism agency’s project, “Escala Nautica” or Nautical Staircase. The marina has 20 slips available, each with water and power. Showers, laundry, a first aid clinic, wireless internet and a lap pool are a number of the amenities available. The marina also has 50-ton marine travel lift available, as well as a work yard and long tern stoarage facilities.
The Cape Area
Cabo Yacht Center
Cape Marine
La Paz
Agencia Arjona
Agencia Seamar
Baja Marine Supply
Dawn Rigging
Lopez Marine Services
San Carlos
Marine Mart
Star Marine Center
Marine Haulout Yards and Storage Facilities
Cabo San Lucas
Cabo Yacht Center Cabo Yacht Center is a fully equipped marine haul out facility with a 70 ton travel lift. Their services include fiberglass, stainless and aluminum repair, as well as custom fabrication, painting, upholstery, engine work, wlectrical troubleshooting and maintencance services if you need to leave your boat in Cabo.
La Paz
Talleres Navales Bercovich - Bercovich Boat Works For over 30 years, Bercovich offers a full line of services for boats. From minor repairs and maintenance to major refitting (they provide written estimates for all jobs). Bercovich also has long and short term storage available. They are able to haul vessels up to 20 tons (45 feet in length) on their hydraulic trailer, and vessels to up 160 tons (120 feet in length) and catamarans to 25' beam on their marine railway.
Marina Fidepaz Singlar - Part of the Mexican government’s tourist project, titled “Escala Nautica” or Nautical Staircase, Marina Fidepaz is one of the newest marinas and haulout yards in La Paz. The marina offers 39 slips ranging from 10 to 140 feet in length. The marina offers water, power, showers, laundry, a lap pool and wireless internet. The Marina Fidepaz also has a fuel dock, boat ramp, 75-ton marine travel lift and a large concrete storage/work yard. The marina provides a guided panga to assist boaters in navigating the channel to the marina.
Puerto Escondido
Puerto Escondido Marina Singlar - The marina and haulout facility at Puerto Escondido is part of the Mexican tourism agency’s project, “Escala Nautica” or Nautical Staircase. The marina has 10 slips available and also has 117 mooring buoys throughout the bay. Water, power, showers, laundry, a lap pool, fuel dock and boat launch ramp are available. The marina also has a 50-ton marine travel lift and large concrete work/storage yard.
San Carlos
Marina Real - Marina Real has 356 slips, each with power and water, accommodating boats up to 63 feet in length. The marina has a fuel dock, boat launch ramp and showers. Marina Real also has a marine haulout facility with short and long term storage.
Marina Seca San Carlos Marina Seca provides hauling and launching services for boats up to 60 tons, de-mast services, carpentry, covered storage, vehicle storage, trailer storage, lockers, hurricane resistant posts. Marina Seca also provides boat trucking services from San Carlos, Mexico to anywhere in the United States or Canada. They can transport boats up to 50 feet in length, 30 tons or 16 feet wide. Within their marine work yard, they can perform sandblasting jobs, stainless and aluminum repair, painting, fiberglass, upholstery, blister jobs and bottom jobs.
Guaymas
Marina Seca Guaymas Marina Seca Guaymas has a travel lift that can accommodate boats up to 30 tons, including catamarans and trimarans. The facility offers long and short term storage in a secure yard. Ample room is available for RV parking while you work on your boat.
Dockwise Yacht Transport Dockwise offers hassle-free yacht & boat transport to the most desirable cruising grounds of the world. Dockwise has a fleet of four semi-submersible dedicated yacht carriers (float on, float off service), serving ports around the world including stops in North and Central America: Golfito, Costa Rica; La Paz, Mexico; Ensenada, Mexico; and Vancouver, Canada.
Yacht Path International Aboard a fleet of ocean going vessels, Yacht Path is able to efficiently transport yachts up to 250 metric tons with a self designed, time tested cradle system. Yacht Path uses cranes to lift yachts on and off it's decks. Serving ports around the world, including stops in North and Central America: Golfito, Costa Rica; La Paz, Mexico; Ensenada, Mexico; Manzanillo, Mexico; San Diego, USA; Honolulu, USA; and Victoria, Canada.
CONAUGA Comisión Nacional del Agua (National Commission of the Water) - Servicio Meteorológico Nacional (National Weather Service)
CONANP Comisión Nacional de Áreas Naturales Protegidas (National Commission of Natural Protected Areas) - Information and maps on the nationally protected areas within the Sea of Cortez.
CONAPESCA Comisión Nacional de Acuacultura y Pesca (National Commission of Aquaculture and Fishing) - Fishing rules and regulations, information on fishing licenses - see also www.conapescasandiego.org. This site is in English and has forms to print out for obtaining a Mexican fishing license.
Discover Baja California (Norte) - The state of Baja California (North) hosts a tourist site in both English and Spanish for travelers coming to Baja, Mexico.
FONATUR Fondo Nacional de Fomento al Turismo (National Trust Fund for Tourism Development) -
Instituto Nacional de Imigración - Secretaría de Gobernación (National Institute of Immigration - part of the Ministry of the Interior) - The National Institute of Immigration website has all the information and contacts foreigners need to visit Mexico. The website also has an English version.
SEMAR Secretaría de Marina (Ministry of Navy) - Up to date Notice to Mariners documents, listings of marine charts and publications.
Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) - Information concerning Mexico’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including consolates, embassies, services and foreign policy can be found on this site (both English and Spanish versions).
SECTUR Secretaria de Turismo (Ministry of Tourism) - Information concerning Mexico’s Ministry of Tourism.
SINGLAR - The government of Mexico, through FONATUR, the agency responsible for the planning and development of sustainable tourism projects Mexico, has selected the Sea of Cortez Region, for its growth potential, as a long range development project. This project is called Escala Nautica (Nautical Staircase), and the company SINGLAR is in charge of developing and operating strategic transient marinas to promote tourism.
Sonora Tourism - The state of Sonora hosts a tourist site in both English and Spanish for travlers coming to Sonora, Mexico.
Coastal Explorer™ is a sophisticated and full-featured, yet very easy to use navigation software package designed specifically for the pleasure boater. Support for official raster and vector charts from almost every major hydrographic agency in the world, route planning features with multi-level undo capability, integrated gazetteer and Coast Pilot™ books, virtual instrument display, and obstacle alerts.
The Cape Area
Cabo Wabo Cantina - Owned by the famous rocker, Sammy Hagar, the Cabo Wabo Cantina is a nightclub and restaurant. Live music, fresh seafood, dancing, cervezas and tequila are a few of the many treats you’ll find at the cantina.
El Cardon Tequila Bar & Grill - Located in Bahia de los Muertos, El Cardon (previously known as the Giggling Marlin Restaurant) has a beautiful beach-side setting complete with dinghy dock, water taxi service, wireless internet, big screen TVs, and live music on Friday nights. El Cardon monitors VHF channel 10.
Latitude 22+ Roadhouse - Latitude 22+ Roadhouse is a casual and affordable local hangout with good food and an ocean view. The restaurant/bar has great ambiance amidst plenty of weathered fishing gear and good music.
Squid Roe - A popular Grupo/Anderson restaurant, serving tourist favorites. A hotspot in the Cabo nightlife with dance floors and bars.
La Paz
Buffalo Barbeque - Buffalo Barbeque is a hidden gem serving the finest mezquite grilled Angus beef and freshly caught fish fillets in a beautiful courtyard setting. Complete with a 5,000 bottle, climate controlled wine cellar featuring wines from around the world.
Carlos and Charlies - Carlos n’ Charlie’s restaurant is a popular tourist hangout with patio tables looking out across the bay. The restaurant is part of the Grupo/Anderson restaurant chain.
El Aljibe Cocina Baja Med - A fine dining experience specializing in Baja Med cuisine. A full wine cellar and also the 15:35 Tapas Lounge.
Mulege
Hotel Serenidad - The historic hotel was one of the first tourist destinations in Mulege. Complete with an airstrip for fly-in guests, the hotel is known for its Saturday night pig roasts, complete with folk dancing and a mariachi band.
Punta Chivato
Posada de las Flores - Overlooking Bahia Santa Ines, the Posada de Las Flores Resort at Punta Chivato is a beautiful spot to enjoy a sunset cocktail and a delicious meal.
Bahia de Los Angeles
Guillermo’s Sportfishing, Hotel and Restaurant - Centrally located on the water in the Bahia de Los Angeles Village, Guillermo’s offers delicious meals on their patio overlooking the bay.
San Felipe
Pavillion Restaurant - Located at the El Dorado Ranch, the Pavillion Restaurant serves a gourmet breakfast, lunch and dinner menu.
Puerto Peñasco
La Maria Bistro and Citron - Both fine dining restaurants are located in the Las Palomas Resort. Gourmet meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
San Carlos/Guaymas
Club de Capitanes - Club de Capitanes is a new “harbor hangout” located one block east of Marina San Carlos. The “Club” is a cantina/seafood taqueria, open to everyone, offering a multitude of services to the cruising, sport fishing, and diving communities as well as the community of San Carlos in general, including wireless internet, satelite TV, propane drop off service and purified water exchange.
Evies Simply Coffee - Evie’s coffees are chosen from the best coffee grown in the volcanic mountain regions of Southern Mexico and roasted on site. Along with a variety of freshly roasted coffees, Evies also offers breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert.
Los Barcos Restaurant - Los Barcos is on the waterfront in central Guaymas. Specializing in fresh seafood dishes. The building is unmistakable with its 3-story palapa roof.
Bahia de los Angeles Weather Station - Live weather and webcam from Bahia de los Angeles town.
Buoy Weather - Virtual weather buoy (computer model weather forecasting) for the Sea of Cortez.
La Paz Weather Station - Live weather from Costa Baja Resort and Marina in La Paz.
Don Anderson - Don Anderson on Summer Passage
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
NWS radiofax charts for the North Pacific and Tropical East Pacific
Historical hurricane tracks
National Hurricane Center Marine Forecasts