Pinned by the “Norther” Isla Coronados
Marie’s return to Loreto was marked by the return of a Norther which happened to start blowing just as we were getting back to Viva anchored roadside Loreto. After getting all bags aboard (over 150 pounds of stuff), we lifted anchor and started heading north. Our initial plan to make it back to Isla Coronados quickly fell through considering the swell build up and the headwind but lucky for us, a diversion to Puerto Ballandra on Isla Carmen provided a safe haven and a restful night.
Anchored in the NW corner - Puerto Ballandra
Perfect spot to admire the sunset
We took advantage of an early morning windless and calm sea state window to motor up to Isla Coronados - south anchorage where we were greated by a couple friends boats, crystal clear waters and a beautiful view of Coronado Volcano.
Social time in the anchorage
Pinned - Day 1- Under the Sea
The wind will start picking up again but the sea state is calm. Let’s check out what’s under the sea! A short dinghy ride along the cliffs took us close to the SE corner of the island marked with a light tower. We anchored the dinghy in a sandy spot and got in the high 70s/low 80s degrees water. It felt like a swimming pool! We saw schools of colorful fish, got up close and personnal with a couple sting rays trying to stay still and camouflage on the rocks and sand but the highlight was definitely the Moray eel, coming completely out of her hole just beneath us in a few feet of water- Wish I would have been able to capture this on camera!
Pinned Day 2- Revisiting Playa Isla Coronado
Isla Coronado is such a wonderful place to explore on foot with marked trails accross the island. On our first visit last spring, anchored in the western anchorage and we are curious to check out what it looks like when the wind blows in from the North. We landed the dinghy on our “private beach” and took the path leading directly accross the island.
Thankful for the wheels to roll her up the beach
Soaking it all in. Paradise found!
Trails are well marked- with volcanic rocks on this side
The western anchorage- aka the Blue Lagoon. Proof that this is not a suitable anchorage during a Norther.
Isla Coronado is part of the Parque Nacional de Bahia Loreto and frequented by pangas bringing tourists from Loreto . Today, the place is quasi deserted and we can enjoy our pristine surrounding in quietude.
They are all leaving !
We have the place to ourselves
We hiked 928 ft above sea level to the summit of the old volcanic cone last spring. A great way to stretch your legs and break a sweat.
The trail leading up to the volcano starts by the beach palapa
The rising peak and rough dark lava rock contrasts sharply with the desert green, white sandy beaches and inviting turquoise water.
Pinned Day 3- We defied the 20+knots wind and headed to shore. Today, we have our eyes on exploring the long sand spit stretching southwest. We follow the trail maked by coral rocks and enjoy the view from high up on the cliff. The wind is relentless and we must hold on to our hats. This area was populated by an aggresive seagull colony during nesting season in the spring and we had to go off trail at times, dodging nests and angry parents. The seagulls are still around but less vocal, the shallow bay looks dramatic with the wind lifting the sea and the sand spit is covered in shining oyster shell overlooking a convergence zone of water coming south down the channel and west from the shallow reef. A small natural lagoon bordered by a few trees offered a sheltered space for a family of yellow crowned herons lingering away from the wind and the frothy waves.
Where are we today?
