Should I take my boat to the Sea of Cortez?

[rmurray]

I have a 21' open bow that is more a lake boat than an ocean boat, but I've had it out in the ocean plenty of times in Southern California. We're planning a week-long trip to Puerto Penasco on the northern tip of the Sea of Cortez. The water looks nice and I'd consider bringing my boat with me if I thought it was a good idea. We'll be staying along the beach at a resort, but it would be great to spend a few days out on the water. We wouldn't be fishing, just cruising and swimming. I've never taken my boat into Mexico before, so I'm just wondering if I should leave it at home. I'd probably launch and retrieve the boat each day we take it out, and tow it back to the resort. I believe the launch ramps are about 5 miles up the coast. Can anyone give me some advice? I'd hate to leave it at home only to wish I had brought it when I get there. Thanks!

 

[rmurray]

Re: Should I take my boat to the Sea of Cortez?

Here's another question.... Is it possible to anchor the boat close enough to shore to drop people off, or pick people up from the beachfront resort? Is that forbidden, or just impossible? I'm not sure what the surf is like either, but I'll assume beaching the boat is not possible. Thanks again!

 

[pitterpakar]

Re: Should I take my boat to the Sea of Cortez?

Yes you should take boat to the sea of cortez , I've only been there once - . It was July, and the weather was hot , but not bad on the water, really. We did a long weekend series of day trips - the rides are long, . Visibility was some of the best I've ever seen -+weather and conditions are highly variable there, depending on time of year. but be careful with wales

 

[rmurray]

Re: Should I take my boat to the Sea of Cortez?

Whales? Serious? Have people hit whales out there, or do whales accidently hit boats? I'm not sure that helps convince me. I'm also trying to find out if you can anchor off the beach. It would be awesome to be able to anchor the boat off the beach in front of the resort. I really have no idea what to expect. Maybe I should go first, and then decide whether to bring the boat on the next trip.

 

[lncoop]

Re: Should I take my boat to the Sea of Cortez?

but be careful with wales

The Sea of Cortez in nowhere near Wales. It's in Mexico. Sorry, couldn't resist.

 

[DennisM]

Re: Should I take my boat to the Sea of Cortez?

Wouldnt sharks be more of a worry out there?

 

[rmurray]

Re: Should I take my boat to the Sea of Cortez?

Sharks? Whales? So swimming out in the ocean is probably not a good idea? I won't tell my mother-in-law.

 

[DennisM]

Re: Should I take my boat to the Sea of Cortez?

And even though rare at times, theres always the lovely iracongi jellyfish

 

[rmurray]

Re: Should I take my boat to the Sea of Cortez?

Seriously though, is this a good place to bring a runabout? Will it be more risk than reward? I'm going with a large party and I'm wondering if they'll have to drive up to the marina everytime that want to get in the boat. I've seen some pictures where little motor boats are anchored just off the beach. Will I be able to do that? Thanks again!

 

[bob1340]

Re: Should I take my boat to the Sea of Cortez?

Seriously though, is this a good place to bring a runabout? Will it be more risk than reward? I'm going with a large party and I'm wondering if they'll have to drive up to the marina everytime that want to get in the boat. I've seen some pictures where little motor boats are anchored just off the beach. Will I be able to do that? Thanks again!

I have only been out there in a 14' Aluminum. If the wind ain't blowing bad you are fine. The tides can be real high and real low in Baja. If you tie up and walk in be careful of sting rays, they are numerous down there in Purta Penasco. If the tide is coming in it's pretty safe to walk out in the surf. If the tide going out beware! Shuffling you feet helps. I'd pull the boat each day. It may walk away at night otherwise.

 

[Blevins]

Re: Should I take my boat to the Sea of Cortez?

Umm the boat should be fine due to it's inlet styled waters the sea of Cortez is a reasonably calm waterway. The BIGGEST threat in the sea of Cortez is the squid. Collosal squid can be very very aggressive. And can often be seen changing colors from the surface. They travel in packs of hundreds + and you should be clear on the water you're swimming in. Stay close to resorts and listen to locals about waterways. Last place you wanna have an issue is Mexico.