Hello everyone... So I have a question for those who live in San Diego and go sailing to the Coronadoes.... I was thinking of taking a trip out to them this next weekend and anchoring for a night. Now, I know you are not allowed to set foot on the islands (as they are Mexican property) but I didn't know if there were regulations about anchoring near them. So my questions are these: 1) Can you anchor near the Coronadoes? (is it allowed by the Mexican government) 2) If you can where is the best place around them to anchor? Thanks everyone for the help... -Levin
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Coronados
Yes you can anchor there. The east side of the southern island (about half way down) is probable the best. However, this is still a open roadstead and can get uncomfortable in a North to South east swell. Also technically after going there you are suppose to clear back into the US at Shelter Island Customs & Immigration. Kind of a pain for an overnighter! We never did but, the times are a changing. Have you tried Mariner's Basin in Mission bay? It's about the same distance with a good anchorage and a lot more to do. Dwain H340 San Diego
Yes you can anchor there. The east side of the southern island (about half way down) is probable the best. However, this is still a open roadstead and can get uncomfortable in a North to South east swell. Also technically after going there you are suppose to clear back into the US at Shelter Island Customs & Immigration. Kind of a pain for an overnighter! We never did but, the times are a changing. Have you tried Mariner's Basin in Mission bay? It's about the same distance with a good anchorage and a lot more to do. Dwain H340 San Diego
Coronados Islands
Been there couple times. About halfway down the largest most SE island you'll see a "notch" in the island hillside, theres also a large rock at water level. Anchor in 20' of water. about 100 yds offshore. Dont get too close to the shore. There is some surge and you'll spend the night rolling a bit. Watch the weather, only safe in onshore flows (W & NW). Also recent heavy surf may be an issue. It's a beautiful island. Watching the birds (and theres alot of them) is great. Some good halibut fishing sometimes too, but you need to be up to date on mexican fishing regs. Last time down we took the whole day sailing around the islands going back to SD. Very nice. And yes check back in at customs, it can be a $5k fine if you dont.
Been there couple times. About halfway down the largest most SE island you'll see a "notch" in the island hillside, theres also a large rock at water level. Anchor in 20' of water. about 100 yds offshore. Dont get too close to the shore. There is some surge and you'll spend the night rolling a bit. Watch the weather, only safe in onshore flows (W & NW). Also recent heavy surf may be an issue. It's a beautiful island. Watching the birds (and theres alot of them) is great. Some good halibut fishing sometimes too, but you need to be up to date on mexican fishing regs. Last time down we took the whole day sailing around the islands going back to SD. Very nice. And yes check back in at customs, it can be a $5k fine if you dont.
There's a cruising guide to San Diego Bay
that might interest you. Check for it at any local chandlery. If you haven't discovered Downwind Marine in Pt Loma yet, I recommend you drop by there and chat with the very, very helpful staff. They are all experienced cruisers. Get some anchoring exeprience first. Go spend the night in Mariner's cove (mission bay) or Glorietta bay (Coronado). It's a blast and you can go ashore. They are both free anchorages with no check in required. When you're more comfortable at anchor, an overnight to the coronados would be fun. Many folks make a Day trip out of it, though. Smokin' reach down, have lunch on the hook, then power home if the wind's not right. Be very aware of mexican fishing regulations.
that might interest you. Check for it at any local chandlery. If you haven't discovered Downwind Marine in Pt Loma yet, I recommend you drop by there and chat with the very, very helpful staff. They are all experienced cruisers. Get some anchoring exeprience first. Go spend the night in Mariner's cove (mission bay) or Glorietta bay (Coronado). It's a blast and you can go ashore. They are both free anchorages with no check in required. When you're more comfortable at anchor, an overnight to the coronados would be fun. Many folks make a Day trip out of it, though. Smokin' reach down, have lunch on the hook, then power home if the wind's not right. Be very aware of mexican fishing regulations.
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