if SE tradewinds pipe up leave - get out

Bahia San Carlos lies just east of Punta Doble approximately 2NM from Nuevo Guaymas. The bay is surrounded by mountains, the jagged sawtooth peaks named Takale (broken hill) and Tetakawi (goats teats) have spawned legends amongst the local indigenous people. The stunning landscape has attracted filmmakers to the area, including classics such as Catch 22 and the Mask of Zorro.

This amazing natural harbour is protected from all directions but due south and provides an excellent hurricane hole. The bay shoals at the northern end by still has plenty of room for at least twenty  boats. Afternoon thermals from the surrounding mountains can generate very strong gusty winds in the bay. Marina San Carlos lies on the eastern side of the bay.

Approaches

No info.

Anchorage

The centre of the bay is deep but there is ample space to anchor on both the west or north sides on sand and mud. Dinghy ashore to the beach or use the dinghy dock in the marina.

Facilities

There are several restaurants at the head of the bay and a fish market is located on the right side of the channel under the bridge. The marina has laundry and a fuel and numerous restaurants in the vicinity. A local bus runs from the marina into Nuevo Guaymas.

Golfito on the eastern side of Golfo Dulce is an almost landlocked bay surrounded by densely forested hills and known for it’s prodigious rainfall. In the mid twentieth century Golfito was a major banana growing region and the town was developed by United Brands to pick, package and export the fruit. Since the decline in the banana industry Golfito is best known for its duty free shopping centre – handy if you need a case of rum!  

The La Mustache anchorage is located on the left hand side of the entrance channel opposite the Golfito Village Marina. It is a well sheltered spot but the wakes of vessels and ferries passing into the commercial port may make this spot a little rolly.

Approaches

No info

Anchorage

Anchor off the beach at Playa Cacao in 6m on sand. Dinghy ashore to the beach to visit the local restaurants or go 0.5NM across the bay to the dinghy dock at the Golfito Village Marina to go into town. Samoa del Sur Hotel has a dinghy dock which is free for cruisers who patronize their bar/restaurant.

Facilities

Golfito is a large town sprawled along the east side of the bay. The centre of town is at the north end where the Port Captain, Customs, the hospital and the Duty Free shopping mall are located. There is a supermarket on the main road close to the marina.