Ensenada Blanca (AKA Candeleros) - BCS, Mexico

A wonderful place in southerly weather, Ensenada Blanca generally called Candeleros in most of the cruising guides, is a beautiful bay with a white sandy beach, excellent hotel which is friendly to cruisers, and a tienda for freshies.

It is the first spot with cell service you'll find heading north after La Paz, and you can also get wifi from the hotel.

The bay itself is only viable in calm or southerly weather, and westerly winds tend to come blasting down the valley at night, but the holding is good, and its a great place to hangout in summer time.

You can follow the road to get to a small tienda which sells fresh produce, and Mexican staples. This is a good base for exploring some of the nearby islands, and its easy to end up spending a few days longer than you originally planned just enjoying the bay and facilities.

We anchor in 15 to 20 ft over sand. The best anchorage is usually to tuck in close to the resort in the corner of the bay, this gives the best protection from southerly swell which can wrap into the bay a little.

There is a charted submerged rock in the western portion of the bay.

Watch out for evening westerlies, which funnel down, these can be great to cool off, but make sure your hook is set well.