Isla San Francisco - BCS, Mexico

Isla San Francisco is an absolute gem of a destination, and one of the highlights of the trip between La Paz, and Loreto. The island is home to some great hiking, plenty of snorkeling, and good day trips and nearby anchorages to visit. We frequently make Isla San Francisco a base for exploring the nearby area.

Ashore, on the south side, you can hike up the ridge overlooking the anchorage, and from there continue along the ridge and back up onto the north side where the trail becomes less defined. You can hike all the way to the end of the island if you are feeling energetic, its a make-your-own-trail kinda deal, but there are animal tracks you can follow all the way to the north anchorage.

There is good snorkelling along the west side where there are numerous rocky outcrops which makes for a nice afternoon out in the dinghy or kayak. If the weather is calm and you are feeling adventurous it also makes a nice kayak trip around the island, but do be careful regarding the weather.

In all but southerly or strong westerly weather you'll want to anchor in the 'Hook' which is the hook shaped bay ojn the south west of the island. This offers good protection from the prevailing northerly weather.

Anchor in 15-25ft off the beach. The north end gives more shelter from any northerly swell.

In strong southerly conditions you can anchor off the beach on the north end of the island, you'll likely see some motor boats doing the same. There are better places to hang out in southerly weather, including Amortajada which is only a few miles away.

In westerly weather you can also anchor on the east side of the isthmus although this is nowhere near as pretty.