Puerto Refugio (Isla Angel de la Guardia) - Baja California, Mexico

Puerto Refugio is a well protected set of anchorages at the north end of Isla Angel de la Guardia, not far from Bahia de los Angeles in the northern Sea of Cortez.

Puerto Refugio is a stunning location, with a sea lion colony, some hiking, lots of in the water activities, but sadly one big hairy butt. Whenever I've been here there have been unbearable amounts of bugs.

First you have the biting flies, (Midgies, jejenes or no-see-ums, its all the same miserable thing) and mosquitoes who creep in through the slightest opening in your screens and hatches and feast on your tasty flesh. That might seem bad enough, but on top of that the bobo's are relentless, these little flies are small and thankfully don't bite, but they will fly into your eyes, ears, and nose, as well as just generally annoy the heck out of you.

So, is Puerto Refugio worth the blood and sanity sacrifices? It can be. I've only been in October and November, so it's entirely possible that in other months this is a delightful place to hang out, but I make no promises.

Generally Puerto Refugio is very well protected from the prevailing weather. The area between Isla Mejia and Angle de la Guardia gives good northerly and reasonable southerly protection. The southwestern most bight of the eastern part of the area also has good all round protection, especially from the south.

Snorkeling is excellent around Fang Rock, and the sea lions in the island to the north are generally tolerant of visitors.

It's a great place to explore by dinghy or kayak too, the tidal flow can be quite strong through the area, so plan accordingly.

Whilst leaving here heading north we met a pod of Orcas which was pretty cool, it was the first time I've seen them in the Sea of Cortez.

We like anchoring between Isla Mejia and Isla Navio, this generally has a good breeze, and good northerly protection. The location next to the lagoon is also handy for snorkeling or for exploring the nearby rocks. In northerly and generally calm weather anywhere in this channel around 20-30ft is good.

You can also tuck yourself in along the south side of Isla Navio, but remember not to try to cut through the gap to the south of the island as it's a reef.

In stronger southerly weather, the southwest bight is a good option, anchor in 20-30ft over sand.

In calm weather we typically try to anchor as far off the beaches and islands as we dare to keep as far away from the mosquitos and flies, but it rarely makes much difference.

Take good care on your approach, especially from the west into Puerto Refugio as there are a number of rocks and reefs which must be avoided. Once inside Puerto Refugio, care should be taken when transiting between the east and west side as there 'obvious' route contains a reef and should not be passed, instead use the channel north of Isla Navio between it and Isla Mejia. Read the cruising guides.