Isla Isabela
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Isla Isabel
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| 21°50.75′N, 105°53.09′W |
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| Photo gallery |
| Local chartlet |
An online cruising guide for yachts sailing to Isla Isabel, Mexico
Isla Isabel is a small volcanic island about 15 miles off the west coast of Mexico, about 90 miles south of Mazatlan and 70 miles north of Banderas Bay. The island is less than half a mile wide and about three-quarters of a mile in length. It was made a National Park in the 1980s, and it has been called the Galapagos of Mexico. Isla Isabel is a major breeding and nesting area for frigate birds brown boobies and blue-footed boobies, which are all very tame.
The Mexican chart shows Isla Isabel about 1.5 miles NNW of its actual position, and gives a very poor representation of the actual geography and hydrography of the island.
Charts
Submit the chart details that are required for safe navigation.
- Chart Source
- Chart Number
Radio Nets
Also see Cruiser's Nets
Weather
Local weather conditions?
Sources for Weather forecasts:
The Mexican chart shows Isla Isabel about 1.5 miles NNW of its actual position, and gives a very poor representation of the actual geography and hydrography of the island. The Google Earth image of the area helps much more than does the official chart. A safe approach to the southern anchorage can be made from the southward, being careful to avoid the reefs off the points to the east and the west.
Anchorages
There is a small anchorage on the south side of the island with good holding on a sandy bottom in 8 to 12 metres. This provides protection from westerly, northerly and easterly winds and swells, but is exposed to the south. An easy dinghy landing can be made on the rather protected beach in the small inner harbour that is used by the local fishermen.
In southerly blows, there is some protection on the east side of the island, near a pair of isolated volcanic spires near shore.
Restrictions
?
Tourism and Things to do Ashore
Tourism
This is a major breeding and nesting area for frigate birds, brown boobies and blue-footed boobies. The birds are very tame, and can be easily approached to within a metre or two, even during their mating rituals, incubating time and chick rearing. Tropic birds also nest on the island.
Garbage Disposal
This is a small, isolated National Park with no permanent residents and no facilities. Please leave nothing behind but fond memories.
Routes/Passages To/From Isla Isabela
- A very pleasant overnight sail from Mazatlan.
- A long day-sail from Puerto Vallarta or La Cruz in Banderas Bay, or a pleasant overnight.
- A nice break on the voyage between Mazatlan and Banderas Bay.
Cruiser's Friends
Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.
Forum Discussions
List links to discussion threads on the Cruiser Log Forum
External Links
Links to relevant websites.
References & Publications
Publications, Guides, etc.
Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)
Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated:
Personal Notes
Personal experiences?
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| HOMEPAGE | Wiki Contents | East Pacific | North America | Central America | Mexico | Mexico Offshore Islands (Pacific) | Isla Isabela | |
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