BAHIA SALINA

Before reaching Topolobampo. we stayed in one of our favorite anchorages - Bahia Salina. It's located on the east side of Carmen Island nearest to Loreto or Escondido on the Baja side. We've anchored here several times in the past two years. The beach is phenomenal... white sand, clear water, great fishing or fish watching. There is a tuna boat wreck in front of the smallish ghost town which is a haven to many species of fish. There is a salt lake that hasn't been used for many years now (thus, the ghost town). They have built a gaming lodge... not casinos, but hunting. Rams. A couple of caretakers live there. The beach is gorgeous! Long white sand... some shells depending on what has been washed ashore. This time I found a nice olive and a couple of other pretties.

We only stayed a night. Didn't do any fishing or snorkeling, but beachcombed and enjoyed the pristine, fine-white sand. The water was super clear and we were the only boat in the anchorage. Most cruisers don't come this side of the island. They prefer the west side. The west side, however, is frequently visited by the Mexican Park Police. If you're caught with illegal contraband (pole spears, spear guns, clams, lobster, scallops, nets, etc...) or if you're lacking a Mexican island pass you can be fined. Last year, a cruiser was caught with a bag of clams and his dinghy was confiscated. After busing to La Paz and paying a hefty fine, rumor has it that his dinghy was only then returned to him. I suppose he had to swim to the beach to catch the bus to La Paz. Also, dogs are not allowed on the park islands. This is a negative for us because Bailey will only go #2 on land and will only go #1 on deck if she is busting at the seams, which makes me miserable for her. And yes, she has held it as long as three days. Just makes me crazy! There is a resident dog at Bahia Salina that lives with his owner at the gaming lodge, so we don't feel so bad about taking Bailey to shore here... and we make sure that we clean up after her!