TOPOLOBAMPO - Mexico's Hidden Cruiser Treasure

After staying two nights in Topo we decided that we really like the town. Because there is very little tourism here, the ambiance is more Mexican than not. It is quiet, clean and friendly. The bays are gorgeous. We intend to do more water exploring when we return again.

There are two marinas in Topolobampo. They are both on the north side of town. Marina Palmira is at the far end. It is the only marina available to cruisers. It is economical (as far as marinas go) and offers electricity, water, trash, showers and internet. There is a secure dinghy dock. The office also has way over-priced cruising gear should you not care how much you spend. We did care, and so passed on the $160US VHF antenna. For one night, we paid $173 pesos ($13.84US) and that was all inclusive. The employees are extremely friendly and the marina is well maintained.

The other marina located next door to Marina Palmira, known as Club Nautico or Marina Club, is a private yacht club with individually owned slips. Non-members are not welcome there... not even at the dinghy dock.

We look forward to the next visit at Topolobampo. We intend to anchor out in the bays on the south end of town and enjoy the mangroves, fishing and excursions to the many beautiful private beaches. The downside to anchoring out on the south end is that there are no dinghy docks on that end of town to use. If there is one that we missed I'll guarantee that it is not secure. Anchoring on the north end of town is discouraged due to shallow depths and panga traffic. That's when you would go into Marina Palmira.

Speaking of shallow water, we saw 3.5' under the keel at one point and we have a 5.5' draft. The shallows can be deceiving in Topo. It will appear that you are in the middle of the bay and all of a sudden the depths begin spiralling downwards on the depth meter. And watch out for the out-rigged pangas travelling backwards with nets underneath the hull. They are everywhere!

If you can't find what you want in Topo, a 16 peso bus ride to Los Mochis is the way to go. Los Mochis is about 30 minutes away and there are so many stores and markets there that you'll certainly be able to find what you need... as long as it's Mexican.