Headed to Cabo in Dec first time!

My rule of thumb is to stay in 100 fathoms of water or more at night time. There are a lots of fishing gear down there, particularly lobster traps and their line often floats and will get tangled in your running gear. All of the nav hazards are marked on the charts but I find there is some discrepancy between my chart plotter and the actual hazard so I give them a half mile clearance. I plot my coarse to go outside Cedros and Natividad. Turtle is easy in and out except the tying to the pier. Pay in Pesos or take a 10% hit in addition to 6.80 per gallon fuel and you have to negotiate to get that price. I prefer Mag Bay but it takes longer because it is more distance to travel into the bay, Chrispen is the local American that is the go between to the fuel dock and you, reach him on ch 16. the price there is close to 4.oo per gallon. I do not recommend anchoring at Abreojos or going into the false (southern) entrance to Mag Bay. Have all the Mexican required paperwork in order, checking in at Ensenada is probably to best way to start the trip.

My fishing Captain delivers boats up and down the Baja coast every year. I would strongly suggest you consider hiring a guy like him to escort you on your first trip down. There are several areas of concern like Sacramento Reef, passing inside or outside Cedros Island etc. How many crew are qualified to operate the boat at night? For around 1k you can get quality help and you'll enjoy the trip much more.

Getting a slip in Cabo at that time of year may require a reservation, it's going to be expensive too. Last year they wanted $2200 a month for my 42ft sf. I'd go to Puerto Los Cabos in San Jose Del Cabo instead 40% cheaper and not a zoo. Fuel in SJDC will be about $5 a gallon. La paz that time of year is windy and chilly at times. You might want to consider going across to Mazatlan instead. We did that last year and loved it. About 30% less for the boat and a really nice and safe marina and perfect weather. pm if you have q's good luck

You'll have smoother water in Mazatlan than East Cape or LaPaz. Both are kinda bouncy until March.

Mazatlan is a real city, lots to do. Marina Mazatlan is a nice marina with great services. Around the marina is several restaurants and a couple convenience stores. You have a huge mall that rivals any in the states 1 mile away as well as a walmart. The people are friendly and they treat visitors well. Typical night out for us is a quick $2 taxi ride to the Golden Zone hundreds of places to eat. Fancy night of dinner for 2 with drinks and tip= $35-40 regular good meal around $25. If you like to cook on the boat you can get fresh food many places they even bring shrimp to the docks 2 times a week. Want your boat washed? try about $1 a foot or less, $1 a foot for bottom cleaning and the guy does awesome job. Maz is a much better place to "live" than Cabo or La Paz.

*forgot marina quest have access to a private beach club and discounts at the golf course too.

Wasp spray is nasty and better than pepper spray. NO WEAPONS!!!! unless you want to live there for a long time.

We follow the law of the land - wherever it is. Boards with 5-7cm nails on the swim platform and at the rails, and a 60cm machete keeps boarders at bay until you can call for help. Plus a dog with big teeth.