Loreto Area

Loreto Area Cruisers Guide

This document is a work in progress…last modified 5/2024

Disclaimer: businesses come and go, and move. Hours of operation and phone numbers not verified. Some listings we do not have personal experience with. Many of them do have a presence on Google Maps or Facebook – if you want to look them up. (Links have been disabled to prevent hackers from attacking this site.)

Anchoring: consult your favorite cruising guide.

Loreto (the town)

An easy way to shop is to anchor off Loreto if it’s a nice day. Anchor right off the town either slightly north of or south of or parallel to the little panga harbor.  We have found good holding at the coordinates below from our log book. Total depth typically 20 feet or less. (NO warranty is applied to these coordinates.)

26 00 801N   111 20 169W
26 00 875N   111 20 158W
26 00 842N   111 20 166W
26 00 806N   111 20 187W

This IS an open roadstead so conditions will vary, pay good attention to weather reports. If we think it might get choppy, we try to get in early and out by mid-day when the winds can increase.

Starting in 2022 a port fee was instituted for use of the dinghy dock at the panga harbor. Fee for 2 persons to use the dinghy dock 12/2023 – 220 pesos. Part of the fee is for your tender, and part of the fee is for the number of persons visiting. Improvements have been made to the port so we see that our funds are actually put to productive use. There are even carts that can be used from shore to the dock. NOTE there has been a fee for bringing in trash, not sure if that is still in effect 5/2024. Their trash disposal fee was probably designed for larger yachts who would have more volume than the average cruiser. You may want to plan to dispose of your trash elsewhere.

We have anchored overnight off Loreto on occasion, but other, more protected anchorages such as Ballandra and Marquer at Isla Carmen or Isla Coronados are not far away. Lots of folks anchor overnight at town when the conditions are benign.

Dinghy into the small panga harbor and head towards the U-shaped dock. Recently, dinghies are supposed to tie up between the dock and the shore (nearest to the dock ramp), YMMV. Most of that U-dock space is dedicated for loading and unloading for tourist pangas. Walk to shore and you will see a two story building on your left, walk around that building to the side that faces the street and you will find the entry to the port office where you will pay your fee.

We like to start with a nice breakfast at Los Mandiles (orange building on the Malecon, open air place with palapa roof a little south of Mission Hotel) then take care of our errands. It’s easy enough to walk just about everywhere. Occasionally we walk TO our destination, then if we have a big load (groceries or laundry for example), then we’ll take a taxi back to the harbor.

One taxi we have used and like, excellent English too: Jose Valenzuela +052 613 104 1872 (whatsapp)    [email protected]

Candeleros/Esenada Blanca/Danzante Bay (south of Puerto Escondido and Loreto)

There have been trash cans on this beach. This anchorage is the first one north of Isla Espiritu Santo/La Paz that will have a cellular signal

Villa Del Palmar Resort ‎(at Candeleros/Ensenada Blanca)

Anchor here and you might be able patronize the hotel restaurants, convenience store (mostly snacks and beverages), and the nice Palapa (on the left as you approach the pools) has burgers, pizza, tacos, etc.  AS OF 2024 THIS OPTION MAY or MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE, this resort has done very well and may no longer have need for cruiser patronage during busy times.

Park or anchor your dinghy and walk to the stairs (see the shower to wash your feet!) to access the hotel. There is likely a security guard to greet you and perhaps write down your boat name. He/she may direct you to the front desk for a wrist band to identify you. Bring cash in various denominations and a credit card if you want to eat/drink as most guests are on a package plan and so the staff doesn’t have to run to the front desk to make change. (It can vary how they want to receive your payment.) It’s a lovely place, at least walk around and have a look, the multiple pools form a big turtle. You may want to stay here or have friends/family visit you sometime. It’s also a time share facility so you might be able participate in one of their sales presentations

Ligui Village

Dinghy up to the northwest corner of the Candeleros bay (you’ll see some tall flagpoles that mark a park there) and walk about a half mile into the village of Ligui/Ensenada Blanca for a little market (look where the fishing pangas and trailers are located, to find the road into the village). LAST VISITED 2021, this tienda also has a sister store right along Highway 1, so its possible they may be able to bring things in that you are lacking. They can have some produce (better some days of the week than others), dairy products, bread, canned goods, some frozen meats, soda & juices, Magnum bars.

Marina Puerto Escondido
Puerto Escondido – call on channel 16 for slip availability (or phone or email). Staff there are excellent, some of the most helpful we have encountered in Mexico. Entering the harbor, we have found minimum depth of about 15 feet after recent dredging 2022).  Generally you can just enter and take an open mooring ball if you don’t want a slip, then go up to the office to check in.  Look for a mooring with a yellow float pickups, any moorings out of service will not have a float, and some “reserved” moorings may have a fender or other float with a boat name on it.
[email protected]
613 131 8097    613 133 0189    613 133 0899
Harbormaster Javier Fuerte (2024)

There IS wi-fi ashore next to the very well stocked tienda and a lovely third floor cruisers lounge with wi-fi was opened in 2020.

Gas and diesel are available at the fuel dock. Water can be obtained from the fuel dock and it is very potable. Suggest you use your own hose to fill as the harbor staff may drop their dock hose into an occasional holding tank.

A small swimming pool is there too, second floor the marina complex. (CLOSED 4/2024 – possible renovations?)

There is a lovely outdoor restaurant space upstairs on the second level deck, La Brisa. Very convenient and reasonable. Thin crust pizza and a salad makes a nice dinner. We like their burgers too. Good selection of items available, and a full bar. Fabulous view of the harbor. Live music some evenings. Serving breakfast in addition to lunch/dinner at least some days of the week.

To access Loreto from Puerto Escondido, there are a few options. Have/make friends with a car, ask on the morning VHF net if someone can provide a ride to town, have marina office order a rental car for you (they are delivered to the marina from town). As of 2024 the marina also has a shuttle service (for a fee). We have typically rented a car up there a few times a year, often sharing with another couple.

Nopolo/Loreto Bay (between Puerto Escondido and Loreto)
You can access the Inn (hotel) at Loreto Bay restaurant (and we used the pool 5/2022). We have a decent lunch there occasionally, last in fall 2023…reasonable pricing.

Walk down the beach a little south of the hotel and look for a pathway through the buildings. Along those pathways you’ll come to a boulevard with a few eating places and shops including a mini-mart. Along this paseo: Le Bistro (great French baked goods), Wine Cellar Nopolo (tapas and American sports on TV), La Sirena cafe (coffee, bakery, breakfast and lunch). Towards the very north end of the boulevard (where it starts to curve) is Pan Que Pan Bakery, a couple small restaurants, and Pedro’s Place restaurant and delicatessen/tienda with many grocery goodies that cruisers enjoy.

San Javier (Mission)

If you haven’t visited San Javier yet, it is well worth the drive, read our post at https://cuisinemarine.com/san-javier/. It is about a 35 minute easy and scenic drive each way from the turnoff at Highway One.  The Palapa restaurant just to the right of the church has a nice breakfast. Sometimes some fresh farm goods are available for sale. Definitely walk back behind the church to the right, to see the ancient olive tree and walk down the pathway to see a few agriculture fields and the water system.

Car Rental

Most convenient is to have the Puerto Escondido Marina office call and make a reservation for you. Rate includes Mexican insurance and delivery to and drop off at the marina ($55-75/day depending on season and availability in 2024).

Grocery/Liquor/Wine

El Gavilan –  Semillas y Especias (last visited 12/2023)
Condiments, beans bulk herbs, spices, nuts, grains, dried fruits, international ingredients like coconut milk, and gluten free items. Proprietor Gabriel Vasquez is a treasure. Ask him for his Chilean raisins. His olive oil (in unmarked bottle) is very nice. 
Salvatierra @ Independencia across from Pescador market
Shop #135-2331
Cell #613 – 137-2700
www.elgavilanloreto.com
[email protected]

Delicatessen  (last visited 5/2023)
Specializing in gourmet items, international ingredients, cheeses, spices, condiments, wines, vast selection of frozen meats like thick pork chops, steaks, lamb, organic chicken breasts, wine cellar from about 100p, Italian and other sausages, lots of goodies from Costco. (Proprietor Pedro Lopez ran the beloved tienda and Porto Bello restaurant at Puerto Escondido for many years.)
On Benito Juarez between Ayuntamiento y Marques de Leon, next blocks west of the Ferramar chandlery. Two story building, copper color on ground floor, white on second floor.

El Pescador (last visited 5/2024)
Locally owned store, big selection. A few more “gringo” items here (canned diced tomatoes for example) than Ley carries, even some Costco items are seen. Meat counter (their thick cut bacon is lovely), sometimes Johnsonville sausages, big produce section, liquor and wine.
Salvatierra at Independencia (at the traffic light).
613 135 0060
www.elpescador.com.mx

Juarez Market (last visited 5/204)
Small market that has a nice corner of “gringo” goodies including some treats from Costco. Kirkland sea salt crinkle-cut potato chips, anyone? EXCELLENT PRODUCE 5/2024. Meat counter and canned goods.
Benito Juarez near the roundabout at Ugarte and Salvatierra and next door to the Coppel Store.

Licores Cactus (last visited 5/2024)
Liquors and decent wine selection. Good prices, where the gringos go. ADDITIONAL LOCATION on the Malecon a little south of the Mission Hotel. Original location on Hidalgo, a little east of Independencia, not far from Pescador grocery
135-2075

Mi Bodega Aurrera (last visited 5/2024)
(a Walmart affiliate), smaller than the outlets in Constitucion and La Paz.
Staple items, some produce and cold items, nothing special in our opinion but must be a good place for the locals to bulk buy.
Independencia – a few blocks north of Super Ley Grocery

Super Ley Express (last visited 5/2024)
Opened in 2013. Biggest supermarket in town. We like their fresh English muffins and bagels (rarely seen in Mexico). Really good produce selection, and good quality. Has ATM machines affiliated with major banks, we have used many times with no problems.
Independencia, 2 blocks north of Benito Juarez

Tortilleria Dulce
last visited 5/2023
Benito Juarez  (south side of street) between  Indepencia and Guerrero, a little east of Ferremar. Try the (baked? Fried?) crispy flour tortillas – they don’t always have them, they are great as crackers!

Pedro’s Places (restaurant and satellite of Delicatessen market) in Nopolo/Loreto Bay
last visited ~2020
Better stock in the Loreto location, but he can bring items down to Nopolo store.
[email protected]
613 135 0733  ? 135 2499

Pescaderia Mariscos Alvarez – Seafood Market
(last visit 5/2023)
Excellent selection at good prices
On highway 1 just a little north of Ugarte
+52 613 116 6456

La Carniceria Drew (Drew Meats) 
(haven’t been there yet)
Delfines in Miramar neighborhood on west side of Hwy 1

La Cholla Minimarket
(Mini-Mart) at Nopolo/Loreto Bay (last visited 6/2022)
Paseo Mision de Loreto #305

Hardware, Electrical and Plumbing supplies

Ferreteria Chucos
last visited 4/2024
Madero about 2 blocks south of Hidalgo
Good sized store, LOTS of handy items

Madereria Y Ferreteria California
last visited 6/2023
(Loreto’s version of home depot)
On Hwy 1 north end of town, west side of highway (KM 5?)
+52 613 109 7701

Romero Electrical
last visited 11/2023
across from FerreMar on Benito Juarez

Laundry   

Self-Serve at Marina Puerto Escondido (last used 11/2024)
Works on honor system, report your number of loads and pay at the marina office

Lavanderia La Rana (last used 4/2024)
Wash and fold, very reasonable. (drop-off) same day service possible, we usually pick up the next day. They don’t use smelly soaps.
Benito Juarez #85 – several blocks west of Ferremar, same side of street look for blue building and frog logo
613 135 1383

Marine/Hardware

Ferre-Mar chandlery
last visited 12/2023
Boating/fishing/dive-snorkel gear/batteries/hardware/batteries/cleaning supplies, pieces and parts, camping gear, coolers, even vacuum seal bags and sealers (southern Baja chain with stores in La Paz and Constitucion)
Benito Juarez, between Vicente Guererro and Auyuntamiento. Blue Building.
613-135-0407
[email protected]
www.ferremar.mx

Autopartes El Tigre
Auyntiamento between Benito Juarez and Salvatierra

Chino Auto Parts
(last visited 4/2023)
Juarez at Ventura 135-1720
Batteries, Auto Parts, oil, pretty good inventory
135-1720

Baleros y Rotenes (Bearings and Seals)
On Highway 1 in Cuidad Constitucion, at the intersection of Olachea, roughly 1/4 mile NORTH of the Super Ley Market on the east side of the street.

Fishing licenses and park permits
at the base of the town pier

Carlos Cristiani Cruz Diving Services
Puerto Escondido – Street Level of the Puerto Escondido complex. Bottom Cleaning, Diving and underwater maintenance.
613 131 8098  613 109 2013
VHF 16
[email protected]
[email protected]

A few mechanics that have been recommended, we have not tried

Metal Fabrication
Tim Yarbrough [email protected]
House of Stainless, S.A. de C.V. and Loreto Expeditions, S.A. de C.V.
Office 52-613-135-1533
Cell 310-756-5742
www.wefab.com

Diesel mechanic
Lauro Bernal
speaks decent English
+52 613 118 6640
[email protected]

Outboard mechanic Eugene behind concrete wall at the road to San Javier

Welder. Fernando “El Condor” 613 105 8665

Restaurants & Take Out

Los Mandiles ONE OF OUR FAVORITES
last visited 4/2024
Our favorite breakfast place, great prices and staff. Good lunch too.
Right on the malecon a couple blocks south of the Mission Hotel
 +52 613 135 1099

Pollos Mexico
last visited 4/2024
Great grilled chicken and more, eat in or take out
Ugarte (the main drag) not far from Hwy 1

Mi Loreto ANOTHER FAVORITE
last visited 11/2023
on the pedestrian section Salviatierra west of Colegio

El Rey del Tacos – the QUINTESSENTIAL MEXICAN TACO PLACE
(last visited 5/2022)
9 am – 2 pm, seems to be open when they feel like it
Benito Juarez between Misioneros and Suarez
Where the locals go! get there early

La Picazon
(we have been there at least twice)
Alex and Imelda
Monday-Saturday from noon to 6:00 pm
613-111-8782
North of town, via graded road north. By boat is across from Isla Carmen, about 1 mile away. Shore is rocky so you may need to anchor out your dinghy. Anchoring with your sailing vessel is doable in good conditions, friends on Hylas 54 have anchored there (not overnight).
[email protected]
www.facebook.com/LaPicazonLoreto

Mita Goumet ANOTHER FAVORITE
(last visited 2019)
Calle Davis #13, on the town square just east of gazebo
Lovely patio, also indoor seating, a little pricier than some of the others but deliciously prepared fish, among other choices. Friendly husband and wife team.
613 135 2025
www.mitagourmet.com

Hotel Oasis
last visited 2019
Saturday night buffet! Oysters/Clams (in season) plus BBQ Chicken, Ribs, nice sides. Lovely outdoor patio, usuall live (acoustic) music.

Pan Que Pan Bakery
last visited 5/2024
Restaurant plus breads and pastries to go, gluten free items. Closed Monday.
Hidalgo near Pino Suarez. A second location north end of Loreto Bay near Pedro’s Place.
breakfast and lunch, pizza, salads.
613 101 4544

Del Borracho Saloon & Grill
under new ownership, haven’t been there for a while
Western themed. Was good for burgers
613 109 3001
San Javier Rd. a little south of Loreto and .4 km west of Hwy 1
Weds. – Fri. 11 am – 6 pm. Sat./Sun. 9 am – 6 pm – Limited hours in summer

Pepegina’s
(last visited 6/2021)
Several locations in Loreto. Most scenic their lovely outdoor location right at the panga docks off the malecon.

Vista al Mar (Clam Shack)
(last visited 2019)
Hwy 1, KM 103, right on the beach between Puerto Escondido and Nopolo
Extensive menu, not just clams! Good fish and shrimp tacos
613 113-3354

Wine Cellar Nopolo
last visited 5/2018
Tapas-type dishes, lasagna
sports on TV
Kitty corner from the Inn at Loreto Bay
613 104-5562
www.nopolowinecellar.com
[email protected]

Services

ATMs

In Super Ley Express Grocery store – ATM machines affiliated with major banks

Our Favorite – Banco Azteca –
Benito Juarez at Indepencia, great exchange rate

Other

Propane Plant
Hwy 1, 3.5 miles south of Loreto and before Nopolo
a little south of the turnoff to San Javier
135-0303

Telas Cindy
last visited 11/2023
Miscellany, Fabrics/notions/embroidering
135-0430
Salvatierra #85 west of Pescador grocery
[email protected]

Auto Repair
(electronics – alternator?) Marco – Salvatierra to school, turn right (at Colima?) then left at empty lots, head down street – home on left side – see mechanic stuff under carport

Blue Nation Diving
Plaza Misión Loreto, Ave. Salvatierra
[email protected]
(+52) 613-124-0607
www.bluenationbaja.com

Medical
Hospital
Hwy 1 just south of main drag into Loreto
Doctors are available at the hospital – Go into the emergency entrance
613 135-2035

Doctors

Dr. Jorge Luis Salinas Palma (Dr. Salinas)
Visited 2021
good english
Ayuntamiento
cel 613 118 5493
ofc 613 135 2797
[email protected]

Dentist – Salud Dental – Dr Alejandra Dyer
135-1296
Hidalgo bet misioneros and madero?

Pharmacia del Rosario
Last visited 11/2023
Pharmacy, best selection for toiletries
Salvatierra almost across from Pescador and Benito Juarez near Ferremar

Pharmacia Similares
Ayuntamiento (one long block north of Indepencia) right off Salvatierra

Optica Central
Jorge Amarillas Aguilar
+52 613 109 2744    613 135 1829
Salvatierra near Ignacio Allende

Misc.

Loreto Mision & Mision Museum
Mision Nuestra Senora de Loreto
Est. 1697
Tours 30 P. per person, signs are in English, te tour takes about an hour.
135-0005

SAYC-5 Computer Store
Last visited 2017
Computer sales and service, internet, security systems and surveillance
613 135 0853
http://www.sayc5.com/
Ayuntiamento n of indepencia

Alternator Repair
“the Chicken Mechanic’
or Marcos
Preperatoria y misioneros

Manny’s Refrigeration
135-8939
Cell:613 044 111-0302

Injectors Repair – Constitucion
Madima – Constitution Alvaro Obbegon y Cuauhtemoc

Tornillos y Accesories
Hardware with “Hard to Find Stuff”
Independecia near Kino
135-2110

Shipping – Estafeta