Our Journey to Puerto Ballandra

Christmas on the Sea

Our journey on December 22 from Loreto began shortly before 1700 hours, and in a mere two hours, we reached Isla Carmen, where we dropped anchor in the tranquil and crystal-clear waters of Puerto Ballandra.

Spending Christmas in Puerto Ballandra was an extraordinary experience. Nestled on the western shore of Isla Carmen, this tranquil cove offers views of the shimmering lights of Loreto just nine miles to the west and never-ending sunsets. The breathtaking beauty of the bay, combined with the joyful atmosphere aboard SV Inscrutable, created a truly memorable setting. It served as a perfect opportunity to reflect, engage with nature, and cherish the simple pleasures of life.

The days leading up to Christmas were filled with painting, baking, swimming, paddle boarding and exploring the shore line.  

 

Christmas Celebration Highlights

Our Christmas Day in Puerto Ballandra was a perfect mix of fun traditions and adventurous spirit. We kicked off the day with the thrill of opening stockings and gifts before heading out on a beautiful hike with amazing views. The afternoon was filled with fun as we dove into some board games.  For dinner, we enjoyed a delicious homemade lasagna that made the festive atmosphere even cozier. Although we couldn’t take a dip due to a red tide, the warmth and joy of the day made it a Christmas to remember.

Christmas Morning Hike

Hiking was excellent directly around the cove. We braved the heat and the challenging ascent that guided us along the ridge to the summit, where we were rewarded with breathtaking views of the Sea of Cortez and Puerto Ballandra. However, ‘No Trespassing’ signs restrict access to the interior, as this area lies near the Bahia Salinas hunting lodge on the northeast side of the island.

Red Tide Challenges

We awoke on Christmas morning to find the sea transformed by a red tide, shifting from its usual stunning turquoise to a deep, unsettling red. This unexpected change sadly meant we could not enjoy our favorite activities of swimming and snorkeling but we made the best of it and went hiking instead.

Red tide happens when certain types of algae grow really quickly, usually because there’s a lot of nutrients in the water. These algal blooms can really shake things up for the environment, turning the water a funny color and creating toxins that can harm marine life and even pose risks to our health.


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