Cedros Island - Fees

Description:

Cedros Island is situated off the Baja California Peninsula on Mexico's western coast. This region is the real Baja, not a regular tourist destination; with honest, authentic and resilient people who have been living off the ocean's resources for generations.

The island's principal industry is the export of salt and because of this Cedros’ port ranks as Mexico's third-largest, carrying over 7 million metric tons of salt per year. The population is reported as being somewhere between 1500-5,000 persons as there are many seasonal residents, such as relatives moving in and out, visiting in summer, and those who come for the fishing season to work.

There are two main towns on Cedros Island, El Morro, and Cedros Town. The former is at the southernmost point of the island, where the employees of the salt company live in housing and infrastructure provided by the company. Cedros Town is about four times bigger; most of the inhabitants are fishermen, service providers and small business owners.

The San Benitos Islands are situated about 25.7 kms (16 miles) west of Cedros Island and are a great destination for wildlife watching, hiking and snorkelling. Cruisers liken these islands to the Galapagos with very friendly fishermen and amazing wildlife.

Cruiser Highlights:

Isla Cedros is a great base for many reasons.

• You can land a dinghy near the ferry terminal and buy supplies in the nearby town.
• There are taxis there as well for trips further afield.
• You can also get a ferry to Punarenas for onward travel to the capitol of San Jose.
• There is a nice bar on the island.

Entrance Notes and Cautions:

A power line between the mainland and the SW tip of Isla Cedros hangs at approximately 44’ at MHW. A second power lines runs between Isla Cedros and Isla Jesusita at a height of approximately 80’ near the shore of Jesusita. Use extreme caution passing under it, staying close to the shoreline of Isla Jesusita in depths of 4-5m.

This mangrove lined channel between Isla Cedros and Isla Jesusita is well protected from the southerly swell but can be exposed to weather from the north. The tranquility of the bay may occasionally be disturbed by the caretaker's generator or a troop of howler monkeys in the trees.

Position:  

28° 05.63'N, 115° 10.93'W (Cedros town harbour)