Fuel availability in Baja

[Montenido]

Hi folks,

I have had a boat down in La Paz, BCS, for over 7 years so far. With the current shutdowns and Covid numbers rising, cruising has been virtually eliminated in the Sea of Cortez for the time being. You can anchor but not go ashore, or, you are not allowed to anchor in the first place.

Anyway, I am considering bringing my boat back up to California. I've made the trip several times already, but those were pre-covid trips. I'm wondering about fuel availability along the way. Does anybody know if Turtle Bay is still operating its fuel pier? Has anybody gone into shore there for provisions?

Thanks in advance for any facts that you guys can share with me.

Cheers, Bill

 

[GFC]

Bill, try to contact "Crusty Chief" on here via a PM. He has his boat down there and within the next month or so he's bringing it back. He's done that trip before and can probably fill you up on where you can fill up. (OK, that was a bad pun, sorry.)

 

[Larry M]

I had a friend that took his boat from PV to San Diego this spring before MX shut down. Enrique was still doing fuel but from his boat and there was no fuel on the pier. He’s a bit of a bandit but was the only game in town other than jerry jugging it.

 

[Crusty Chief]

Hi Bill,

We have been in contact with several Nordies and a few Selene’s that have made the trip back up the hill since this Covid event put a hold on things. Not knowing your tankage, but they all made the trip from San Jose Del Cabo (Fuel is a bit pricey) where they topped off and made the run North. We were in Turtle bay on the way down last year, and that fuel service at Turtle Bay sure was Sketchy. Several Sailboats that took on fuel there stated that the fuel was water contaminated, so be cautious.
Many of them did have to contact the MX Navy and advise of there plans.
Hope that helps. By the way, we are not heading North this year, but south to the Canal and hope to depart from San Carlos in October.

Cheers

 

[Larry M]

I heard back from my friend and he forwarded this article that was in Lectronic Latitude 38 in a May 22, 2020.

... fuel in Bahia Asuncion, as their prices are much more reasonable. If anyone is choosing this option, the contact there is sharibondy@gmail.com; USA (619) 906-8438 or Mexico (615) 155-7197.

https://www.latitude38.com/lectronic/who-to-call-about-sailing-home-from-mexico/#comments

 

[Montenido]

Thanks for the great replies and tips. I just hate to leave my boat down there with no end in site for the Covid mess. I'm aware of Enrique, both through experience and stories of others. Fueling in Ascencion sounds like the way to go.

I'll post again when my plans are set.

Thanks and cheers, Bill

 

[BandB]

One word of caution, do not assume information you get today is still valid two weeks from now. If you decide to do this, you need to be prepared to constantly double check until you actually make the trip and get fuel. Otherwise you may find yourself trying to find a fuel supplier who no one knows where he is.