Los Gatos
Overview
Los Gatos doesn’t have the best protection from north or south swell, but it is just good enough that it can be done comfortably if there are not more than a few boats anchored. The northern part of the bay is Los Gatos and the southern part is El Toro. It is all really the same shallow bay that is separated by a small point called El Toro. In heavy weather from the north Los Gatos will be your choice. In heavy weather from the south El Toro is a better choice.
The main attraction to Los Gatos is the beautiful red rock formations that run into the Sea. It is like Lake Powell, but on the Sea of Cortez. The sun sets over beautiful jagged mountains and rises with views of Isla Santa Cruz and Isla San Diego.
The only thing on shore besides nature is a small palapa for a rancho. No cell service or any other kind of service.
Google Maps Link: Los Gatos
Anchoring Options
Whether heading to anchor in Los Gatos or El Toro watch out for the reef that runs into the bay from the south. It is approximately 1/4 mile long (350meters). Give the point on the north at least 100 meters to clear the reef on that side. The bottom is sand and this area can probably hold 6-8 boats anchoring in less than 20’ of water.
Beaches
The beaches on the Los Gatos and El Toro sides are nice sand and easy to land a dinghy.
Hiking
There is plenty of places to stretch your legs here. A very rough dirt road crosses through here and you can hike around the red rocks on the north side of the bay.
Insects
As with many of the anchorages there can be a lot of bees on here at Los Gatos. Don’t leave fresh water available on the decks, galley, or heads and they shouldn’t be much of a problem. We haven’t experienced any other issues with insects yet.
