There’s nothing quite like arriving at a tranquil destination just before dusk. Nestled along the rugged coastline of Baja California, the tranquil bay of San Juanico offers a haven for cruising boats looking for protection from winters north winds. As we sailed into San Juanico, we anchored in the northernmost part of the bay, a spot we quickly found to be both serene and stunning. After setting anchor, we took a moment to relax in the cockpit, soaking in the beauty of our surroundings.
A Symphony of Rays and Fish
The evening light glimmered on the water, and to our surprise, a group of Mobius rays began to leap from the sea, creating a mesmerizing display. Their numbers were impressive, though they eluded my camera. If only they would jump on cue! Still, the experience was one we wouldn’t forget.
The water was crystal clear, revealing schools of large fish feeding on even larger schools of small fish that seemed to taunt us with their presence. Inspired by the abundance of marine life, Tyler decided to drop a fishing line off the back of Liahona. Just as dusk was settling in, he felt a tug on the line. After a few moments of suspense and a battle of wills, Tyler reeled in a green jack fish. Determined not to let it escape, he secured our dinner for the evening. As the sun set over the hillside, the entire bay was bathed in golden hues adding to the tranquility. Feeling secure with our anchor holding steady and a calm night forecasted, we settled in for a good night’s sleep.
Tranquil Morning in Paradise
The next morning, we were greeted by a peaceful sunrise that brought a sense of tranquility to the day. We sipped our morning coffee, watching as the colors of dawn danced across the rocky cliffs surrounding the bay. San Juanico felt like a unique paradise, and we were eager to explore more of it.
Taking the dinghy to shore, we met up with Ed and Finese, fellow adventurers who shared our love for exploration. Together, we set out to discover more of San Juanico’s natural beauty and charm. Our guidebook and the recommendations of other cruisers had mentioned a local goat farmer whose cheese was reputed to be the best on the Baja. Intrigued, we decided to seek him out.
The Search for the Elusive Goat Farm
The hike to the goat farm was an adventure in itself. The hillside was crisscrossed with dirt paths that wound through a dessert landscape of peppered with dry grass, native brush, succulents, and towering cactus trees. After a few wrong turns, we finally found the right trail. The day was warming up, so we shed our jackets as we trekked along the dusty path. Eventually, we arrived at the elusive goat farm, only to find it deserted. The farm itself was modest—a simple wooden structure enclosed by a low, wire fence supported by old wooden posts. A few dogs greeted us, barking at the sight of unfamiliar visitors. Disappointed but undeterred, we turned back the way we came to explore the beach where we landed our dinghy.
Preparing for the Next Leg of our Journey
With the weather window of calm narrowing before the forecast predicting strong north winds the next evening, we made plans to set sail early the next morning. Our next destination was Isla Coronados, where we hoped to take shelter from the approaching winds.
San Juanico offered us a perfect mix of adventure and tranquility, and as we prepared to move on, we couldn’t help but feel grateful for the peaceful moments and the natural beauty that had made our stay so memorable.
