The Coromuel Winds of Baja

The Coromuel winds are a unique, localized weather pattern that sweep through La Paz and the southern Baja Peninsula, mostly during late spring and summer. They form when cool Pacific air flows across the Baja—unblocked by mountains—and rushes into the much warmer Sea of Cortez. These winds typically kick up in the late afternoon or early evening and can blow hard all night, sometimes well into the morning. They can easily blow up to 25 knots, with gusts over 30 not uncommon. It’s not the kind of wind you ignore.

For boaters, Coromuels can turn a calm anchorage into a choppy, restless ride. Boats often swing on anchor in the wind, especially in open bays. That’s why experienced cruisers in the La Paz area make a point of finding protected anchorages or tucking in as close to the shoreline—or “the wall”—as possible to get some relief. Staying close to the lee of the land can make a big difference, both in comfort and holding. Some anchorages that seem ideal during the day can get downright uncomfortable once the Coromuel kicks in.

The name “Coromuel” is said to come from a local take on “Cromwell,” a pirate rumored to have used the wind to sneak into La Paz undetected—though the story’s more local legend than fact.