Cruising around Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta

[paccrest]

Thinking of sailing my boat down from the Sea of Cortez to Mazatlan or PV during the Christmas break. Will have my 3 teenage kids with me. I don't really know those cruising grounds and am wondering if there is plenty to see there for 2-3 weeks. Islands, good anchorages on the mainland, beaches, surfing, snorkeling etc. I looked online and just did not find much. My Mexico cruising guide is on the boat in Mexico so it does me no good here in Oregon. Argh! I noticed there is a group of islands just off the coast from PV but looking at Google maps it does not appear to have many, or any, suitable anchorages. Any thoughts on those islands would be appreciated as well. Thanks for your replies....
Bret
SV Liahona

[model 10]

Don't miss Yalapa. It's just a few miles south of Puerto Vallarta. It's on our list of favorites. With that said, you might be tempted to use a stern anchor because the swell comes straight in to the anchorage and sometimes you end up sideways to it..

[model 10]

Oh and Isla Isabella. Good anchorage, great snorkeling and blue Boobies!

[paccrest]

I have been to Yelapa...great little spot but anchorage seems pretty tight. Thanks for the tips!

[SV THIRD DAY]

Between Mazatlan, San Blas, Isla Isabella and PV....heck I could spend an entire cruising season in that area...opps...I've spent 4 seasons!

[Yeti]

San Blas is definietly worth a stop in my opinion. Cool laid back place.

They say the bugs are a problem but when I was down there for a week or so I didn't notice them.

If anybody is in to surfing San Blas is defineitly a good place for that.

The panga tours into the jungle is pretty cool as well. Crocs and birds and beautiful scenery.

If your willing to venture a little further south I would also recommend Bahia Chamela. It doesn't seem like there's much there but I found it to be a great place to hang for a week or so. I can't really put my finger on why I like the place so much I just know that I did.

[paccrest]

Thank you for the responses. Was planning to hit San Blas because of the surfing, just wasn't sure how the anchorage was. I will also check out Chamela.

[rcmpegasus]

Just south of San Blas is Chacala, real nice spot. Small anchorage off a very small town. It has a great beach, good food at the beach resturants and good diving on the points nearby. One of my favorite spots along that coast. Bow and stern anchor.


Sent from my iPad using Cruisers Sailing Forum

[solarbri]

Yup. Plenty to do. I'm hoping to get back down for my fourth full season cruising Mex.
The islands you may be looking at are the Tres Marias. These islands are a penal colony and you can't even sail near them.
I second Chamela. Good surfing. Awesome little islands to explore. Very quiet.
If you can make it even further South, check out La Manzanilla in Bahia Tenacatita. Great little town! Also, at the main anchorage there in Tenacatita, you'll find one of the most unique socially organized anchorages that you'll ever go to. Yeah, I know, I too usually seek out empty anchorages, however, the feeling of community and Love down in Tenacatita is something I've found no where else I've ever cruised.
Even further South...Zihuatenejo. Beautiful!
Have fun!
B


Sent from my iPad using Cruisers Sailing Forum