Puerto Vallarta to Barra de Navidad

Puerto Vallarta was a nice, comfortable stay. But the dominant presence of american retirees made us feel like being in the US rather than Mexico. So we were in need of some authentic Mexican culture and food. And so it was good bye to PV.

Leaving Puerto Vallarta

Just as we left the port, a huge whale was swimming literally under and across our boat, come up for air and dive under. It was a bit nerve racking, but an amazing experience. The photos don’t to the experience any justice.

Whale crossing under the boat
Coming up for air
And right back down

We stayed one night at Ipala, a small fishing town just beyond Corrientes. Just us and other sailboat as we headed out in the morning.

Leaving Ipala in the morning

It was a nice day sail along the coast, nicknamed “Mexican Cote d’Azur” as the countless mansions along the coastline proof.

Mansions along the coastline
Blue castle
Arriving at Baja Chamela

Towards Puerto Vallarta Via Isla Isabella

We had to leave Mazatlan to meet Angel’s sister, Anna and Vanessa, Angel’s sister in Puerto Vallarta. We split two overnight sails with a short stay at Isla Isabella and get a few hours of rest.

It’s a wonderful island home to many wildlife with a crater at its center. We had loved to land on it and do some hiking and sightseeing, but due to high winds it was just not safe.