The majestic Humpback whales...as seen from the drone.

Every year when we make our way south toward Puerto Vallarta and Banderas Bay we look forward to seeing whales. A large number of humpbacks calve in or near Banderas Bay and by the time winter months are well set in whales can be seen on almost every passage we make whether short or long. This year has been a bit different but only for the better. For the last 2 months or more we have seen lots and lots of whales. Many more than in years past.

The video in this post was taken on Feb. 18, 2018 at about 9am. We were anchored in the La Cruz anchorage and just about the time we finished with our morning coffee and daily check-ins to the SSB and ham nets we heard a small dog on a neighboring boat barking and whining and then heard a big crash into the water like someone dropped a boat out of the sky to land just a few yards away from us. We bolted up top to see what the commotion was about and discovered 4 whales bounding through the outskirts of the anchorage and passing between ourselves and the vessel anchored next to us. There was one youngster in the group that was certainly enjoying himself as he continually jumped out of the water, roll over and crash onto his back sending water splashing over his mother who never left his side.

Once they cleared the anchorage I put the drone up in the air to get a view from above. It was spectacular! I follow the group for about a mile as they made their way west toward the little surf town of Punta de Mita which sits on the far northwest side of Banderas Bay. As you watch the video pay close attention to the “escort” whale, a very large whale and probably a male, as he scans the area around the mother and calf.  Typically this escort is trying to discourage other males from mating with her as well as scanning for predators such as Killer whales. Anyway, without further chatter...enjoy the video!

Click on this pic to see the drone video

Until next time,

SV Liahona

Bret and Marne

Tenacatita Triathalon. Having fun, staying active.

If you like community and having plenty to do while cruising then Tenacatita is the place for you.  During the winter months cruisers converge on Tenacatita Bay just a few miles north of Barra de Navidad for it's protection and variety of activities that can be enjoyed there.  Among them are Bocci ball on the beach, a daily group swim, runs, paddleboarding, snorkeling, Mexican Train Dominos and just about anthing else you might think of along with an occasional swell good enough to surf.  When you get short on provisions you can either take the mother ship or dinghy over to La Manzanilla, just 3 miles across the bay to get whatever you need and enjoy a meal out.

Each year Robert and Virginia on s/v Harmony organize a triathalon which includes a swim to the beach, run down the beach to the resort and back and a paddle back out to Harmony.  You can do it as a team or by yourself.  It is all just good fun, nothing competitive and if you are the champ you get crowned with Harmony's plastic crown.  Here is a look at this year's event.  Enjoy.

(Click on the picture to play the video)

Until next time,

Bret and Marne
SV Liahona