|
|
|
Getting There -- and Getting Fuel
Print This Article
|
Email This Article
Getting to the lovely bay of Bahia Navidad is easy.
If you’re coming down from Puerto Vallarta for the festivities, it’s a 125 mile run with comfortable rest stops at the anchorages of Ipala and Chamela.
When leaving Bahia Banderas, plan to round the major headland of Cabo Corrientes either during the night or early morning hours when the winds are calmer. You may notice the squirrely mixing of ocean currents for which this corner is named.
The fair weather anchorage at the village of Ipala is 15 miles southeast of Cabo Corrientes, but if you can press on, do so. Another 50 miles takes you to Bahia Chamela’s many islands and anchorages, for much more attractive scenery and better anchorage protection overnight. Then, you’re only 34 miles northwest of Bahia Navidad, passing Careyes, Los Frailles and Tenacatita en route.
As you enter Bahia Navidad from the northwest, be sure to give a half mile berth to Cabeza de Navidad, because two flat-topped rocks awash come out almost a quarter mile farther than do the pointy white rocks that are clearly visible.
Coming up from Manzanillo, an uneventful cruise of 23 sea miles brings you into the middle of Bahia Navidad. Round Punta Graham a full mile off, due to off-lying rocks.
Diesel fuel is available in Manzanillo at Marina Las Hadas and through the port captain in the town’s inner harbor. It’s also available in Puerto Vallarta at Marina Vallarta’s Opequimar fuel dock.
A recent earthquake reportedly damaged some of the homes lining the channel that leads to Club Nautico at Barra de Navidad, so keep in mind that access to that immediate area by boat may be temporarily restricted.
|
This article first appeared in the March 1, 1997 issue of Sea Magazine. All or parts of the information contained in this article might be outdated. |
|
|
|
|
