During the winters of 2010-2013 we cruised our sailboat up and down the entire Pacific coast of Mexico, from Ensenada down to the Guatemala border, and this page gives the links to our blog posts from the northern portion of the mainland between Mazatlan and Manzanilo. Portions of this region are referred to as the “Mexican Riviera,” the “Costalegre” and the “Gold Coast.”
If the geography of Mexico is unfamiliar to you, especially the locations of the most popular anchorages, check out Mexico Maps. If you are considering cruising Mexico’s Pacific coast and/or Sea of Cortez, have a look at our Mexico Cruising Guide Part I and Part II.
2013 Kiteboard World Cup – Right here on the beach!
May, 2013 - The World Cup Kiteboard competitions took place right on our beach. And what a thrilling show it was -- soaring athletes on wings and cool cars!!
Chamela to La Cruz – Dances with Whales around Cabo Corrientes
March, 2013 - Our passage from Chamela to La Cruz was very tranquil until breaching humpback whales burst out of the water next to us, welcoming us to Banderas Bay!
Costalegre: Barra de Navidad – Upstairs / Downstairs
February, 2011 - Barra de Navidad is a funky seaside town and serene anchorage overflowing with cruisers and shore-side ex-pats at one end and high-end resort guests at the other...
Costalegre: Careyes – The most colorful anchorage on Mexico’s Pacific coast!
March, 2013 - Wow, talk about color! The tiny anchorage of Careyes is hard to park in, but the colorful views surrounding the anchorage make it well worth the effort!
Costalegre: Chamela Bay – Recovery after a Wild Crossing
November, 2010 - Crossing the Sea of Cortez "the long way" from Cabo to Chamela was unnerving, but Chamela was a great place to recover.
Costalegre: Chamela Bay Islands – Remote Getaway
March, 2011 - We discovered the island anchorages of Chamela Bay are remote, unspoiled and very scenic..
Costalegre: Cuastecomate – Exploring a “Secret Anchorage”
March, 2013 - On our second visit to the "Secret Anchorage" of Cuastecomate, we got ashore to the cute village behind the palapa beach bars.
Costalegre: Las Hadas Resort Anchorage – A Beautiful setting away from downtown
February, 2011 - Las Hadas Resort has gorgeous views of Manzanillo bay, but a trip in town revealed the grittier side of Manzanillo's downtown.
Costalegre: Manzanillo Bay – Hot sauce & a great adventure
January, 2012 - When our alternator died in Manzanillo, a Mexican Horatio Alger and an expert repairman whose shop was outdoors saved our bacon...
Costalegre: Manzanillo’s Las Hadas – Of Turrets and Fairies
December, 2010 - What a fantastic spot: Las Hadas ("The Fairies) Resort anchorage where the movie "10" was made and where life is easy.
Costalegre: Manzanillo’s Las Hadas Anchorage – The Charms of Resort Life!
December, 2010 - Las Hadas Resort is all about languid poolside afternoons and strolls amid fantasy architecture, but those niggling chores...
Costalegre: Manzanillo’s Las Hadas Resort – A hint of the Med in Mexico
March, 2013 - Visiting Las Hadas in our third season aboard Groovy, we were charmed by its picturesque beauty once again and took tons of pics!!
Costalegre: Manzanillo’s Santiago Bay & Playa La Boquita – Beach Fun!
February, 2011 - Santiago has a wide four mile long beach in Manzanillo where we found wildlife, a tuba player and a perfect birthday afternoon.
Costalegre: Paraiso – An Unexpected Tropical Oasis!
March, 2013 - Paraiso is a tiny gem of an anchorage where we found clear turquoise water, thick swarms of fish, tall palms and a gorgeous beach.
Costalegre: Santiago Bay in Manzanillo – Brilliant sunrises every day!
March, 2013 - In Santiago Bay we bolted out of bed every morning to watch the gorgeous sunrises. Each was more beautiful than the last.
Costalegre: Tenacatita – Not Heavenly for Cruisers Any More
March, 2011 - At Tenacatita we saw the most extensive red tide we've ever seen, but an exotic "jungle tour" up a mangrove estuary made us smile again...
La Cruz – A favorite cruiser hangout with a fabulous farmer’s market
April, 2013 - La Cruz is a favorite cruiser hangout, and when we went to the Sunday farmer's market we understood why -- it's fantastic!!
Mazatlan – A Little Strange
April, 2011 - Mazatlan was once a great Mexican city, and some folks still enjoy its Old Town, but we never got the warm and fuzzies there.
Mazatlan Area: San Blas & Isla Isabel – Urban Agitation and Booby Joy
April, 2011 - We saw a great whale display going to San Blas, then on to Isla Isabel where blue footed boobies and their babies delighted us.
Puerto Vallarta: La Cruz & Sayulita – Cruisers, Surfers & Some Fun-loving Mexicans
March, 2011 - La Cruz de Huanacaxtle is a sailing oriented town near Puerto Vallarta where we discovered Huichol yarn art and saw Mexico's wilder side.
Puerto Vallarta: Paradise Village – The Lap of Luxury
December, 2011 - After an unusual birthday bash in La Paz, we crossed the Sea of Cortez to Paradise Village Resort Marina for some pre-holiday luxury...
To see the links to our blog posts from the other regions of Mexico, check out these summary pages (you can also find them under the Mexico menu item in the menu bar at the top of each page):
- Pacific Coast of the Baja (San Diego to Cabo San Lucas)
- Sea of Cortez (La Paz to San Carlos)
- Southern mainland Pacific coast (Zihuatanejo to Chiapas)
- Inland Travels (Oaxaca, Monte Alban, San Cristobal de las Casas, Palenque, Morelia)
To follow our travels chronologically, see the Route page.