Bahía Santa María, B.C.S., Mexico

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Dolphins, Dolphins Everywhere!

Dolphins jumping

On the way to Bahía Santa María, we had just an amazing time. At one point, we were surrounded by dolphins. They extended out to the horizon in all directions. It was near sunset and could not have been

A perfect sunset

more beautiful!

We saw dozens of them jumping up in the air together all at the same time in the distance (top left) and others just playing in our bow wake and frolicking right near our boat (right). Dolphins always seem to be having such a

Bahía Santa María anchorage

wonderful time playing. They exude a happiness for life that is easy to have rub off on you while you're watching them.

We pulled into the anchorage (lower left) about 48 hours after leaving Turtle Bay. We were able to sail all but two hours of the trip, and that only because we motored at the beginning to recharge our batteries. We even had enough wind to sail straight into the anchorage. When we arrived, we never even had to turn the engine on to set the anchor. This leg depicted our definition of perfect cruising.

A Hike to the Top

Eric on cliff edge

Angela at beach for a hike with Michael & Sara

Since we were in a bit of a rush to head south to Puerto Vallarta to meet Eric's sister for Christmas and because good weather was forecast for the following days, we only had one day to spend in Bahía Santa María. That day was quite drizzly (reminiscent of Pacific Northwest winters, not Mexican). Being from Washington, we didn't want to let that stop us... so we grabbed our friends from Pelican (they're from Seattle), Michael and Sara, and headed for shore.

Angela at the top

Once we got going, the light rain wasn't a problem. In fact, the anchorage was pretty windy that day (around 25 kts), so we were more wet from the dinghy ride to shore than we were from the rain itself.

Beautiful coastlines!

If anything, the rain helped to rid our clothes of the salt water we had picked up! On the hike we walked to the opposite side of land facing the Pacific. That edge was a steep cliff, looking down onto the breakers below. It was a gorgeous site. If we had had another day in Bahía Santa María, we would have liked to follow a lower trail around to a lighthouse on the far side.

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