Chiapas

Marina is not yet on charts so gps shows us on land

Many Shrimp boats

New Marina at Chiapas

Nearby beach on Saturday afternoon

Large city 20 miles away

Chiapas is our last port in Mexico and we need to check out of the country here.  There is a very nice brand new marina which has not started charging for their slips even though they have water, electricity, wi-fi, showers and an incredible staff to help us.   Large city has Wal-Mart, Home Depot, Auto Zone, and lots of shops.

Crossing the Tehuantepec

Sailing at Sunset

Incredible Sushi

1 of 3 King Mackerels

10 Lb Tuna

Crossing the Tehuantepec was the most frightening passage since leaving San Diego.  There can be gale force winds blowing across from the Gulf of Mexico because of the narrow land mass and mountains.  We waited for a good weather report and made the two day passage with 8 other boats.  Had calm seas and a combination of sailing and motoring.  There is an abundance of life here.  We even had a whale dive lengthwise under our boat giving us a view of his large tail off our bow (little too close for comfort).

Oaxaca

City Center

Santo Domingo

Chocolate factory

Weaving

Mezcal distillery

Dye process

Monte Alban Ruins

Took an overnight (8 hour) bus to Oaxaca (pronounced wa-ha-ca) and spent three wonderful days.  Great lively city with many sites to tour including weaving, ancient ruins, mezcal factory, chocolates, museums, markets, and city center.

Dolphins

We saw a lot of dolphins on our way from Acapulco to Huatulco.  They often put on quite a show and loved to play around the boat.  What is really amazing is how clear the water is and the beautiful blue color.

Huatulco

Saw many sea turtles on our way

Sailing at Sunset

Entrance to Huatulco

Enjoyed a great 2 and half day sail from Acapulco to Huatulco with great winds most of the time.   Even the cat came out to enjoy the sail one day.  Strange part of this trip was we were actually traveling East and even a little North at the end.  We will wait in Huatulco for good weather to cross the Tehuantepec on our way south.  The winds from the Gulf are channeled through the mountains and can speed up to gale force through the Tehuantepec.

Acapulco Buses

 

The buses in Acapulco are amazing.  They are all individually decorated with paint jobs, lights, horns of all kinds, and stuffed animals.  One bus we were on had strobe lights going (not sure how the driver could see where he was going).

Acapulco

Much to our surprise, the large city of Acapulco was fun and interesting to see.  Beautiful cliffs, beaches, and lots of fun things to see like the water fountain light show, the old Spanish fort, and the cliff divers.