Bahia Cuastecomate lies 11NM east of Tenacatita, separated by the rocky finger of Isla Igelsias. The verdant wooded hills surrounding the bay are unspoiled except for a development of resorts on the southeast side. The reef on the south side of Bahia Cuastecomate has good coral and is great for snorkeling.

The bay is open to the west and during the winter swell from the northwest makes this a rolly anchorage. Punta Cuastecomatito breaks up some of the southerly swell, this is a lovely anchorage in the mild to moderate conditions in the summer months.

Approaches

Straight forward approach.

Anchorage

Steer clear of the reef on the south side of the bay and anchor behind it in 6.7m on sand with good holding. Dinghy ashore to southern end of the beach.

Facilities

The beach in front of the resorts is lined with palapa restaurants and there is a small grocery store in the village.

Ensenada Teopa is a wide open bay 3km long and lined with pristine white sand. The anchorage lies at the southern end of the beach behind Punta Farallon which shelters it from some of the southern wind and swell. Exposed from northwest to northeast this anchorage is only recommended during the summer months in calm conditions.

In the summer turtles come ashore to lay their eggs on the beach and a turtle protection program has been established to collect the eggs and release hatchlings back into the ocean during the winter months. Visitors are welcomed and encouraged to participate in the program to save these gentle creatures.

Approaches

Straight forward approach

Anchorage

Tuck in behind Punta Farallon and anchor close to the beach in 7m on muddy sand.

Facilities

None. Walk for miles along the strand or hike up to the Copa del Sol on Punta Farallon. If the artistic and acoustic properties of this giant concrete bowl are not your thing, the walk along the cliffs and narrow rock bridge are breathtaking and the view is spectacular.

Tenacatita Inner Bay shares all the same qualities of the Outer Bay; great snorkeling, a gorgeous beach and cold beer. In addition the estuary at the west end of the bay is deep enough for dinghy exploration for several kilometres into the mangroves. Tour boats from Manzanilla come for the Estuary Tour and can be hazardous roaring through the narrow sinuous mangrove channels.

Approaches

When approaching the Tenacatita inner bay pass to the southeast of Roca Centro which lies about 0.5NM off Punta Chubasco.

Anchorage

Anchor behind Punta Chubasco for a little shelter from the westerly swell in 8.5m on sand with good holding. Waves are often breaking on the beach so take care landing the dinghy ashore.

Facilities

One of the highlights of a visit to Tenacatita is taking the dinghy/kayak/SUP up the river which winds 4.5km through the mangrove swamp before opening up in to the lagoon behind the beach at the outer bay. Enter the estuary on the flood tide and enjoy the sights and sounds of the pelicans roosting in the trees and snowy egrets and green herons hunting on the sand banks. Pay attention for tour boats rounding bends in the river and hope you don’t meet a crocodile.

A couple of hotels lie on the northern side of the inner bay and La Vena restaurant is located close to the river mouth. The restaurant will sometimes take garbage, fill water jerries or offer laundry services.

Tenacatita is a large bay located about 30NM southeast of Bahia Chamela. The anchorages in the two lobate coves on the north side of the bay are very popular with cruisers but there is space for dozens of boats. The bay is open to the south and west but Punta Hermanos shelters the anchorage areas from swell from the northern sector. Tenacatita is not recommended during the summer except in calm conditions.

The outer bay is nicknamed the Aquarium for good reason; the rocky reefs and warm, crystal clear water in the lee of the Punta Hermanos are a favorite spot for snorkeling. Cruisers gather at the palapa restaurants behind the beach for games or sundowners or to just enjoy the picture postcard view of this beautiful bay.

Approaches

If approaching from the north steer clear of the reef extending some 0.5 Nm to the east from Punta Hermosa.

Anchorage

Anchor anywhere off the beach in 5-15m on a sandy bottom. Tuck in behind Punta Hermosa if the swell is running from the west. The beach can be a dinghy roller in even a moderate swell so be patient, wait for right moment to land and prepare to get wet. Try landing at the west end of the beach where the waves are least.

Facilities

A few palapa restaurants line the beach and there are also a couple of small grocery stores for basics. The turquoise waters invite swimming or snorkeling among the rocks and reefs at the point is superb. The long stretches of white sand invite walking and beachcombing or sit under a palapa umbrella and enjoy the view of the bay with an icy cold beer.

Cruisers exploring the mangroves from the inner bay or tour boats doing the Estuary Tour pull up at the lagoon behind the beach.

Bahia Chamela is the first good anchorage southeast of Cabo Corrientes. The hook shaped headland of Punta Rivas at the northern end of the bay forms a sheltered cove where the village of Perula is located. Several more anchorages are dotted amongst the red rocky islands in the southern part of the bay.

The cove at Perula is open to southerly wind and swell but is sheltered from most other winds and is a popular anchorage in the winter months.

Approaches

When approaching from the north give Punta Perula a wide berth to avoid the reef on the southeast side of the point. Enter the bay mid channel between the point and Isla Pajarera and watch out for fish pens which are often anchored on the west side of the bay.

Anchorage

Tuck in behind Punta Perula and anchor in 10m on a sandy bottom. Use a stern anchor to point into the swell for a more comfortable night. When surf is crashing on the beach land the dinghy in the northwest corner of the beach by the river mouth where the waves are smaller. In calm conditions enter the river and tie up with the pangas.

Facilities

Perula has a handful of restaurants and several small grocery stores selling basics. Internet available in the village. The Playa Dorada Hotel offers showers and a laundry service. Good snorkeling can be had amongst the rocks around the Punta Perula.

Yelapa is a deep groove in the south coast of Bahia Banderas approximately 17NM from Puerto Vallarta. The bay is part of the Chacala Indigenous Community – an area of land on the Cabo Corrientes peninsula that was deeded to the local indigenous people by King Philip II of Spain in 1581. Chacala is a 40 minute drive from Yelapa and a similar distance again to the highway.

The bay is deep and step sided and the shoreline is rocky both above and below the water. The towering hills surrounding the bay shelter it from all but a northwesterly wind however the swell still manages to find its way in.

Moorings in front of the village are available for overnight stays. Linger in front of the beach or call Edgar on VHF10 and he will come out in a panga to assist you.

Approaches

No info.

Anchorage

The bay is deep but shallows to 15-25m close to the beach. Find a sandy patch between the pangas and the moorings to drop the pick and make sure your anchor is well set. Land the dinghy on the small beach on the southwest side of the bay where the swell is least or tie up to the town pier.

Facilities

The village is very picturesque with a fine church, a small but surprisingly well stocked grocery store and plenty of restaurants and guest houses.

Yelapa is a popular day excursion for cruise ship passengers and can get very crowded. For a quieter experience avoid visiting when a cruise ship is in Puerto Vallarta. The anchorage on the west side of Bahia Yelapa is a quieter spot away from the hustle and bustle of the village and beach. The shoreline in this small indent is slightly less steep and has a small shelf where it is possible to anchor with slightly more protection from the swell.

Approaches

No info.

Anchorage

Anchor in 10.5m on sand. Dinghy in to the beach or to the town pier.

Facilities

The village has several restaurants, a grocery store and a handful of hotels. A number of artists and musicians live in the village and they often perform or display their work in the bars and restaurants. Enjoy a glass of local moonshine distilled from the roots of the maguey plant. This rough liquor is over 100% proof is said to have an aphrodisiac effect in women, produce temporary impotency in men and cause a nasty hangover in both cases.