Fish Pens, Sand Bars and Dinghy Docks

Barra de Navidad is a lovely setting for an anchorage. The town is quaint and authentic and we are surrounded by jungle to starboard and a beautiful golf course and island to port.

Getting in and out of the Lagoon is challenging, however, even with good waypoints. There are sand bars everywhere. You should always transit the entrance during high tide and ALWAYS follow your waypoints exactly. We didn’t realize the tide was going out as we were coming in and we ran aground twice. Fortunately we were able to back out of the mud without too much trouble and we had a “VHF Angel” guiding us in after the first grounding. (“Go to port.” More to port.” “WAY more to port…and don’t turn until you are next to the blue boat.”) Once we got into the area where all the boats were anchored our “VHF Angel” advised that we should put out 100’ of chain as the bottom is mud and when the wind gets strong boats will drag. We found a good spot to drop the hook but it took two tries and one grounding before it set. Once we were settled, Jim & Bonnie from “Murray Grey” came by in their dinghy to give us the rundown on the local facilities.

Day 2: First thing in the morning we were greeted by the French Baker (honest to goodness) who brings fresh pastries to each boat in the marina and anchorage. I have taken a serious fancy to his Almond Croissants! After breakfast, we decided to take the dinghy into town to do some exploring and hang out a bit socializing with the other cruisers at the Sands Hotel. They are happy to let us tie dinghies to their dinghy “dock” and we can use the pool for free and the internet for 20 pesos ($1.50 US) per day if we purchase beverages from their bar. This is not much of a problem for cruisers!

The Dinghy Dock is an interesting affair. First, as you dinghy into town, you must pretty much go where the pangas do as the huge number of sand bars is appalling. Once you get around the corner, go very close to the edge of the swimming area, very slowly past the sandbar that goes all the way across the water and hug the port side of the water where the pangas are parked. You will soon see the Dinghy “Dock” with many inflatables tied up and waiting patiently for their owners to return. As you can see from the photo, the dock is actually a broken down rock and cement wall! It is interesting getting close enough to get off and tie up without getting so close that you puncture the dinghy with a rock or sharp shell. Once you are tied up and off to swim, shop, hang out or whatever, your trusty dinghy will wait patiently for your return. When you are ready to return home, it can be interesting as well. Today the tide was way, way out and we ran aground backing out and after we were around the corner and in the “channel” we strayed a bit too close to the fish pen to port and hit a rock.

I am trying to decide if I like it here or not. When the wind comes up (which is every afternoon) my stress level pegs worrying about whether we are going to drag into someone else or vice versa. I love the personal service from the sweet French Baker. The scenery is beautiful, temperature perfect and the town is truly authentic Mexico. I wish I could relax more because this is the kind of place I came here for. But…it is definitely worth staying a few more days.