The lush jungle of Bahia Honda We left Isla Gamez to head over to the next island, only a couple hours away but when we arrived there, the ever present Pacific swell was exploding on the surrounding rocks and the large waves were crashing on the narrow beach. There was no chance to stop there so we kept on going to the next the island, part of the Coiba National Park. By the time we arrived, we were only about an hour before sunset, at high tide, and we'd just received news f

Beautiful sunset at sea on the way to Panama After going to all the authorities' offices in Golfito, Costa Rica, we were granted permission to leave, with the all important "international zarpe", the document confirming our clearance to sail. In the meantime I contacted an agent in Panama, to arrange clearance for our entry into the country. We had 2 choices for entry: Puerto Armuelles or Boca Chica. The first is an open beach where boats anchor off, and a shore agent takes y

Paradise found Considering the large swell along the Pacific coast, we decided to push further south, and take shelter in the Gulf of Nicoya. The passage was easy, with a smooth overnight ride, in large lazy swells that would lift the boat up 20 feet before gently bringing us down on the other side. Its period so large that the movement was barely perceptible, more a visual effect than a physical one. The sounder though would register it, the sea bottom trace following the wa

Ocean Marina Costa Rica is known for its surfing beaches so, unsurprisingly, good swell free anchorages are rare on the Pacific side. After trying to hide from the swell in various anchorages along the way we decided to stop in a marina, for the usual provisioning run but also to get some calm and rest. Many had told us Punta Arenas was "industrial" and not really worth a stop. Despite having a small cruise terminal, it seems tourists use the port mainly as an entry point to

One part that resonates so strongly with us is the "escape vehicle" aspect a Nordhavn brings. We call it our "bubble". From the glaciers of Alaska We're currently in Costa Rica, and a few days ago Di looked up from her phone after doing her morning reading and reminded me "It's your 5 year life anniversary", to which I reminded her that it was also pretty much the 10th anniversary of my retirement, aged 52 back then. Quick maths will therefore tell you I'm currently 29 year

A huge 4 km long beach to chase crabs As usual the plan was simple: Hop along the coast, stopping in nice and protected bays. Our next destination was Bahia Ballena, which on paper would provide good shelter from the Papagayo winds and seas. Reality proved very different: After a night off Flamingo marina in constant swell, and a sporty beach landing for Princess' walk and a restaurant treat for all, we cruised all day and poked our nose into Bahia Ballena early afternoon. So

A beautiful marina. Very expensive We adjusted the engine RPMs to make sure we could meet our ETA in Papagayo Marina, the first touch of Costa Rica so the authorities wouldn't wait for us. Checking in Costa Rica can be done by the Captain and crew directly, visiting the various authorities as needed, but that means leaving the boat at anchor for a whole day, going from office to office, getting a taxi to the airport to visit immigration. Super yachts in Papagayo marina. Much

Such an enjoyable place A fellow N40 recommended a stop in Nicaragua, Puesta del Sol, and we figured it'd be a nice mid way point between Mexico and Costa Rica. Initially we thought we'd spend a week, to recover from the cruise down from Mexico, but we enjoyed it so much we ended up staying well over a month. The trip down was uneventful, though I had to alter course a few times to try and hide away from the Papagayo winds, mostly in the mornings. Bumping in the waves a few h

Good times. Good-Bye After spending a little over two years in Mexico, going back and forth as needed to renew our visas we've left Chiapas, heading South towards Nicaragua. It's time to say a hearty Good-Bye, and big Thank You! We had a great time in Mexico, and made so many incredible memories. Humpback whales when we rounded Cabo, huge dolphin pods in the Sea of California, turtles and rays. We watched coyotes fishing in shallow waters, and seals hunting large schools of f

Beautiful little marina After waiting patiently for days our weather window started firming up. It'd be a short one, but the signs were clear: The Tehuantepec winds that normally rush between the mountains from the Gulf of Mexico to the Pacific Ocean would calm down for about 48 hours. With an estimated passage of 250 miles, or about 40 hours at just over 6 knots, that didn't leave much leeway should the weather window close earlier than forecast. Mexico only spans 215 km at

Beautiful offshore sunset We left Ixtapa early morning to give us a chance to arrive at marina Chahue in Huatulco before sunset the next day. Leaving in pitch dark I was careful to follow the exact track we'd used on the way in the channel. Most of the buoys marking the channel are either missing or not lit, with only the occasional one working. Soon, after rounding the first cape, we had glorious weather. Calms seas and almost no wind, more akin to a lake day cruise than an

Marina Ixtapa. It has seen better days. We left Barra de Navidad mid morning, aiming for Ixtapa marina, hoping to be able to stop about mid way at Playa Privada. There are very few good stops along the way on this portion of the coast, and all the way to Chiapas . As we rounded the cape exiting Barra de Navidad, the rusted wreck of a large bulk carrier reminded us of the perils of this very exposed coast. Luckily we had an excellent weather window, with very calm winds and s

The grand hotel at Barra de Navidad "Zarpe" in hand, and water-maker repaired, we left Puerto Vallarta's downtown marina early, in anticipation of a 7 to 8 hours run to Ipala, a small indentation in the otherwise straight coast of this region. The weather forecast was benign, with predictions of 10 knots of wind with almost no waves, though I expected the constant old oceanic swell to roll us gently. Our early departure got delayed almost immediately as when we arrived at the

Finally at anchor in Barra de Navidad We left Paradise Village exactly on schedule, with good weather forecast and fairly certain the busy hurricane season had come to an end. We'd spend 3 days in neighboring La Cruz to fill up our diesel tanks and buy a last batch of fresh fruits and vegetables from the small local shops. While there we'd also enjoy a last meal at "Ballena Blanca", our favorite restaurant, just outside the marina gates. That was the plan. Poorly paraphrasing

Hurricane Priscilla is now offshore, putting us in a Warning Zone, with yet another probable cyclone following in her track with a 70%...

Enfin safely docked to hide away from hurricane season. Superyacht sized slip gives us extra room and safety should a hurricane hit. For...

The beautiful central plaza in La Cruz Once we reached the mainland after leaving Refugio in the North of the Sea of California, our plan...

With a little over 90 miles to Isla Isabel we left Mazatlan just before sunset, to arrive at the exposed anchorages of the island in the...

With just over 210 miles to Mazatlan we left Guaymas early in the morning for an overnight trip. I had to push the engine just a little...

The weather window worked perfectly, almost down to the minute! We left Guaymas at 6:30 in the morning, planning for a 14:00 arrival the...