Mazatlan to Puerto Vallarta
— Mazatlan has Lupe's and Cannon's. Anchor behind Isla Venados (23 deg. 14.07 min. N, 106 deg. 27.75 min. W.) and take the dinghy over to Lupe's which is right across the channel. and Cannon's is 2 miles away at 120 deg. magnetic. Plan on staying a while in Mazatlan because there is much to see a do here.
Matanchen Bay has a right point break that is very very long. And the anchorage is pretty calm at 21 deg. 30.9 min N, 105 deg. 15.98 min. W. After you ride a wave, it's easier to walk back to the lineup. If there are no waves here, walk a ways down the road that goes along the ocean to Stoner's. But take plenty of bug spray, because the noseeums and mosquitos will get you. The town of San Blas is not far and you can usually get a ride with someone on the main highway.
Sayulita does not have a good anchorage, but it is tolerable if the waves make it worth it. This is a beach break with some reef here and there. Anchor close to 20 deg. 52.03 min N, 105 deg. 28.34 min. W. There is a village here and the fishermen will sell you lots of goodies.
Puerto Vallarta Area — Punta Mita is a big point at the northwest corner of Bahia de Banderas. Anchorage is good here (20 deg. 45.5 min. N, 105 deg. 32.1 min. W.) and there will be cruising boats coming and going. There are five breaks to choose from. The closest is El Faro which is the right coming in off the reef as you look southwest. Next is Mita which is around to the windward side of the point. Find the rocks sticking up out of the water. The peak is south of these rocks. If you look from the anchorage to the village of Punta Mita, where you can buy supplies, you'll see a breakwater. There is a rock bottom beach break to the left of the breakwater. It's usually small there, but can be fun. Look down the coast toward Puerto Vallarta. The first big point you see is Cargadas. There is a very nice wave that breaks left and right here when there is a strong swell. You'll like the takeoff and first section especially. Most surfers go to El Faro or Mita because they can't get to Cargadas. Take your dinghy here and anchor out away from the waves, naturally. Black Rock is just before Cargadas and is a lot of fun. Wear something on your feet.
Quimixto is on the other side of Bahia de Banderas at 20 deg. 30.32 min N, 105 deg. 30.91 min. W. This is a good "secret spot" that requires a boat and knowledge that it exists. I have never known anyone who has heard of it, except the guy who told me about it. It is a nice perfect left that breaks over a rock bottom. There is a restaurant there, and tourist boats unload passengers near a small point next to the restaurant. This place is very cool.
Barra de Navidad to Rio Nexpa
— Barra de Navidad has a nice beach break which is best on a lower tide. It's a beach break with a good right and short left. The town of Barra de Navidad is a great place to hang out. There is an anchorage in the lagoon which is accessed through the breakwater. There is also a very nice marina on the starboard side as you enter the channel after the breakwater. Rio Nexpa has a surf camp. I surfed this place at 12 to 14 feet on a longboard in 1992. The best waves I've ever ridden. Don't miss it.
