The Great Shakedown Cruise: Isabel and San Blas

December 20th

After having our hull cleaned and water tanks topped off this morning, we finally pulled out of our slip in Mazatlan at about 1420 to take advantage of a one-hour break from ongoing dredging operations in the entrance channel. With a new addition to our crew, namely son Steven, we pointed out of the harbor and towards the south for an overnight cruise to Isla Isabel, the so-called Galapagos of Mexico.

December 21st

Unfortunately, we arrived a bit too early the next day (0530), so we had to just drift about until the sun came up and we could see well enough to enter the southern anchorage. More misfortune befell us as, upon entering, we saw that the anchorage was full. We waited an hour to see if anyone was preparing to depart, but nobody was a likely candidate. So we took some photos and pointed the bow of Shakedown south once again and headed toward San Blas.

Getting out of Mazatlan through the narrow entrance

First sighting of Isla Isabel

It was full at the "Inn" as both good spots were occupied

Some of the birds in flight

Nice rock formations and more birds

More of the Island

Heading towards San Blas area

Based on what we've heard and read in the guide books about the wealth of biting flying bugs, we decided to forgo the estuary anchorage near town and head for Ensenada de Matanchen, which was only about 3.5 miles south of the San Blas entrance. We found this to be a really nice anchorage in what seemed to be the middle of the bay.