Our Sailing Adventure
From Vancouver to the Shores of Bahia Santa Maria
After 4 days in Bahia Tortugas we weighed anchor and headed towards Cabo San Lázaro, a bold and rocky headland, and entered Bahia Santa Maria at the northern point staying wide around Punta Hughes to avoid all the lobster pots at the entrance.
We arrived November 7th and dropped the anchor at 13:30 after 3 days at sea.
Bahia Santa Maria has truly been a highlight of our journey, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the tranquil beauty of the bay for a delightful 6 days.
This incredible spot is surrounded by charming fishing villages with no stores and not more than the essentials needed to fish. The locals are warm and welcoming, displaying the true spirit of the region.
During our stay, we discovered an abundance of opportunities for adventure, from scenic hikes that showcase the stunning landscapes to vibrant snorkeling experiences that reveal the rich marine life below the surface.
Every moment spent in Bahia Santa Maria was filled with joy and exploration, making it a truly unforgettable destination on our travels.
Cultural Encounters and Local Delights
In a delightful twist of events, we found ourselves bartering with the locals for fresh spiny lobsters. Instead of pesos, they preferred sweet treats, and our packs of gum and a bottle of cola were gladly accepted in exchange for a couple of these delectable crustaceans.
Baja haha rally
The Baja haha rally stopped at Bahia Santa Maria and transformed our peaceful anchorage of four sailboats into a bustling bay filled with over 100 boats. It was a delightful sight to see the vessels arrive one after another for hours, with the sunset providing a stunning backdrop.
The locals hosted a lively celebration for the rally, serving fresh fish tacos and cold beers, accompanied by a band that they brought in along the sandy beach at low tide, the only access besides by boat. We crashed the party and enjoyed an afternoon filled with fun, food, and friends.
The next morning, we awoke to find the rally boats had already departed, leaving just a few of us behind in the tranquil bay, reminiscent of the calm before their arrival.
Connecting with Fellow Sailors
We had a blast hanging out with other sailors who dropped anchor nearby, swapping stories and experiences that really added to the fun of our adventure. We all got together to explore the bay, games night and happy hours, making awesome memories that we’ll cherish forever. There’s something really special about the community of sailors, and it was so nice to connect with fellow adventurers along the way.
Embracing the Perfect Weather
Basking in the Warmth of Bahia Santa Maria
Exploring the Coastal Trails
Our hike along the rugged shoreline unveiled breathtaking vistas as the trail wove through vibrant estuaries, leading us to the open beach where the Pacific Ocean waves crashed against the shore. Along the beach, we discovered whale bones, encountered sea turtles, and uncovered a variety of intriguing skeletal and ocean treasures.
Our hike up to the peak of San Lázaro was a fun adventure with friends. The breathtaking views of the bay and the vast Pacific Ocean unfolded beautifully on either side of the summit, making every step worthwhile. From our elevated vantage point, we marveled at the sight of over 100 vessels dotting the bay, majority of them participating in the Baja Haha rally, creating a unique sight against the deep blue water.
Our meandering exploration through the expansive sand dunes that frame the serene estuary at Bahia Santa Maria offered a captivating experience. With 20 foot high walls of sand and for as far as the eye could see you felt like something out of a tremor movie.
Fascinating Insights into Bahia Santa Maria
The bay is part of a larger ecological reserve, which helps protect its unique flora and fauna. Visitors can often spot dolphins and sea turtles in the crystal-clear waters, while the surrounding mangroves provide a habitat for a variety of bird species.
Historically, Bahia Santa Maria has been a vital fishing ground for local communities. The area is rich in seafood, including the famous spiny lobsters, which are a delicacy among locals and visitors alike. The bay’s natural beauty and cultural significance make it a must-visit location on any sailing adventure.
Capturing the Essence of Our Journey
Visual Highlights from Bahia Santa Maria
Discover more from SV INSCRUTABLE
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Wow! Every place you go, it’s another great adventure. What a treasure to discover this quaint area. The sea life, the dunes, the locals, fellow travellers, so much fun to follow along with you, Thank you! !
Thanks Margaret, it’s been a trip of a lifetime and keeps getting better. Thanks for following the blog.
Wow! Awesome, thank you soo much for allowing us to join your trip….sort of
Thank you! Thanks for following along glad you are enjoying the blog 🐠⛵️🐢😀