PHOTO ALBUM:  https://photos.app.goo.gl/g98Lpa5NyTpz8QHWA

Bahia Chamela, and Perula town

Arriving after a comfortable passage of 6 hours we found yet another massive bay which was again lined by a beach many miles long. 

We anchored at the north western end where the small town of Perula is found. Here too is a river, Ameca River. The bonus here is that we could dinghy up river to one of the  panga docks and step ashore, what a treat!

On our first visit to the town it was a bit dull and overcast.

We went along the river and easily found the area to secure our dinghy. The panga operators assured us it was safe. Wow, what luxury. 

We walked towards the pier where we had seen many folks fishing.

The long panga dock area was empty of visitors, just a few drivers sitting and chatting.

The walkway and pier area are very well maintained and must have cost the town a fortune. We guessed that there must be a large number of visitors to make the venture worthwhile.

Looking out from the pier we could see that most of the beach venders were shut. The beach was massive but with few visitors.

Heading into what we figured was town we found several dusty lanes and again few people about. There didn’t seem to be much happening in Perula.

The real Perula

Back at Aeeshah we did some research and found that we needed to walk along the main road from the panga dock for about a mile and a half to reach the town center. So we never were in the town!

The following morning we set off and sure enough there was a bit more to the town of Perula.

At the main square there are several little tiendas that sell most of everything one needs.

Plus one tienda has a cash machine! That was a real bonus for us as we wanted to get some cash. 

There were also a few nice cafe style restaurants. We enjoyed a brunch at a breakfast cafe and headed back to Aeeshah.

The following day the wind swung around and just like that was blowing up to 25 knots plus straight it was blowing into the anchorage making it untenable.

We quickly up anchored and headed to the islands at the end of the bay. 

Islas Cocinas, Isla Pajarera, Island  El Mamut and others

The islands are part of the Santuario Islas de la Bahía de Chamela, a protected bird, wildlife and nature sanctuary.

Tucked up between the Islas we were quite sheltered from the winds and waves. The islands were simply beautiful!

We have never seen so much bird life. There were sea birds of every type, size, shape and form. They were nesting on the islands, even on the cactus,

flying above, chattering everywhere, fishing, floating on the waves and soaring above. It was simply amazing!

The following day we took the dinghy and toured around the islands.

The landscape is magnificent! The cactus that was growing looked to be massive in size and were being used as roosting areas by the birds, mainly the Frigate birds. 

There were many caves, rock formations and arches along the shoreline. The rocks were of various colours, from pinky to purple, orange toned and green hues.

The cliffs were steep and very rugged with all the types of colourful rocks. 

And the surf was surging against the rocks forming waterfalls, blow holes were bursting sending spray many feet into the air. There are also several lovely looking beaches where the panga drivers bring visitors to spend a few hours. 

The evening sunset was lovely and with the sounds of the birds returning to their roosts all was mellow.

We were only there for the day, but I would love to go back anytime.

Perula and Bahia Chamela again

Back in the Perula anchorage we waited for the weather to be cooperative for us to head towards La Cruz. Each day we would head into the little town, Perla, to pick up supplies and have a walk. 

The weekend brought many visitors to the town and so the pier was busy with fishermen, the beach vendors were out full force and the panga operators were heading out to the Santuario Islas, with a boat load of tourists. 

It so happened that there was a very low tide on the same weekend. We were careful to return to the boat before dead low. Even then it was touch and go getting out of the river.

We ploughed over muck and sand but made it. Later we could see pangas getting stuck and having to unload passengers at the beach in the surf. Others were revving their engines trying to force their way up river. 

We had a delightful walk along the beach all the way to the center of Perula.

Enjoying the happy children playing in the surf and the venders selling their wares.

Even fresh oysters were for sale on the beach. The pelicans and other birds were chasing the huge schools of Jacks.

The waves would roll in and the birds would rise just above the crashing sea. So wild, but not, very peaceful, all contented and balanced.

Another very lovely area along Mexico’s Pacific Gold coast

You have no control over how your story begins or ends. But now, you should know that all things have an ending. Every spark returns to darkness. Every sound returns to silence. Every flower returns to sleep with the earth. The journey of the sun and moon is predictable. But yours, is your ultimate art. – Suzy Kassem