We waited at Marina del Sol, Isla Mujeres for a few days while a strong north front swept through. It was nice to be in the Makacax Lagoon, instead of out suffering in the big harbor. Safe and comfortable, not dragging anchor with a dozen other boats. The grass in the harbor is poor holding.
We sailed to Cozumel and anchored directly off the Capitania del Puerto Cozumel. We realized that clearing out here was the good idea, instead of an extra stop at Puerto Aventura. Troy was easily able to take a ferry to Playa del Carmen and then a taxi to catch his plane back to Colorado.
One day layover for clearing out, shopping and eating in good restaurants. A day sail to the shallows to the north of the Island. Viewed a very old wreck, sitting in two feet of water.
Nacho and Oz sailed on, destination San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize. A long, tough day, we really needed to reach Punta Allen to find shelter from the 20 knot trade winds. We sailed on the jib and motored, arriving at a quiet anchorage in the north end of the vast Bahia Ascencion. Looking around in the dinghy we finally found the community dock in the far northwest corner. Walking to town we found a nice meal, right on the beach facing outside.
Next day on to Bahia Santo Spiritu, where we found, behind Owen’s Island, our cuban friend that we amet in Isla Mujeres. Visit and chat. We wandered the island.
Early start to Banco Chincorro, a coral atoll outside the mesoamerican barrier reef. Easy entry through the pass at the northwest corner. We contacted the other catamaran – a french couple cruising north. A quiet night. It’s a nature preserve, so we were not allowed to go ashore. Retrace the entry and head south.
Enter the pass at Xcalak carefully, very carefully, using the two well-placed lights – really good markers. Anchor and land the dinghy for dinner – very down-home and local food.
Next day looks a bit rough, no good weather forecast available – no cell service in Xcalak. We exit the pass in six foot seas. Weather rapidliy deteriorates to 25 knots from east, ten foot seas. A long rough ride to Ambergris Caye, Belize. We take the guidebook’s warning about the San Pedro pass. Too dangerous for me. We head south to enter at English Caye. We discover a closer entry at St George’s island, good for us, shallow draft. Through Porto Stuck, again carefully to anchor at Caye Chapel. Island under construction – tired, we don’t go ashore.
Next day a short easy day to San Pedro. Anchor near the ferry. Always find sand, you will drag in grass. Clear in is straightforward, but expensive, since we’re staying a whole month in Belize. Nacho heads off into the world, finding a way to get to Cancun in time for his flight home.
On the Water 