Surf Trips, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, Travel, Yacht Charters, Fishing, Adventure Touring, Bahia Banderas, San Blas

SURF TRIPS

Take advantage of the most comfortable surf trip you can imagine aboard the ultimate surf vehicle. Surf empty perfection at more than a dozen world-class uncrowded surf spots around the pristine Bahia Banderas North Shore ending in Punta de Mita and extended surf explorations beyond.

Easy access by air from the East and West coast gateways. Los Angeles is only a short 2-1/2 hours flight away. A member of our crew will meet you at the airport on arrival and bring you to our home docks in Marina Nuevo Vallarta, for an immediate departure. According to the arrival schedule, those surfamigos arriving after 3:00 pm will be taken by road to Punta Mita to meet the rest of the group in time for an early evening surf session.

Surfing Punta de Mita you will be most pleasantly surprised to discover a whole new surfers "Paradise" full of natural beauty awaiting for you to enjoy wave riding to your heart's content Punta Mita is the most easily accessible surfers dream destination besides an amazing example of a secret society of the legendary closely guarded secret surfspots. An authentic "Paradise" kept in stealth for almost 40 years until the arrival of the 21st Century landed in the area. A global million dollar ad campaign announced with a bang the opening of Mexico's newest and most luxurious resort destination, managed by the world's leading operator of luxury hotels. The Four Seasons Resort Punta de Mita has fortunately enclosed the surfspots within exclusive gated communities. Access is restricted mainly by boat and the surf still remains uncrowded.

Amigosurfmexico surfing Banderas Bay and the Pacific Coast of mainland Mexico in style on board yacht Sylvester since 1996. You surf the same day you arrive. Delivered to the best surf available in the area on any given day. Our crew will take care of you and your surfamigos = meaning = surfingfriends from arrival to departure and every step of the way in between. We like to make sure you remain happy, healthy and riding good waves, while surfing Bahia de Banderas Puerto Vallarta and Punta de Mita Mexico throughout your trip. Enjoy riding consistent surfable waves in warm water year round even in Winter. The water temperature remains pleasantly above 73 degrees and all you need is a "Spring Suit".

Just surf, east and sleep without all the hard work and guessing that surf travel usually entails Delivered to the best surf available in the area on any given day.on board of our inflatable dinghy.All you have to do is wave your board when you are ready to be picked up, to conserve your energies for the following surf session.

. You will be surfing uncrowded waves in warm water even in Winter and we make sure you'll be surfing the same day you arrive. Less than 90 minutes after your plane lands in Puerto Vallarta International Airport, you and your quiver will be on board. Leisurely relaxing on Sylvester's huge walk around deck, enjoying cool ocean breezes, delicious meals and snacks in between refreshed by a cold "Cerveza". Each surfing charter is custom tailored to individual or group surfing talents, desires, and weather conditions. Amigosurfmexico South of Banderas Bay lies over 200 miles of empty coastline and surf spots, many of which are unnamed and inaccessible by land. The crowd you surf with is the friends you bring. Extended surfing charters to San Blas - Matanchen Bay, Nayarit in May and South of Bahia de Banderas to Manzanillo, Colima between June and October are subject to change according to weather conditions during the Summer Southern Hurricane swell season.

Watch a video (Video is 2400KB takes a long time to open) Surf Pro Chris Olivas filmed by passenger on July 20th, 2002 (You must have Windows Media installed to view it, and a fast internet connection)

Surf: On any given day of swell there are many spots to choose from, offering everything from long fun peeling point breaks, to fast thick barreling grinders, to sizable or huge offshore reefs. Most of these spots are either inaccessible by vehicle or require trespassing and long walks trough private property. We also offer some of the best fishing, diving, and wind surfing anywhere.. No limit on the amount of equipment you bring.

Seasons: All swell directions break in this huge area, so it is consistent and reliable for most of the year. Southern hemisphere, summer hurricane, and winter Aleutian swells all fire here. Wind conditions are almost always favorable because we're able to flow easily with changes. Although offshore winds are prominent year-round, wind surfing is best in winter and spring. Summer is usually calm with afternoon squalls.
 

THE SPOTS WE SURF ON YACHT SYLVESTER
		Imagine if I told you that you can fly to the best uncrowded surf in only   2-1/2 Hours. That you can go for a long week end or a week to get rid of your stress. That you can be surfing 45 minutes after you land in an International Airport that has direct flights from the main gateways to Mexico  from the East or West Coasts.

      You will be hosted on board of a 44 Ft Motorsailer, every meal you will taste will be a feast for your palate and you will be personally guided to the lineups by an expert skipper that has been surfing these spots since 1969 and kept it available only to a selected group of stoked surfers year after year.

If our brief description of this coastline and the amazing variety of surfspots each favoring different swells, conditions and tides altogether makes this destination.unbelievable!!! Make a reservation now, grab your boards and bag and come to .see for yourself this accessible paradise. We're sure you'll be another repeat customer year after year! This is a surfing opportunity you must experience first hand.

SURFING  BANDERAS BAY On any given day of swell, there are over 20 (yes.twenty) spots to choose from, offering everything from long fun peeling point breaks, to fast thick barreling grinders, to sizable or huge offshore reefs . Most of these spots are either inaccessible by vehicle or require trespassing on fenced off private property  and long walks to the beach.

YACHT CHARTERS = UNCROWDED SURF
Endless solitary beaches set among a backdrop of lush green mountains and sparkling blue green water. Inside the Bay of Banderas alone there is over 100 miles of coastline and 15 miles of surf empty perfection. One tailored to your individual surfing talents.

YACHY SYLVESTER SURF EXPEDITIONS
The ultimate surf vehicle is a 44 ft. Steel Hull Philip Rhodes design Power Sailor with all the modern amenities, the best food in town and absolutely "no mosquitoes". Hard bottom inflatable with outboard, huge storage deck and & no limit on the amount of equipment you want to bring. The crowd you surf with are the friends you bring.

SURFING SOUTH OF THE BAY OF BANDERAS
There are over 200 miles of undeveloped virgin coastline and more unnamed surfspots, also inaccessible by land. These extended surf trips are not available during hurricane season and depend on whether conditions.

SURFING the "Mexican Riviera" in style: Mellow waves, fast waves, point breaks, beach breaks. The best way to go is on board yacht Sylvester.

Sylvester expertly guided surf charters provides easy access to a12 mile span of pristine solitary beaches, featuring more than 20 (yes.twenty!) Left and right point breaks, reef and beach breaks. Of course you can also hire a Panga (23 ft. local fishing boat) at the "Fishermen Harbor" in the village of Corral del Risco at Punta Mita.

Things have changed with the fast rise of Puerto Vallarta. Mexico's 2nd most popular tourism destination. 50 years ago from a tiny fishing village in the neighboring state of Jalisco, to an "International Tourist Destination" attracting over 500,000 visitors a year.

WINTER AND SUMMER: Are the most consistent times with regular swells in the 4-8ft range with an excellent direction for the left-hand breaks N of Punta de Mita - San Pancho, Caleta and Santa Cruz - however the prevailing winds blow these breaks out early in the day.
THE WINTER: (November-March), W and NW Aleutian swells will wrap into the Bay of Banderas, providing the biggest conditions when focused by subterranean canyons on to off-shore reefs. Most of these huge breaks are secret spots surfed only aboard Sylvester. Banderas Bay's Punta Mita, cleans-up these swells with the Northerly offshore. Occasional W swells will add to the fun waves, lighting up some special W swell breaks.
THE SUMMER: (May-October) surf season will start after the transition month of March which is usually windier than the rest of the year. South Pacific activity push-in long period swells from SW to S directions. A real plus in the Summer months are the seasonal hurricane swells that can come in any direction. In 1997 there was 27 hurricanes in a row!!!

Swell, winds & tides: Nayarit receives consistent and reliable swells most of the year. Southern Hemisphere, Summer Hurricane and Winter Aleutian Swells all fire here. Wind conditions are almost always favorable and off shore winds are predominant year round. Northern winds prevail in the Winter Season before progressively shifting to a W-NW direction that will prevail all Summer. The tidal range hovers around 1 meter. There are two tidal ranges in every 24 Hour period.

Climate: Located right under the Tropic of Cancer (Latitude 18º), Nayarit (around Latitude 20º) is blessed with warm temperatures year-round and abundant rains in the summer. Summer water temps is 85F. All you need is trunks temperatures generally surpass 30°C or 90 F. under the intense sunshine, fortunately the mountains generate cooler breezes at night, making the heat more tolerable than further south. The tropical rainy season starting June 15th and stretching at least unto October 15th brings in more rain and humidity. Rainfalls are heaviest in August and September.

SURFING NAYARIT : The State of Nayarit is located right in the middle of the coast on the Pacific Ocean, (Latitude 20º) of mainland Mexico, known as the "Mexican Riviera". A very tropical and scenic area with lush tropical jungles, mangroves and deciduous forests lining the coast such as Punta Mita. To the east and south lie high volcanic mountains, from which several rivers flow to the ocean, cutting the landscape into valleys and deep gorges along the way, forming Banderas Bay. Mostly undeveloped, the coastline of Nayarit has attracted hardcore surfers since the early 60's.

SAN BLAS & MATANCHEN BAY: A legendary spot for pioneer surfers. The chance of scoring an epic session at the longest measured wave in the world, was worth suffering hell from the "jejenes" (local mosquitoes that are a real nightmare) Stoner`s Point is the classic point caught on a perfect day by Jeff Hackman and Jock Sutherland in "Cosmic Children". Further in the Bay, Las Islitas has been known as the longest wave in the world --5,700 feet --as certified by the "Guiness Book of Records". Wraps around into the famous Matanchen Bay. It's an unforgettable ride, a mellow wall with occasional tubing sections and if you can still feel you legs at the end, you can walk back to the point.

In May religiously a huge swell shows-up from the Southern Hemisphere and this break can be ridden from Stoner`s Point through Islitas and can surpass even the "Guiness Book of Records". Can be ridden on shortboards and longboards. Any board of choice. The lefts of Aticama's point break are much more consistent and of excellent quality. Just as good Santa Cruz is a left pointbreak peeling with rides over 200m. The point needs some swell, check the river-mouth if it's small.

Surf in The North Shore of Banderas Bay: Punta Mita faces due South, with deep-water canyons focusing exceptional waves at off shore reefs. Punta del Burro and Destiladeras Beach among others, have the swells often times swing in with full Pacific power and it is usual to enjoy 8-12 ft waves throughout the year. Winter and Summer waves break up to 30 ft. at some of the secret spots. Access only on board Sylvester

Punta de Mita - Historically known as the "Mexican Malibu" located on The North Shore of Banderas Bay. Punta Mita begins with 3 quality breaks including the long workable rights at El Faro. Epic waves that on occasion connect with El Anclote beach, can provide incredibly long half mile rides.

The town of Corral del Risco at Punta Mita is a great hub, to access the breaks. Since the point was purchased by a private group, who built the Four Seasons Resort, access by land is restricted by a luxurious gated community thoroughly patrolled by armed guards and the best way to access the surfspots in the North Shore of Banderas Bay is by boat.

All swell directions break in this huge area: Wrapping into Bahia de Banderas, Mexico's largest and most beautiful bay. Featuring more than 100 miles of beaches and 12 miles of empty surf breaks in the North Shore ending in Punta Mita. As the swell wraps, the points from West to East, North or South, the breaks produce clean consistent waves. This set-up favors rights at La Lancha, Punta Burro's, Swimming Pools and Destiladeras, some well know worthy spots among others. Puerto Vallarta is too deep in the Bay to receive much swell, except on big sells when the beaches at El Tizate and Holiday Inn in the Hotel Zone, pump good waves. The beach break on the river mouth south of town is also worth checking. Once you reach Boca de Tomatlan, in the South shore, a Panga Water Taxi can take you to Quimixto, which is a Winter & Spring point break.

Islas Marietas: Located 5 miles away from Punta Mita where surf breaks very seldom and if it's good there.it's great in other spots. Snorkelling, Scuba Diving and Whale Watching in season are terrific.

Sayulita & San Pancho: The surf is exceptional only in August and September when the river mouths open and sandbars are present. Surf in the area is usually half the size than in the southern Mexican states of Oaxaca, Michoacan and Colima. The swells here don't come in with full direct Pacific power as they are positioned much less directly.

Chacala to Sayulita: Best reached on board Sylvester. Finding the way to the lefts of Caleta or Lolas is usually rewarding. You can get to Ostiones by land if you don't mind the mile long walk and crossing an estuary. The clean lefts are worth checking on a very big swell. You're not in California, but after Santa Cruz comes San Francisco or "San Pancho" as the locals call it.

Close to Costa Azul Adventure Resort, sits a left hand reef beach that can hold some size and gets hollow around low tide. Sayulita has a good wave reputation that has lead the place to turn into a "little" surf city. The reefs are mellow and ideally suit beginners and very mellow longboarders who don`t mind the crowds.

Getting there: Most travellers can get an $18 tourist card at the airport before departure or at the border. Over 450 flights a week serve (PVR) Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport in Puerto Vallarta. To fly there from the United States especially from the East Coast, we recommend you to check rates with Aeromexico or Mexicana Airlines via Mexico City ($320). Also check both Airlines, for flights connecting through Mexico City from US gateways, that often times offer significant savings over the rates of most North American carriers that offer direct or connecting flights from the USA. Besides, there is only one charge of $90.00 Dollars per board bag instead of charging for each board separately. From Mexico City you can also ride the 13 hrs bus ($80). It's a challenging 2-3 days drive from the USA.

Nature & Culture: Sayulita, San Pancho and Punta Mita are very typical coastal laid-back towns. San Blas is Nayarit's coastal "Colonial Town". Take a look at the Spanish Fort or try a jungle river boating tour to La Tovara Springs. Check out remote beaches, snorkel or diving around Islas Marietas white sandy beaches. There is fun to be enjoyed nightly in Puerto Vallarta, walking along the Malecón downtown area. Dozens of restaurants, bars and nightclubs will provide entertainment for the young and young at heart crowd all night long.
However if you want to surf, we recommend you save up your energy and leave a day on the town for the end of your trip.

Hazards & Hassles: Unlike other Mexican breaks of bone-crushing fame, the medium sized, the mellow waves of Sayulita and San Pancho are more adapted to intermediate or beginner level surfers. Punta Mita offers surf suitable for beginners and challenging waves for advanced surfers alike on the right swells at the right tide if you know the right breaks to go to. Enjoy privileged access to surf without all the hard work, on Sylvester surf charters. San Blas surroundings are a nightmare infested with Jejenes (tiny sand gnats) and mosquitoes that come out at night and provoke intense itching. Hurricane Kenna ravaged the area in October 2002. Fortunately federal government funds have been provided for rebuilding the area.

Handy hints: Crowd levels are low on the spots requiring boat access.
Recommended quiver: Longboards - one for small waves one for medium to big waves. Pulled in at the nose because of off shore winds, with a faster tail outline. Shortboards- An egg or fun shaped for small days. Something with a little more flotation for paddling into big waves. Equipment and rentals are available at Coral Reef Surf Shop in Bucerias or Acción Tropical Surf Shop in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle. Time difference: Starting at the (Jalisco State) line. Puerto Vallarta is one hour (ahead) later than Punta Mita, Sayulita and San Pancho.

Getting AROUND: Sayulita and San Francisco are within 1:30 h drive N of Puerto Vallarta on Highway 200. Ride the bus ($4) or Rent a car in PV ($65/d). Regular local buses cover the whole Bahia de Banderas area and accept short boards.
North shore of Banderas Bay: Some spots are accessible through the Villa Vera Beach Club at Destiladeras beach. The breaks in Punta de Mita require surfing by a boat or renting a "Panga" (local 23 ft. fishing boat) from the town of Corral del Risco, located at the end of the highway that goes to Punta Mita, located 45 minutes away from Puerto Vallarta International Airport.

Lodging & food: Resorts are plentiful from San Blast to Puerto Vallarta. One of the best places for beginners, families and young surfers we highly recommend in Banderas Bay is Viva Vallarta Resort facing Punta del Burro. A "World Class" surf spot that breaks all year. In Sayulita try Bungalows Las Gaviotas ($25/dble) or Las Olas all women surf camp ($2000/week all included). A $18 dinner lets you sample Sopa de Ostion (Oyster Soup), Pescado Sarandeado (BBQ Fish ) or Frijoles Puercos (Pork & Beans).
Punta Mita offers accommodations to fit every budget. Make reservations for a "Surf & Turf Package" on Sylvester a "Family Package" at Palladium Vallarta Resort or reserve accommodations on land at Punta Mita.

Plus
Year round destination
Top longboard and shortboard spots
Point, reef and beach breaks
Live aboard surf charters
Surf schools
All comfort resorts
Apartments and Condominiums
Inexpensive Accommodations
One of the safest areas to travel in Mexico
Consistent spots with surfable waves year round breaking consistently
"Mexican Juicy Waves" can be found in the Winter and Summer months if you hire an expert surf guide that knows where to find the surf and knows when & where to look.

See detailed description of the Surf Spots. Password subject to trip confirmation

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