We began our adventure across the fearsome Mexican Gulf of Tehuantepec on 2-23-07 (Melaina’s 21st Birthday). After a 60 mile ride in rough seas and wind we decided to stop for the evening at Salina Cruz where after anchoring we were boarded and inspected by the Mexican military (machine guns and all). Left early morning, anchored one night off the beach, sailed through the next night, and arrived in Puerto Madero on 2-26 at 3 am. Here again we were boarded by the military (with guns and dog), that morning and upon our departure. The next 48 hours were at sea, sailing ¾ of the time. We had a nearly full moon which was lovely for the evening sailing. Lots of dolphins swimming along with us.

We arrived at the entrance to Bahia del Sol, El Salvador at 8:40 am on March 1, where we waited several hours for the tide to rise over the sandbar and for a guide to lead us into the lagoon. This is a warm, tropical estuary very calm and we stayed here for a week, exploring the surroundings including a bus ride to San Salvador. We left on March 8 and cruised down the coast to Barillas, which was another shoal crossing with a guide into a meandering river. Very tropical and serene.

We crossed the Gulf of Fonesca, in El Salvador, on March 11 sailing the entire way with 20 knots of wind and very choppy seas. Anchored for an evening on the Nicaraguan coast and were boarded and inspected by the military (yes, machine guns and all). They allowed us to stay after conversing in our best Espanola. Then they returned after dark and told us we had to leave, not so pleasantly. Never argue with men with guns, so we spent another night at sea. The winds were in the 20’s, seas choppy and quick. The next day, the winds continued to blow 38 to 40 but we carried on and crossed the Gulfo Del Elena into Costa Rica. After being sprayed and drenched, we were happy to anchor in the Bahia Elena for the evening. We found the Northern Costa Rican coast to be dry and not as tropical as we had hoped.

We are in Playa del Coco, Costa Rica, to check in before heading to Golfito.


My favorite mermaid



Local canoe



Dolphins swimming with our boat



Bahia Del Sol Marina and Hotel