I had one week of my ownership to use or lose in Puerto Vallarta at Velas Vallarta, so I decided to take the last week of July for a somewhat quieter week , with maybe a day of scuba, some snorkeling, and lots of time by the pool and beach in the sun. I passed the word among my group of various travel friends and a university student from Ukraine whom I had met and traveled with on some earlier trips was on summer break with a week free, so he joined me in Puerto Vallarta.
The grounds at Velas Vallarta in Marina Vallarta are beautiful, with the gardens, pools, Peacocks, iguanas and much more right on a beautiful beach. The iguanas were really tame, especially around the ocean side pool. They have several peacocks on the grounds and they were seen frequently and often called loudly. My friend wanted to try the latest adventure sport, flyboarding and did some spectacular manuevers with the jets on his feet. I did not have nerve to try it this time. We made several trips into downtown Puerto Vallarta to shop, view the sights of the charming old city with its spectacular setting, and enjoy cold drinks and a dinner. Of all the cities I have visited, only Rio de Janiero in Brazil compares with its setting.
The highlight of the trip was an all day sailing outing. They had two 60 foot nearly new yachts that each took up to 12 for a full day of luxury sailing. That included stops for snorkeling, or diving, with visits to a lovely secluded beach and the wonderful Los Arcos Marine preserve. We were served gourmet meals and drinks all day, and also got to see turtles. They even caught a couple nice fish. Finally, when the wind died on the way back and we were very slowly motoring back in the hot late afternoon sun, they put out a long line and we were able to slide into the ocean and be gently towed behind the sailboat. Now , that was a nice touch and the waters felt extra refreshing. Puerto Vallarta will always be a favorite I will return to.
 |
Puerto Vallarta and its magnificent setting as seen from Marina Vallarta near our hotel |
 |
The main pool near the ocean beach at Velas Vallarta |
 |
relaxing at poolside the lst day |
 |
one of the many friendly iguanas at the side of the pool |
 |
checking each other out ! They are excellent swimmers also ! |
 |
The iguanas even seemed to enjoy being petted |
 |
one of the several resident peacocks, including some white ones |
 |
enjoying the ocean and beach below the main pool |
 |
Bogdan , carving out the name of his country |
 |
Bogdan, in a spectacular manuever during his 1st time Flyboarding ! |
 |
I am enjoying a Margarita Grande in one of the many oceanside bars and restaurants along the Malecon. |
 |
The statue of the Puerto Vallarta insignia on the Malecon after a lovely seaside dinner |
 |
I am up front as we head out of the harbor for our day of luxury sailing. |
 |
Bogdan, lounging in the sun up front as we head out for the day |
 |
starting a wonderful early lunch with Margaritas |
 |
Joyful break along the secluded beach while snorkeling. The water was warm and very clear |
 |
Bogdan was also enjoying the day and location |
 |
one of two small tuna that were taken |
 |
Bogdan trying out his hand at paddle boarding near Los Arcos |
 |
Two sea turtles "getting it on" in the ocean |
 |
some of the vividly colored angelfish |
 |
a dark blue beauty in the clear waters of the Los Arcos Marine Sanctuary |
 |
Our gentle tow back behind the yacht in the late afternoon, with Marina Vallarta in the distance |
No comments:
Post a Comment