Hidden Beach on Isla Cocinas in Chamela Bay

Sunday, February 26, 2017 (Woops! This one is a day out of order.)

"Where are they all going?" I wondered out loud. It was Sunday morning and one after another, the pangas were loading up with customers and headed for the islands that lie inside Chamela Bay. They are small islands, designated as National Parks which protects them. We know of a small, private beach on Isla Cocinas, but it couldn't possibly hold that many people. "There must be over a hundred people." Jay added. Immediately, it was decided. We jumped in the dinghy, (It was already down.) and followed the pangas.

The islands are one of the highlights of this bay. The water surrounding them is clear and the rocks are filled with sea life for those who want to snorkel. Some boats even anchor near these shores. We prefer to take our dinghy.

The pangas kept passing us by, back and forth, back and forth. We passed Isla Pajarera, then Isla Novilla. About twenty minutes later, we arrived at Isla Cocinas. We passed "our" private beach. Nobody there.

"Do you want to stop here?" Jay asked. "Or, do you want to follow the pangas?"

"Let's follow the pangas. We've come this far. We can stop here on the way back."

We went around the curve of the island, sure to see their hideout. Nothing. We kept going. Finally, after another curve, tucked deep into the hill was a beach. Bright umbrellas were scattered across the sand. Over a hundred people were lying underneath, or swimming, or walking along, dipping their toes in the surf. Some were kayaking. Others snorkeling. A large palapa sat back against the trees. Presumably, the place where the tour guides keep their equipment.

The Mexican work week consists of six days. Sunday is a holiday. Family day. If they are anywhere near the beach, that is where they spend the day. Now we know where they go. Satisfied, Jay and I returned to "our" little private beach for a walk and a swim.