Where Next?

SOUTH PACIFIC 2019!!!!

What’s the plan for next year?  The South Pacific of course!
 
Well actually, it’s a bit more complicated than that.  
 
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We have decided that we want to “jump” from Puerto Vallarta, Mexico and we are currently in Panama.  There are several reasons for that.
 
First we have some friends there we would like to see again.
 
Next is that there is a large amount of resources available for the “Pacific Puddle Jump” and the epicenter for that is in Puerto Vallarta.  It becomes a good  way to meet some of the people who will be transiting that year.
 
Next is that it’s only 2800 miles to the Marquesas from Mexico and it’s 4000 from Panama.  We will need to make the 2000 mile trip north but it will only “cost” us about 800.
 
Next - We have a bunch of repairs and upgrades that we want to do before we make the “jump” to the south pacific.  Some we will get done in Panama but we would love to have another big shakedown on the upgrades we do here.  A trip north fits the bill.  And then we have one last chance for any other upgrades or repairs!!
 
Soooo….
 

We will head to Mexico as soon as the hurricane season allows.  Sometime in November is usually the case.
 
The plan is to leave Panama and head directly for Playa del Coco, Costa Rica.  We can stage there and wait for a weather window to pass the blast of wind at San Juan del Sur Costa Rica.
 
From there we head to Marina Chiapas on the border of Mexico and Guatemala.    We can wait there for a weather window to pass the Tehuantepec. Then it’s a straight shot to Puerto Vallarta.
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Puerto Vallarta December to March
 
Puerto Vallarta is the largest gathering place for people heading off to the south pacific on the North American west coast.  This means that there are lots of seminars and talks and other resources available here. It’s also a great spot to meet some of the people who will be travelling on a similar path as we are.
 
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March/April – Off to the South Pacific!!
 
Finally!  2800 miles of open ocean.  For most it is the longest open ocean passage they will ever do.  

​This is a classic time to head out for the Marquesas. It’s early enough to maximize your time there but late enough to minimize the risk of storms.  Hopefully by now the trade winds have settled in and can make for a steady passage.
 
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May - The Marquesas

First landfall in the South Pacific. Majestic mountains.  Dramatic anchorages.

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Then the tuamotus...

May/June – Tuamotus
 
We plan to spend 6 weeks in the Tuamotus.  Much more remote than the rest of French Polenesia but it should have more snorkeling and diving which is what we are looking for!!
 
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Then Tahiti and Bora Bora

June/July – Tahiti to Bora Bora
 
A little more well known and accessible but by now we will be ready for a bit more civilization.  
 

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Then Suwarrow in the COOK ISLANDS

August – Suwarrow in the Cook Islands
 
We plan on hitting the northern Cook Island of Suwarrow.  A national park and a place many consider a highlight of their time in the south pacific.

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Then Tonga

September – Tonga
 
Some scuba and some snorkeling may be part of our trip here.

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Then FIJI

October – Fiji
 
Wrapping up the normal season with a month in Fiji.  We plan to re-group and re-assess our options here.  We can tackle some provisioning and final planning but I think the next step for us will be to head North towards

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The MArshalls for the off season!!

The Marshalls.  
 
1500 miles North.  This gets us north of the equator and out of the Cyclone zone. This way it lets us keep cruising for 6 more months…
 
We will keep you posted.