6/13/09 to 6/17/09
The 95-mile crossing from Los Testigos to Blanquilla was relatively uneventful until we were 20 miles east of the Los Hermanos Islands and noted 4 men in a high-speed pirogue approaching us on a closing course. As the boat neared, we noticed the men were waving frantically & pointing to the west. At the same time, Fred saw a fishing float with a flag bobbing in the water directly ahead of us & determined the men were warning us away from their fishing net. He quickly spun the wheel to port & followed the pirogue until they came to another small float marking an apparent ‘transit point’ (low spot) in the net. Once safely across, we dropped two gallons of water, some fishing line, fishhooks & a length of older spare line, overboard on a float, as a gesture of thanks & goodwill. They motored over & shouted and waved their appreciation for the items.

Upon reaching Blanquilla, we anchored off the western shore at Playa Yaque. The following day we launched the dinghy & ventured north along the coast to Americano Bay. This idyllic small bay has a beautiful beach, caves & multiple rock arches. The clear water & diversity of fish, corals & sponges made for a phenomenal afternoon of snorkeling. So taken by the overall tranquility & setting, we decided to move the boats there the following day. We spent the next three days snorkeling, exploring the rocky coastline & combing the beaches to the north. This is by far the most spectacular anchorage we have visited to date.

Anchorage at Playa Yaque

Dinghy Trip to Americano Bay with Linda & Mike

A Very Full Post-Happy-Hour Water Taxi (Linda & Mike – ‘Casa Del Mar’, Nancy & John – ‘Dixsea’, Lynne & Dennis – ‘Sweet Dreams’)

Anchoring in Americano Bay

Dinghy Exploration to Secluded Beaches along the Western Coast

Turtle tracks on the beach in Americano Bay