WHY GOING TO MEXICO TO PADDLE BOARD ?

Info & Itinerary

On Lake Chapala, the largest lake in Mexico, Isla de Mezcala is full of history.

El Lago de Chapala, at 1500 meters above sea level, is the third largest lake in Latin America and the largest in Mexico with an area of 1,100 km² (about twice the size of Lake Geneva which is the largest lake in Europe). 80 km long by 20 km wide but its depth does not exceed 10 meters.

Distance – itinerary – LAUNCHING

A little less than 5 km separates the Isla de Mezcala from the village of Mezcala, it takes about 50 minutes of paddle.
Note: Variable of course depending on your physical condition and your experience in SUP as well as the wind direction.

My tip: Launching from the pier in the small village of Mezcala.
Then head towards the west of the island (the right point) to dock. A small pontoon allows easy access to the shore of the island.

What to see and what to do? 

Along the way, you will be accompanied by large brown pelicans and herons.
The water of the lake isn’t very clear because the rivers of the surroundings carry a lot of earth.
When you arrive at the small boat landing, take the path in front of you which rises slightly.

On the left, you will see a tree with an unusual appearance, with its large white trunk and its apparent roots like tentacles, clinging to the rock.

You will then pass a large field of chayotes. Chayotes are very common in Mexico (they are also called “chouchou” or “christophine” in Reunion Island and the West Indies). They have the shape of a big pear, with a white or light green skin. In terms of taste, I would say that it is between zucchini and potato.

Then on your right stands the ruins of an old chapel built in volcanic stone. A spiral staircase leads to the roof and offers a panoramic view of the village of Mezcala and the surrounding mountains.

Continue your walk to arrive in front of the surrounding wall of an imposing fort that was the scene of long and bloody battles during the Mexican War of Independence against Spain from 1812 to 1816.
From the top of the wall, you can see the strategic position occupied by this fort.

After this historic walk, it is time to take your paddles. To leave, it is nice to go around the island, you will certainly meet some fishermen.

For this adventure, I had contacted Diego via my Facebook paddle network. Diego lives in Guadalajara, he’s a fan of surfing and SUP.
When we put the boards in the water, the weather was stormy but a light refreshing breeze made the crossing to Isla de Mezcala very pleasant.  We crossed a lot of birds, they looked like great white herons. We also met some fishermen.

On the way back, we were greeted by three little guys from the village. The boldest of the group took off his pants and threw his t-shirt to join me on the paddle. I then let them both have fun with the board.

Info & Itinerary

Los Arcos : in the middle of the emerald water, these 4 islets form a real paradise for birds.

The small creek of Mismaloya is surrounded by jungle. This beautiful beach with soft and clear waters is a perfect spot for SUP and scuba diving.
Mismaloya was the location for the filming of “The Night of the Iguana”, a John Huston movie. Richard Burton introduced Puerto Vallarta to the world of gringos. The old set of the film is in ruins just south of the beach.

For this ballad, I had contacted Diego (a friend of the previous Diego). Diego loves to be on the water as well as underwater. He accompanies the tourists diving in the bay.
On the way back, he surprised me with a fresh coconut.

Infos & Itinéraire

Yelapa is only accessible by sea. You will take 45 minutes by water cab from Puerto Vallarta to reach Yelapa.
The bay is lined with green hills overlooking a blond beach fringed with palm trees. About twenty colorful pangas (traditional boat) are at anchor tossed by the swell. The village extends towards the heights. In the sky, one can admire the ball of frigates and pelicans.