Tequila & Taco Sunsets: Punta Mita Paradise
Words by Scott Gillies, former Managing Guide at Four Seasons Punta Mita
I look back at my time in Punta Mita with fond memories. I was the managing Tropicsurf Guide at the Four Seasons Punta Mita for one year and it was a once in a lifetime experience. To be able chaperone guests as we enjoyed the groomed waves on offer around Punta Mita was about as good as it gets.
Well that was a few years ago, and I’m now desk bound once more. My mind does, however, often wander back to the time that I was able to spend in the warm waters of Punta Mita, located within the (Bahia de Banderas) Bay of Banderas. The variety of waves on offer around Punta Mita always impressed me, and finding offshore conditions was nearly always possible thanks to the unique shape of the coastline. Looking back over the ‘gap year' that I spent in Punta Mita, I really can’t think of too many occasions where I wasn’t surfing in warm, offshore conditions.
My excursions around Punta Mita were by local boats called ‘pangas’. They provided a fantastic way to access the array of breaks, and take in the spectacular scenery of the peninsula. My favourite wave close to the resort was ‘La Bahia’, more commonly known as ‘The Cove’. This was the most consistent and high performance wave on the peninsula, and in the right conditions, ‘The Cove’ would deliver long, mechanical right-hand waves and a short punchy left when the wide sets rolled through.
Following a surf, I would often take a trip to the Marietas Islands. Located just off the coast of Punta Mita, the islands are a national park and home to the world famous ‘hidden beach’. I found that if I could time my run around the host of operators that access the islands for snorkeling excursions, I would have the beach to enjoy with just my family – absolutely beautiful.
Hands down my favourite daily ritual whilst living in Punta Mita was settling in to enjoy the sunset, which is generally quite late in the evening, and sipping on authentic blue agave aneyo tequila. Dinner usually consisted of fresh fish tacos followed by cinnamon churros for dessert, bursting with flavour that only the Mexicans can seem to create.
Sleep. Wake. Repeat
Life was pretty amazing as a Tropicsurf guide at the Four Seasons Punta Mita. I miss the place, the people, the friendships - must be time to book a trip back.
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