Panama Canal Transit – Huatulco

Huatulco was a fun surprise. My tour today was around the township by Mountain Bike. I am glad that I chose this way to get around. The Huatulco is a newish resort town that is taking being ecological concerns seriously, there is still a lot development in progress, but what was built looked pretty good and would be a nice place for an extended stay.

HUT-004 MOUNTAIN BIKE EXCURSION

For those who enjoy combining sightseeing with a good workout, this is definitely the tour for you. The coastal paradise of Huatulco is known for its nine beautiful bays and the scenic route you’ll take on your mountain bike will allow you to see three of these magnificent bays while partaking in some invigorating exercise.

Meeting your guide at the pier area, you’ll be issued a Cromoli 18-speed mountain bike and helmet. Once you have received your safety briefing and route overview, you’ll begin a ride that has you discovering the beautiful scenery of this new resort area. Your route has you first passing by Chahue bay before climbing to Tangolunda viewpoint (two miles total distance in this segment, with a moderate slope of 25 degrees on the last 600 yards) for a 10-minute water and photo stop.

From here, it’s a downhill ride to lovely Tangolunda Beach Park for a 30-minute stop. Sea conditions permitting, you’ll have the chance to cool off with a refreshing dip in the ocean. Complimentary cold water and a fresh water shower are available here.

Next, you’ll trek to the upscale hotel zone of Tangolunda Bay, returning by way of the boulevard that travels alongside the golf course. Switching to a different path, you’ll then climb to Chahue Bay (with a slope of 90 degrees in the first 800 yards), before heading up to la Crucecita for a 15 minute rest stop at the charming central plaza. Finally, the last segment of your journey brings you back to the pier.

Please note: This tour is not available to guests who utilize a wheelchair, those with mobility concerns or children under 16 years of age. Actual cycling time is approximately 2 1/2 hours, 99% of which is over paved roads. Guests are responsible for assessing their physical ability and medical condition in undertaking this tour. Guests are expected to be aware of road rules and conditions while riding. The Tour Operator is not responsible for natural conditions beyond their control such as road and off-road surfaces that may cause injury. Long-sleeved shirts, long pants, hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent and appropriate flat, comfortable shoes are recommended. No open-toed shoes will be allowed and helmets must be worn by all riders. Changing facilities are available at Tangolunda Beach Park as well as showers and restrooms. For those guests who wish to swim, it is suggested that you wear your swimsuit under your biking outfit and bring a towel. Guests will be required to sign a release waiver before being allowed to take part in the tour. The order of sights visited may vary and the itinerary may be reversed.

The La Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe Church in the main Square of Huatulco is a place that should not be missed, the Frescos inside are not bad, especially for a regional church, wish that I had had a better camera with me for this part of the ride.

  

Downtown Huatulco

The last stop on the tour was at a  resort, this was one of the first resorts built in Huatulco, so is looking a bit tired, but the beach is very nice and we had an opportunity to go for a quick dip.

 After the ride we  returned to the ship and I decided to go for a walk around the port area and grab some lunch

This highlights difference in size between the Navigator (470 passengers) and the Norwegian Jewel (2,376 passengers)

On the way out of Huatulco

  

A Mexican anti drug boat was also leaving Huatulco at the same time as us. I noticed that there were no fixed weapon emplacements, not sure what they do when they come across a drug boat.

 

The Huatulco Pilot Boat picking up the Pilot on the way out, looks like at least one of them was taking it easy.

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Later in the afternoon I spotted a Mexican warship so looked it up, this is the ARM Ignacio L Vallarta which was formerly the USS Velocity, she was commissioned in 1943, decommissioned in 1946 and then transferred to the fleet reserve, when, in 1972, she was struck from the USN list she was purchased by Mexico, so she has been in service for over 70 years, not a bad innings for a WWII vessel with 5 Battle Stars.