I’m not sure what excites me more, watching whales breaching, looking out to the ocean, or all of the events happening on the north shore.
As hubby and I relaxed last week, we saw what you might call a stampede of humpback whales (humpede). The spouting and charging went towards Punta Mita. We counted at least six whales among the “pod.”
Whale watching season officially begins December 8, with many tour operators leaving from La Cruz. Choose a small panga or one of the larger “party” boats and enjoy!
Marina Riviera Nayarit
Marina Riviera Nayarit in La Cruz is honoring health protocols as they add weekly offerings on the Malecon and at the open-air amphitheater. These include yoga, beginner and intermediate Spanish classes, and the Sunday Artisans Market.
Celebrating their 14-year anniversary, Flamenco group Tatewari will perform a free concert at the amphitheater, Wednesday, December 9, 6:30-8 p.m. Food and drinks will be available for purchase.
Food Pantry
Generous donors and over 70 volunteers from the La Cruz Food Pantry continue to feed over 130 families per week.
Meanwhile, a few members of this team are creating a community garden. Land, equipment and seeds have already been donated, and the project is off to a great start, say La Cruz snowbird Fiona Clark and sailor Tim Palmatier, the masterminds of the project.
Says Fiona, “Tim is the dreamer/planner and I’m the action gal!”
Creative Arts Momentum
• Great vibes have returned to Philo’s Bar and Grill, a La Cruz landmark, and a public performance is planned. Stay tuned! See creativeartsmomentum.com for more information.
• The La Cruz Kids Club introduced “Creative Arts Momentum,” a unique program that includes professional dancers and musicians working with children over a 15-week period, for one hour each week. This positive in-school and after-school program educates and inspires children through the art of dance and live music.
Building self-esteem and confidence, they encourage children to express and believe in themselves beyond what they thought possible.
Colleen Macomber, the artistic director, and her team are working with children in Sayulita, Higuera Blanca, Punta de Mita and now La Cruz.
More things to do
• The dancing horses have returned to La Cruz Inn Fridays at 5 p.m.; reservations required; 329-295-5849.
• If you prefer to get on your own high horse and ride, there’s an option for that too. Newly founded Rancho La Cruz will take you on a beautiful horse ride inland from La Cruz taking in all nature has to offer, followed by lunch. Ride approximately one hour and 20 minutes up a slightly inclined dirt road surrounded by nature to the ranch, where a local family prepares a feast of grilled marinated beef tacos (arrachera) with guacamole and salsa, and up to four beverages (beer, wine, margarita or soda). The duration of the tour is three to four hours. Enjoy peaceful surroundings and explore nature. For reservations: 322-158-3770.
• The Treehouse Bar continues their live musical events in La Cruz. Follow them on Facebook for details.
• The Forever Spring Artisans Market in Bucerias takes place every Wednesday in the La Comer parking lot, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Adam Finer is expanding his Bucerias “Surf Mexico” offerings with The Ramp. In addition to “everything surfing,” he has created a fabulous option to keep children active. A new indoor skatepark – with a huge garage door open to the outside – will be beyond fun for the young’uns. They will train kids to skate safely. When the ocean conditions aren’t ideal, the surfers can hone their skills, cross training on the indoor ramps. This fun opportunity opens mid-December. See surfmexico.com.
• The craft brewery, Cervecería Bahia de Banderas, is hopping with live music many nights of the week, in addition to beer tasting and delicious unique food. Follow their Facebook page for details and promotions at their Bucerias outdoor beer garden.
• Jax Bar and Grill is opening next week in their beautifully renovated, new Bucerias location, with live bands playing in the garden.
• Enjoy the tunes of old-time rock and roll with The Jam at Buzzo’s in Bucerias on Sunday afternoons, or Friday evenings at Ana Banana’s in La Cruz.
• Funday Sunday’s at Los Arroyos Verdes in Bucerias are back and they want to celebrate with you! Bring your family and enjoy delicious burgers. Hosted by La Negra Restaurant with live music. Open from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Live music starts at 3 p.m. Cost: 1,200 pesos per person. Call 329-298-6314 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..