We stayed the night at Punta de Mita at the northwest end of Banderas Bay and then began our trek north toward Chacala, en route to San Blas, Isla Isabella, Mazatlan, La Paz and finally “The Sea”. Jatembla, Mexico
We thought about tucking in behind these two islands for the night, but as you will see in the next several photos…..we’re sure glad we didn’t! Jatembla, Mexico
As we were approaching the small resort town of Chacala we were sure the jumping whale antics would disappear as quickly as they had arrived. In our experience, it’s all been a tease….Here’s the treat we got to see. This went on for about a 1/2 an hour! Chacala, Mexico
We were heading toward the small town of Chacala about 40 miles north of Puerto Vallarta, when we saw a jumping whale in the distance. Chacala, Mexico
This was literally the second photo I took on high speed continuous shooting. It was the only time we saw “Shine” completely airborne. But as they say in Hollywood, “The show must go on”….and boy did it. Chacala, Mexico
We saw this juvenile humpback whale (appeared to be about 6 months old) with his/her mother. And then, the show began! Chacala, Mexico
We decided to name these two whales “Sparkle and Shine” (after the song). If you look closely, you’ll see where Sparkle had been bit a few feet forward of his/her tail (look just above the water). Chacala, Mexico
Chacala, Mexico
Whales of several species, including humpbacks, are known to “spy hop”. This is a behavior where they apparently pop their heads up to take a look around. Chacala, Mexico
Mom and baby together Chacala, Mexico
Chacala, Mexico
Sparkle endlessly and continuously “tail slapped”. Chacala, Mexico
Chacala, Mexico
We have no idea why this playful pup put on this 1/2 hour show, but we couldn’t get enough of it. Chacala, Mexico
You can see where the tips of both sides of Sparkle’s tail fluke have been nibbled at… Chacala, Mexico
Sparkle may have been feeding and corraling “krill”? We aren’t sure, but he/she came up with a distended looking body and may have been feeding. Chacala, Mexico
Everyonce in awhile, “Mom”, aka: Shine, would come in for a look see on her playful child just keeping in touch and making sure all was well. Chacala, Mexico
Here was a sequence of photos showing Sparkle doing a jump. Chacala, Mexico
Chacala, Mexico
Chacala, Mexico
Back rolls were part of the fun too. Chacala, Mexico
Chacala, Mexico
Chacala, Mexico
Chacala, Mexico
This just went on and on and we were in awe. Chacala, Mexico
Mom comes in for a look see at “Beach House”. Believing us to be just part of the scenery, Shine just keep on eating/playing. Chacala, Mexico
Chacala, Mexico
Sparkle would kind of roll all over Shine too Chacala, Mexico
Chacala, Mexico
Chacala, Mexico
Chacala, Mexico
Chacala, Mexico
Sparkle waves goodbye! Chacala, Mexico
Chacala, Mexico
Chacala, Mexico
Chacala, Mexico
Chacala, Mexico
Chacala, Mexico
Chacala, Mexico
Chacala, Mexico
Chacala, Mexico
Chacala, Mexico
Chacala, Mexico
After watching “Shine” do his/her thing for the last 45 minutes, we tucked into this small out of the way anchorage that the harbormaster of Paradise Village (Dick Markey) had told us about. We called it “Gilligan’s Island”. Chacala, Mexico
