It’s not an island, but Mexico is a great place to go for a warm weather, beach, ocean vacation. While many of Mexico’s destinations have gotten very touristy (Is that a word?) like Cabo and Cancun, I have had some great experiences in Mexico, especially in Puerto Vallarta.

I spent the week of my 40th birthday in Puerto Vallarta with some friends. We actually stayed a little north in Nuevo Vallarta, in a great all-inclusive resort right on Banderas Bay.

Because Puerto Vallarta lies on Bahia Banderas, the second largest natural bay in North America and has over 100 miles of coast line, it is a haven for anyone who enjoys any type of beach activity, from whale watching to parasailing. Bungee jumping over the Pacific, windsurfing, snorkeling, scuba diving, jet skiing or fishing are yours for the asking. The surf, at most beaches is normally very calm and safe for swimming year around

Plus, for me, it is a great place to enjoy the warm Gulf of Mexico waters without hearing the Jaws theme every time you go in the ocean (I’ve talked about that in prior blogs), why no Jaws theme you ask?

Banderas Bay is a horseshoe shaped bay that is occupied by hundreds of bottle nosed dolphins. Because it’s a breeding ground, the dolphins patrol the mouth of the bay, driving away any sharks that try to enter! Safe swimming!

It was a great vacation, alternating between great activities like horseback riding through the mountains, sailing and snorkeling across the bay, to days of lying in the shade on the beach, reading, sleeping, eating and swimming in the warm tropical waters. Ahhhh, it was great.

I’m looking to take a break from my UFirst business for our annual February trip. In the last vote by my travel group, taking a cruise was still in the lead, but we’ve been finding some great deals to Mexico, so it’s making a run as our destination. I would go back there anytime.

This is the first entry for those of us who love island, beach vacationing. I have spent almost every vacation for the last 15 years traveling to some sort of warm water, surf and sun location and hope to attract others to share their experiences, where they’ve been, what they’ve done and where we still want to go!