Marina Spotlight - Marina Puerto De La Navidad

As you pull into Marina Puerto de la Navidad, be prepared to get awestruck by this stunningly beautiful destination. The backdrop of Grand Isla Navidad Resort tucked into a mountain blanketed with plush tropical foliage creates such a picturesque scene that you'll instantly see why it's ranked among the top 10 marinas in Latin America.

Located between Puerto Vallarta and Ixtapa, it's a Pacific Ocean jewel. The marina has 207 wet slips, 36 dry storage and eight floating docks, and it can accommodate sailboats, power yachts and catamarans ranging from 21 feet to 225 feet. On-site amenities include swimming pools, spa, gym, laundry, and free Wi-Fi. Convenient fuel docks, 24-hour security, pump outs, airport taxis, rental cars and oil disposal are among the variety ofguest services.

The area is well known for beautiful beaches, sportfishing, terrific diving and snorkeling, and warm weather in the winter. The resort's first-class restaurants, 27-hole championship golf course and country club, and five-star hotel make life even sweeter in this Mexican paradise.

The Manzanillo International Airport is only a 30-minute drive away. The serene fishing village of Barra de Navidad is a quick three-minute motorboat ride across the Navidad lagoon. Its quaint streets are lined with local arts and craft stores, cheerful cantinas, markets, and souvenir shops. You can sign up for surfing or standup paddleboard lessons at Northswell Surf Shop in town.

"Our regional cuisine features seafood caught fresh daily from the clear Pacific waters," says Adrian Schjetnan, Director of Sales & Marketing. To sample special local dishes and warm hospitality, herecommends several restaurants: Antonio's, Mary's, Fortino's, Colimilla, El Manglito, Simona's, Besame Mucho, Marlenas, and Loco Loco.

If you want to experience the marina buzzing with activity, Schjetnan suggests that you stop by during Carnival (February 28 to March 5), the International Fishing Tournament (late-January) or Day of the Dead (November 2). And keep an eye out for changes and upgrades at the marina such as remodeled and refurbished installations, new hotel amenities, and a megayacht dock.