ISA
Travel & local guide

ISA & La Cruz Orientation

Travel information, local recommendations, accommodations, meals, and safety notes for sailors visiting ISA in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle.

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01

Contact Information

WhatsApp Messaging: Colin Gowland +52 322-142-9833

WhatsApp Messaging: Vaughn Harrison +52 322 117 7641

E-mail: info@internationalsailingacademy.com

This page provides travel information and preparation notes for a successful training clinic. Let us know if you have any questions leading up to your trip. We look forward to seeing you at ISA.

It’s a good idea to set up an international data plan with your phone service if you don’t have one already so you can easily navigate and stay connected while in Mexico. Wi-Fi is available at the ISA center.

02

On Arrival

La Cruz shoreline and marina from the ISA orientation PDF

La Cruz is 15 miles northwest of Puerto Vallarta International Airport, about a 30-minute taxi ride.

Upon arrival, your first stop should be the ATMs in the airport itself. Many small restaurants, stores, and shops only accept cash.

Taxi fares are fixed by law, but it’s good to confirm the price before committing. It should be around $700–900 MEX. Insider tip: you’ll save a few pesos by crossing the pedestrian bridge over the highway to the left of the terminal entrance and picking up one of the unregulated cabs on the other side. Uber is also available there, as Uber drivers are not permitted inside the airport.

03

Getting Around

You won’t need a car in La Cruz unless you plan on venturing further afield. Most everything you need — restaurants, groceries, pharmacies, medical clinic, and more — is within walking distance. Puerto Vallarta, Nuevo Vallarta, Punta Mita, and other Banderas Bay destinations are easily accessible by bus or taxi.

If you plan to rent a car, all popular brands are available and have pick-up offices adjacent to the airport. There are also several good Mexican rental companies; one we particularly like is Gecko Rent-a-Car, which can deliver your car to the airport for pick-up.

04

Meals & Water

Local food from the ISA orientation PDF

We suggest visiting Mega or La Comer for grocery shopping. These stores resemble large grocery stores you’re accustomed to back home. You can stop by either on your way into town or during your stay to stock up on essentials. Taxi drivers know the store locations, situated just outside Bucerías. La Cruz also has smaller markets and shops for basic supplies.

La Cruz has excellent restaurants and fantastic local taco stands, but we highly recommend preparing your own healthy meals at your accommodations. This gives you control over nutrient intake, meal timing, and sanitization practices. Sailors often dine out in the evenings as a social celebration of the day’s sailing and learning.

While in Mexico, it’s advisable to consume bottled or filtered water for safety reasons.

Breakfast

There are some great restaurants for breakfast in La Cruz, including Ballena Blanca and Little Hot Grill. Visit Yelp or TripAdvisor for a complete list of well-reviewed restaurants for all price points in the area.

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Recommended Restaurants

  • La Cata del Mar — seafood dishes and a cozy casual ambiance.
  • El Ring — friendly, family-run café with affordable breakfast and lunch options.
  • Bistro Marina — Mediterranean and Mexican cuisine with marina views.
  • A la Braza — grill-focused meats and seafood.
  • Octavia Cafe — coffee, smoothies, light bites, music, salsa classes, and yoga sessions.
  • Tacos on the Street — local favorite for authentic tacos.
  • Frascati Ristorante — Italian cuisine and warm atmosphere.
  • Masala — Indian cuisine with a diverse menu.
  • Oso's Fish Market Restaurant — seafood dishes and lively ambiance.
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Post-Sailing Socials & Prepared Meals

Generally, the WhatsApp group will self-organize post-sailing gatherings — refreshments, meals, parties, and similar plans. TripAdvisor has a helpful list of well-reviewed restaurants at a range of price points.

Prepared meal service and delivery to the ISA briefing room is available. You can place orders in advance so your food is ready right after your sailing day.

To request a menu and pricing, send a WhatsApp message to Petra Parra at +52 322-263-7927. Send the message in Spanish using Google Translate if needed for best results.

Some sailors prefer prepared meals after sailing, others prefer a smaller snack followed by a larger group dinner, and others prefer to prepare their own post-sailing meal.

07

Accommodations

La Cruz accommodation with pool from the ISA orientation PDF

There are many good options nearby through Airbnb, VRBO, destinos.com, hotels.com, and local rentals. If you’re looking for a multi-bedroom house in a nice area, search for housing inside Punta Pelicanos, which puts you within easy walking distance of the sailing center.

Casa Tiburon

Casa Tiburon is owned and managed by Bill and LauraLee Symes. Bill is a four-time ILCA Masters World Champion and a frequent participant of ISA clinics. When they aren’t using the house, they rent it to other sailors.

The house is located on the beachfront and just a five-minute walk to the International Sailing Academy. ISA participants may rent single rooms while they are in town for clinics.

Options include the primary bedroom with private bath and bay-facing patio, or a room with king bed and shared bathroom. The pool area, living room, and kitchen are shared with other house guests.

Special ISA participant rates: $195.00 per night for the primary bedroom; $110.00 per night for a bedroom with shared bath.

Visit www.casatiburon.com for details. Individual room bookings must be done by emailing Bill and LauraLee directly from the website. The website availability calendar will not indicate individual room availability.

Other Nearby Options

  • Via Amor del Mar — overlooking the beach; highly recommended if you have a robust budget and want to impress your significant other.
  • Via Magnolia — off the beach but less expensive; beautiful grounds, big pool, great for families.
  • La Cruz Inn — boutique hotel across from the town square with a good restaurant; very popular with sailors.
  • Banderas Bliss — one-bedroom furnished condo in Ocean Singer, Albatross 20, minutes from the ISA boat park and ramp. Contact Walt Spevak at wspevak@gmail.com for availability and rates.
08

Safety

ILCA sailors training on Banderas Bay from the ISA orientation PDF

La Cruz is a very safe and quiet town. Many ILCA sailors have relocated or bought second homes in the area because of its charming small-town feel and incredible sailing conditions.

The crime rate is extremely low, and we have never experienced minor theft or other incidents on our site.

Use common sense as you would anywhere you travel, and you’ll have a great time in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, Mexico.

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Other Activities

La Cruz social scene from the ISA orientation PDF

La Cruz Sunday Market

Local artisans sell food, jewelry, clothing, artwork, and more at the La Cruz Sunday market. Walk around the marina to the south and enjoy fresh eats while you browse local goods.

Destiladeras Beach

Take a taxi from your accommodation or the La Cruz marina to enjoy expansive beach walking. There’s a restaurant near the entrance where you can enjoy a cool drink or meal in the shade. Arrange your taxi pick-up time in advance.

Vallarta Adventures

Vallarta Adventures offers outdoor adventures, wildlife encounters, fishing, scenic sailing cruises, cultural experiences, and water sports in Puerto Vallarta.