Mexican Fisherman, Jesus
My favourite thing about living in an ‘away-land’ is that I get to meet a variety of people from all walks of life. During our second year in La Cruz we met a fabulous Mexican fisherman and ocean tour operator, Jesus; pronounced ‘Hey-zuice’. He and his son, also Jesus, took Chris, me and four others to the Marieta Islands where we delighted in seeing the Blue footed booby bird and we got to swim in a crater. More on that excursion in a future blog, this story is on the man who created his life and business mostly by way of the waters of Banderas Bay.
Jesus Chavez Gonzalez, has lived in La Cruz all his life, growing up with 13 sisters and brothers. All of his family still live in the area with only one sister who actually left La Cruz and moved to our neighboring town, Bucerias, with her daughters and granddaughters. His sister Maria Chavez is the owner of Abarrotes Grocery La Cruz which just happens to be Chris and my favorite corner store.
He started fishing at the age of seventeen, commercial fishing out of La Cruz, long before there was a marina here. Jesus’ business includes sport fishing, humpback whale watching tours and sightseeing. The most popular is a toss up between fishing and taking clients to the Marieta Islands to explore. He started his business seventeen years ago with a small panga (boat) named Ivette I but it was uncomfortable for his clients and missing many things that would make for a better experience. He then bought the newer panga named Ivette II with all the gear he needed and more comfort for his clients.
When asked what he loves about his career and what’s his specialty…
“I believe my specialty is providing a pleasant and fun ride for my clients. Depending on their taste I create a unique experience for each client i.e. some customers enjoy fishing and others like to walk the coastline or snorkel in the Marieta’s. There have been so many special moments with humpback whales breaching and the amazing sight of a whale mom giving birth or spending time with her young, that’s the reward of my business, sharing all that with my clients. It is a business that has brought livelihood to my family and also the pleasure of seeing customers return each year to hire me again for my services.”
It’s mostly a seasonal business; November thru April is when most tourists arrive in La Cruz. Jesus’ clients are mostly American and Canadians but in the summer months when many nationals vacation here he gets Mexican customers, too. Growing up in a fishing village he’s always been exposed to the fishing and sightseeing industry, but Jesus’ dream was to always have his own business… well done, Capitano!
Consider Jesus for a sunset cruise!
My hubby surprised me for my birthday with champagne, nibbles and a trip with Jesus. We went far out on the ocean so I could see the vast stars in the sky after enjoying the setting sun. It was an amazing evening that I’ll remember forever!
Jesus like the changes that the Marina Riviera Nayarit has brought to La Cruz de Huanacaxtle “I like the change that brings more work and people and helps business grow”. He’d like to preserve the traditions and festivals in La Cruz like the festival/blessing of the fleet and the La Cruz days that bring music and games and lots of food to our town lasting for ten days and always ending on May 3rd. We love sharing this special time with Villa Amor del Mar guests; this year we were all dancing in the streets and the guests competed at throwing rocks at bottles, yes real rocks and real glass bottles… a girl won, love that! The prize was beer, she shared!
Jesus’ wish for La Cruz “To continue having friendly people in our town and fishing village.”
His family is what inspires him and what he says most people won’t know about him is that when he gets a day off work he spends time with family and prefers to go inland to the mountains. The greatest achievements in his life are having his own business and building his own home.
Jesus recommends you visit “I consider La Cruz a quiet town where people live happily, where businesses grow every day with quality service provided. I recommend that every person who reads this visit La Cruz de Huanacaxtle. You won’t regret it!”
You can hire Jesus by cell phone; 322 149 3585, email; Ivettelacruz@yahoo.com.mx or on his Facebook page.
