Dave and Jamie create peace on the bay for all guests chartering their boat; SeaRenity.
When someone truly loves his or her job it shows. When their passion becomes their business the joy they share with others is profound. My ‘Characters’ story today is about two people who I feel truly honored to call friends. They resonate their love of life, their joy of living in paradise and especially their love of being on the water with all who choose them to take them out. Sharing peace on the bay with others is what brings them joy!
Jamie Jones and Dave Pletz are so darn nice! They go above and beyond the call, in so many ways. I love the name of their yacht; SeaRenity, which speaks about where they feel most serene… the sea. They moved mountains so they could charter they’re boat here in Mexico and the process was worth it, as they adore sharing their sea world with others. Being on the ocean and experiencing the whales, dolphins, turtles and more is the best of Banderas Bay. When I say experience… Dave and Jamie not only do their darndest to find whales for their clients to view they also have a sounder where you can hear the whales communicating with each other. Having had that experience ‘up close and personal’ I have to say it gave me chills.
I’ve had many guests who requested charters on SeaRenity and got exactly what they wanted. Sometimes timing or budget doesn’t allow what a guest might be looking for. I’ve been very impressed when Jamie and Dave created custom tours so my guests received at least a portion of the trip they desired. Every time they come back beaming; “We love Dave and Jamie!”
I first met them at Britannia pub when we were celebrating my hubbie’s birthday. I had gotten a huge cake to share with all and the majority of it was leftover; Jamie offered to take it to the kids at the Manos de Amor orphanage where she and Dave love the kids and donate much of their time. They also help the kids at the Loving Arms Orphanage and they drive into the mountains giving folks in need clothes and blankets for the colder weather. There love overfloweth!
Both Canadian and originally from Alberta they moved here three years ago; seasonally, they say. Seasonally has become about 8 months a year and they spend the other four months back in the beautiful Rocky Mountains of Alberta, Canada. Jamie has been coming to Bucerias and the Bay of Banderas area for 15 years. In November, 2012, Jamie brought Dave here for his 50th birthday and he fell in love with the area! They returned in the fall of 2013 to spend the winter and ever since then they have been transitioning to more time here and less time in Canada as they become more involved in the community.
Dave is a veteran boater with over 30 years of boating experience. He knows his boat inside and out and holds no compromises on the safety of SeaRenity and it’s passengers. Their captain is a fully licensed, bilingual local resident with years of experience on the water; having spent his life on the bay he knows all about it and its rich history. Together they will keep you safe and comfortable for your entire experience aboard SeaRenity.
Jamie and Dave are passionate about looking after their guests… “Our charters are private, customized boat tours within Banderas Bay for up to 8 people. We try to personalize each tour and make our guests’ day on the water a memorable one. We love scouting for sea life; exploring shorelines and sharing our knowledge of the bay with our guests. We offer sunset cruises, snorkeling adventures, bay cruises, fishing and whale watching.” Their specialty truly is looking after guests; Jamie serving snacks and drinks and Dave enjoying visiting, sharing secret snorkeling spots & private beaches and discovering sea life.
What they love most “Being out on the water with people, discovering new spots, witnessing nature, and observing sea life. We love seeing the “WOW” on our guest’s faces when they not only see, but also get to HEAR the whales on our hydrophone. The AWE when 10′ manta rays surface beside the boat; the “WOW” as the sun sets into the bay; its all magical! “WOW… did you see that?” “Wow, ¿viste eso?” has become a very common expression on SeaRenity. That’s enjoyment!
SeaRenity is a 31 ft twin-engine cruiser with seating for eight passengers and two crew. She is well equipped with a bathroom; private area for resting or changing; cabin dining area; fresh water rinse down shower; multi media music system that accommodates iphone or usb flash drives; on board hydrophone for listening to sea life down below; snorkel equipment; deep sea fishing gear; flotation jackets; sun shade for upper seating area and a padded sun deck out front. She cruises along at 23 knots to get you anywhere on the bay. For charters SeaRenity has 2 crew: A Mexican certified captain and a mariner.
They have a mix of clientele with tourists being their largest customer demographic. We do have quite a few expat clients that have loved their magical moments on the water and now bring their visitors for outings as well; for which we feel very grateful.
Both Jamie and Dave love being both in and on the ocean! Dave has been a natural fish all his life with a love for the water and all watersports including scuba diving, waterskiing and fishing. Dave has owned and driven a boat every summer in Canada for almost 40 years so he is very comfortable and familiar with boating. It’s a new experience on the ocean versus Canadian lakes yet a challenge he has taken kindly to. He’s a natural captain out on the bay⚓. Dave has an uncanny ability to fix and repair anything and everything… thus far; from rigging up easy access ‘3rd level terrace-bell’, repairing water filters, boat pumps and fine tuning every inch of the motors. Dave’s engineering background comes in really handy!
Dave loves to cook and they hope to be incorporating gourmet meals aboard SeaRenity next season. His favourite dish is mahi mahi rubbed in a special blend of spices, wrapped in bacon and baked on a bed of seasonal vegetables. Heck, I’ll step up and be the tester… that sounds marvelous!
Jamie was drawn to the local children and began volunteering her time prior to them living here. She has been very involved with the local orphanage and foster home in addition to local community & church children’s activities. Jamie is currently an active member on the board of directors for Loving Arms A.C. orphanage. Both Dave and Jamie are involved in local children’s lives on a daily basis; loving each moment and honoured to have the opportunities to help shape young lives. Jamie’s emergency department nursing background can be a great asset in the communities for events, emergencies and more.
As always I asked:
I imagine your job has its share of rewards, challenges and overwhelming moments… please share:
“The rewards for us are being out on the bay and to be able to share some amazing experiences with others. There is so much area on the Bay of Banderas to explore and each tour brings a new unique adventure. The challenges are there as with any business however; working in this paradise makes it all worthwhile. We measure our business success by the positive comments from our customers and the happy moments on the bay. Of course, the number of tours we do is also important and we find that our happy customers pass on referrals for us. Being available and accommodating has helped our success.”
What is the one thing you’re most proud of in your lives, greatest achievement kinda thing?
“Without a doubt, our children! Each of us has two children from former marriages, whom are now between the ages of 21-25. These young adults are uniquely individual; exploring extremely different paths in life. It’s pretty amazing to watch and be involved in. Our kids continue to support our choices to live here, have a business and grow community here. And, they sure don’t mind the visits and endless hours on the bay!”
What inspires you?
“Local hard working nationals inspire us… particularly those at the poverty level who continue trying, everyday, to make a better life for themselves and/or their children. The value of family-friends time together in this culture of living simply inspires us. The energy of the ocean inspires us every time we get out on SeaRenity.”
If you had a magic wand, what would your wish for La Cruz de Huanacaxtle be 5 years from now and beyond?
“For La Cruz to keep its friendly small town feel and for the entertainment and arts scene to continue to grow.”
When asked why they’d recommend La Cruz to others who want to vacation or live here:
“It’s a small town with a friendly atmosphere and with numerous & varied restaurants; courteous businesses; a variety of accommodations including beautiful boutique hotels and honest down to earth, fun loving folks.”
Do you have a favorite quote?
It’s changed… now its continuously “WOW, did you see that???” And “Slow down, you move too fast. Ya gotta make the moment last”.
La Cruz… Pueblo by the sea to make it happen.
Thanks so much my mariner friends!
Call Jamie or Dave to create your private sea tour leaving from the Marina Riviera in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle: 322 116 2526 and view their website here.
