Many sailors venture into tropical climates and, if they do so, they will most likely encounter the creepiest of sand creatures, the sand flea.    On my visit to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, I became a victim, and the sand fleas had party on my ankles and lower legs.  Here are some tips on how to prevent the bites and what to do if you become a victim.

What Are Sand Fleas:

The sand flea is a very nasty insect which is difficult to see, as it is only 1/8 of an inch in size but they can jump up to two feet high.  They are also called "no-see-ums" and other names.  Only the female sand flea will attack mammals/humans, i.e., sup on their blood to feed its evil diet of protein for egg laying purposes.

This review is mostly based on my travels to Cabo San Lucas and La Paz last year following the Baja Ha-Ha sail rally.  It is an untarnished view of the way I saw the places yacht havens … call the shots as I see them, no sacred cows.

While the 170- vessel Baja Ha-Ha XVI fleet descended on Cabo San Lucas in November 2009 as part of an annual sailing pilgrimage to the cape, the Cabo Isle Marina was able to accommodate all vessels who sought berths without having to resort to raft ups – a rarity, normally.  Weak economic conditions in Baja opened plenty of berthing space in the high-priced Cabo marina on this.  Even with the 25% Baja Ha-Ha discount, berthing costs were very high -- about three times what cruisers would normally pay at many marinas north of the border.  Nevertheless, many cruisers came in for at least one day to replenish supplies, fill water tanks, fuel up, wash vessels, empty garbage bags, and pump out holding tanks.  Those on tight budgets headed out to the anchorage East of the harbor jetty entrance, stretching for several miles with beachfront condos and hotels.  Anchoring in depths ranging from 15 to 60 feet is manageable in most conditions but the noise and wakes from pangas, passenger vessels and jet skis can be a nuisance.  Pangas regularly cruise the wide expanse of the anchorage for about $3 dollars  per passenger from the vessel to the marina – a better alternative to taking the dinghy when the water is churned up or bigger swells roll in. 

After a night in the down, getting back to the vessel in the anchorage can be tricky.  The pangas will be patient with you as you scout around to find your vessel in a sea of hundreds of vessels on a dark night.  Either a pocket GPS aid, or distinctive LED lighting on the vessel will help.