Zihua Pier Project Cancelled

In some parts of Mexico, rampant development seems to be unstoppable these days. However, in answer to widespread public protest, the government’s Secretary of Communications and Transportation recently announced the cancellation of plans to construct an enormous cruise ship pier through the heart of Zihua Bay.

This is good news indeed for cruising sailors, shore-based tourists and townspeople alike, as the pier would have eliminated much of the traditional fishing boat anchorage, while forever changing the peaceful nature of the town’s waterfront.

Many visiting sailors regard Zihua as their favorite stop along the Mexican mainland, as it has retained its authentic Mexican flavor, and has not become dominated by American and Canadian tourists — roughly 60% of the town’s visitors, in fact, come from other parts of Mexico. By contrast, neighboring Ixtapa is a resort town built exclusively for foreign tourists, but its bay is apparently unsuitable for pier construction.