After a quick trip to Cuba in 1787, he was chosen by Juan Francisco de la Bodega y Quadra to go to the Pacific Coast of Mexico and the naval base of San Blas, the headquarters for the exploration of the Pacific Northwest. He was a Frigate Lieutenant (Teniente de Fragata) at the time. Alongside went his brother-in-law, Francisco de Eliza, who would distinguish himself as Governor of Fort San Miguel on Vancouver Island's Nootka Sound.
Following a brief excursion to Cuba in 1787, he was selected by Juan Francisco de la Bodega y Quadra to embark on an expedition to the Pacific Coast of Mexico and the naval base at San Blas, which served as the hub for exploring the Pacific Northwest. At that time, he held the position of Frigate Lieutenant (Teniente de Fragata). Alongside him traveled his brother-in-law, Francisco de Eliza, who would later gain recognition as Governor of Fort San Miguel on Vancouver Island's Nootka Sound.