La Paz & Loreto

 

From the bus station, we walked about 10 minutes to the Sun Rider Tours office in La Paz. We were told that local regulations had changed this year so only 10 boats with 12 people (including captain and tour guide) could be in the area with the whale sharks at a time. They weren't sure they were going to be able to take us out. I surprised myself and didn't panic. We swam with the whale sharks three years ago so I remained calm as we waited to find out if the tour was going to happen. A few others from the Ruby Princess showed up and we ended up going out on the boat about an hour later than our original tour time. We had to wait in an area until the captain was able to get our boat approved to go out to where the whale sharks were located. 

 

It was a beautiful sunny day but not very warm. I was thankful for the short wet suit that Sunrider provided.  We always bring our own snorkel gear so Eric and I got ready and were in the first group to get in the water.  The guide provided lots of information and directions before we left the boat. The water was cold but as soon as I saw the first whale shark, it didn't matter.  

 

The guide had told us to stay along the side of the whale shark and not get in front of it. At one  point, I found myself right in front of its mouth and was swimming sideways in a circle trying to get out of its way. It kept following me around in the circle! I finally got behind it and then turned around and there was another whale shark right behind me. I screamed and then started laughing which filled my snorkel mask with water. 

 

Only five people from our boat could be in the water at a time so we got back on the boat and let others take a turn. I think we got to go out at least three times. The first time I swam with the whale sharks, I was more hesitant. I'm glad I took every opportunity to get in the water and swim with them this time. They are amazing and beautiful. The pictures don't do them justice. 

 

 

After the tour, we walked back towards the bus station. We did stop in Thrifty's Ice Cream for a scoop of chocolate malted krunch - my favorite from when we grew up in Southern California.  We enjoyed our ice cream and then took the bus back to the ship.  A local group of children were giving a dance demonstration in the port so we watched that for a few minutes. 

 

We visited the thermal suite again and went to the buffet for dinner.  We just weren't into getting all dressed up this time to go to the main dining room. Another great sail away.

 

 

 

 

 

 

We arrived in Loreto around 7 am. This was our favorite port when we took the same cruise three ago. That time, we just found a local man with a boat who took us out on the Sea of Cortez. We saw an orca and then he took us to Coronado Island to swim with the sea lions. There were also tons of mobula rays leaping out of the water. That whole day was amazing. We were hoping to do similar things this year. 

 

Well, it didn't work out that way.  It was very windy as we sat on the top, open area of the tender boat. We found out that the port was closed because of the high winds.  We were disappointed but I felt even worse for the local people who were hoping to take people out on their boats. The cruise ships do not go to Loreto very often so this was a good opportunity to make some money for them. We took a walk through town and did some shopping instead. 

 

 

We took the tender back to the ship. The top area of the tender was closed and it was a very choppy ride! We spent the rest of the day on the ship. I kept watching for whales, orca, mobula rays but there were just too many waves.  I was a bit disappointed but we're going to try to go to Loreto and stay for a few days at some point in our travels.