Cloudy skies found us harbored in La Paz, where we started this final day of 2015.
For the first time, National Geographic Sea Bird organized snorkeling with whale sharks out in the Bay of La Paz. Whale sharks, the largest fish in the sea, are slow-moving filter-feeding sharks, growing up to 12.65 m (41.5 ft.) in length. The Sea of Cortez is regarded as a whale shark nursery and they find shelter as well as an abundance of food in the vicinity of La Paz city.
Observing the regulations set by the Mexican government to protect both animals and visitors, guests had the fabulous opportunity to swim with these magnificent creatures snorkeling in small groups. Careful to not touch part of the shark, swimmers approached within arm’s length of these gentle giants as they glided effortlessly through the plankton-rich waters. Two separate rounds of NG Sea Bird guests set out to find the whale sharks and everyone returned aboard with unforgettable memories.
On our way to Bahia Bonanza on Isla Espiritu Santo, Octavio gave a presentation on cetacean biodiversity in the Sea of Cortez.
We ended the day at the beautiful Bahia Bonanza with a barbecue dinner on the beach after short walks in the desert and a stunning sunset. After enjoying a bonfire on the beach under the stars, we rang in the new year back on board the ship with libations and good cheer. We all went to bed with hopes of a wonderful 2016 New Year.
