Kariann HaskellOur October adventure to La Paz was thanks to Ronnys family. My father in law is an avid wildlife seeker, and we joined him on a quest to find the giant Mantas among the sparkling turquoise sea of Cortez.
We were a group of eight traveling together, shuttling from airport to hotels in large passenger vans. Travel does have a lot more thinking time when you aren’t the one navigating all the time.
We have boated with Baja Charters before, doing a whale shark encounter a few years previous. This time we were treated to a yacht, able to hold 12 passengers, which included all employees, for an overnight stay out on the water.
Our day was filled with lessons from our marine biologist, Mariana. Our Chef onboard, Brian, was always quick to whip up any meal to a quick snack. A few hours by boat and we were out away from the city, and anyone else for miles.
The sun shimmered and baked our skin as we were about to pop into the water for our first snorkel. Jitters abound, I splutter and gulp down tons of water as my flipper comes unhooked from my ankles. Alas, a size too big! Mariana noticed I was struggling, came and helped me all while asking questions, keeping cool, (ALL IN THE WATER MIND YOU) and helping my horse-in-water self find a smaller set of fins, and away I was able to go
Hundreds of colorful big and small fish surround us as we tried to locate some manta rays. Unsuccessful, yet, undeterred, we twirled around with a grand cackle of sea lions examining us.
By days end, we finished with some raw tuna and veggie lasagna. We dipped into the black sea to swim with the manta rays that glided below. Others were more agile than I, being able to dive deeper to get a closer look. It’s still an incredibly peaceful memory I enjoy, casually floating in this bathtub warm water, watching creatures live a life like this under the sea that I’m not even cognitive most times of.
The night ended poorly, after an injury while the family was taking turns jumping off the top of the top of the boat. While most were rending aid in the small cabin, I knew I was only taking up precious space, and told them I’d be outside if they needed me for anything. I got to sit with my feet in the water, totally silent, except for the splashing of the fish having a feast at twilight.
We had a line out and even caught a beautiful fish. As night set in, we realized our bunk was in the front of the boat, where the motor was. We also got to sleep with the chef, so that was interesting. It was incredibly hot and miserable with no air conditioning. It was also very weird being far away from Ronny, knowing how uncomfortable he was too, yet being unable to talk or be near him. Wouldn’t have been comfortable, either way. There wasn’t space for two people, and it was so hot you wouldn’t choose to. Overall, a poorly slept night met with the motors cranking on around 5AM. We had an early morning call at 7AM to jump back in the water for a last snorkel. Cranky, hungry, tired, and reluctant initially, the shock of the tepid water took a few minutes to pass and we were rewarded with a beautiful swim with an area teaming with wildlife. From the roar of the sealions on the island, to hearing them squeak underwater at us, zooming and blowing bubbles into our faces in the morning sun. We even were able to swim through an underwater channel of sorts, teaming with fish and pastel blues.
At the end of the trip, we were giant Manta sighting-less. While we were able to observe and swim with some manta rays, the giant Mantas eluded us for this trip.
I’m sure Papa Wright will have another adventure ready for us soon, animals included. We all had such a good time enjoying the sun, wildlife, and company aboard Baja Charters.
