A friend hired Manta and we all got to go Whale Shark snorkeling with his company.
We showed up super early and had a bit of a wait in the dark, in a mall, waiting for the owners to arrive. An owner arrived and apologized, then our guide showed up, out of breath, apologetic and very effusive.
We went on a snorkeling trip, 2 hours north from Cabo, and had a great experience. After getting fitted for wet suits, we made a quick stop at the OXXO and then loaded in the waiting taxi. It was an 11 passenger van (hired) and we were soon on our way out of town (not before our cab driver helped us park our rental car at a free and safe parking lot) to La Paz.
We drove north for a 2 hour journey. It was a peaceful and comfortable trip in our driven van. We arrived at the beach in La Paz, a large gradual Bay with a bustling but not too busy collection of businesses along the beach. We unloaded from the taxi (again by an OXXO )where we got breakfast after changing in a random (but, luckily, clean) bathroom. We then walked across the street to the beach and an open air boat. We waded a bit in the water before climbing on-board, then were on our way.
We went further than I expected, it took a least a half hour to reach the feeding grounds for the whale sharks we were seeking. Out captain was in touch with other captains and, in due time, we were in the right place.
This was snorkeling, from a boat, with an incredibly enthusiastic guide. Sam was awesome and very professional. He briefed us on what we should expect and how this would work. We all jumped in (in short order) and soon, Sam was leading us to where the whale sharks were feeding.
The whale sharks were incredible, docile, and easy to watch and be close to. Sam was great, always close to the nearest whale shark, arm waving so we could see. He also took a bunch of amazing underwater photos.
Whale Sharks are amazing, in varying sizes from "reasonable" for a shark to "terrifying, it's headed this way!!" They tend to move slowly, nothing too sudden, but they can move quickly, without notice.
I'd be swimming, looking for them, then all of a sudden, there would be one right there..and then it was headed my way!!
After a reasonable time we all decided to head in, that part was easy, after nearly 2 hours, we were all done.
We had lunch at a simple beachside place that specialized in cooked meat. Tacos "Al Pastor" was the theme and they were really good. The meat was very good and all the accompaniments were equally good.
Manta was a great guide company for a bunch of rookie divers/snorkelers. The guide was very good and all hired services provided a great experience. We all had a great time and saw lots of Whale Sharks in the Bay close to La Paz. read more