Page 3 - DTA_WINTER 2020

MEXICO BAHÍA AND THE NORTHERN SEA OF CORTEZ

hen we were invited by THIS TRIP WAS TO PROVE
Nautilus Liveaboards to partake
in an expedition to the lesser- EXCEPTIONAL, WITH A
dived northern part of the Sea of FANTASTIC BUNCH OF DIVERS
Cortez, we jumped at the chance.
We flew into San Diego in order to FROM AROUND THE WORLD...
cross the border into Mexico and,
hoping to organise some diving,
we arrived a couple of days early.
Unfortunately the extra diving didn’t
work out but we did get the chance to
explore this city for the first time.
San Diego is a vibrant place with a
great mix of tourist attractions, local
markets and excellent food and drink, was going to take us across the nearby
including one of our favourite breweries border into Mexico and then through the
– Ballast Point. It is also a city with an incredible desert landscape to San Filipe,
impressive naval history and home to the where our liveaboard - the Gallant Lady
U.S. Navy’s Pacific Fleet. In the past we - awaited us. The transfer took about four
have gone snorkelling and diving in La hours with a very smooth run through
IMAGES Jolla, and this is well worth adding to your customs at the border.
Below: Our boat awaits just o itinerary if you get the chance. As this was one of the very first trips,
the shore of Bahía de los Ángeles
We always find the first morning of it has to be said that the boat had some
Opposite from top: A diver a liveaboard trip exciting, meeting up teething issues but we were delighted to
explores the wall. Sea lions love with the fellow guests who will be your find that we knew both the Captain and
to dart and play in front of the
divers. The moment we slip companions over the coming week. This Chef from previous travels and knew
into the water to see that Whale trip was to prove exceptional, with a them both to be superb at their respective
Sharks have arrived. Playful fantastic bunch of divers from around the jobs. We put in our order for the Chef’s
sea lions like to have a nibble at
your fins. world, all as enthusiastic as we were about epic hot sauce right away! A burst water
the upcoming adventure. Paperwork pipe somewhere on the boat delayed our
complete, we climbed aboard the bus that departure a little, and also meant that
our cabin carpet was a bit soggy, but this
did nothing to dampen our excitement
about getting in the water with two of
our favourite marine animals: Whale
Sharks and sea lions. As it was dark when
we pulled out of the harbour, we decided
to set up our cameras, have dinner and
a couple of beers, and then head to bed.
We would be spending as much time as
possible in the water over the coming four
days.
The boat travelled overnight and, as
breakfast was being served, we motored
into Bahía de los Ángeles (The Bay of
the Angels). The scenery was stunning
with flat calm water and the desert town
in the background. Each year dozens of
Whale Sharks (up to 200 sometimes) come
into this bay to feed. Some of the local

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