We started Dive day 2 by checking in at the Navy base and then picking up three underwater photographers from the World Wildlife Federation who had been waiting for us at Socorro Island during the storm (unable to dive). From there we went to Cabo Pearce. Throughout all 3 dives at Cabo Pearce we could hear the humpback whales singing in the background. In between dives two and three several guests were out snorkeling when a humpback whale mom and calf happened along and checked out the snorkellers. The encounter was, of course, an incredible experience.
Read MoreIt has always seemed to us that our best giant manta ray interactions tend to be on the second and third scuba dives. This has been reinforced by our experience here on the Boiler on this trip. Although we have been seeing giant mantas earlier in the day they do not seem to wish to stay around and play until about 11am, at which point they are happy to play with us until around 3:30pm. Luckily, this is also the best time for the photography as the light is at its best.
Read MoreThe scuba diving at Roca Partida was red hot today. Not sure what else I can say! The seas were calm. Everyone saw giant manta rays (as advertised, we are quite sure that these are the “friendliest” mantas in the world), loads of sharks and large schools of fish with everything set to the music of humpback whales singing in the distance.
Read MoreDivemaster Ryan lucked out with the very best encounter of all when a large male humpback whale approached him underwater and hung out with him for a reported 20 minutes. Ryan could barely contain himself when he got back and reported that the whale was close enough to touch. How come I always seem to miss the best dives!?!
Read MoreIt’s all good fun but it is mandatory that everyone in the water remain close to the dive ladder, calm and watchful, and ready to get out of the water if needed. We once experienced a flying fish darting right through our divers and boinking itself on the head against our steel transom. I can tell you that a fluttering and stunned flying fish on the surface is like a dinner bell for silky sharks – even if they have to charge right through all of our divers!!
Read MoreToday luck was with a few of our guests who jumped in off the back of the boat, sans scuba, to snorkel with some dolphins that had been playing nearby, and were given the dive of a lifetime by some passing humpback whales that made one close pass. Swimming with a young humpback whale escorted by bottlenosed dolphins is definitely one for the logbook.
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