On the Water
Snorkel Cruising—Up Close with Cabo's Underwater World
You don't have to be an experienced snorkeler to enjoy the sea life that abounds around Cabo. No special skills are required, no exertion to stay afloat—face down in the water and breathing through a snorkel, your body is naturally buoyant. Sounds easy enough. There are a variety of boats that specialize in snorkeling tours to Santa María and Chileno bays in the Tourist Corridor, I chose the family-oriented La Princesa, a comfortable and stable catamaran that holds up to 60 passengers. Other great options are Tropicat, Pez Gato, and Buccaneer Queen, a pirate ship replica. Bring along lots of sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, your camera, and a towel. And don't forget your bathing suit!
As we boarded, we were greeted by the crew, whose aim is to make the day memorable. The weather was Cabo-perfect, without a cloud in the sky. Once we got settled in, announcements were made in English and Spanish regarding life jackets, the location of the men's and women's “heads,” along with an orientation. Snorkel gear and instruction are included, along with an open bar all afternoon, and a light lunch on the return trip. Other snorkel cruise operators offer similar amenities, you're only task is deciding which boat to take and getting to the Cabo San Lucas marina dock on time.
On board with us this day were visitors from all parts of the globe, including a few expert snorkelers, but most were beginners like me, and of all ages. As we sailed past the jaw-dropping coastline, there were many photo ops in front of the famous arch and the cruise ship in the harbor. After cruising the coastline, where a school of bat rays sent all the camera buffs to port side, we arrived in Santa María Bay forty-five minutes later, where it was time to get into our gear and snorkel life vests. We were instructed to stay within a certain radius because of the currents. Off we went down the ladder and into the water. This was it, the time of reckoning. Now we had to spit into our face mask, smear it over the optical surface, and rinse it out with salt water to keep it fog free. Then, check the fit and into the mouth with the snorkel. The fins, while not a necessity, help you dive down faster to see more of the underwater world. My concern was getting used to breathing through the snorkel with my face in the water. You think you're going to suck in water, but you don't. I put my face in, and there below me about 20 feet was a very large school of multi-hued fish. The color and movement was mesmerizing. Something farther below looked like a large ray. My friend spotted a big red snapper and we both saw some beautiful soft coral. Upon surfacing, seeing all 50 of the snorkelers bobbing up and down in the water either heads, tails, or fins up was a comical sight.
Horseshoe-shaped Santa María Bay is a protected marine sanctuary and no use of the restroom facilities is allowed in the bay. We could admire the sea life with our eyes only, take only pictures, and leave only bubbles. One passenger had an underwater digital camera, a fabulous idea. And thanks to the watchful eyes and concerns of the boat crew, the aquamarine water was so clear and beautiful.
Back on board, after hosing off with fresh water, we helped ourselves to light refreshments. Hip music lulled me into thinking what a great day it had been. I can't wait to snorkel again. It's physical, adventurous, exciting, an opportunity to meet new people and socialize, and it enhanced my self-esteem by learning a new skill. So, what are you waiting for? Get out on the water, get cool, and kick up your fins!—Sandra Berry
Girl's Night Out—Tropicat's Sunset Jazz Cruise
When friends and relatives arrive for a visit, especially those from land-locked areas, I know they want to experience anything on the water. The Tropicat can be just the ticket to get started. This 65' catamaran with its full-size kitchen, wrap-around bar, two “heads,” and water slide, offers perfect entertainment for groups, bachelor or bachelorette parties, weddings, birthdays, and anniversaries.
As much as my single, rather sedate and shy visitor thrilled to the initial idea, while waiting to board the relaxed two-hour sunset jazz and wine cruise, the questions started: “What if I get seasick? Are there enough life preservers?” Assuring her it was safe, we boarded, and had to choose between sitting inside, outside, topside on the lounging nets, or in the stern. Somehow the 90 of us all got settled, and once under way, the bar opened, offering delicious piña coladas, margaritas, beer and wine, and trays of very appealing appetizers. With jazz filling the air, soft breezes blowing in our hair, and the drinks flowing, my friend soon started to relax. A couple more piña coladas, and she was making eyes at an attractive male passenger who was returning the gazes. As she was getting acquainted with him, I visited with the friendly staff that goes out of their way to ensure a good time. I was told that lunch is served on the snorkel cruises and a favorite time to sail is during whale season, from January through March to see the grays, humpbacks, and blues cavorting in the Sea of Cortés. The boat is equipped with VHF radio and all safety equipment is Coast Guard approved. Private charters are available for groups of 30 to 90 people.
As we sidled up close to the famous arch, my friend asked me to take several photos of her, smiling with her new friend beside her, who, it turns out, lives in a neighboring town near hers. Small world, isn't it? Now it was my time to worry; she had no problem leaning against the railing! As we sailed into a gorgeous Cabo sunset, I knew she was off to a roaring start on her Cabo vacation. It was the beginning of a whirlwind week for my guest, with a lovely storybook ending—I recently received an invitation to their engagement party—dreams can come true in Paradise! Check it out, you never know who you might meet.—Sandra Berry
Crystal—Luxury Cruising to the Max
It was a perfectly gorgeous day for our cruise on the unbelievably luxurious 111-foot Crystal yacht, a new, and stunning, addition to the multi-million dollars vessels moored in Cabo San Lucas. As we boarded this floating villa, we were directed past the aquarium, down below to the three main staterooms to stow our personal belongings. We all ooohed and aaahed at the richly appointed suites with their gorgeous king-sized silk and satin dressed beds.
Fifty of us motored out of the harbor for a lavish afternoon engagement party along the Los Cabos coastline. The lucky couple had met in Cabo, and decided to hold their celebration here on the area's most incredible private charter yacht, one of three owned by Southwood Yacht Charters.
As soon as we left the dock, the blue-shirted crew passed trays of superb hors d'oeuvres and glasses of champagne, while Captain Rick entertained those in the pilothouse, explaining the sophisticated equipment.
We couldn't resist waving to the passengers on the giant cruise ship in the harbor, some of us from the top deck, others in and around the hot tub, and many in the spacious and beautifully appointed air-conditioned main salon where the bartender kept the libations flowing. Featuring a wood-burning fireplace—not that we needed it—comfy seating, 6'6” headroom, conversation nooks, a 50” plasma TV, a game table, and an elegant dining area, the salon was a great place for some of us to chill out before the toasts and speeches began. The attention to detail, from the extravagant bouquets of fresh flowers to the hot and cold rolled hand towels passed on gleaming silver trays, along with the stellar food and service, all expertly orchestrated by Southwood's Nan Woods, made this a once in a lifetime memory, especially for the soon-to-be-wed couple.
From the moment we boarded to the final wave goodbye four hours later, we lived the life of the privileged, and felt like this world-class yacht was ours, at least for a glorious afternoon. The Crystal can accommodate any event for up to 50 people, including fishing, overnight or live aboard trips, meetings, special events, and dive trips, with dive masters and instructors for on board certification. Two Jacuzzis, Wave Runners, a sleek speedboat, Internet and telephone access, private gourmet catering, and full spa services are offered aboard the Crystal, truly the yacht of dreams. For smaller group charters, Southwood's Kahuna, an 83´ Nordlund, and the Atrevida, a 72´ Viking, both exceptional, are also moored in Cabo San Lucas.—Sandra Berry & Sabrina Lear
Learn to Surf—Fun for Every Family Member
If you've ever envied surfers hangin' out catching waves, you, too, can learn to surf. Mike Doyle's Surf School's mission is to have you up on a surfboard in a day. The perfect family activity, this surf school specializes in lessons for all ages, from four to eighty years old. No experience is necessary, just a desire to learn, a bit of patience, and, oh yeah, you do need to know how to swim! Private and corporate lessons are also easily arranged. First, you'll practice pulling yourself up on the board, on land until you're comfortable, when you'll graduate to the water and, with some excellent and patient instruction, you'll be standing up and riding your first waves in no time. The instructors are also professional lifeguards and know the waters around Cabo. You'll go at your own pace, feel safe, and have a lot of fun. Founded by legendary longboard surfer and waterman, Mike Doyle, the surf school is at Acapulquito Beach, in front of the 19-room boutique Cabo Surf Hotel. Mike, who lives nearby, was voted "Best Surfer" by Surfer magazine in 1965 and 1966. In 1968, Mike won the coveted Duke Kahanamoku Contest at Sunset Beach, Hawaii and the world surfing title in Peru.—Sabrina Lear
Part 1 of 3 - | Section One | Section Two | Section Three | |
