Cabo San Lucas 22.88°N – That ship has already sailed!

It was a scorcher today! I couldn't tell you what the temperature was, but “hot as hell” is an understatement.

We arrived at Cabo San Lucas at noon, the only cruise ship in the harbour, but certainly not the only ship. The ship, pictured below, is named “A.” It's 388 feet long and is owned by a Russian billionaire. Every one was talking about it, inlcuding our captain who gave us the low down at dinner time.

A Ship Called "A"

What an incredible day. As we walked down the harbour, snorkel gear on our backs, dozens of vendors offered us transportation on sailboats, glass bottom boats, fishing boats and pirate ships, to various snorkeling sites.

Having been to Los Cabos several times, we had a particular snorkeling spot in mind – Santa Maria beach, half way between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose. We wanted to take a catamaran, but they'd all left the harbour. So when a vendor tried to convince us to hop aboard his boat, we pointed to the Cabos Blue, a catamarran on its way to Santa Maria, already about 100 yards off the dock. “We want that boat.”

No problem. He waved us onto his boat, and drove us out to the catamaran. Better late than never.

All the catamarrans we passed were chock full of people; ours had only eight couples aboard, which meant lots of walking around room. Lively latin music played put everyone in the mood for beer and margaritas, which were included in the $45 per person cost. So was lunch. We motor sailed close to the incredible arches at Lover's Beach (El Arco de Cabo San Lucas) and a sea lion colony.

After a glorious 45 minute motor sail, we arrived at our destination, a lovely sandy cove, with very few people onthe breach, but dozens floating on life jackets, faces down in the water.

At home, when I can scrounge up the courage to go in the lake, my body tenses as I edge my way, squealing and making a scene, into the cool water. There is no need to test the temperature of the water here. I jumped in with nary a msucle contraction. .

The snorkeling was good, though we didn't see the variety of fish we've seen previously at Lover's Beach or other Cabo spots.

What a wonderful afternoon. We were back at the harbour by 3:30 pm. After a quick walk-about, we headed back to the ship. The humidity had us dripping with perspiration and in desperate need of showers. A nice touch, Holland America staff handed out steamed hand towels as we boarded the tenders to go back to the Ryndam.

A quick shower, dinner and a show. Tonight's show was a fantastic comedian / magician.

Trivia: At Cabo San Lucas, passengers are tendered ashore. The ship disembarked about 1000 passengers in an hour and a half. That's what I call smooth sailing!