Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Sea Date January 30, 2024

I decided to follow the advice of my fellow experienced cruisers. Don't make plans in advance! Just get off and let the day happen. Well, it happened to us all right.

Doug, Elizabeth, Jim and I headed off the ship with snorkel gear in hand. Within 5 minutes we found an operator who arranged a driver and a boat for the 4 of us. Couldn't be easier. We were to snorkel Los Arcos, one of the top sights. Our driver was great and delivered us to the sight with some touring on the way.

The boat entry process was interesting. The boat was pulled to shore as 4 foot waves crashed on the shore. I got wet walking to the boat. Hopped on without too much difficulty and was told to quickly move forward so others could get in. Jim and I hurried to the front, to a wet metal bench. Doug hopped in a plastic chair. Elizabeth grabbed the back metal bench. A large wave hit forcing the front of the boat down very quickly. Jim, Elizabeth and I slid off the wet seats. Elizabeth got a slight cut on her arm. Jim jammed his back. My head crashed into another metal brace and my hip jammed into the bottom of the boat. I was stunned for half a minute and then panicked. I kept feeling my head expecting to feel blood. No, thank heavens. Then I realized my hip was burning but I could move with no problem. The rest of the boat was looking at me with serious expressions of concern. All were relieved when it appeared all 3 of us had escaped serious injury. Doug was very happy with his plastic chair. I was moved to the other chair and off we went.

It was a cloudy day which is not ideal for snorkeling. But the locale was stunning. There was a small coral reef, teeming with interesting fish. A black, white and orange fish; a blue fish with blue neon dots; long, thin gar. We were the only 4 people there for over 30 minutes. When a boat with many snorkelers arrived we left. Exiting the boat on shore was another challenge. The captain is telling us to hurry. After my experience of sliding I'm trying to be careful - not rush - but I realize I need to get off so the others can before a bigger wave comes. Jim, Doug and I "rush" off but Elizabeth gets hit hard by a wave and lands in the soft sand. The boat is headed right at her - luckily she scampered out of the way.

Relieved we all survived our tour, we had our driver return us to the ship for a quick shower. On the way , we stopped at Gringo Gulch to see Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton's home. Then a stop at the cathedral where I thanked God for my unbroken body. . Our driver, Carlos, waited at the cruise terminal and then dropped us at the Romantic Zone on the beach at a fabulous restaurant, El Dorado. Red Snapper ceviche was so delicious. Great view. Then we walked along the Malecon - the boardwalk along the sea with a variety of sculptures and art.

Right before we got back on the ship, Jim shopped at Walmart and Doug and I got massages. Alexandra helped me pick out some larimar earrings.

At the sail away party, I was lucky enough to see a whale breach. I then saw several whales spouting.

Another fun show with Michelle Montuori and a talented dancing waiter! Michelle performs private events hosted by King Charles and Prince William. She is a fan of the royalty.

All in all, one of my favorite days. Need to do more going with the flow, unplanned days.

Los Arcos