During full moon days, unpredictable events happen, especially in magic areas of the world, such as Baja California. We were supposed to have 25-knot winds, with choppy seas and partially overcast sky. Nevertheless, the Universe was in our favor, or maybe it was due to the gentle mediation of the last days’ bright moon, but we had a fantastic day indeed, with mild winds and therefore the opportunity to explore La Paz Bay in search of one of its most remarkable creatures, the whale shark.
This was not part of our original program, but such is life, and the joy of being on expedition. That is the way we should take it, making it even more enjoyable. Living the present time, without many expectations, because there is always a marvelous surprise to delight and enrich our existence waiting for us around the corner, and more if we are at the reign of the great whales and the largest sharks that inhabit our oceans.
Therefore, off we went, in different rounds and boats, in search of peaceful monsters of the sea. Whale sharks are the largest known species of fish, growing to 12 meters and weighing as much as 79, 000 pounds. The fish can live 70 years. This species originated about 60 million years ago, evolving large mouths to feed mainly, though not exclusively, on plankton, microscopic plants and animals, and occasionally on small fish. The whale sharks in La Paz are often seven to ten meters in length. They are mostly males and juveniles that from early winter until late spring feed in the rich waters of the Sea of Cortez.
We found from two to eight individuals, and every single guest got the opportunity to marvel at their massiveness. Let us see what else is to come as we sail on board the National Geographic Sea Bird!
