News
First Time Family Snorkel in Ireland
This summer Mike and I were fortunate enough to have some family visiting, including our niece Norah, after not seeing each other since pre-pandemic times. We were lucky to get some lovely weather and of course that meant heading to the coast!
Our niece is a good swimmer and would like to learn to scuba dive one day. We mentioned that snorkeling was a really good start for getting used to using a mask and fins and also great fun. Having gotten her equipment for the trip, Norah practised in the pool before her arrival and was excited to try things out in the ocean.
We live within a 90 minute drive of several lovely bits of shoreline on the west coast of Ireland, and chose to start off our adventures at Dunmoran Strand in County Sligo. Here there is a sandy beach bordered by rocky shore, with shallow calm waters. A great starting point for snorkeling in the sea for the first time! Norah kitted up remarkably quickly as I struggled into my wetsuit, but we were soon in the shallows ready to go. We had an initial swim to get a feel of it and then gave Norah some tips on clearing her mask, snorkel and some finning techniques and we were off exploring the rocks. Almost immediately we came across some large colourful jellyfish and swam carefully around to observe them without any contact. After a good 45 minutes of seeing wrasse, crabs, sand eels and anemones we returned to the beach to dry off and warm up with huge smiles.
A few days later we headed out to the tidal swimming pool at Rosses Point, near Sligo. Here by the yacht club is a man-made pool that opens out into the sea. From the pool you can follow the coast and snorkel the rocks to the right side with an easy entry and exit at the pool. Care must be taken NOT to swim out of the pool to the left, as the aptly named “Dead Man’s Point” has some fierce currents. Arriving on a cooler, breezy day, we checked Norah was up for the challenge of snorkeling in a slight swell and we headed out right along the rocks. Norah coped brilliantly with the slightly tougher conditions and was soon zooming around spotting crabs all over the place. We even got to see a small dogfish dart out from between the rocks and out into the kelp. We took care to watch the waves and make sure we turned round early to get back to the tidal pool before we got chilled or tired and spent a happy last few minutes jumping off the poolside at the deep end before heading home.
For our last trip we went to Old Head Beach in County Mayo, which has a Blueway Snorkel Trail. As depicted on an informative sign by the car park, the trail starts from the left side of the pier, following a rocky coastline in sheltered, shallow water away from local boat traffic. On our visit the sun was out again and the waters were an inviting, almost tropical blue. As we swam around and through the thick kelp we spotted plenty of wrasse, a couple of large compass jellyfish, a pipe fish and a flying gurnard. Norah perfected her duck diving and we had an enjoyable time dropping our snorkels for her to retrieve from the sandy bottom.
We had some excellent snorkels and though sadly the family had to return home, it was a great visit.
After our adventures, we asked Norah a few questions to get her perspective:
What was your favourite thing?
Snorkeling with jellyfish and not getting stung!
What was the biggest challenge?
The salt stinging my eyes when the mask leaked a bit.
Where was your favourite snorkel spot?
Old Head had the most colourful water, Rosses Point had lots of crabs and we saw a tiny shark!
What new skill did you learn that you found most useful?
Putting toothpaste on a new mask to stop it fogging up.
What are you most proud of?
Snorkeling in the ocean for the first time and coping with waves and some current.
Do you want to go snorkeling again?
Yes!
Mike and I love the water and to be able to share this activity with our niece was brilliant. Ireland has a great system of established snorkel trails called The Blueway (https://diving.ie/blueway/). These Blueway trails can be snorkeled or kayaked and are safe routes with maps and above water signage on the points of interest. The west coast of Ireland really is a great place for some snorkel adventures!
For more information on water activities in Ireland check out: www.discoverireland.
Here’s some of the latest tourism news and happenings from Yap, a unique destination in the Federated States of Micronesia.
Visitor Arrivals Double – Yap’s tourism sector continues to rebound with visitor arrivals in 2024 so far almost doubling the number for the same period in 2023. The island welcomed 1825 international stayover visitors between January to August 2024, compared to 945 in 2023, a 93% increase. “We are thrilled to see this growth in our visitor numbers, which indicates that our comprehensive advertising, public relations, social media, and trade show attendance campaign over the past year and a half in the Guam, US and European markets is generating impressive results,” commented Susan Gooliyan, General Manager of the Yap Visitors Bureau- Yap to Host the 2025 Micronesia Expo – Save the date as Yap will be hosting the 4th Micronesia Expo, which will run from July 21-25, 2025. This annual Expo is designed celebrate the rich culture and heritage of all states that comprise the Federated States of Micronesia. Planning activities have already started in terms of determining venues, activities and travel arrangements for participants. This year’s Expo was held in Chuuk State in July and Yap was represented by a strong delegation of 40 persons.
- Coral Geographer Cruise Ship Visits Yap – The main and outer islands of Yap welcomed 80 Australian cruise passengers on board the Coral Geographer from September 3-6, 2024. The Yap Visitors Bureau provided greeter services the visitors, as well as branded promotional giveaways. A special Air Nauru flight was arranged from Cairns, Australia to pick up the 80 departing passengers and drop off passengers who were joining the cruise in Yap. The Coral Geographer was the second cruise ship to visit Yap in 2024 and the island is actively targeting small niche cruise lines that ply the Pacific area.
Yap is an island in the Federated States of Micronesia, in the Pacific Ocean that is ringed by spectacular coral reefs and famous for its scuba diving with giant manta rays and sharks and exploring World War II shipwrecks. Other key activities on the island include canoeing, kayaking, hiking, and deep-sea and reef fishing. Yap is also uniquely famous for its stone money (huge disks of stone, which are still used today in major transactions), strong traditional culture and way of life, and welcoming residents. Just a short flight away from Guam or Palau, this Pacific gem is one of the tourism industry’s best kept secrets. For more information on visiting Yap go to www.visityap.com.
Indigo Safaris invites you to experience the incredible wildlife of the Sea of Cortez, home to numerous exciting megafauna migrations, including the mesmerizing Munk’s Pygmy Devil Ray (Mobula munkiana), more commonly known as mobula rays. Twice a year, tens of thousands of these rays gather in the waters from Cabo San Lucas to La Paz, with the peak season occurring between May and July. Our exclusive mobula and orca tour offers a front-row seat to this breathtaking spectacle, along with the chance to encounter other remarkable marine creatures. With only 11 guests on board, this intimate adventure is not to be missed.
Pricing:
- 5 Superior Suites at $3,100 USD per person, including tax (3 suites remaining)
- Single Suites at $3,875 USD per person, including tax (limited availability)
- $35 USD port fee paid on board
Inclusions:
Accommodation, all meals (continental breakfast, breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert), non-alcoholic beverages and snacks, daily room service, towels, and access to onboard facilities such as the hot tub and lounge… and, of course, plenty of fun!
Exclusions:
Airport transfers, bar, gift shop purchases, crew gratuities, and internet access.
The Wildlife
Orcas
Commonly referred to as killer whales, orcas are actually large dolphins and apex predators. Males can reach up to 30 feet in length and swim over 35 mph, but it’s the matriarchs who lead the family pods. Resident and oceanic orcas stay in tight family units, while transient orcas travel in smaller groups or alone. On this tour, we seek out orcas from the Eastern Tropical Pacific population, which travels between Baja and Costa Rica.
Flying Rays of the Sea of Cortez
Below the water, the vibrant colors and geometric patterns of mobula rays create a hypnotic scene, perfect for photographers. Above the surface, these acrobatic creatures, spanning 5 to 7 feet across, are known for their spectacular leaps out of the water. Some of the more athletic rays can soar over 10 feet, and we believe these high-flying jumps may impress the females during mating displays!
The Escort: Photography Coaching
Onboard, guests will receive expert photography coaching from Indigo Safaris’ founder and renowned underwater photographer, Christopher Bartlett. With more than 100 published articles and multiple dive magazine covers to his name, Christopher will guide guests from the basics to advanced lighting techniques for macro and wide-angle photography. He has been leading cetacean trips since 2015 and brings a wealth of experience with marine species, including mobula rays, sperm whales, humpbacks, and sharks.
The Trip
Embark on the luxurious 116 ft Nautilus Gallant Lady, a six-cabin expedition yacht, and follow this epic migration across the Sea of Cortez. Suitable for snorkelers, swimmers, and divers of all experience levels, guests will have ample opportunities to spend time in the water with the mobula rays. Some encounters may last only minutes, while others could extend over an hour, allowing guests to join the rays in the middle of their squadron. Nighttime encounters with schooling rays, illuminated by the yacht’s dive lights, add a magical element to the adventure.
Beyond mobulas, the trip also offers encounters with dolphins, sea lions, and other marine life. Unlike shore-based trips, our itinerary includes remote locations and unique experiences, such as swimming with dolphins and witnessing bait balls being preyed upon by predators like tuna and dorado.
Who is this trip for?
This trip is designed for non-divers and snorkelers, with only one day dedicated to scuba diving, which is also suitable for snorkelers.
Itinerary Overview:
Day 1:
Arrive at the Nautilus-owned SeeCreatures dive center in Cabo San Lucas. After a warm-up dive or snorkel, enjoy a safety briefing and board the Nautilus Gallant Lady in the evening. Settle into your cabin as we sail toward the Sea of Cortez.
Day 2 – Meet the Mobulas:
Our expert crew, with over 47 years of experience in the area, will guide you on your first encounters with the mobula rays. For those interested, freediving lessons will be available. Guests can also relax on the sundeck or enjoy the yacht’s kayaks and paddleboards.
Days 3 and 4:
With five-and-a-half hours of aerial spotting provided by our expert pilot, guests will maximize their chances of encountering mobulas and orcas. Snorkelers and freedivers will take turns experiencing the wildlife up close, with two hours per group before swapping. Expect truly unforgettable encounters.
Days 5 and 6:
Continue the search for mobulas and orcas, with a special nighttime snorkel in a calm bay where lights will attract the rays as they feed on plankton, providing a spectacular show.
Day 7:
On the final day, snorkel or dive at Cabo Pulmo World Heritage Biosphere Reserve, known for its abundance of marine species. The day concludes with dinner under the stars as we sail back to Cabo San Lucas.
Day 8:
After breakfast, disembark in Cabo San Lucas.
Will We See Orcas?
There is a 50% chance of seeing orcas on any given day, increasing significantly with five days of aerial spotting. Our expert pilot and master spotter will work tirelessly to maximize your chances of encountering these magnificent creatures. Guests may also encounter dolphins, sperm whales, fin whales, and even whale sharks in this pelagic paradise.
Recommendations:
Indigo Safaris suggests arriving in Cabo San Lucas a day before boarding, with an overnight stay at Los Tesoros, conveniently located next to the dive center.
The Nautilus Gallant Lady:
Accommodating just 11 guests in nine luxurious suites, the Nautilus Gallant Lady offers both standard and premium suite options, each with private en-suite bathrooms and modern amenities. Aboard this iconic vessel, guests can enjoy a fusion of Mexican and West Coast North American cuisine, expertly prepared by our onboard chef.
Join Indigo Safaris for this unforgettable wildlife adventure in the Sea of Cortez!
For more information or to book, contact Indigo Safaris:
Email: safariexperts@indigosafaris.com
UK: +44 771 334 27 29
USA: +1 718 312 8777
France: +33 668 74 97 05
Skype: christopherbartlett
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