This is our first port outside of the US and our first experience with using a Tender to get dockside. Some of the covered lifeboats stored on level seven were put into service today, and the process of getting them into the water was fun to watch from our balcony on level nine.

Davits hold the lifeboats in place and contain the winches and pulley systems to raise and lower the boats to the water. David says this is an opportunity for these boats to be inspected and tested for safety. I watched one being released from its davit with a pilot and one crew member on board. The hatch above the pilot allowed him to reach through the roof to help the crew member get the collapsible flag pole up into place while the safety-gear wearing crew member climbed up the backside.

Our time on shore was spent on a “luxury day sailing & snorkel” excursion. After depositing our shoes in baskets and being welcomed aboard with a safety spiel and drinks, we motored out to El Arco, or Land’s End, which is a landmark rock formation at the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula where the Pacific meets the Sea of Cortes.

They fed us twice during our excursion and drinks of choice were continually provided. We felt so pampered. The snorkeling was done along the shore, and the water was a bit murky, so it was fun, but not the best views of tropical fish and coral we have experienced.

While we were on the sailing ship, Dad, David and Bill went into port to eat lunch at Cabo Wabo Cantina and see the sights. Today is David’s birthday, and birthday cake was served to him at dinner.

Before setting sail, one Tender problem had be resolved. The arms on the davit couldn’t bring the boat back onto the deck. There was quite a crew working on this while our sail time to Puerto Vallarta was delayed.