Cabo Pulmo and San Jose del Cabo, 1/29/2020, National Geographic Sea Bird
Aboard the
National Geographic Sea Bird
Baja California
Sunrise found National Geographic Sea Bird on the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula. As we sailed through the waters of Cabo Pulmo, everyone kept a sharp eye out for marine mammals. We were not disappointed: we saw several humpbacks with a small pod of bottlenose dolphins, all swimming along together.
Explorers Club Member, Polar Expedition Diver, Naturalist, and Historian, Adam Maire is dedicated to exploring around the globe with a goal of researching, documenting, and teaching others about the beauty, the power and the importance of the earth's...
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Our day began with another stunning sunrise against the rugged rock formations of Los Islotes. Perfect conditions for our early morning snorkel allowed for a memorable experience drifting with the playful California sea lions, schools of fish sparkling below, and brown pelicans plunge diving around us as they attempted to catch some fish. After our snorkel, we went on Zodiac cruises along the cliffs, visiting the sea lions, brown pelicans, Brandt’s cormorants, and blue-footed boobies. Following our early morning outing, we enjoyed a delicious brunch made by our talented galley team. While underway toward La Paz, we had presentations by our photo instructor and undersea specialists. Once we arrived in La Paz, we had some time to explore town on foot, try some local ice cream at La Fuente, and see some of the historic sites. We all reunited along the waterfront for an incredible performance by the local dancers and mariachi band, followed by dinner at Casa Marte. What a special day!
We started our day with a perfect sunrise tinting the clouds in fading pinks and oranges. We had an all-in-one day starting with snorkeling by the colorful rocky shores of Punta Colorada, a place that is only accessible when we have perfectly calm conditions as we had today. We spotted a humpback whale straight from the dining room during lunch, and right after we headed back out for our arroyo hikes and kayaking. The cove was unbelievably beautiful. Trapped in the sandstone, we found innumerable fossils of shells and even the carapace of a turtle and some whalebones. We also learned of the Baja California desert vegetation and history from our informative naturalist that led the way. We went kayaking which provided a spectacular perspective of the tall pink and yellow walls that line the coves. From Zodiacs we could enjoy the enviable views of this pristine island. We are only on day one of National Geographic Venture’s Among the Great Whales expedition and we have seen and done so much. We feel accomplished yet we’re hungry for more!
Our morning began with a stop at Los Islotes, part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, for a sunrise snorkel with playful juvenile California sea lions. As they twisted and turned through the water with ease, it was such a joy for many to experience their curiosity so closely. We also enjoyed closer looks at the island from the bow of National Geographic Venture . The chorus of barking sea lions hauled out on the rocks was a raucous experience; we also observed a variety of birds, including Cocos and blue-footed boobies, and some California brown pelicans seeking refuge from the wind. After a fantastic brunch, we cruised the Canal de San Jose of the Gulf of California in search of wildlife, and it did not disappoint. Our first sighting was a humpback mother with her calf, cruising in the same direction as us. Then not long afterwards, the distinctly angled blows of sperm whales were sighted, while four mobula rays passed along our starboard side. And then the largest animals on our planet surfaced! Can you believe it? Blue whales!!!
