Caleta San Juanico, Baja California Peninsula, 2/16/2019, National Geographic Venture
Aboard the
National Geographic Venture
Baja California
After an illustrious sunrise and a matching breakfast, we disembarked National Geographic Venture for San Juanico Cove. We explored San Juanico every way we could. Snorkeling, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and guided hikes along the peninsula gave guests a chance to witness this small piece of paradise in a way that could not be experienced otherwise.
Relaxation and presentations by naturalist staff filled the afternoon as National Geographic Venture proceeded southward.
Lee grew up as a "Nature Girl" in the rural outskirts of New York City, where she developed and expressed her keen sense of biophilia. She expanded her passion for the outdoors when she ventured to the western side of the country and she currently o...
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After a nocturnal navigation along the Pacific side of the Baja California Peninsula from the Los Cabos area, National Geographic Venture reached Magdalena Bay, our final destination of the expedition. While navigating this morning, our guests and staff observed the profile of Margarita Island, which flanks the southern section of Almejas Bay. Along the way, we found several humpback whales breeching and travelling to their breeding grounds. We also observed long-beaked common dolphins and sea birds taking part in a feeding frenzy. By noon, the ship entered Magdalena Bay, and we felt the quietness of this coastal lagoon. Later, our guests had the opportunity of walking on the dunes of Magdalena Island, reaching the Pacific side, and had the privilege of watching their elusive inhabitants, including sea and shore birds, a suite of wadders, and a couple of coyotes! Our Global Explorers, led by Naturalist Mauro Butron, had the chance to discover the mangroves, sand dunes, and other wonders of this impressive environment.
At the break of dawn, National Geographic Venture was anchored near Los Islotes so that we could see the California sea lions, either by snorkeling or Zodiac cruise. After wildlife viewing, we all tucked in for a lovely brunch and then a presentation by one of our naturalists. In the afternoon we went into La Paz, had a local ice cream, a cultural performance, and an amazing meal at a local restaurant.
A warm breeze welcomed the dawn on our first morning aboard National Geographic Venture . Two blue whales moved around our anchorage, feeding in the morning calm. We took it as a good sign for a great expedition when we witnessed the largest animal that has ever lived as our first wildlife encounter of the trip. As we headed south, our watchful naturalists spotted more marine mammals in the distance. A group of several dozen killer whales passed by our bow along with a large group of sperm whales. On top of the amazing diversity at sea, we set to Isla San Jose for our first exploration of land. Phenomenal desert plants abounded, and we ended the day with delightful cocktails on the beach. With a day as incredible as today, we’re excited to see what tomorrow holds.
