While perhaps as far away from a white Christmas as possible, the deep red volcanic rock covered by swathes of green cacti definitely appeared festive in the golden morning light of Encantada Bay. Simply being sheltered from the wind would have been a present enough but proved to be but the first of many. Perhaps most memorable among the gifts of the day was the chance for the younger explorers aboard to receive driving lessons in the ship’s expedition landing craft. Shrieks of joy mixed with the powerful purr of outboard motors could be heard up and down the beach as the children zoomed around the anchored ship, leaving a frothy wake that perhaps could be misconstrued as snow.
For those on shore, this particular location provides unique access to a hidden arroyo. An arroyo is defined as a steep-sided gully carved by water in any arid region, but the reality is so much more than that. Soft slopes that appear to have been specially sculpted extend far inland, forming a perfect path of soft sand devoid of any spines or prickles that might hinder hikers. Blooming desert flowers decorate the winding walls with bursts of purple, yellow, and pink as throngs of butterflies and energetic humming birds complete the idyllic touch to this truly exceptional gem of Baja California.
Back on the water, expedition landing craft cruises explored the shoreline where egrets, pelicans, oystercatchers, herons, and even a peregrine falcon are spotted. Some of our fellow guests follow suit to the shorebirds and beachcomb until it is time for dinner and a beach bonfire complete with s’mores and stories! When finally it is time to return to the ship there is an endless skyscape of stars above and glinting bioluminescence glowing below to remind us every last minute we spend awake in this magical place is a gift.
