Isla San Marcos & Santa Rosalia
We awoke to a cloudless sky this morning with a calm sea and the promise of a beautiful day ahead. After breakfast we boarded the Zodiacs for Isla San Marcos for some hiking, kayaking and snorkeling. The snorkelers were treated to clear water and an arch that was truly dramatic to swim through.
Back on the National Geographic Sea Bird a wonderful buffet lunch was served on the aft deck out in the warm sun with a gentle breeze drifting across the diners. Not too long after lunch, on our way into Santa Rosalia, a sighting of a whale off the port bow diverted our journey into the harbor. Perhaps it was a Brydes whale?? While searching for another view of the whale, a school of common dolphins (short-beaked) was sighted off in the distance. Our captain was notified and off we went after the dolphins… full speed ahead. Captain Kay was adept at the helm and soon brought us up behind a massive school of foraging dolphins. His seamanship shone brightly as he maneuvered us in, around and through the constantly diving and jumping dolphins. We were all gathered on the bow with cameras and binoculars watching these wonderful mammals in their search for food. A few would come along the side of the National Geographic Sea Bird and frolic in our wake and ride our bow. It was a wonderful sight to behold on only the second day of our voyage.
We finally made it into the harbor of Santa Rosalia, albeit later than planned. This rustic little fishing village on the Baja Peninsula was originally a copper mining community 100 years ago and was once the largest town on the Baja Peninsula. After docking we toured the local community at our leisure, visiting a metal and stained glass church designed by the one and only Gustav Eiffel (the copper mine was originally owned by a French company). We then enjoyed a respite featuring local beverages and snacks at a charming, family-operated vintage hotel on a hill overlooking the harbor.
As we eased out of the harbor and dinner was being served, the local fleet of small fishing boats was seen leaving the harbor in a big hurry. It seemed that the squid were running. Captain Kay kept the ship in the bay all through dinner and then with the bow and stern lights ablaze we were treated to the sight of 3 to 5 foot squid swimming just under the surface. Their contrasting whiteness beneath the clear blue-green water of the bay was a sight to see. With a sliver of a moon and a sky full of stars it was a crowning conclusion to a glorious day in the Sea of Cortez.
We awoke to a cloudless sky this morning with a calm sea and the promise of a beautiful day ahead. After breakfast we boarded the Zodiacs for Isla San Marcos for some hiking, kayaking and snorkeling. The snorkelers were treated to clear water and an arch that was truly dramatic to swim through.
Back on the National Geographic Sea Bird a wonderful buffet lunch was served on the aft deck out in the warm sun with a gentle breeze drifting across the diners. Not too long after lunch, on our way into Santa Rosalia, a sighting of a whale off the port bow diverted our journey into the harbor. Perhaps it was a Brydes whale?? While searching for another view of the whale, a school of common dolphins (short-beaked) was sighted off in the distance. Our captain was notified and off we went after the dolphins… full speed ahead. Captain Kay was adept at the helm and soon brought us up behind a massive school of foraging dolphins. His seamanship shone brightly as he maneuvered us in, around and through the constantly diving and jumping dolphins. We were all gathered on the bow with cameras and binoculars watching these wonderful mammals in their search for food. A few would come along the side of the National Geographic Sea Bird and frolic in our wake and ride our bow. It was a wonderful sight to behold on only the second day of our voyage.
We finally made it into the harbor of Santa Rosalia, albeit later than planned. This rustic little fishing village on the Baja Peninsula was originally a copper mining community 100 years ago and was once the largest town on the Baja Peninsula. After docking we toured the local community at our leisure, visiting a metal and stained glass church designed by the one and only Gustav Eiffel (the copper mine was originally owned by a French company). We then enjoyed a respite featuring local beverages and snacks at a charming, family-operated vintage hotel on a hill overlooking the harbor.
As we eased out of the harbor and dinner was being served, the local fleet of small fishing boats was seen leaving the harbor in a big hurry. It seemed that the squid were running. Captain Kay kept the ship in the bay all through dinner and then with the bow and stern lights ablaze we were treated to the sight of 3 to 5 foot squid swimming just under the surface. Their contrasting whiteness beneath the clear blue-green water of the bay was a sight to see. With a sliver of a moon and a sky full of stars it was a crowning conclusion to a glorious day in the Sea of Cortez.
