Cruising Loreto Bay Marine Reserve/Arroyo Rojo, Isla del Carmen
The Sea Lion sailed to the north in calm seas overnight, bringing us to the vicinity of Loreto Bay National Park, which consists of five protected islands and the water surrounding them – Islas del Carmen, Monserrate, Coronados, Danzante, and Catalina. This is a very rich and productive marine environment and this morning we observed a group of bottlenose dolphins as the sun rose over Isla Monserrate and illuminated the volcanic rock layers of the Sierra de la Giganta (Mountains of the Giantess) on the Baja California Peninsula.
Throughout the morning we enjoyed glassy seas, sunshine, and scenery as we searched for wildlife. Brown pelicans, blue-footed and brown boobies, yellow-footed gulls, Craveri’s murrelets, and eared grebes were among the birds spotted. We were delighted by large pods of long-beaked common dolphins that were actively and intently feeding around us.
Our biggest thrill came as we emerged back onto the decks after the snorkel briefing… blue whales!! – the largest creature to have ever inhabited the planet. There were several of these giants in the area, repeatedly surging to the surface, pushing waves of water in front of them. Besides their immense size, we recognize these whales by their mottled, steely blue-gray color and a tiny, ridiculous nubbin of a dorsal fin. We followed and marveled at these magnificent animals until we had to break away for lunch and our afternoon destination.
We chose Arroyo Rojo on the east side of Isla del Carmen to explore on foot this afternoon. Many species of cacti are represented here, along with other desert vegetation such as ironwood, palo blanco, palo verde, and a native fig tree. Vibrant orange pega pega and deep purple wild “petunia” were in bloom.
After the hikes we anchored a Zodiac by some mushroom-shaped islets and many intrepid guests braved the cool water with snorkels and wetsuits to get a glimpse of the colorful world below the surface. Corals, angelfish, sergeant majors, hawkfish, sea stars, and urchins all inhabit these waters.
It was a full and exciting day, and we eagerly anticipate more new and wonderful experiences and sightings tomorrow.
The Sea Lion sailed to the north in calm seas overnight, bringing us to the vicinity of Loreto Bay National Park, which consists of five protected islands and the water surrounding them – Islas del Carmen, Monserrate, Coronados, Danzante, and Catalina. This is a very rich and productive marine environment and this morning we observed a group of bottlenose dolphins as the sun rose over Isla Monserrate and illuminated the volcanic rock layers of the Sierra de la Giganta (Mountains of the Giantess) on the Baja California Peninsula.
Throughout the morning we enjoyed glassy seas, sunshine, and scenery as we searched for wildlife. Brown pelicans, blue-footed and brown boobies, yellow-footed gulls, Craveri’s murrelets, and eared grebes were among the birds spotted. We were delighted by large pods of long-beaked common dolphins that were actively and intently feeding around us.
Our biggest thrill came as we emerged back onto the decks after the snorkel briefing… blue whales!! – the largest creature to have ever inhabited the planet. There were several of these giants in the area, repeatedly surging to the surface, pushing waves of water in front of them. Besides their immense size, we recognize these whales by their mottled, steely blue-gray color and a tiny, ridiculous nubbin of a dorsal fin. We followed and marveled at these magnificent animals until we had to break away for lunch and our afternoon destination.
We chose Arroyo Rojo on the east side of Isla del Carmen to explore on foot this afternoon. Many species of cacti are represented here, along with other desert vegetation such as ironwood, palo blanco, palo verde, and a native fig tree. Vibrant orange pega pega and deep purple wild “petunia” were in bloom.
After the hikes we anchored a Zodiac by some mushroom-shaped islets and many intrepid guests braved the cool water with snorkels and wetsuits to get a glimpse of the colorful world below the surface. Corals, angelfish, sergeant majors, hawkfish, sea stars, and urchins all inhabit these waters.
It was a full and exciting day, and we eagerly anticipate more new and wonderful experiences and sightings tomorrow.
