San Marcos Island and offshore waters
Our wake-up call this morning seemed to arrive a bit too early; a fast peek out through the window quickly dispelled the last remnants of sleep from our eyes, though, as beautiful San Marcos Island glowed in front of us. Shortly after breakfast we brave expeditionaries divided into several groups for medium and long hikes along a majestic canyon, its high walls and silence reminded us those of a cathedral. Many examples of the desert plants’ marvelous adaptations to their dry environment were pointed out to the rest of us by ever-ready naturalists William and Mike. We touched the soft spines of the old man cactus, learned about the palo balnco tree, and our fingers kept the fragrant aroma of the desert lavender. Later on, as some went kayaking and SCUBA diving, most of us experienced the joys of clear, warm waters and abundant fish. We all saw big schools of mullet and barracuda, as well as the colorful King and Cortez angelfishes and the numerous nesting sergeant majors (see photo). Starting early in summer, as the water temperature rises, male sergeant majors start cleaning rocks, abandoned shells or any other hard surface of algae and sand. Turning deep metallic blue, they parade over their selected sites trying to attract females. After depositing numerous purplish eggs, the males fertilize them and bravely defend the nest, as eggs are a big temptation for many other reef fishes. Hardly eating during this process, sergeant majors will continue to reproduce throughout the summer, providing us with the opportunity to watch once again the incredible ways of nature.
After such an eventful morning, the Sea Voyager sailed the offshore waters between San Marcos and Tortuga islands. We were soon rewarded by the sight of a group of sperm whales, amongst which two small calves were seen. Everyone on board got the chance to admire once again, for the second time during the trip, the bulk and grace of this magnificent species. Man, we are getting spoiled!
Our wake-up call this morning seemed to arrive a bit too early; a fast peek out through the window quickly dispelled the last remnants of sleep from our eyes, though, as beautiful San Marcos Island glowed in front of us. Shortly after breakfast we brave expeditionaries divided into several groups for medium and long hikes along a majestic canyon, its high walls and silence reminded us those of a cathedral. Many examples of the desert plants’ marvelous adaptations to their dry environment were pointed out to the rest of us by ever-ready naturalists William and Mike. We touched the soft spines of the old man cactus, learned about the palo balnco tree, and our fingers kept the fragrant aroma of the desert lavender. Later on, as some went kayaking and SCUBA diving, most of us experienced the joys of clear, warm waters and abundant fish. We all saw big schools of mullet and barracuda, as well as the colorful King and Cortez angelfishes and the numerous nesting sergeant majors (see photo). Starting early in summer, as the water temperature rises, male sergeant majors start cleaning rocks, abandoned shells or any other hard surface of algae and sand. Turning deep metallic blue, they parade over their selected sites trying to attract females. After depositing numerous purplish eggs, the males fertilize them and bravely defend the nest, as eggs are a big temptation for many other reef fishes. Hardly eating during this process, sergeant majors will continue to reproduce throughout the summer, providing us with the opportunity to watch once again the incredible ways of nature.
After such an eventful morning, the Sea Voyager sailed the offshore waters between San Marcos and Tortuga islands. We were soon rewarded by the sight of a group of sperm whales, amongst which two small calves were seen. Everyone on board got the chance to admire once again, for the second time during the trip, the bulk and grace of this magnificent species. Man, we are getting spoiled!
