Hull Canal/Boca de Soledad, 3/6/2022, National Geographic Sea Bird
Aboard the
National Geographic Sea Bird
Baja California
Strong, steady, 25 knot winds were the story of the day today. Nevertheless, we ventured out in pangas to look for gray whales and were not disappointed. Rather than head south like we planned, we stayed in the relatively protected waters of the northern bay, near the port town of Lopez Mateos, where a mother and her calf entertained us. Birds, coyotes, and dolphins were also on the wildlife agenda of the day.
John’s passion is lifelong learning and sharing what he learns about the natural world with explorers young and old. He grew up in rural Ohio and graduated from Marietta College with a BA in Recreation Management. Wanderlust hit when John decided t...
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Today began in the quiet hush of dawn with a foggy, monochromatic world unfolding around us. The mist hung low over La Bocana, giving our whale-watching excursion a mystical, almost dreamlike feel. As if on cue, dolphins danced at our bow, weaving effortlessly through the water, playful and full of energy, a perfect contrast to the morning’s serene atmosphere. Through the haze, the ocean came to life — a graceful cow and her calf surfacing together, their silhouettes emerging like shadows in the waves. Other whales followed, their spouts breaking the stillness, adding to the magic of the moment. But the adventure didn’t stop there! Later, after a delicious brunch, we slid down the rolling desert dunes, laughing all the way — pure, carefree fun! Meanwhile, some guests opted for a more tranquil experience, stretching and unwinding in a relaxing beachside class. From misty oceans to golden sands, today was a perfect mix of thrill and serenity — a reminder of how diverse and incredible nature’s playground can be!
Early in the morning, we watched the fog coming through the mountains of Isla Magdalena. This moist air is the only source of freshwater for the local flora during the dry season. Our first adventure of the day was to visit the mangroves, either by kayak or on Zodiac tours. Naturalists on board the Zodiacs explained the unique ecosystem that sustains different populations of birds and the fisheries that provide a livelihood for communities settled on the bay. Cruising the mangroves, we found different species of herons and egrets, a belted kingfisher, some scrub-jays, and a magnificent frigatebird soaring over the trees. After lunch, the hotel manager opened the Global Gallery. Then our guests gathered on the bow to enjoy the beauty of the Hull Canal. We spent the afternoon whale watching with pangueros from Lopez Mateos. At Boca de la Soledad, we spotted a couple of gray whale females with their calves. The day ended with our traditional Mexican fiesta accompanied by music from Los Coyotes and folkloric moves by Las Flores del Desierto.
We began our day with an unforgettable gray whale watching adventure in Bahia Almejas. The calm bay provided perfect conditions for observing these magnificent creatures, and we were fortunate to experience several close encounters with spy hopping gray whales. The whales came within feet of our boats, offering a rare opportunity for intimate observations. Our guides shared valuable insights into their migration and conservation efforts, making the experience even more meaningful. In the afternoon, we hiked through the shifting dunes of Isla Magdalena, heading toward the Pacific side of the island. Upon reaching Sand Dollar Beach, we explored the intertidal zone, finding sand dollars, crabs, and vibrant clams. The pristine beach, combined with the surrounding dunes, provided a peaceful and picturesque setting for a relaxing hike and exploration of the local life. Today’s adventure offered an amazing combination of wildlife encounters and breathtaking landscapes, leaving us in awe of Baja California Sur’s natural beauty.
