Isla Magdalena, 1/28/2018, National Geographic Sea Lion
Aboard the
National Geographic Sea Lion
Baja California
Isla Magdalena was our first opportunity to meet the denizens of of Baja California. We are on the Pacific side of the peninsula and we hiked across the dunes to the Pacific Ocean. Shells, footprints, skulls, birds and bazillion sand dollars all vied for our attentions.
Born in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, Linda and her Air Force family moved extensively throughout the U.S. when she was a child. Linda continues to travel and explore a broader spectrum of the world as a naturalist with Lindblad Expeditions-National Geogr...
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After a nocturnal navigation along the Pacific side of the Baja California Peninsula from the Los Cabos area, National Geographic Venture reached Magdalena Bay, our final destination of the expedition. While navigating this morning, our guests and staff observed the profile of Margarita Island, which flanks the southern section of Almejas Bay. Along the way, we found several humpback whales breeching and travelling to their breeding grounds. We also observed long-beaked common dolphins and sea birds taking part in a feeding frenzy. By noon, the ship entered Magdalena Bay, and we felt the quietness of this coastal lagoon. Later, our guests had the opportunity of walking on the dunes of Magdalena Island, reaching the Pacific side, and had the privilege of watching their elusive inhabitants, including sea and shore birds, a suite of wadders, and a couple of coyotes! Our Global Explorers, led by Naturalist Mauro Butron, had the chance to discover the mangroves, sand dunes, and other wonders of this impressive environment.
At the break of dawn, National Geographic Venture was anchored near Los Islotes so that we could see the California sea lions, either by snorkeling or Zodiac cruise. After wildlife viewing, we all tucked in for a lovely brunch and then a presentation by one of our naturalists. In the afternoon we went into La Paz, had a local ice cream, a cultural performance, and an amazing meal at a local restaurant.
A warm breeze welcomed the dawn on our first morning aboard National Geographic Venture . Two blue whales moved around our anchorage, feeding in the morning calm. We took it as a good sign for a great expedition when we witnessed the largest animal that has ever lived as our first wildlife encounter of the trip. As we headed south, our watchful naturalists spotted more marine mammals in the distance. A group of several dozen killer whales passed by our bow along with a large group of sperm whales. On top of the amazing diversity at sea, we set to Isla San Jose for our first exploration of land. Phenomenal desert plants abounded, and we ended the day with delightful cocktails on the beach. With a day as incredible as today, we’re excited to see what tomorrow holds.
