Today a rare event happened in Baja California – it rained. The early risers among us are greeted by lightning, thunder, and a heavy downpour. The storm cleared just in time for sunrise, with clouds clinging to the jagged peaks of the Sierra de la Giganta along the mountainous spine of the Baja Peninsula. But the morning didn’t clear soon enough for us not to change our plans. So instead of anchoring along Isla Danzante in the morning, we continued south toward the blue sky. Along the way, dolphins escorted from time to time.
By lunchtime we had transited south through the San Jose Channel to Isa San Francisco. Once the National Geographic Sea Lion was anchored in Half Moon Bay, it was all hands on deck for dropping our inflatable boats, kayaks, and sending hikers ashore.
Landing on the perfect sandy beach, some of us crossed the island to explore tide pools along the rocky shore, long hikers climbed the ridge for a commanding view of the bay, while snorkelers and kayakers explored above and below the turquoise waters. Others explored by inflatable boat enjoying sightings of great blue herons, osprey, blue-footed boobies, and fishing along the rocky coastline.
The grand finale for the voyage was another spectacular sunset. In the lounge we recounted the amazing adventures we shared during this Remarkable Voyage. From the gray whales in San Ignacio Lagoon, to the lizards on Isla San Esteban, every day was different and special. The new friends and wonderful memories will not soon be forgotten.
