Dolphins! Dolphins! How can you say that without a huge smile on your face? We found both common and bottlenose dolphins today as well as a smattering of mobula rays. The glassy flat water made it easy to see the rays gently gliding through the water column. We mobilized all the ways to enjoy water at Isla Santa Catalina. Kayaking, snorkeling and stand-up paddleboards were activities of the afternoon, followed by shoreline cruises and hikes later in the day. What a great cross section of sightings and activities during our first full day exploring Baja California.
3/10/2018
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National Geographic Sea Lion
Isla San Jose & Cruising for Wildlife
In true expedition photography style, we were up an hour before the dawn and landed on the shore at Punta Colorado on Isla San Jose for a sunrise shoot. The warm light reflecting off the blue water on the red cliffs was a photographer’s dream. The sun cast beautiful shadows on the fossilized bones and shells imbedded in the red sedimentary rocks. After a quick breakfast back on the ship, we returned to the shore for energetic walks in the colorful arroyo and atop the beautiful red cliffs with stunning views of the Gulf of California. In even more true expedition travel, our plans changed by the hour as we encounter great pods of whales. First about a dozen sperm whales that logged on the surface right next to our ship between long deep dives. Then a pod of a few dozen short-finned pilot whales came close to investigate the ship which allowed for incredible photo opportunities. Just when we thought it was safe to venture south, we happened upon a sea of mobula rays jumping out of the water and a humpback whale that breached a few times as the sun set on this very special day. Southward tomorrow for more adventures.
