We awoke today on approach to one of the most dramatic islands in Baja California, the oceanic island of Isla Santa Catalina. Here we began our day with a miscellany of walks up this most amazing arroyo, filled with both the endemic giant barrel cactus, and the largest cardon cactus specimens imaginable. This year has brought great rains to the area and the arroyo was flush with greenery and the cardons and barrel cacti were plump with the riches of a moist year.
As we headed up into the arroyo, we were lucky to enjoy all the highlights of the island — the endemic rattleless rattlesnakes in both the pale gray and brown colorations, the chuckwalla lizard and the Santa Catalina side-blotched lizard with its exquisite emerald coloration. The immense size of both the barrel and cardon cacti were impressive in comparison to those we’ve seen on other landings.
While some trekked to a far hillside for a panoramic view from a high point of the island, others opted for a late morning snorkel outing at the base of Elephant Rock, marveling over the dynamic variety and beauty of sea urchins and sea stars to be seen below the surface.
After lunch we set sail for Isla Carmen to enjoy our afternoon in the eastern lee of the island. As we headed towards the southern end of Isla Carmen, we found long-beaked common dolphins, and also had a quick encounter with bottlenose dolphins. We sailed on, exploring the waters between the Baja Peninsula and Isla Danzante, watching occasional small feeding frenzies with bait fish rising to the surface, and pelicans swooping in to scoop up their dinner. As the sun dropped lower into the horizon, the dramatic layering of the Sierra de la Giganta was a delight for those who lingered on deck.
Ahhhhh, yet another beautiful day in Baja California.
