We awoke to the beautiful and tranquil waters off of Finnesterra or lands’ end. These well-known rocks and arches at Cabo San Lucas mark the dividing line between the Gulf of California and the Pacific Ocean. We watched as the sun rose and the frigate birds and pelicans of the area flew away from the most southerly pillars of rock along the 1,000 mile long Baja California peninsula. It was an inspiring sight, and a great beginning to a great day.
This area is known for its sport fishing and the presence of humpback whales between the two Cabos (or Capes) and was the sight of the southernmost mission run by the Jesuits, under direction of the Spanish monarch, along El Camino Real or the Kings Highway. The Jesuits were here to convert the local Pericu Natives into Catholics. After breakfast we departed the ship and boarded busses; one heading to a water way that empties into the Gulf and also attracts birds, the other went to the center of the old town of San Jose Del Cabo for a chance at shopping and attending a glass blowing demonstration of some of the local artisans. There was also free time to walk the streets and perhaps even enjoy some local ice cream!
Humpbacks come to this area to breed and give birth. We spent the blustery afternoon watching many groups of humpbacks, mostly males and females in the breeding chase. One or two females would be followed by a larger number of males all vying for the chance to breed. As we made our way east on National Geographic Sea Bird we continued to see chase groups and other behaviors like flipper flapping and breaching.
