Today we were introduced to the fascinating Baja Californian Desert, after National Geographic Venture dropped anchor at Punta Colorada on the northeastern side of San Jose Island. This place is characterized by beautiful cliffs of volcanic rock, colored red, orange, pink, and ochre. There are also unique red sandstones from marine sediments (also volcanic in origin).

This landscape was the best possible setting for our snorkeling, kayaking, and hiking that developed throughout the day. We were surprised to find an assortment of beautiful desert plants with flowers, creating an explosion of colors and shapes. The diversity of plants on this island is high. Its geology is also impressive, featuring granite, rhyolite, andesite, basalt, and sandstone. Birds and insects inland, shell and marine invertebrates on the shores; all were observed and photographed profusely.