Today the National Geographic Sea Bird arrived to a very special part of the Sea of Cortez known as the Midriff Islands region, where several islands—including Mexico’s two biggest—act as a bottleneck for the tidal currents that create strong upwellings. Here, the waters are highly productive and life flourishes everywhere. We had the chance to explore two of those islands, San Esteban and Rasa, each one totally different than the other, encountered several unique and charismatic species, and even met a true environmental heroine. What a wonderful day!
3/10/2018
Watch
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.
