Isla San Francisco
Today’s exploration in the Gulf of California brought the National Geographic Sea Bird to the picturesque Isla San Francisco. Each of the islands that punctuate this marine ecosystem have a unique character, whether in terms of their flora, fauna, geology or general appearance. These beautiful facets of the Gulf of California are a naturalist’s playground. Here on Isla San Francisco this rings true, be it below the waters that surround it or exploring the rugged beauty of its shores and interior regions.
The brilliant shades of blue that surround this island beckon the visitor to wonder just what lies beneath this façade. As the warm Baja sun danced off the near still waters many were preparing for their first glimpse of the diverse life that surrounds these islands in the Gulf of California. This morning’s snorkeling would be a more than fitting introduction to this magnificent ecosystem. Immediately, visitors to this productive reef system were treated to a littoral bevy of marine life. Schools of sergeant majors, scissortail damsels, and yellowtail surgeonfish provided a living backdrop for dozens of colorful and fascinating fish and invertebrates. One particular highlight for the group was the Panamic fanged blenny, a very distinctive and, for lack of a better term, cute fish species. The giant damselfish defending their gardens of coral and endemic Cortez angels made for more than interesting viewing.
After a refreshing snorkel one could only ask for a sun deck barbecue under the deep blue Baja skies. The rest from the morning snorkel didn’t last long as we set out to see what the terrestrial world on Isla San Francisco had to offer. Many guests set out in Zodiacs to explore the beautiful beaches and intertidal areas while others set out for another landing area and hidden arroyo hike, high into the island’s interior. The beach was small but was guarded by intriguing sedimentary rock formations. High atop the northern point an osprey nest and its occupants monitored our arrival. Two groups set out to follow the arroyo that wound high into the numerous peaks of the island. As we climbed, the horizon was accented by a beautiful waxing gibbous moon.
Along the way one group spotted ash-throated flycatchers plying their trade from perches in palo blanco trees. Large cardon cacti broke the skyline and a gentle breeze kept the hikers cool as we trekked up the canyon. Some made an extra effort to reach the ridge line to afford us a better view of the surroundings. From our perch, we watched as a lone sailboat quartered downwind in the sparkling waters of the Gulf of California.
Today’s exploration in the Gulf of California brought the National Geographic Sea Bird to the picturesque Isla San Francisco. Each of the islands that punctuate this marine ecosystem have a unique character, whether in terms of their flora, fauna, geology or general appearance. These beautiful facets of the Gulf of California are a naturalist’s playground. Here on Isla San Francisco this rings true, be it below the waters that surround it or exploring the rugged beauty of its shores and interior regions.
The brilliant shades of blue that surround this island beckon the visitor to wonder just what lies beneath this façade. As the warm Baja sun danced off the near still waters many were preparing for their first glimpse of the diverse life that surrounds these islands in the Gulf of California. This morning’s snorkeling would be a more than fitting introduction to this magnificent ecosystem. Immediately, visitors to this productive reef system were treated to a littoral bevy of marine life. Schools of sergeant majors, scissortail damsels, and yellowtail surgeonfish provided a living backdrop for dozens of colorful and fascinating fish and invertebrates. One particular highlight for the group was the Panamic fanged blenny, a very distinctive and, for lack of a better term, cute fish species. The giant damselfish defending their gardens of coral and endemic Cortez angels made for more than interesting viewing.
After a refreshing snorkel one could only ask for a sun deck barbecue under the deep blue Baja skies. The rest from the morning snorkel didn’t last long as we set out to see what the terrestrial world on Isla San Francisco had to offer. Many guests set out in Zodiacs to explore the beautiful beaches and intertidal areas while others set out for another landing area and hidden arroyo hike, high into the island’s interior. The beach was small but was guarded by intriguing sedimentary rock formations. High atop the northern point an osprey nest and its occupants monitored our arrival. Two groups set out to follow the arroyo that wound high into the numerous peaks of the island. As we climbed, the horizon was accented by a beautiful waxing gibbous moon.
Along the way one group spotted ash-throated flycatchers plying their trade from perches in palo blanco trees. Large cardon cacti broke the skyline and a gentle breeze kept the hikers cool as we trekked up the canyon. Some made an extra effort to reach the ridge line to afford us a better view of the surroundings. From our perch, we watched as a lone sailboat quartered downwind in the sparkling waters of the Gulf of California.
