Isla Danzante, 4/14/2019, National Geographic Venture
Aboard the
National Geographic Venture
Baja California
Today was our first full day exploring Baja California. In the morning we sailed the calm waters just south of Isla del Carmen and ultimately made our way to the tiny island of Danzante. Here we were introduced to the intersection where desert meets the sea. We snorkeled from an intimate white sandy beach and hiked among the vibrant and diverse flora that calls this island home.
Highlights underwater included brightly colored fish, bumpy sea stars, and camouflaged balloon fish. On our hikes we found a couple of sedate chuckwallas, fiery red blossoms on Palo Adan, and delicate blue flowers of desert morning glory. A lovey beginning to a week of adventure.
Born in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, Linda and her Air Force family moved extensively throughout the U.S. when she was a child. Linda continues to travel and explore a broader spectrum of the world as a naturalist with Lindblad Expeditions-National Geogr...
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Happy New Year from the Gulf of California! Our new year started on Isla San Esteban with a variety of hikes offered on this beautiful island in the middle of the gulf. Esteban is noted for a wide and scenic arroyo that is easily navigated. Its large cardon cactus and unique lizards make this remote island a very special landing! In the afternoon, National Geographic Venture repositioned to another remote and special island, San Pedro Martir. This island is home to massive numbers of blue-footed- and brown boobies, as well as brown pelicans, red-billed tropicbirds, and California sea lions. Zodiac cruises around this protected rock in the middle of the Gulf of California were amazing!
Happy New Year! Imagine a place with warm sun, smooth sand beaches, and the perfect gentle breeze to keep you cool. That place is Playa del San Juanico. We slipped behind jagged rocks to the most glorious beach. Ospreys circled above, building their nests and keeping an eye on us. We explored the hills on hikes, the shoreline via kayaks and Zodiac cruises, and all the nooks and crannies while snorkeling near rock edges. A barbecue dinner was served on the beach by a warm, glowing fire. Then we returned to the ship for some New Year’s trivia followed by ringing in the New Year with all of our newfound friends aboard National Geographic Venture. Happy 2024, everyone!
As we near the year’s end, we are in the midst of an extraordinary journey here in Baja California marked by natural spectacles and memorable adventures. The day began with a breathtaking sunrise, painting the sky in hues of gold and crimson and casting an ethereal glow over the tranquil water. This was a perfect start to early morning snorkeling at Los Islotes, a haven for marine life. Guests immersed themselves in the vibrant undersea world, encountering playful sea lions and a kaleidoscope of colorful fish darting through crystalline waters. In the afternoon, our landing at Punta Colorado on San Jose Island led to an invigorating hike up an arroyo. We trekked through the shaded and rugged terrain, dotted with endemic flora and fauna. Throughout the day, our knowledgeable naturalists enriched the experience, sharing insights into the region's ecology, history, and conservation efforts. As the sun set on this memorable day, we are left with cherished memories of a day filled with adventure and discovery in the captivating realm of Baja California. As the year draws to a close, this expedition serves as a testament to the wonders of nature and the importance of conservation. With each step taken on San Jose Island, we embraced the significance of preserving these extraordinary environments for future generations.
