This day of our voyage aboard the National Geographic Sea Bird was spent in two beautiful locations: Los Islotes and Bonanza Bay. Los Islotes is a very popular rockery where a resident colony of California sea lions thrives and reproduces. We explored these islets on our expedition landing crafts and observed the sea lions expressing all their repertoire of behavior. Later we moved to the southeastern part of Espiritu Santo Island, but midway the captain stopped to let us enjoy the view of a magnificent blue whale, the largest animal on Earth. Then, we continued the navigation to our afternoon destination, Bonanza Bay, to walk on the beach, explore the interior and play with our kayaks and paddleboards. Thousands of shells were seen on the shore as well as many frigatebirds and turkey vultures. Inland, the elusive black jackrabbit was observed running away from us, and many different land bird species flew from plant to plant in search of food or shelter. Our remarkable exploration in the Gulf of California and its islands finished with a presentation of our guests’ collection of incredible and memorable photographs.
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.