Bahia Concepcion provided us protection from today’s strong winds in the Sea of Cortez. After morning stretching and a delicious breakfast, we disembarked with the group of long hikers at Coyote Beach. Two species of hummingbirds welcomed us: the Costa’s and the Xantus’s. We ascended approximately 300 feet to observe this wonderful region — especially the various bays and islets, with picturesque names such as Guapa or Tecomate islands, and El Burro and El Coco beaches. After hiking for about two miles, we descended to Santa Barbara Beach, where our Zodiacs picked us up.
Meanwhile, guests who opted for the leisurely and moderate hikes disembarked directly at Santa Barbara Beach to enjoy the arroyo and mangrove habitats. They learned about the desert species’ mechanisms to survive the lack of water.
In the afternoon, we moved the ship to Coyote Island to offer snorkeling activities and Zodiac rides. As evening approached we watched the sun setting and the moon rising, from the perfect National Geographic Venture anchorage site; we once again marveled at the reddish colors of the peninsula's mountain range and the islands of the Gulf of California.
