The windstorm of yesterday passed us by and we were left with a spectacular, warm, sunny day in the Espiritu Santo Island archipelago. A few brave souls took a strenuous sunrise hike to the top of the Isla Partida for a spectacular view looking east across the Gulf of California while most of us slept in a bit and spent the morning ashore on walks or playing in the water on stand-up paddleboards or in kayaks. After lunch we sailed around the north end of the archipelago and came upon an amazing school of common dolphins, some with newborns, some mating and many with remoras (the pelagic marine fish that hitches a ride on sharks, dolphins and other larger fish) hanging off their sides. In the late afternoon we anchored at Los Islotes, the northernmost island of the archipelago, where we snorkeled and then finished this rich and full day with expedition landing craft tours as the sun set. Thus ended day seven of our expedition in Baja California.
3/10/2018
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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.