We woke up to a beautiful sunrise as we dropped anchor near Ensenada el Cardonal for an activity-packed day! After breakfast, we snorkeled along a shallow reef below a volcanic rock wall. Next, we had the option for kayaking or Zodiac tours of the bay. We then returned to the ship for a tasty lunch. Afterwards, we hiked along an arroyo, a dry riverbed. We saw at least four different types of cacti: cardon, organ pipe, galloping, and cholla. On the way back to the ship, we observed birds diving into the water and a sea turtle. We ended the day with a wonderful presentation from undersea specialist Sierra Phillips. She showed us highlights of footage from a scuba dive. What an amazing day!
1/22/2025
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National Geographic Venture
The Baja Peninsula
A gull flew by the rising sun to begin our day. We rounded the end of the Baja Peninsula and sailed into the Pacific. Soon after the dawn brightened into day, the first whale blows were seen. Bow decks filled with whale enthusiasts pointing at humpback whales diving and breaching all around our ship. We encountered a heat chase: about seven males thrashed through the water to gain the prime location next to a female for possible mating. Lisa Hornack, our National Geographic certified photo instructor, gave a presentation on “Photographic Storytelling” to help enhance the images of our day. James Hyde explained the “Dynamics of Oceanography” until he was interrupted by a pod of long-beaked common dolphins bow-riding our ship. Rich Kirchner presented his photographic journey, “Wild from Pole to Pole.” We went back on deck for sunset and the chance to see the fabled Green Flash. Our jam-packed day ended with sunset and photographic proof that the green flash does indeed exist.