Isla Danzante, Gulf of California, México
Early morning found us between the mainland of Baja California and Isla Danzante. The story says that when the first Spaniards discovered this island, the natives ran down to the beach and jumped up and down. The name became “Danzante,” or “the Dancer”! During the early part of the morning we saw dolphins in our vicinity, and then a large whale – a humpback! At first it was only seen at a distance, but it slowly approached our ship and eventually blew at about 20 meters! And then it breached. A 45 ton animal jumping completely free of the water!
We followed the animal a while more, always at a distance, but eventually approached Danzante Island, and did a series of Zodiac excursions along the short, rocky coast, enjoying the seabirds and plant life.
After lunch we kayaked in the area, as well as hiked up into the hills of the island, enjoying the wildlife (mostly birds) and a large variety of cacti. The day wore on, and eventually we had a fantastic (typical of Baja California) sunset.
Early morning found us between the mainland of Baja California and Isla Danzante. The story says that when the first Spaniards discovered this island, the natives ran down to the beach and jumped up and down. The name became “Danzante,” or “the Dancer”! During the early part of the morning we saw dolphins in our vicinity, and then a large whale – a humpback! At first it was only seen at a distance, but it slowly approached our ship and eventually blew at about 20 meters! And then it breached. A 45 ton animal jumping completely free of the water!
We followed the animal a while more, always at a distance, but eventually approached Danzante Island, and did a series of Zodiac excursions along the short, rocky coast, enjoying the seabirds and plant life.
After lunch we kayaked in the area, as well as hiked up into the hills of the island, enjoying the wildlife (mostly birds) and a large variety of cacti. The day wore on, and eventually we had a fantastic (typical of Baja California) sunset.
