We were escorted by an enthusiastic group of long-beaked common dolphins before sunrise. Calm seas and the ragged tops of peninsular mountains slowly became brighter as we approached the most beautiful island in the gulf. Isla Santa Catalina not only has a virtual garden of cardon cacti and unusually young granite, but its oceanic status has allowed all of its reptiles to evolve in isolation to at least an endemic subspecies status. It is here we played the morning away, hiking, exploring, snorkeling and generally goofing off in solitude.
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.
