Punta Dispensa, Isla Espiritu Santu, 12/26/2016, National Geographic Sea Bird
Aboard the
National Geographic Sea Bird
Baja California
After some adventurous seas the night before the National Geographic Sea Bird cruised into the peaceful leeward side of Isla Espiritu Santu at Punta Dispensa for a day of exploration and enjoyment.
Ian's childhood was spent in an odd assortment of places from Honduras to California, England, France, and Nigeria. With his father he collected insects, bred aquarium fish, and tended a small menagerie of rescued creatures instilling a lifelong obs...
Before Michelle’s 0700 stretch class was even half over, the call was sent to all on board: dolphins off the starboard bow! After it was made clear where to find the starboard bow, everyone looked on as they played with us for a good long time. On arriving at Isla Santa Catalina, a lush and beautiful staff favorite, the various hiking groups took off to explore the arroyo. Later on many guests returned in order to snorkel at the base of Elephant Rock. It was a wonderful way to start the New Year.
La Paz means peace, and peace was what we found in the shelter of La Paz Bay this morning. We had a busy day planned in this beautiful, welcoming city. While the southern city of Cabo San Lucas is known for tourism and spring break, La Paz is the forgotten child. There is so much to do, or not do if you prefer, and our options today were diverse: snorkeling with whale sharks, the biggest fish in the sea, eating ice cream from the famous shop La Fuente, strolling the waterfront, visiting a local tortilla factory (and sampling the freshly made products!), investigating the whale museum, admiring the local cathedral, or watching time and people go by while sitting on a bench along the Malecón. We experienced the flavors of Mexico, and they were diverse and delicious.
Braving mighty winds, the National Geographic Sea Bird steamed north towards Isla San Francisco with bold plans in mind. The fickle Sea of Cortez weather, however, had plans of its own. After programs on the history of Mexico and the charismatic cacti of Baja we arrived in the comparative shelter of Half Moon Bay.
