Waking to another clear sky sunrise, the National Geographic Sea Bird ventured through the waters of the Sea of Cortez in search of what the water might reveal. With eyes on all sides, the guests and staff peered over the expanse of the blue water to find red-billed tropicbirds, blue-footed boobies, California sea lions, and even a scalloped hammerhead shark. Not long after, we were visited by a megapod of common dolphins spritzing off the bow of the boat, and dashing back and forth in the wake we left behind. After getting our fill of play and pictures with these marine mammals, we continued south toward the planned adventures of our afternoon.
It did not take long before we were gracefully interrupted by a pygmy sperm whale, as well as a baleen whale that was too shy to be identified. A lunch featuring the delicious Mexican soup of pozole had everyone well filled in preparation for our afternoon activities on and around the island of Santa Catalina. Guests enjoyed a snorkel in an area teeming with reef fish, including giant damselfish, sergeant majors, surgeonfish, and bump head parrotfish. After the explorative swim, guests quickly dried off to explore the island. World famous for its enormous barrel cactus, the island was traversed. Led by our team of naturalists and photography experts, the guests witnessed the enduring plant life of the desert landscape. It is no small thing to behold the endurance of the life of Baja California, both in the water and upon the land. The resilient strategies and diversification of species are a testament to the majesty of what the peninsula offers.
Appropriately in celebration, the guests communed on the back deck while local ceviche and cocktails were served to aid the sun in its descent. Before dinner arrived, a quick Recap of the day featured video from the undersea specialists showing footage of what lurked deeper than the snorkel allowed our adventurers to see. Teeming with life, the Sea of Cortez truly strengthens our understanding of what a vibrant ocean ecosystem can support and accomplish. It is no small thing to be here, sharing in such experiences.
