From the National Geographic Sea Bird in Baja California

Boca de la Soledad and Magdalena Island

We awoke this day rocking very gently on the magnificent waters of the Magdalena Lagoon, near La Entrada, or the northern entrance. The yellowish morning light crossed the humid atmosphere accompanied by thousands of birds of many species, like brants (or Canadian geese, flying in small groups), California and Western gulls (in sparse groups of different number of individuals), frigate birds (or tijeretas, as they are locally named), white ibis (single individuals or in pairs) and immense numbers of double crested cormorants, forming endless lines that flew just above the surface of the sea. All these birds started the day moving away from their perching areas (on the mangroves or on sand islands) to the feeding areas of the rich and shallow waters of the lagoon. There were coyotes on the dunes too, as well as black tailed jackrabbits running away from the nomadic predator. We probably could not find another place with such an abundance of wildlife, beauty and excellent weather conditions!

Within this frame, guests, naturalist, and the local “pangueros” boarded the Zodiacs for a promising day of whale watching. It didn’t last too long before we started to find the Baja California Gray whales in mating or courting groups as well as in mother and calf pairs. The boats were literally surrounded by whales, some of them just resting at the surface, others traveling fast as marine locomotives, and others showing flukes and other parts or their bodies displayed in the courting dance. Eventually, some calves dove under the boats, to the enjoyment of everyone. The whales were amazing for their abundance and behavior that included some breaching.

We finished a great day of whale watching having cocktails accompanied by the music and voices of the local musicians called Los Coyotes de Magdalena, a delicious supper, and tres leches cake as dessert within our animated Mexican style Fiesta aboard the National Geographic Sea Bird.