El Barril, Canal de Soledad, and Isla Magdalena, 2/1/2023, National Geographic Sea Bird
Aboard the
National Geographic Sea Bird
Baja California
We enjoyed two different aspects of Isla Magdalena today. First, the bay created by this island was our target for water exploration. We used kayaks, standup paddleboards, and Zodiacs. The next aspect was terra firma, as we hiked through and across the dunes to the Pacific Ocean.
Born in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, Linda and her Air Force family moved extensively throughout the U.S. when she was a child. Linda continues to travel and explore a broader spectrum of the world as a naturalist with Lindblad Expeditions-National Geogr...
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What a day aboard National Geographic Sea Bird ! We kicked things off with a breathtaking whale-watching excursion in the morning — we observed majestic grey whales surfacing and tails slapping. The thrill of seeing them so close was pure magic. Nature at its finest! The afternoon took us from sea to sand as we ventured into the desert for an incredible hike. A rugged trail led us to the Pacific bluffs. Our wonderful naturalists offered interpretations and talked us through the incredible adaptations of desert vegetation. With so many adventures to choose from, some guests hit the beach on fat-tire bikes. Sweeping desert landscapes and the contrast of mangroves and golden dunes meeting the deep blue Pacific Ocean made for a great adventure. There’s something surreal about biking where the desert meets the sea! After all this activity, we quenched our thirst at the local Palapa Restaurant, where our host Chejo told us some delightful stories about everyday life in a small fishing village like Puerto Magdalena. Smiles, laughter, and awe-filled moments — today was a unique experience that none of us will forget. Whales, wilderness, and wheels — what more could we ask for?
Today, we celebrated Valentine's Day aboard National Geographic Sea Bird with an unforgettable blend of nature and culture. The morning began with a thrilling whale-watching adventure in Bahia Alemejas, where local panguero drivers guided us to spots where majestic gray whales make their annual migration. We were treated to close-up views of these magnificent creatures, their spouts and breaches filling the morning with awe. In the afternoon, we visited the charming town of Puerto Magdalena, where we had options to explore local life or embark on a biking excursion across the narrow isthmus that separates Magdalena Bay from the Pacific Ocean. Though the headwinds persisted, the view from the isthmus, with the Pacific’s powerful waves crashing on one side and the calm bay on the other, was breathtaking. As the day ended, we returned to the ship, hearts full and memories made, grateful for a truly special Valentine’s Day spent amidst nature’s wonders and the warmth of Baja California’s people.
We spent a beautiful day both on water and land! In the morning, we went whale watching in Bahia Almejas, where we found ourselves absolutely surrounded by gray whales. Dozens of these magnificent creatures filled the bay, spy-hopping by our pangas and breaching in the distance. After lunch, we went ashore at Puerto Magdalena to explore. Some of us went for hikes up the arroyo, viewing native and endemic plants along the way, while others stayed by the beach to observe what had washed up on the shore. We rounded out an active day in the sun with a much-deserved dinner, and tonight we will sleep well as we dream of what tomorrow might bring!
