Cruising & Isla Danzante
The subtlety of the colors changing from vermilion to gold to milky blue, the water practically merging with the sky, was mesmerizing early this morning as we looked for marine mammals on the bow of the National Geographic Sea Bird. A bit sluggish, the sun seemed to linger just below the horizon as we all anxiously awaited the green flash. And sure enough, we were granted the spectacular split-second display of unusual color, a sign that today would be a good day.
The waters along the eastern coast of Isla del Carmen were exceptionally calm allowing for multiple sightings of marine mammals throughout the morning hours. The distinctive arch of a blue whale, the world’s largest mammal, was rather easy to spot near the horizon—a wonderful pre-breakfast treat! As the sun rose higher into the sky casting a brilliant pathway of glittering light, a number of other whales made their presence such as 3 or possibly more Bryde’s and a couple humpbacks. And the grand finale was a pair of blue whales, one of which waved farewell to us, raising its flukes high above the water.
After lunch, we set anchor in a beautiful cove of Isla Danzante, an island of impressive rock formations. Beach activities kept us contentedly busy. Many of us snorkeled from the shore. Sightings of sergeant majors aplenty and the more unusual sightings of a reef cornet fish, a rather large porcupine fish and a few terminal phase male Cortez rainbow wrasses kept us thoroughly engaged. Kayakers ventured out further in and out of charming coves. And finally a hike to the top of one of the higher mountain peninsulas provided 360 degree views of the Sierra de Giganta and the other surrounding islands.
The subtlety of the colors changing from vermilion to gold to milky blue, the water practically merging with the sky, was mesmerizing early this morning as we looked for marine mammals on the bow of the National Geographic Sea Bird. A bit sluggish, the sun seemed to linger just below the horizon as we all anxiously awaited the green flash. And sure enough, we were granted the spectacular split-second display of unusual color, a sign that today would be a good day.
The waters along the eastern coast of Isla del Carmen were exceptionally calm allowing for multiple sightings of marine mammals throughout the morning hours. The distinctive arch of a blue whale, the world’s largest mammal, was rather easy to spot near the horizon—a wonderful pre-breakfast treat! As the sun rose higher into the sky casting a brilliant pathway of glittering light, a number of other whales made their presence such as 3 or possibly more Bryde’s and a couple humpbacks. And the grand finale was a pair of blue whales, one of which waved farewell to us, raising its flukes high above the water.
After lunch, we set anchor in a beautiful cove of Isla Danzante, an island of impressive rock formations. Beach activities kept us contentedly busy. Many of us snorkeled from the shore. Sightings of sergeant majors aplenty and the more unusual sightings of a reef cornet fish, a rather large porcupine fish and a few terminal phase male Cortez rainbow wrasses kept us thoroughly engaged. Kayakers ventured out further in and out of charming coves. And finally a hike to the top of one of the higher mountain peninsulas provided 360 degree views of the Sierra de Giganta and the other surrounding islands.
