Bahia Santa Maria & Hull Canal
We woke up on our first morning aboard the National Geographic Sea Bird to fresh warm air and a beautiful sunrise. We were anchored beside the 60 mile long Isla Magdalena. The birdwatchers were delighted to see many kinds of birds including cormorants, pelicans, great blue herons and eared grebes.
After breakfast we met in the lounge, Captain Coughlin welcomed us and we were introduced to the Lindblad staff. Then we climbed into Zodiacs and went over to explore the area called “Sand Dollar Beach.” The naturalist led us through the elegantly sculpted sand dunes and we learned the names of several plants like the reddish iodine, the bright yellow evening primrose, the box-thorn, sea purslane and ground cherry. We saw the intricate tracks made by beetles, mice and kangaroo rats. Our hike continued until we came to the Pacific Ocean. The beach was dotted with sand dollars and also skeletons of fish. Isla Margarita was visible in the distance and in every direction were magnificent views.
After lunch our local pilot, Alejandro Camacho, skillfully navigated our ship through the twisting channel of Hull Canal, a natural waterway separating Isla Magdalena from the mainland of the peninsula. We sailed northward past mangrove-lined banks, sighting more birds. The afternoon turned out to be an exciting one as three gray whale cow/calf pairs were spotted. What a great day!
We woke up on our first morning aboard the National Geographic Sea Bird to fresh warm air and a beautiful sunrise. We were anchored beside the 60 mile long Isla Magdalena. The birdwatchers were delighted to see many kinds of birds including cormorants, pelicans, great blue herons and eared grebes.
After breakfast we met in the lounge, Captain Coughlin welcomed us and we were introduced to the Lindblad staff. Then we climbed into Zodiacs and went over to explore the area called “Sand Dollar Beach.” The naturalist led us through the elegantly sculpted sand dunes and we learned the names of several plants like the reddish iodine, the bright yellow evening primrose, the box-thorn, sea purslane and ground cherry. We saw the intricate tracks made by beetles, mice and kangaroo rats. Our hike continued until we came to the Pacific Ocean. The beach was dotted with sand dollars and also skeletons of fish. Isla Margarita was visible in the distance and in every direction were magnificent views.
After lunch our local pilot, Alejandro Camacho, skillfully navigated our ship through the twisting channel of Hull Canal, a natural waterway separating Isla Magdalena from the mainland of the peninsula. We sailed northward past mangrove-lined banks, sighting more birds. The afternoon turned out to be an exciting one as three gray whale cow/calf pairs were spotted. What a great day!
