Bahia Magdalena, Boca de Soledad
Our local guide pointed to the north as we departed the National Geographic Sea Bird this morning aboard Zodiacs. Everyone eagerly anticipated what the future would hold as we began our first foray to seek up-close encounters with gray whales in Bahia Magdalena. It seemed as if little time passed before our hopes were realized, manifest in the form of a misty spout draped over the surface of the water; then another, and another! These majestic giants cast a sense of smallness upon us all as they glided in a seemingly effortless manner toward Boca de Soledad, “The Mouth of Solitude”, the body of water that connects the Pacific Ocean to Magdalena Bay. Suddenly a splash, as a young gray whale displayed its youthful exuberance by breaching out of the water over and over as it’s mother watched quietly and patiently. At the same time, we watched with shouts of joy and looks of amazement, wonder and humility. One could look in nearly any direction and see puffs of mist near and far throughout this protected waterway. This was only our first experience of the morning, we still had more in store for the afternoon!
Following lunch, we returned to our Zodiacs and transferred ashore to explore the expansive beaches and sand dunes of Isla Magdalena. Solitude was a word that came to mind for many as the low tide revealed a beach that seemed to stretch to an infinite horizon, inviting us to ponder our scale and place in the big scheme of things. All too often, beaches are crowded with people and buzzing with activity. This remote and splendid locale on the other hand was a place for inquiry, quiet reflection, and wonder as the waves of the Pacific Ocean crashed in the distance.
One last round of whale watching presented us with a crescendo for the day as we looked into the eyes of giants. The gray whales of Magdalena Bay seemed to have turned the tables on us this afternoon and engaged in “people watching”, providing guests and whales alike with plenty of close-up looks and an elusive opportunity to, even if just for a moment, embrace a powerful sense of connection with something greater than ourselves…
Our local guide pointed to the north as we departed the National Geographic Sea Bird this morning aboard Zodiacs. Everyone eagerly anticipated what the future would hold as we began our first foray to seek up-close encounters with gray whales in Bahia Magdalena. It seemed as if little time passed before our hopes were realized, manifest in the form of a misty spout draped over the surface of the water; then another, and another! These majestic giants cast a sense of smallness upon us all as they glided in a seemingly effortless manner toward Boca de Soledad, “The Mouth of Solitude”, the body of water that connects the Pacific Ocean to Magdalena Bay. Suddenly a splash, as a young gray whale displayed its youthful exuberance by breaching out of the water over and over as it’s mother watched quietly and patiently. At the same time, we watched with shouts of joy and looks of amazement, wonder and humility. One could look in nearly any direction and see puffs of mist near and far throughout this protected waterway. This was only our first experience of the morning, we still had more in store for the afternoon!
Following lunch, we returned to our Zodiacs and transferred ashore to explore the expansive beaches and sand dunes of Isla Magdalena. Solitude was a word that came to mind for many as the low tide revealed a beach that seemed to stretch to an infinite horizon, inviting us to ponder our scale and place in the big scheme of things. All too often, beaches are crowded with people and buzzing with activity. This remote and splendid locale on the other hand was a place for inquiry, quiet reflection, and wonder as the waves of the Pacific Ocean crashed in the distance.
One last round of whale watching presented us with a crescendo for the day as we looked into the eyes of giants. The gray whales of Magdalena Bay seemed to have turned the tables on us this afternoon and engaged in “people watching”, providing guests and whales alike with plenty of close-up looks and an elusive opportunity to, even if just for a moment, embrace a powerful sense of connection with something greater than ourselves…
