Loreto Bay National Park
We spent the whole day today within the boundaries of the Loreto Bay National Park, one of the largest marine protected areas in the Gulf of California. Established in the mid 90’s, this reserve protects one of the most beautiful regions in the Baja California peninsula and includes Montserrat, Coronado, Carmen, Danzante and Santa Catalina islands. Long-beaked common dolphins greeted us swimming around the National Geographic Sea Bird with the speed and grace that only they have, while the rugged peaks of La Giganta range glowed with the early morning light. Sailing between Carmen and Danzante islands we sighted distant blows. Many blows! We headed towards Montserrat Island and soon encountered numerous fin whales, the second largest whale after the blue, and certainly one of the prettiest ones. Swimming in pairs, trios or even more, whales together could be seen all over the place. Several times we were inspected by them as they approached the ship just off the bow! For two and a half hours we enjoyed watching fin whales, as well as a solitary humpback whale. At times it seemed as if the whales were engaged in some romantic endeavors, rolling just below the surface, their white bellies glowing in the dark waters! And this being a Photo Expedition, you can imagine the number of photographs that were taken!
During the afternoon we dropped the anchor off the southern side of Montserrat Island; snorkelers had the opportunity to explore a shallow reef full of life, inhabited by creatures such as spiny lobsters, king angel fishes, twin-spotted octopi and balloon fishes. Hikers too had a good time and photographers photographed the colorful sunset as if there was no tomorrow. Another beautiful day in Baja California!
We spent the whole day today within the boundaries of the Loreto Bay National Park, one of the largest marine protected areas in the Gulf of California. Established in the mid 90’s, this reserve protects one of the most beautiful regions in the Baja California peninsula and includes Montserrat, Coronado, Carmen, Danzante and Santa Catalina islands. Long-beaked common dolphins greeted us swimming around the National Geographic Sea Bird with the speed and grace that only they have, while the rugged peaks of La Giganta range glowed with the early morning light. Sailing between Carmen and Danzante islands we sighted distant blows. Many blows! We headed towards Montserrat Island and soon encountered numerous fin whales, the second largest whale after the blue, and certainly one of the prettiest ones. Swimming in pairs, trios or even more, whales together could be seen all over the place. Several times we were inspected by them as they approached the ship just off the bow! For two and a half hours we enjoyed watching fin whales, as well as a solitary humpback whale. At times it seemed as if the whales were engaged in some romantic endeavors, rolling just below the surface, their white bellies glowing in the dark waters! And this being a Photo Expedition, you can imagine the number of photographs that were taken!
During the afternoon we dropped the anchor off the southern side of Montserrat Island; snorkelers had the opportunity to explore a shallow reef full of life, inhabited by creatures such as spiny lobsters, king angel fishes, twin-spotted octopi and balloon fishes. Hikers too had a good time and photographers photographed the colorful sunset as if there was no tomorrow. Another beautiful day in Baja California!
