Puerto Gato on the Magnificent Peninsula
The day broke on the Gulf of California in a fiery display that vanished as quickly as it appeared. The shades of red, orange and purple graced the clouds on the horizon mirroring themselves in the near still waters. The broken, craggy and weathered horizon created by the beautiful Sierra de Gigantica mountains was off our starboard all morning as we made for Puerto Gato. A lengthy stretch of beach was hemmed in by formations of sedimentary rock exquisitely sculpted into smooth flowing terraces and unique formations. Pelicans, egrets, herons and eared grebes are often seen along the shoreline here.
As the morning clouds blew clear the guests began to prepare for snorkeling and exploring the waters off the northern point of the bay. The shallow reefs here are incredibly productive and often teeming with life. Today’s location proved to be just that. Soon there were flippers and snorkels spreading out over the reef and rocky shallows, the calm intermittently broken by exclamations of surprise and wonder. Justin Hoffman, our Undersea Specialist, was busy helping to identify the many species of reef inhabitants. A few highlights include: the large Finescale Triggerfish, reaching nearly two and a half feet in length; a single Jewel Moray seen revealing itself through a crack in the reef; and three species of Puffer, the largest being the Rough-sided at close to 16 inches.
As many were enjoying the action below the surface, the staff spotted a lone Peregrine falcon perched atop the adjacent ridge.
The crew put on a very pleasant barbecue style lunch on the sun deck. The light breeze, sunshine, conversation and great food prepared us for the rest of the day’s activities. Our plan for the afternoon was to explore the desert and surrounding landscape on foot and allow all who were interested to paddle a kayak around the bay. Some even completed the Baja Triathlon, a morning snorkel followed by kayaking and hiking.
While kayakers set out on the bay, hikers trekked inland to experience this wild and scenic part of the Baja Peninsula. The more goal-oriented managed to work off some of the lunch fare on the aerobic hike. Others sought out a new arroyo to explore, being rewarded with fascinating geological formations and a glimpse at a new landscape. Botany and bird-watching became the focus of yet a third group. Desert flowers and new bird species highlighted this outing.
We shared an incredible and exciting day on the mainland of Baja California. It’s now time to prepare the National Geographic Sea Bird and its guests for another adventure tomorrow.
The day broke on the Gulf of California in a fiery display that vanished as quickly as it appeared. The shades of red, orange and purple graced the clouds on the horizon mirroring themselves in the near still waters. The broken, craggy and weathered horizon created by the beautiful Sierra de Gigantica mountains was off our starboard all morning as we made for Puerto Gato. A lengthy stretch of beach was hemmed in by formations of sedimentary rock exquisitely sculpted into smooth flowing terraces and unique formations. Pelicans, egrets, herons and eared grebes are often seen along the shoreline here.
As the morning clouds blew clear the guests began to prepare for snorkeling and exploring the waters off the northern point of the bay. The shallow reefs here are incredibly productive and often teeming with life. Today’s location proved to be just that. Soon there were flippers and snorkels spreading out over the reef and rocky shallows, the calm intermittently broken by exclamations of surprise and wonder. Justin Hoffman, our Undersea Specialist, was busy helping to identify the many species of reef inhabitants. A few highlights include: the large Finescale Triggerfish, reaching nearly two and a half feet in length; a single Jewel Moray seen revealing itself through a crack in the reef; and three species of Puffer, the largest being the Rough-sided at close to 16 inches.
As many were enjoying the action below the surface, the staff spotted a lone Peregrine falcon perched atop the adjacent ridge.
The crew put on a very pleasant barbecue style lunch on the sun deck. The light breeze, sunshine, conversation and great food prepared us for the rest of the day’s activities. Our plan for the afternoon was to explore the desert and surrounding landscape on foot and allow all who were interested to paddle a kayak around the bay. Some even completed the Baja Triathlon, a morning snorkel followed by kayaking and hiking.
While kayakers set out on the bay, hikers trekked inland to experience this wild and scenic part of the Baja Peninsula. The more goal-oriented managed to work off some of the lunch fare on the aerobic hike. Others sought out a new arroyo to explore, being rewarded with fascinating geological formations and a glimpse at a new landscape. Botany and bird-watching became the focus of yet a third group. Desert flowers and new bird species highlighted this outing.
We shared an incredible and exciting day on the mainland of Baja California. It’s now time to prepare the National Geographic Sea Bird and its guests for another adventure tomorrow.
