San Jose del Cabo & the Cape Region
In the early morning we rounded the southernmost corner of the Cape Region, admiring the lights of Cabo San Lucas from afar. A sliver of moon was high above the horizon as we made our way toward Finisterra, or “Land’s End.” Most of us rose early to be able to take in the spectacular rock formations of the cape, including the famous El Arco. We watched California sea lions reclining on the rocks, brown pelicans, magnificent frigatebirds, Brandt’s cormorants, and even a few brown boobies scattered along the cliffs. As we turned to continue our journey toward San Jose del Cabo, a fiery, red sun was rising above the horizon.
We continued our expedition cruise along the shores of Los Cabos, enjoying the early morning light. Linda, one of our Naturalists, spotted a few humpback whales in the distance and we set off to get a closer look. We observed four or five flukes as the whales sounded, and also came across numerous bottlenose dolphins following the whales. The dolphins approached the National Geographic Sea Bird and seemed to be moving quite slowly. As they came abeam of us, two humpback whales surfaced through the middle of the group! It was an incredible sight and everyone out on deck was afforded a good view.
Arriving at our marina mid-morning, we traveled by bus to the quaint town of San Jose del Cabo. Many of us took in the wonderful array of bird species in the estuary south of town. Others searched the town on foot, exploring the Mission, the central square and fountain, and the eclectic Art District.
After lunch, we set sail once again. Crossing the boundary between the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of California, our course took us along the eastern shores of the Baja Peninsula. We watched humpbacks cavort throughout the afternoon and were witness to numerous breaches and pectoral slaps. Many die-hard whale watchers spent the better part of the afternoon on deck, as the prevailing winds were warm and balmy. As the afternoon waned, we rested a bit and then regrouped for dinner, anxious to begin the next phase of our adventure in the Gulf of California.
In the early morning we rounded the southernmost corner of the Cape Region, admiring the lights of Cabo San Lucas from afar. A sliver of moon was high above the horizon as we made our way toward Finisterra, or “Land’s End.” Most of us rose early to be able to take in the spectacular rock formations of the cape, including the famous El Arco. We watched California sea lions reclining on the rocks, brown pelicans, magnificent frigatebirds, Brandt’s cormorants, and even a few brown boobies scattered along the cliffs. As we turned to continue our journey toward San Jose del Cabo, a fiery, red sun was rising above the horizon.
We continued our expedition cruise along the shores of Los Cabos, enjoying the early morning light. Linda, one of our Naturalists, spotted a few humpback whales in the distance and we set off to get a closer look. We observed four or five flukes as the whales sounded, and also came across numerous bottlenose dolphins following the whales. The dolphins approached the National Geographic Sea Bird and seemed to be moving quite slowly. As they came abeam of us, two humpback whales surfaced through the middle of the group! It was an incredible sight and everyone out on deck was afforded a good view.
Arriving at our marina mid-morning, we traveled by bus to the quaint town of San Jose del Cabo. Many of us took in the wonderful array of bird species in the estuary south of town. Others searched the town on foot, exploring the Mission, the central square and fountain, and the eclectic Art District.
After lunch, we set sail once again. Crossing the boundary between the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of California, our course took us along the eastern shores of the Baja Peninsula. We watched humpbacks cavort throughout the afternoon and were witness to numerous breaches and pectoral slaps. Many die-hard whale watchers spent the better part of the afternoon on deck, as the prevailing winds were warm and balmy. As the afternoon waned, we rested a bit and then regrouped for dinner, anxious to begin the next phase of our adventure in the Gulf of California.
