Baja Peninsula & Loreto Bay National Park
The ship bustled with activity well before sunrise in preparation for an early morning outing on the peninsula. Spectacular rock formations flanked the quiet landing site. Ancient winds had deposited layer after layer of sand that later turned to stone. More recent winds and wave action slowly etched the reddish cliffs into wondrous shapes that the dawn light now illuminated. The morning allowed for exploration at any pace. One group scrambled up and over the ridges and plateaus on a longer walk. A jackrabbit darted away with a burst of speed. Mockingbirds, loggerhead shrikes, woodpeckers and other assorted birds pursued their own morning activities. A number of walkers chose more leisurely hikes or lingered near shore to capture their experiences in pixels. Zodiac cruisers followed the coastline to observe plummeting pelicans and to spot Sally lightfoot crabs and American oystercatchers. Another option was to enjoy the luxury of sleeping in until all returned for a 9:30 brunch back on board.
For the remainder of the morning and early afternoon, the National Geographic Sea Bird sailed north in search of marine life. We were not disappointed. Hundreds of long-beaked common dolphins stirred the sea into a froth of splashing water and leaping bodies. Their high-pitched squeaks and squeals carried through the hull to those who watched from the lounge windows. Up on deck, cameras clicked incessantly at the mass of creatures that gracefully leapt clear of the aquamarine sea. After lunch, a female fin whale and her calf appeared. These sleek, dark gray animals are unusual because they are asymmetrically colored. The lower right jaw is white, and the left is charcoal gray.
The Bay of Loreto National Marine Park was created in 1996, and in 2005 was added to the United Nations’ list of protected World Heritage Sites. It includes five islands as well as the surrounding marine environment. One of these, Isla Danzante, was the perfect place for an evening barbecue. The crew transported tables, chairs, and a delicious meal to shore while we wandered the trails for beautiful views or snorkeled from a secluded bay called Honeymoon Cove. As dusk settled over the dramatic backdrop of the Sierra de la Giganta, a bonfire sparked to life. Dancing flames licked the roasting marshmallows. Singing and guitar music provided a wonderful finish to a varied day on our remarkable journey along the coast of Baja California.
The ship bustled with activity well before sunrise in preparation for an early morning outing on the peninsula. Spectacular rock formations flanked the quiet landing site. Ancient winds had deposited layer after layer of sand that later turned to stone. More recent winds and wave action slowly etched the reddish cliffs into wondrous shapes that the dawn light now illuminated. The morning allowed for exploration at any pace. One group scrambled up and over the ridges and plateaus on a longer walk. A jackrabbit darted away with a burst of speed. Mockingbirds, loggerhead shrikes, woodpeckers and other assorted birds pursued their own morning activities. A number of walkers chose more leisurely hikes or lingered near shore to capture their experiences in pixels. Zodiac cruisers followed the coastline to observe plummeting pelicans and to spot Sally lightfoot crabs and American oystercatchers. Another option was to enjoy the luxury of sleeping in until all returned for a 9:30 brunch back on board.
For the remainder of the morning and early afternoon, the National Geographic Sea Bird sailed north in search of marine life. We were not disappointed. Hundreds of long-beaked common dolphins stirred the sea into a froth of splashing water and leaping bodies. Their high-pitched squeaks and squeals carried through the hull to those who watched from the lounge windows. Up on deck, cameras clicked incessantly at the mass of creatures that gracefully leapt clear of the aquamarine sea. After lunch, a female fin whale and her calf appeared. These sleek, dark gray animals are unusual because they are asymmetrically colored. The lower right jaw is white, and the left is charcoal gray.
The Bay of Loreto National Marine Park was created in 1996, and in 2005 was added to the United Nations’ list of protected World Heritage Sites. It includes five islands as well as the surrounding marine environment. One of these, Isla Danzante, was the perfect place for an evening barbecue. The crew transported tables, chairs, and a delicious meal to shore while we wandered the trails for beautiful views or snorkeled from a secluded bay called Honeymoon Cove. As dusk settled over the dramatic backdrop of the Sierra de la Giganta, a bonfire sparked to life. Dancing flames licked the roasting marshmallows. Singing and guitar music provided a wonderful finish to a varied day on our remarkable journey along the coast of Baja California.
