Partida Sur Is. & At Sea
The beautiful morning light illuminated the rugged peaks of the La Giganta mountain range as we sailed south. The National Geographic Sea Bird received the visit of the occasional group of dolphins that briefly followed us while riding the pressure wave made by her; only laughter and cameras’ clicking noises could be heard in the background.
Soon after, a different kind of marine mammal approached us and many more pixels were spent as a group of short-finned pilot whales cruised nearby. This large member of the dolphin family is a resident species in the Gulf of California and well known for its squid-eating habits.
Shortly after noon we arrived to the tranquil waters of Ensenada Grande; located on the northwest corner of Partida Sur Island, Ensenada Grande is a marvelous place and a favorite among Baja connoisseurs. Its shallow waters are usually much warmer and clearer than in other places, and its sandy bottoms gave it different tones of emerald, greens and deep blues that remind me of those in the Caribbean.
Many enjoyed the beautiful cove by kayaking or by admiring the interesting Taffoni formations from a Zodiac. Created by the action of sea water spraying over the volcanic andesite rocks along its shores, the Taffoni formations sculpted the landscape in unique ways, giving Ensenada Grande a very characteristic look. Dragons, sea monsters or even baby faces seemed to gain life on the rock walls and many of us spent a long time watching and trying to find new natural sculptures.
Meanwhile, hikers had the chance to explore the island’s interior; numerous creatures showed themselves including Costa’s hummingbirds, Canyon wrens and the endemic antelope ground squirrels. Little by little, the sun made its way across the sky and eventually settled down behind the peninsula, putting an end to the last day of our expedition in the beautiful Gulf of California.
The beautiful morning light illuminated the rugged peaks of the La Giganta mountain range as we sailed south. The National Geographic Sea Bird received the visit of the occasional group of dolphins that briefly followed us while riding the pressure wave made by her; only laughter and cameras’ clicking noises could be heard in the background.
Soon after, a different kind of marine mammal approached us and many more pixels were spent as a group of short-finned pilot whales cruised nearby. This large member of the dolphin family is a resident species in the Gulf of California and well known for its squid-eating habits.
Shortly after noon we arrived to the tranquil waters of Ensenada Grande; located on the northwest corner of Partida Sur Island, Ensenada Grande is a marvelous place and a favorite among Baja connoisseurs. Its shallow waters are usually much warmer and clearer than in other places, and its sandy bottoms gave it different tones of emerald, greens and deep blues that remind me of those in the Caribbean.
Many enjoyed the beautiful cove by kayaking or by admiring the interesting Taffoni formations from a Zodiac. Created by the action of sea water spraying over the volcanic andesite rocks along its shores, the Taffoni formations sculpted the landscape in unique ways, giving Ensenada Grande a very characteristic look. Dragons, sea monsters or even baby faces seemed to gain life on the rock walls and many of us spent a long time watching and trying to find new natural sculptures.
Meanwhile, hikers had the chance to explore the island’s interior; numerous creatures showed themselves including Costa’s hummingbirds, Canyon wrens and the endemic antelope ground squirrels. Little by little, the sun made its way across the sky and eventually settled down behind the peninsula, putting an end to the last day of our expedition in the beautiful Gulf of California.
