Bahia de Loreto Marine Park & Isla Santa Catalina
Today was the first day of the expedition that marked the beginning of the Baja California season. We woke up to a beautiful sunrise as the National Geographic Sea Bird sailed the waters of the Bahia de Loreto Marine Park. The early morning sun lit up the majestic Sierra de la Giganta as if it were on fire. This monumental mountain range is most dramatic and majestic seen from here than from anywhere else.
The warm breeze and morning light reminded us how lucky we are to be here. The Gulf of California is a natural jewel without parallel. The contrasting desert and deep sea meet, giving as a result a magical place.
We spent most of the morning scanning the seas for wildlife. Brown and blue footed boobies, the endemic yellow-footed gulls, and a few Craveri's murrelets were seen. As we cruised through the East side of Isla Del Carmen, hundreds of distant splashes revealed the presence of a pod of long-beaked common dolphins.
Estimating the numbers for these groups is quite challenging. The general "rule" is to consider the existence of six dolphins per each one that is seen on the surface at a given time. To be safe, hundreds of them surrounded the ship as we witnessed this spectacle of nature. A few of these dolphins leaped in the air, presumably attempting to get rid of remoras attached to their sides.
Isla Santa Catalina was our afternoon destination. This is a remote island that has never been attached to either the mainland or the peninsula. As a result, all the species of animals and plants found here have made their way through the ocean to get established here. With time, these living creatures have adapted to their environment and suffered modifications through evolution. Diverging from the original pioneers, they turned gradually into different species and sub species that are unique to this remote granitic island.
We had the opportunity snorkel and get our first look to the undersea world of the Gulf. The water temperature was excellent and we could enjoy every second of our experience. We saw many different species of fish, including giant damsels, king angels, giant hawk fish and porcupine fish amongst many others.
To end the day we hiked through the beautiful desert of Santa Catalina. Healthy cardon and endemic barrel cacti adorned the landscape as we explored the wonderful Sonoran Desert through one of the most beautiful corners of Mexico.
