Santa Catalina Island & Puerto Gato

Today’s adventures started early. Shortly after sunrise a tall blow was discovered and everyone congregated at the ship’s bow. Some were already fully-dressed, whereas others were still wearing their pajamas, but all eagerly scanned the horizon. After several minutes the blow reappeared and we got the chance to admire the largest animal that has ever lived on this planet, the blue whale! Eventually the whale raised its caudal peduncle very high above the water before a longer dive, showing us its elegant flukes. Blue whales are regular visitors to this area during the winter months due to the seasonal presence of large concentrations of Pacific krill, a favorite prey. In fact, blue whales were one of the reasons that the Mexican government considered during the early 1990’s that this region be declared a protected area, the Loreto Bay National Park. The park includes five islands, of which Santa Catalina Island is one of the most interesting. We landed there after breakfast and explored it both above and under the water. Snorkelers admired the marine life of Elephant Rock and saw numerous king angelfishes, Graybar grunts, yellowtail surgeon fish and many kinds of sea stars, soft corals and sponges. Hikers got the chance to learn about the multiple adaptations that plants use to survive in a desert environment and photographed the island’s giant barrel cacti, cardones and pitahayas. 

National Geographic Sea Bird anchored at Puerto Gato during the early afternoon. Located on the Baja California peninsula, Puerto Gato is a gorgeous location with pinkish-red fossilized sand dunes right next to the beach. Hikers explored the desert and came back just in time to enjoy a delicious BBQ dinner ashore, where we all had a good time star-gazing, watching pelicans plunge-diving just off the beach and listening to Bette Lu, who delighted everyone with her songs, putting an end to a marvelous day in the Sea of Cortez.