Isla San Jose, Bahia Amortajada and Punta Salinas
Some days the stars align and the weather gods cooperate, and one looks back at the end of the day and thinks, “this is NOT the day that I expected.” Today was one such day.
The recent full moon meant that we had a big high tide this morning, which allowed us to explore one of Baja California’s most unique and rare ecosystems, a mangrove lagoon. We took Zodiacs far into the backwaters of Amortajada this morning, with the early group entering on the last foot, or so, of the rising tide. Red, white and black mangroves stood at the entrance to the lagoon, giving way to primarily red mangroves farther in.
We motored slowly so as not to disturb the mirror-like surface of the water, seeing such fish as mojarras and bullseye puffers scoot below us. In the tangled branches of the mangroves, we spotted wading birds such as tricolored herons and yellow-crowned night herons, while the maze of roots below water provided shelter for countless juvenile fishes. Perhaps the highlight of the morning was watching dozens of brown pelicans plunge diving in quick succession, while rooster fish preyed from below on a large shoal of small fish. Regal snowy egrets and great egrets stood on shore, nabbing any fish that came close. It was a bountiful breakfast for all this morning.
At the turn of the tide, the second round began, with a slightly fresher breeze. There were more mangroves, a merlin and many Cassiopeia, or “upside down” jellyfish in the narrow back channels. All agreed that it was a wonderful morning.
After lunch, we explored a new landing site, going ashore at the nearby Punta Salinas. Here we found one of the longest beaches in the Gulf of California, backed by fantastic desert vegetation. An abandoned salt works provided ample photo opportunities, as well as some unusual natural history. Naturalist Alberto found “sea monkeys,” or brine shrimp, in one of the ponds, with sandpipers happily foraging on them. Adventurous guests joined Pete for a long hike, climbing to the ridge top for incredible views that, in the words of one guest, “went on forever.” Others explored more of the desert vegetation with Gretchen and William, or wandered the shore with Sharon.
As the afternoon progressed and the shadows began to lengthen, photographers found themselves in a “photo rich environment,” snapping gorgeous wide angle shots of the bay as well as very close shots of porcupinefish skeletons and sea shells. A few puffy clouds moved in, as if on cue, to provide composition to the sunset, and we returned to the ship with smiles all around.
