Bahia Loreto Marine Park & Isla Santa Catalina
The National Geographic Sea Lion continued her cruise north through the night. Just before sunrise she was located slightly north of Isla Monserrate. As the sun rose over the Gulf of California a small group of bottlenose dolphins were spotted moving through water as smooth as a piece of peach colored silk. There was almost no sound except for the intake and exhale of these marine mammals continuing their morning cruise in the abundantly rich waters of the Gulf of California. Our first morning of the trip was spent searching for more dolphins and other marine mammals, while enjoying the warmth of the sun and calm seas as the National Geographic Sea Lion continued cruising north making one of several large circular patterns turning at the northern end of Isla Carmen, then returning south in the San Jose Channel, continuing the marine mammal search, while heading towards our afternoon anchorage of Isla Santa Catalina.
During the late morning our Captain began a series of drills that would begin our getting acquainted with our new shipboard home. This was followed by several briefings from our expedition leader and staff getting us ready for the different types of excursions available during the first half of our trip in the waters of the Gulf of California. Just after lunch and right on cue, a snorkeling Zodiac was anchored just inside Elephant Rock where many rock reefs are home to a myriad of species of tropical fish. The Gulf of California is one of the richest seas in the world with nearly 900 different species of fish, all making a living on the nutrient rich waters. A group of intrepid snorkelers donned their gear and headed for a refreshing dive, exploring shoals close to shore where a wonderful display of large and small fish made their homes.
On shore, the first group of hikers headed out with a mountaintop destination in mind. By late afternoon all hikers were ashore exploring what many call the jewel of the gulf islands. Isla Santa Catalina, an uplifted island made largely of granite, provides well-drained granitic soils that are home to some extraordinary displays of cacti. The afternoon light in the cactus forest was breathtaking. Whether we wandered with a naturalist or on our own, it was a visual feast, and for the careful observer, the endemic rattleless rattlesnake decided to show itself twice. Beautifully patterned and shy two young snakes casually sunning themselves were spotted, affording naturalists and guests a chance to stop, view, and discuss this rare endemic species found only on this isolated island in the Gulf of California. As the sun dipped towards sunset the main arroyo became filled with the long shadows of the enormous columnar cacti. Stopping just for a moment, and quietly lying down one could see the tiny backlit shoots of the arroyo lupine, then standing to look up and find the first flower of a giant barrel cactus….all equal and stunning parts of this unusual place - a desert by the sea.
The National Geographic Sea Lion continued her cruise north through the night. Just before sunrise she was located slightly north of Isla Monserrate. As the sun rose over the Gulf of California a small group of bottlenose dolphins were spotted moving through water as smooth as a piece of peach colored silk. There was almost no sound except for the intake and exhale of these marine mammals continuing their morning cruise in the abundantly rich waters of the Gulf of California. Our first morning of the trip was spent searching for more dolphins and other marine mammals, while enjoying the warmth of the sun and calm seas as the National Geographic Sea Lion continued cruising north making one of several large circular patterns turning at the northern end of Isla Carmen, then returning south in the San Jose Channel, continuing the marine mammal search, while heading towards our afternoon anchorage of Isla Santa Catalina.
During the late morning our Captain began a series of drills that would begin our getting acquainted with our new shipboard home. This was followed by several briefings from our expedition leader and staff getting us ready for the different types of excursions available during the first half of our trip in the waters of the Gulf of California. Just after lunch and right on cue, a snorkeling Zodiac was anchored just inside Elephant Rock where many rock reefs are home to a myriad of species of tropical fish. The Gulf of California is one of the richest seas in the world with nearly 900 different species of fish, all making a living on the nutrient rich waters. A group of intrepid snorkelers donned their gear and headed for a refreshing dive, exploring shoals close to shore where a wonderful display of large and small fish made their homes.
On shore, the first group of hikers headed out with a mountaintop destination in mind. By late afternoon all hikers were ashore exploring what many call the jewel of the gulf islands. Isla Santa Catalina, an uplifted island made largely of granite, provides well-drained granitic soils that are home to some extraordinary displays of cacti. The afternoon light in the cactus forest was breathtaking. Whether we wandered with a naturalist or on our own, it was a visual feast, and for the careful observer, the endemic rattleless rattlesnake decided to show itself twice. Beautifully patterned and shy two young snakes casually sunning themselves were spotted, affording naturalists and guests a chance to stop, view, and discuss this rare endemic species found only on this isolated island in the Gulf of California. As the sun dipped towards sunset the main arroyo became filled with the long shadows of the enormous columnar cacti. Stopping just for a moment, and quietly lying down one could see the tiny backlit shoots of the arroyo lupine, then standing to look up and find the first flower of a giant barrel cactus….all equal and stunning parts of this unusual place - a desert by the sea.
