Amortajada Bay & San Francisco Island
Early risers boarded the Zodiacs before sunrise, ready to explore the calm waters of the estuary at Amortajada Bay, located on the southeastern end of San José Island. They admired the lush views of the mangrove-covered coastline, which included three different species: red, black and white mangroves. Mangrove warblers, snowy and reddish egrets, great blue herons, kingfishers and even a vermillion flycatcher added a touch of life to the mangroves, whereas turkey vultures sunbathed while perching on top of the cardón cacti nearby. Dog snappers, balloon fishes, round stingrays and the odd-looking “upside-down jellyfishes” were among the marine creatures that were observed by both the early risers and those who participated on the more civilized second Zodiac ride.
We lifted the anchor around mid-morning and sailed the San José Channel looking for marine life; it wasn’t long before short-finned pilot whales were spotted. Several groups of them slowly swam at the surface, rubbing each other while spending some quality time together. Perhaps fifty or more of them could be seen around the National Geographic Sea Lion!
Early in the afternoon we arrived at San Francisco Island; kayakers explored the beautiful half-moon bay, watching as many brown pelicans plunged from great heights trying to catch their meals. Later, we enjoyed hiking and tide-pooling, getting the chance to see marvelous creatures with such improbable names as the apricot slug, the porcelain crab and the zebra worm. The day slowly came to an end and as the sun made its way behind the Baja California peninsula, we returned to our floating home with big smiles on our faces.
Early risers boarded the Zodiacs before sunrise, ready to explore the calm waters of the estuary at Amortajada Bay, located on the southeastern end of San José Island. They admired the lush views of the mangrove-covered coastline, which included three different species: red, black and white mangroves. Mangrove warblers, snowy and reddish egrets, great blue herons, kingfishers and even a vermillion flycatcher added a touch of life to the mangroves, whereas turkey vultures sunbathed while perching on top of the cardón cacti nearby. Dog snappers, balloon fishes, round stingrays and the odd-looking “upside-down jellyfishes” were among the marine creatures that were observed by both the early risers and those who participated on the more civilized second Zodiac ride.
We lifted the anchor around mid-morning and sailed the San José Channel looking for marine life; it wasn’t long before short-finned pilot whales were spotted. Several groups of them slowly swam at the surface, rubbing each other while spending some quality time together. Perhaps fifty or more of them could be seen around the National Geographic Sea Lion!
Early in the afternoon we arrived at San Francisco Island; kayakers explored the beautiful half-moon bay, watching as many brown pelicans plunged from great heights trying to catch their meals. Later, we enjoyed hiking and tide-pooling, getting the chance to see marvelous creatures with such improbable names as the apricot slug, the porcelain crab and the zebra worm. The day slowly came to an end and as the sun made its way behind the Baja California peninsula, we returned to our floating home with big smiles on our faces.
