Among the Great Whales
What a phenomenal way to start the voyage. We not only encounter whales this morning, but east of Isla de Carmen, we encounter three different types of whales. First we spot a fin whale right along with a blue whale. Blue whales are the largest animal on the planet and have been recorded up to 108 feet in length and weighing as much as 240 tons. This magnificent creature even presents us with its fluke on several occasions. Next, we come across a playful humpback whale. We get some great looks at this whale including the large, unique pectoral fin raised above the water. Not to be outdone, a pod of bottlenose dolphins and a group of California sea lions also join in and put on a great show. What a morning!
The afternoon is full of activity on the Island of Danzante. Snorklers enjoy an easy beach entrance for their first time out. Though the water is a bit chilly it is worth it. Sea stars, sea urchins, sergeant majors, king and Cortez angelfish plus many more species are abundant just off the rocky cliff. Hikers explore the desert environment on shore, learning about the sweet and sour pitaya, cardon and cholla cactus. For those with their eyes to the sky there are many birds including great egrets and an osprey. There is so much life here in Baja California: above the water's surface and below. What better way to slowly take it all in then by kayak? Many of those on board the National Geographic Sea Lion chose to end the afternoon with a gentle paddle around beautiful Honeymoon Cove.
What a phenomenal way to start the voyage. We not only encounter whales this morning, but east of Isla de Carmen, we encounter three different types of whales. First we spot a fin whale right along with a blue whale. Blue whales are the largest animal on the planet and have been recorded up to 108 feet in length and weighing as much as 240 tons. This magnificent creature even presents us with its fluke on several occasions. Next, we come across a playful humpback whale. We get some great looks at this whale including the large, unique pectoral fin raised above the water. Not to be outdone, a pod of bottlenose dolphins and a group of California sea lions also join in and put on a great show. What a morning!
The afternoon is full of activity on the Island of Danzante. Snorklers enjoy an easy beach entrance for their first time out. Though the water is a bit chilly it is worth it. Sea stars, sea urchins, sergeant majors, king and Cortez angelfish plus many more species are abundant just off the rocky cliff. Hikers explore the desert environment on shore, learning about the sweet and sour pitaya, cardon and cholla cactus. For those with their eyes to the sky there are many birds including great egrets and an osprey. There is so much life here in Baja California: above the water's surface and below. What better way to slowly take it all in then by kayak? Many of those on board the National Geographic Sea Lion chose to end the afternoon with a gentle paddle around beautiful Honeymoon Cove.
