Isla Santa Catalina & At Sea
Today was the last day of the tip, the last day of the Baja California season; the farewell to an outstanding journey from La Paz to the Midriffs and back. After sailing all night with following seas, we arrived at Isla Santa Catalina. Here, we spent the morning exploring the desert environment formed by unique species of plants and animals. The giant barrel cactus and the rattle-less rattlesnake are just a couple examples of the wildlife we saw today, which can be seen nowhere else on the planet. Photographers took advantage of being surrounded by the largest cacti in the world, and a natural botanical garden that looks as if it was designed by an artist.
Some of us took the opportunity to explore the undersea realm of the Gulf of California for a last time. The water clarity was very good, and the temperature was refreshing. We could see some of the interesting creatures that inhabit this mysterious blue world. Reef cornet fish, king angels and many other fish were seen. A good sized jelly, with its elongated stinging tentacles offered protection to dozens of juvenile fish.
The afternoon was spent sailing south. On our way, three blue whales were encountered. The sea conditions were not optimal for maneuvering, but even so we could spend some time with them. The whales made short surface intervals, showing their tall columnar blows and then disappearing into the deep.
As in every photo expedition, photographers had a photo sharing session, where we could display the slide show of our best pictures, turning the ship’s lounge into a floating photo gallery. Beautiful, creative and even funny images stirred everyone’s emotions. Suddenly by the window we could see a humpback whale which was very active. Tail lobbing creating huge splashes, it adorned our departure.
Today was the last day of the tip, the last day of the Baja California season; the farewell to an outstanding journey from La Paz to the Midriffs and back. After sailing all night with following seas, we arrived at Isla Santa Catalina. Here, we spent the morning exploring the desert environment formed by unique species of plants and animals. The giant barrel cactus and the rattle-less rattlesnake are just a couple examples of the wildlife we saw today, which can be seen nowhere else on the planet. Photographers took advantage of being surrounded by the largest cacti in the world, and a natural botanical garden that looks as if it was designed by an artist.
Some of us took the opportunity to explore the undersea realm of the Gulf of California for a last time. The water clarity was very good, and the temperature was refreshing. We could see some of the interesting creatures that inhabit this mysterious blue world. Reef cornet fish, king angels and many other fish were seen. A good sized jelly, with its elongated stinging tentacles offered protection to dozens of juvenile fish.
The afternoon was spent sailing south. On our way, three blue whales were encountered. The sea conditions were not optimal for maneuvering, but even so we could spend some time with them. The whales made short surface intervals, showing their tall columnar blows and then disappearing into the deep.
As in every photo expedition, photographers had a photo sharing session, where we could display the slide show of our best pictures, turning the ship’s lounge into a floating photo gallery. Beautiful, creative and even funny images stirred everyone’s emotions. Suddenly by the window we could see a humpback whale which was very active. Tail lobbing creating huge splashes, it adorned our departure.
