Bahia San Gabriel, Isla Espiritu Santo
We began the day sheltered from a strong north wind in Bahia San Gabriel on the southern side of Isla Espiritu Santo. Calm water made kayaking possible. A quiet cove lined with mangroves provided an inviting destination. Here we witnessed the land-based existence of the magnificent frigate bird. Upon the branches of the mangrove, the birds sat in awkward positions—their wings more of a cumbersome burden than the mechanism by which they have gained a reputation of being one of the most graceful birds in flight.
Some guests joined naturalists for an introduction to the desert ecosystem. Hikes began at a white sand beach and headed north into a cool breeze funneling through a broad arroyo. A number of halophytes or salt-loving plants graced our path and at a slightly higher elevation, cacti grew – the great cardon, galloping cacti and jumping cholla.
By afternoon, we were ready to take the plunge – to go snorkeling, that is! After gearing up, we headed to a protected cove within Bahia San Gabriel. This underwater world gave us intimate glimpses of wide array of animal life. The sea floor was dotted with brown sea cucumbers and various sea stars. Porcupine fish, king angel fish and coral hawk fish darted in and out of large white elegant coral heads. Though the water was quite refreshing, the experience deepened our appreciation of the Gulf’s productive waters.
As the perfect ending to the perfect first day, the setting sun painted the volcanic landforms in a majestic light just before a thin sliver of the moon sunk below the horizon.
We began the day sheltered from a strong north wind in Bahia San Gabriel on the southern side of Isla Espiritu Santo. Calm water made kayaking possible. A quiet cove lined with mangroves provided an inviting destination. Here we witnessed the land-based existence of the magnificent frigate bird. Upon the branches of the mangrove, the birds sat in awkward positions—their wings more of a cumbersome burden than the mechanism by which they have gained a reputation of being one of the most graceful birds in flight.
Some guests joined naturalists for an introduction to the desert ecosystem. Hikes began at a white sand beach and headed north into a cool breeze funneling through a broad arroyo. A number of halophytes or salt-loving plants graced our path and at a slightly higher elevation, cacti grew – the great cardon, galloping cacti and jumping cholla.
By afternoon, we were ready to take the plunge – to go snorkeling, that is! After gearing up, we headed to a protected cove within Bahia San Gabriel. This underwater world gave us intimate glimpses of wide array of animal life. The sea floor was dotted with brown sea cucumbers and various sea stars. Porcupine fish, king angel fish and coral hawk fish darted in and out of large white elegant coral heads. Though the water was quite refreshing, the experience deepened our appreciation of the Gulf’s productive waters.
As the perfect ending to the perfect first day, the setting sun painted the volcanic landforms in a majestic light just before a thin sliver of the moon sunk below the horizon.
