Bahia Magdalena
A dense fog covered the landscape shortly after sunrise. Whale blows could be heard from the ship, but we saw only one or two from the bow. The sound of the Pacific Ocean waves gave us a sense of direction. As the fog dissipated, we had our first whale watching experience from the Zodiacs. Being surrounded by great whales is an experience which is hard to describe and today we understood how it feels. Mother gray whales with their calves and single adults surfaced in every direction, keeping us constantly alert.
Here in Bahia Magdalena, we also explored the sand dunes. The Sahara-like landscape, combined with red and white mangroves, and surrounded by ocean, is quite unique. Fresh tracks from last night’s activities were intact. Kangaroo rats, white-footed mice, ghost crabs, coyotes and beetles all left evidence of their travels written in the sand. Excellent for bird watching, these dune-lined mangrove forests are home to a number of interesting species. Scrub jays, mangrove warblers, night herons and thousands of double crested cormorants were some of the birds we saw.
From our Zodiacs, we left whale watching to take a look at a large flock of white pelicans. Locally called “borregones,” these massive pelicans are much larger than the brown pelicans and are rarely seen in this area. On our way back, a mother and calf spyhopped against the evening’s beautiful golden light.
Back on board ship, a local band, “Los Coyotes de Magdalena,” entertained us with old ranchera music. And, of course, a Mexican fiesta topped off this wonderful day among the whales.
A dense fog covered the landscape shortly after sunrise. Whale blows could be heard from the ship, but we saw only one or two from the bow. The sound of the Pacific Ocean waves gave us a sense of direction. As the fog dissipated, we had our first whale watching experience from the Zodiacs. Being surrounded by great whales is an experience which is hard to describe and today we understood how it feels. Mother gray whales with their calves and single adults surfaced in every direction, keeping us constantly alert.
Here in Bahia Magdalena, we also explored the sand dunes. The Sahara-like landscape, combined with red and white mangroves, and surrounded by ocean, is quite unique. Fresh tracks from last night’s activities were intact. Kangaroo rats, white-footed mice, ghost crabs, coyotes and beetles all left evidence of their travels written in the sand. Excellent for bird watching, these dune-lined mangrove forests are home to a number of interesting species. Scrub jays, mangrove warblers, night herons and thousands of double crested cormorants were some of the birds we saw.
From our Zodiacs, we left whale watching to take a look at a large flock of white pelicans. Locally called “borregones,” these massive pelicans are much larger than the brown pelicans and are rarely seen in this area. On our way back, a mother and calf spyhopped against the evening’s beautiful golden light.
Back on board ship, a local band, “Los Coyotes de Magdalena,” entertained us with old ranchera music. And, of course, a Mexican fiesta topped off this wonderful day among the whales.
