San Juanico
A good start for a new day was announced as we walked out on deck this morning. Common dolphins could be seen in every direction.
The National Geographic Sea Lion made its way slowly towards Bahia San Juanico, where we spent the morning. San Juanico is located on the Baja California Peninsula, and offers scenic landscapes and an excellent protected bay to explore by paddling our kayaks. We walked through the desert one more time, looking for birds and interesting desert plants. On our way back from the walks we could take a refreshing swim and snorkel near the beach.
Leaving San Juanico and heading north, we kept our eyes open for any disturbance on the calm waters. Several blows were spotted in the distance, and as we approached we realized we were looking at two blue whales. Everyone got great looks at these marine giants. We stayed with the blue whales for several breathing intervals and suddenly, in the distance several broad dorsal fins could be seen. We decided to go take closer look, since we suspected we had a new species of marine mammal for this journey.
As we moved closer, what we suspected was right; pilot whales! Dozens of these toothed whales surfaced. The large males were very distinctive with their large dorsal fins which are strongly curved. The excitement lasted the entire afternoon. The constant clicking of the cameras was the background sound for the “blackfish’s” blows.
As the day advanced and the sun came down, the light got better and better. We stayed with these fascinating animals until dark. Shortly before dusk, the sky exploded with colors and the clouds created majestic shapes on the horizon. The pilot whales surrounded us, and at this moment all I could think about was to put my camera down and take it all in. This magical sunset will stay with us forever.
A good start for a new day was announced as we walked out on deck this morning. Common dolphins could be seen in every direction.
The National Geographic Sea Lion made its way slowly towards Bahia San Juanico, where we spent the morning. San Juanico is located on the Baja California Peninsula, and offers scenic landscapes and an excellent protected bay to explore by paddling our kayaks. We walked through the desert one more time, looking for birds and interesting desert plants. On our way back from the walks we could take a refreshing swim and snorkel near the beach.
Leaving San Juanico and heading north, we kept our eyes open for any disturbance on the calm waters. Several blows were spotted in the distance, and as we approached we realized we were looking at two blue whales. Everyone got great looks at these marine giants. We stayed with the blue whales for several breathing intervals and suddenly, in the distance several broad dorsal fins could be seen. We decided to go take closer look, since we suspected we had a new species of marine mammal for this journey.
As we moved closer, what we suspected was right; pilot whales! Dozens of these toothed whales surfaced. The large males were very distinctive with their large dorsal fins which are strongly curved. The excitement lasted the entire afternoon. The constant clicking of the cameras was the background sound for the “blackfish’s” blows.
As the day advanced and the sun came down, the light got better and better. We stayed with these fascinating animals until dark. Shortly before dusk, the sky exploded with colors and the clouds created majestic shapes on the horizon. The pilot whales surrounded us, and at this moment all I could think about was to put my camera down and take it all in. This magical sunset will stay with us forever.
