Magdalena Bay, Baja California Sur
The first full day of our expedition began with the sun breaking through a dark cloud bank hanging over Magdalena Bay. Undaunted we dropped anchor and set out in Zodiacs for our first shore excursion – kayaking in Man-of War Cove. Our adventure was rewarded with clearing skies and welcome sun. The mangroves were alive with birds, pelicans, cormorants and, of course, the striking man-of-war birds (aka magnificent frigate birds) for which the cove is named.
During lunch Captain Martin repositioned us northward where guests were able to walk among the spectacular sand dune system of Isla Magdalena and trek westward to Sand Dollar Beach. One guest described the beach as being “tiled in a mosaic of bright white sand dollars.” Others found mementoes from the sea including the shell of a sea turtle and the huge vertebrae of some large marine mammal.
Guests who took advantage of the low tide and beach-combed along the Bay side of the dunes discovered living sand dollars. Unlike the bleached-white of their brethren, which “tile” Sand Dollar Beach, these animals were a rich chocolate brown in color. Closer inspection revealed a fine covering of very short spines, with which the sand dollar “walks” over the sandy bottom. One final discovery was made. Clinging to nearly every living sand dollar we found was one or more small crabs that spend their lives on the bodies of their sand dollar hosts. After all guests were aboard, the Sea Bird hoisted anchor and headed into the Pacific turning south for Cabo San Lucas and the next day of our expedition.
The first full day of our expedition began with the sun breaking through a dark cloud bank hanging over Magdalena Bay. Undaunted we dropped anchor and set out in Zodiacs for our first shore excursion – kayaking in Man-of War Cove. Our adventure was rewarded with clearing skies and welcome sun. The mangroves were alive with birds, pelicans, cormorants and, of course, the striking man-of-war birds (aka magnificent frigate birds) for which the cove is named.
During lunch Captain Martin repositioned us northward where guests were able to walk among the spectacular sand dune system of Isla Magdalena and trek westward to Sand Dollar Beach. One guest described the beach as being “tiled in a mosaic of bright white sand dollars.” Others found mementoes from the sea including the shell of a sea turtle and the huge vertebrae of some large marine mammal.
Guests who took advantage of the low tide and beach-combed along the Bay side of the dunes discovered living sand dollars. Unlike the bleached-white of their brethren, which “tile” Sand Dollar Beach, these animals were a rich chocolate brown in color. Closer inspection revealed a fine covering of very short spines, with which the sand dollar “walks” over the sandy bottom. One final discovery was made. Clinging to nearly every living sand dollar we found was one or more small crabs that spend their lives on the bodies of their sand dollar hosts. After all guests were aboard, the Sea Bird hoisted anchor and headed into the Pacific turning south for Cabo San Lucas and the next day of our expedition.
