The Sea of Cortez
An expedition to Baja California produces no end of wonders and treasures. Just after sunrise this morning the Sea Birdwas near the Gorda Banks, close to the very southern end of the Baja Peninsula. The relatively shallow water here is rich in nutrients and marine life. With calm seas and little breeze, it was easy to spot the blows of several humpback whales out ahead of the ship. The Sea Bird slowed to a stop as passengers made their way on deck with mugs of fresh coffee and binoculars. We lingered in the area through breakfast and were treated to close looks at several different groups of humpbacks, including cow/calf pairs. Underway again, we were soon surrounded by a pod of common dolphins numbering in the hundreds.
Our afternoon was spent in the town of Cabo San Lucas. Some of us went snorkeling in fine conditions while others listed a number of bird species on a nearby nature trail. We all had time to shop for gifts or souvenirs as the ship was docked in the heart of town. Away from the dock in the late afternoon we enjoyed cocktails and wine on deck while the Captain brought the bow of the ship in close to the dramatic rock formations that mark the tip of the thousand mile long peninsula. Our entry into the Pacific Ocean was heralded by a spectacular green flash and the sun hissed into the ocean to the west.
An expedition to Baja California produces no end of wonders and treasures. Just after sunrise this morning the Sea Birdwas near the Gorda Banks, close to the very southern end of the Baja Peninsula. The relatively shallow water here is rich in nutrients and marine life. With calm seas and little breeze, it was easy to spot the blows of several humpback whales out ahead of the ship. The Sea Bird slowed to a stop as passengers made their way on deck with mugs of fresh coffee and binoculars. We lingered in the area through breakfast and were treated to close looks at several different groups of humpbacks, including cow/calf pairs. Underway again, we were soon surrounded by a pod of common dolphins numbering in the hundreds.
Our afternoon was spent in the town of Cabo San Lucas. Some of us went snorkeling in fine conditions while others listed a number of bird species on a nearby nature trail. We all had time to shop for gifts or souvenirs as the ship was docked in the heart of town. Away from the dock in the late afternoon we enjoyed cocktails and wine on deck while the Captain brought the bow of the ship in close to the dramatic rock formations that mark the tip of the thousand mile long peninsula. Our entry into the Pacific Ocean was heralded by a spectacular green flash and the sun hissed into the ocean to the west.
