Christmas Eve Day – Punta San Marcial, Baja California
This morning we awoke to some clouds gathering on the horizon, preventing us from observing sunrise and the possibility of the green flash. Far in the distance over Santa Catalina Island a very localized rain shower (a torrito) could be seen, but our weather on board was unaffected.
Observers on the ship were able to watch a group of bottlenose dolphins riding the bow wake after breakfast. Following the obligatory safety drills, guests were given a snorkel briefing, equipped with fins and masks, and taken ashore for a dip in the water. The snorkel site at Punta San Marcial was perfect for a first dive with a shallow water beach entry, easy swim to the rocky reefs and good fish and invertebrate diversity.
The undersea specialist dove below the snorkelers and videotaped them and the marine life. It was a great day for starfish. In addition to the ubiquitous tan, yellow and cushion stars there were chocolate chip cookie, Gulf sun and crown of thorns starfish. The latter were seen feeding on the hard corals, one with its stomach extruded to engulf the fleshy polyps.
The site teemed with damselfish of several species, some in mating coloration. Schools of sergeant majors and scissortail damsels swam between snorkelers. Beautiful rainbow wrasse darted around the coral heads and rock surfaces. More unusual fish like the spotted longnose and bulls-eye puffers were present as was the balloonfish looking like an underwater version of E.T. the extraterrestrial.
Following lunch, guests could kayak in the protected waters south of Punta San Marcial or take walks along the beach or into the canyon. Those preferring a nature hike were treated to a canyon green from recent rains with abundant flowers in bloom. Large striped scorpions were discovered as was a tarantula and a few jack rabbit in the distance.
The evening’s highlight was a barbeque on the beach with wonderful food served in front of a campfire. Following this great opportunity to socialize in natural surroundings, all returned to the ship. With no moon it was easy to see the planktonic dinoflagellates bioluminescing in our wake as the Zodiacs crossed the bay. The evening was capped off with a showing of “Viva Zapata” for the adults and activities for the children on board. Then all nestled into their beds to await the dawning of Christmas Day. Peace on Earth, at least on the seas in the Gulf of California.
This morning we awoke to some clouds gathering on the horizon, preventing us from observing sunrise and the possibility of the green flash. Far in the distance over Santa Catalina Island a very localized rain shower (a torrito) could be seen, but our weather on board was unaffected.
Observers on the ship were able to watch a group of bottlenose dolphins riding the bow wake after breakfast. Following the obligatory safety drills, guests were given a snorkel briefing, equipped with fins and masks, and taken ashore for a dip in the water. The snorkel site at Punta San Marcial was perfect for a first dive with a shallow water beach entry, easy swim to the rocky reefs and good fish and invertebrate diversity.
The undersea specialist dove below the snorkelers and videotaped them and the marine life. It was a great day for starfish. In addition to the ubiquitous tan, yellow and cushion stars there were chocolate chip cookie, Gulf sun and crown of thorns starfish. The latter were seen feeding on the hard corals, one with its stomach extruded to engulf the fleshy polyps.
The site teemed with damselfish of several species, some in mating coloration. Schools of sergeant majors and scissortail damsels swam between snorkelers. Beautiful rainbow wrasse darted around the coral heads and rock surfaces. More unusual fish like the spotted longnose and bulls-eye puffers were present as was the balloonfish looking like an underwater version of E.T. the extraterrestrial.
Following lunch, guests could kayak in the protected waters south of Punta San Marcial or take walks along the beach or into the canyon. Those preferring a nature hike were treated to a canyon green from recent rains with abundant flowers in bloom. Large striped scorpions were discovered as was a tarantula and a few jack rabbit in the distance.
The evening’s highlight was a barbeque on the beach with wonderful food served in front of a campfire. Following this great opportunity to socialize in natural surroundings, all returned to the ship. With no moon it was easy to see the planktonic dinoflagellates bioluminescing in our wake as the Zodiacs crossed the bay. The evening was capped off with a showing of “Viva Zapata” for the adults and activities for the children on board. Then all nestled into their beds to await the dawning of Christmas Day. Peace on Earth, at least on the seas in the Gulf of California.
