Puerto Ballena at Isla Espirtu Santo
South with the swell was our direction for today as we came into the protected lee of Puerto Ballena from the previous protection of Ensenada Grande. A vibrant green mangrove shoreline contrasted with a thin, crisp white beach and pooled into a shallow turquoise green bay.
Mangrove environments are known for being excellent nursery sites for small fish. This was evident by the feeding activities of brown pelicans plunging into the shallow bay, royal terns splashing in beak first, and the magnificent frigate birds circling above the whole dining experience, waiting to harass a successful hunter out of its meal. We sat as enthusiastic spectators on the shoreline, cheering on the diving birds and offering sympathetic words when the dives proved fishless.
We explored Isla Espirtu Santo with a number of different paced walks, while some chose to snorkel the protected lee south of Puerto Ballena. The broad, flat arroyo was a sharp contrast to the narrow, boulder-strewn scramble of yesterday. The delicate white flower petals on a species of Fouqueria caught our attention, and we share that fragile gem with you in our photograph above.
We observed the tradition of siesta for a short time after lunch and then listened to a presentation from Alberto on “The Wonderful Things to Know About Birds.” While we rested and absorbed facts, figures and information, the crew assisted the Sea Bird with the spawning of her colorful kayaks once again. The shallow, protected bays on the western side of Isla Espritu Santo offered a refuge for our shoreline investigations. Golden slipper-shod snowy egrets perched in the mangroves and flew around our intrepid water level explorers. This could also be called the “dry snorkel” as the clear waters offered views of brilliant colored king angel fish and spiny covered sea urchins from our kayak vantage point.
Upon return to the Sea Bird in the late afternoon, we prepared for our deck barbeque. We were put on alert to bring our cameras to dinner in preparation for a sunset that was starting out as beautiful, with a warning it could escalate to magnificent and possibly peak at spectacular. Let’s just say no one was disappointed.
As we munched on ribs and watermelon we were serenaded by the guitar accompanied voices of Alberto and Chris. Their festive songs continued later in our lounge.
Beautiful lands, diverse waters, and endless opportunities for exploration; Baja California is truly an enchanting destination.
South with the swell was our direction for today as we came into the protected lee of Puerto Ballena from the previous protection of Ensenada Grande. A vibrant green mangrove shoreline contrasted with a thin, crisp white beach and pooled into a shallow turquoise green bay.
Mangrove environments are known for being excellent nursery sites for small fish. This was evident by the feeding activities of brown pelicans plunging into the shallow bay, royal terns splashing in beak first, and the magnificent frigate birds circling above the whole dining experience, waiting to harass a successful hunter out of its meal. We sat as enthusiastic spectators on the shoreline, cheering on the diving birds and offering sympathetic words when the dives proved fishless.
We explored Isla Espirtu Santo with a number of different paced walks, while some chose to snorkel the protected lee south of Puerto Ballena. The broad, flat arroyo was a sharp contrast to the narrow, boulder-strewn scramble of yesterday. The delicate white flower petals on a species of Fouqueria caught our attention, and we share that fragile gem with you in our photograph above.
We observed the tradition of siesta for a short time after lunch and then listened to a presentation from Alberto on “The Wonderful Things to Know About Birds.” While we rested and absorbed facts, figures and information, the crew assisted the Sea Bird with the spawning of her colorful kayaks once again. The shallow, protected bays on the western side of Isla Espritu Santo offered a refuge for our shoreline investigations. Golden slipper-shod snowy egrets perched in the mangroves and flew around our intrepid water level explorers. This could also be called the “dry snorkel” as the clear waters offered views of brilliant colored king angel fish and spiny covered sea urchins from our kayak vantage point.
Upon return to the Sea Bird in the late afternoon, we prepared for our deck barbeque. We were put on alert to bring our cameras to dinner in preparation for a sunset that was starting out as beautiful, with a warning it could escalate to magnificent and possibly peak at spectacular. Let’s just say no one was disappointed.
As we munched on ribs and watermelon we were serenaded by the guitar accompanied voices of Alberto and Chris. Their festive songs continued later in our lounge.
Beautiful lands, diverse waters, and endless opportunities for exploration; Baja California is truly an enchanting destination.
