Isla Partida
Our last day started just north of Los Islotes, watching the sun rise up out of the sea with its light sending shades of pink and orange through the sky and sea. On the way to our anchorage, a fishing vessel passed by with a parade of pelicans, frigate birds and gulls following close behind, waiting for a quick breakfast. With a slight breeze and a few clouds in the sky, we started the day’s activities: riding, swimming, and diving with sea lions. Those that took to the water also had the opportunity to see many of the fish found here in the Sea of Cortez, including yellowtail surgeonfish, brilliant blue juvenile Cortez damselfish, and enormous schools of scissortail damselfish swirling in the water column. The sea lions could barely wait for the snorkelers to join them in the water. Periodically a sea lion head would pop out of the water next to the Zodiac, as if beckoning us into the shimmering blue water. All of us were smiling, including this beautiful pink male (a fish of the new millennium!) blue chin parrotfish.
During lunch the ship anchored up in Ensenada Grande on Isla Partida. The erosion of the pinkish volcanic tufts created an unusual but spectacular surrounding. For those who needed to stretch their legs, a long hike through an arroyo took up most of the afternoon. Boulder scrambling didn’t hinder them, as they made their way up and over to the other side of the island for an awe-inspiring view of the Sea of Cortez. Others took shorter hikes, taking in the variety of plant life, a little greener since the last rain a few days ago. Azure morning glories and powder blue nightshades nodded in the breeze, while orange pega pega splashed boldly against the rocks and prickly Datura fruit lined the pathway. A few kayaks were launched in calm waters, which allowed for a close up examination of intricate lacy rock formations. Wildlife abounded here as well, including mourning doves, turkey vultures, and side blotch lizards.
The sun didn’t let us down as it set behind the mountains of the Baja peninsula. Fiery clouds stretched across the sky as many guests started to find their way to the lounge for Captain’s Farewell Cocktail hour. The memories from today and the rest of this week will not soon be forgotten.
Our last day started just north of Los Islotes, watching the sun rise up out of the sea with its light sending shades of pink and orange through the sky and sea. On the way to our anchorage, a fishing vessel passed by with a parade of pelicans, frigate birds and gulls following close behind, waiting for a quick breakfast. With a slight breeze and a few clouds in the sky, we started the day’s activities: riding, swimming, and diving with sea lions. Those that took to the water also had the opportunity to see many of the fish found here in the Sea of Cortez, including yellowtail surgeonfish, brilliant blue juvenile Cortez damselfish, and enormous schools of scissortail damselfish swirling in the water column. The sea lions could barely wait for the snorkelers to join them in the water. Periodically a sea lion head would pop out of the water next to the Zodiac, as if beckoning us into the shimmering blue water. All of us were smiling, including this beautiful pink male (a fish of the new millennium!) blue chin parrotfish.
During lunch the ship anchored up in Ensenada Grande on Isla Partida. The erosion of the pinkish volcanic tufts created an unusual but spectacular surrounding. For those who needed to stretch their legs, a long hike through an arroyo took up most of the afternoon. Boulder scrambling didn’t hinder them, as they made their way up and over to the other side of the island for an awe-inspiring view of the Sea of Cortez. Others took shorter hikes, taking in the variety of plant life, a little greener since the last rain a few days ago. Azure morning glories and powder blue nightshades nodded in the breeze, while orange pega pega splashed boldly against the rocks and prickly Datura fruit lined the pathway. A few kayaks were launched in calm waters, which allowed for a close up examination of intricate lacy rock formations. Wildlife abounded here as well, including mourning doves, turkey vultures, and side blotch lizards.
The sun didn’t let us down as it set behind the mountains of the Baja peninsula. Fiery clouds stretched across the sky as many guests started to find their way to the lounge for Captain’s Farewell Cocktail hour. The memories from today and the rest of this week will not soon be forgotten.
