Isla San Jose
Dawn’s approach is signaled by the Sierra Giganta off to our west, which catch the very first rays of sun and become a gleaming backdrop for our morning activities. As we sat down to breakfast, the brown pelicans along the nearby shore set about getting their own morning meal, plunge-diving into the shallows for a gullet full of fish. The falling tide beckon us to set out quickly after breakfast to explore the mangrove swamps of Amortajada. The native Seri people only entered mangrove forests to harvest the small oysters that cling to the roots, but we find endless fascination in the variety of life here. Small fish and rays dart away from the Zodiac as we glide slowly along, marveling at the structure of the mangroves and watching for heron, ibis and mangrove warblers. Turning up a narrow side channel we find a very special critter, the upside-down jellyfish. Dozens of them dot the bottom, each one looking like a finely-made lace doily.
After lunch we cruise San Jose Channel in search of marine mammals. We follow a pod of bottlenose dolphins engaged in percussive foraging and, when they come to play in our bow wave, we get an extra special treat: The Sea Bird’s bow-cam gives us a spectacular underwater view of these effortless surfers that almost makes us feel we’re riding with them.
We pull into Encantada for a delightful late afternoon of hiking and snorkeling. Those who take the longer hike are treated to a panoramic view of the Isla San Jose’s eastern slope, bathed by the softening light of the approaching dusk. How perfect to spend Christmas week in a place where every day is a gift of new discovery and beauty!
Dawn’s approach is signaled by the Sierra Giganta off to our west, which catch the very first rays of sun and become a gleaming backdrop for our morning activities. As we sat down to breakfast, the brown pelicans along the nearby shore set about getting their own morning meal, plunge-diving into the shallows for a gullet full of fish. The falling tide beckon us to set out quickly after breakfast to explore the mangrove swamps of Amortajada. The native Seri people only entered mangrove forests to harvest the small oysters that cling to the roots, but we find endless fascination in the variety of life here. Small fish and rays dart away from the Zodiac as we glide slowly along, marveling at the structure of the mangroves and watching for heron, ibis and mangrove warblers. Turning up a narrow side channel we find a very special critter, the upside-down jellyfish. Dozens of them dot the bottom, each one looking like a finely-made lace doily.
After lunch we cruise San Jose Channel in search of marine mammals. We follow a pod of bottlenose dolphins engaged in percussive foraging and, when they come to play in our bow wave, we get an extra special treat: The Sea Bird’s bow-cam gives us a spectacular underwater view of these effortless surfers that almost makes us feel we’re riding with them.
We pull into Encantada for a delightful late afternoon of hiking and snorkeling. Those who take the longer hike are treated to a panoramic view of the Isla San Jose’s eastern slope, bathed by the softening light of the approaching dusk. How perfect to spend Christmas week in a place where every day is a gift of new discovery and beauty!
