Gulf of California & Punta Colorado
Early this morning as the sun rose, a pink wash lay on the Sierra de la Giganta—the mountain range of the giantess—on the peninsula. The ship was cruising north out of San Jose Channel in search of marine wildlife. As we made a turn to the east, a Bryde’s whale appeared and swam slowly at the surface while it readied itself for another dive. Normally an elusive whale, this animal seemed to spend a little extra time at the surface so that all our shipmates could have a look before heading in for breakfast.
Later in the morning, we continued east out to Las Animas—the Islands of the Spirits. According to local lore, many fisherman and their boats have disappeared after venturing out into the waters surrounding Las Animas. Stories abound of people who have seen and felt the ghosts of these lost fishermen that are said to inhabit this beautiful, remote set of islands. This morning the spirits were with us. We could see birds circling and diving around the island, reminding us that the waters in this part of the Gulf of California are rich in sea life.
On the horizon, small blows and splashes appeared. Hundreds of bottlenose dolphins were engaged in a feeding frenzy along with California sea lions and some feathered friends as well. “Incoming” was shouted as a contingency of dolphins came toward us and began to bow ride, propelled effortlessly forward as the ship’s bow wake pushed them along. We were not sure who was having more fun, the people on the ship or the dolphins traveling along with us. On the bow, a five year old guest was heard to say “I love you, dolphins.”
Shortly thereafter, several blows were spotted on the horizon. One very tall blow peaked our interest. As the whale surfaced, all you could see was back, back and more back. Suddenly, a small dorsal fin appeared and then a large muscled tail stock followed by a broad fluke. This was the first of two blue whales that we would share our morning with. Endangered due to heavy harvesting for oil, these whales are a rare treat for visitors to Baja.
After lunch, we made our way over to Punta Colorado. Many consider this one of the most beautiful places within the Gulf. Breathtaking turquoise waters, sheltered coves and sculpted cliffs surrounded us. Some folks hiked into the desert, while others took to the water by kayak and Zodiac. While we played, the crew set up a wonderful BBQ dinner feast on the beach. As the sun set and a beach fire roared under the stars, we listened intently to ancient creation tales and sang songs accompanied by guitar. After a day like today, we will spend time with the spirits of Baja, California anytime.
Early this morning as the sun rose, a pink wash lay on the Sierra de la Giganta—the mountain range of the giantess—on the peninsula. The ship was cruising north out of San Jose Channel in search of marine wildlife. As we made a turn to the east, a Bryde’s whale appeared and swam slowly at the surface while it readied itself for another dive. Normally an elusive whale, this animal seemed to spend a little extra time at the surface so that all our shipmates could have a look before heading in for breakfast.
Later in the morning, we continued east out to Las Animas—the Islands of the Spirits. According to local lore, many fisherman and their boats have disappeared after venturing out into the waters surrounding Las Animas. Stories abound of people who have seen and felt the ghosts of these lost fishermen that are said to inhabit this beautiful, remote set of islands. This morning the spirits were with us. We could see birds circling and diving around the island, reminding us that the waters in this part of the Gulf of California are rich in sea life.
On the horizon, small blows and splashes appeared. Hundreds of bottlenose dolphins were engaged in a feeding frenzy along with California sea lions and some feathered friends as well. “Incoming” was shouted as a contingency of dolphins came toward us and began to bow ride, propelled effortlessly forward as the ship’s bow wake pushed them along. We were not sure who was having more fun, the people on the ship or the dolphins traveling along with us. On the bow, a five year old guest was heard to say “I love you, dolphins.”
Shortly thereafter, several blows were spotted on the horizon. One very tall blow peaked our interest. As the whale surfaced, all you could see was back, back and more back. Suddenly, a small dorsal fin appeared and then a large muscled tail stock followed by a broad fluke. This was the first of two blue whales that we would share our morning with. Endangered due to heavy harvesting for oil, these whales are a rare treat for visitors to Baja.
After lunch, we made our way over to Punta Colorado. Many consider this one of the most beautiful places within the Gulf. Breathtaking turquoise waters, sheltered coves and sculpted cliffs surrounded us. Some folks hiked into the desert, while others took to the water by kayak and Zodiac. While we played, the crew set up a wonderful BBQ dinner feast on the beach. As the sun set and a beach fire roared under the stars, we listened intently to ancient creation tales and sang songs accompanied by guitar. After a day like today, we will spend time with the spirits of Baja, California anytime.
