Isla Danzante and Bajia AguaVerde
A lilting soprano call of “Herrrrre Dolphins!” rang from the bow of the Sea Bird this morning as we rounded the west side of Isla Danzante. Whether it was the sea nymph siren-like call or fortuitous dolphin karma, little dark blips of dolphin silhouettes appeared sprinkled across the smooth waters like chocolate sprinkles over ice cream. We were soon surrounded. Dangling our heads over the bow of the ship we marveled at the effortless and nearly non-existent motion of the dolphin’s flukes as they rode our bow wave. Our exclamations of delight melded with the dolphins high-pitched echolocation whistles, squeaks and squeals.
The afternoon started with more marine mammal sightings. A pair of fin whales were found by our Second Mate. This cow-calf pair came close enough to the ship for us to hear their explosive exhalations and to positively identify them with the visual clue of a white lower right mandible. A clatter reminiscent of electric typewriters accompanied each surfacing of the pair, thank goodness for the continuous shoot mode on our cameras. We captured the elusive white lip in pixels. As we pulled away, a few rays feeding near the surface created small rippled disturbances as their wingtips poked above the water.
Bahia Agua Verde, our afternoon anchorage, presented opportunities to experience a bit of the Baja California peninsula. First to investigate were the snorkelers, the undersea realm was a welcomed respite from the high noon temperatures. Next came an investigation of terra firma. To thoroughly enjoy a beach there are a few critical pieces of equipment which need to be present. One would be a comfortable chair in which to survey the new surroundings. Next would be a cool drink to slake a parched throat, and perhaps a few tasty morsels to whet the appetite. All needs were divinely accommodated as our hotel and deck departments shuttled the necessary accoutrements to shore.
As the afternoon progressed to evening, the sounds of lively conversations, puttering motors and laughter filled the air. The combination of friends, food and the ambiance of Baja California brought a contented hum to the close of our day.
A lilting soprano call of “Herrrrre Dolphins!” rang from the bow of the Sea Bird this morning as we rounded the west side of Isla Danzante. Whether it was the sea nymph siren-like call or fortuitous dolphin karma, little dark blips of dolphin silhouettes appeared sprinkled across the smooth waters like chocolate sprinkles over ice cream. We were soon surrounded. Dangling our heads over the bow of the ship we marveled at the effortless and nearly non-existent motion of the dolphin’s flukes as they rode our bow wave. Our exclamations of delight melded with the dolphins high-pitched echolocation whistles, squeaks and squeals.
The afternoon started with more marine mammal sightings. A pair of fin whales were found by our Second Mate. This cow-calf pair came close enough to the ship for us to hear their explosive exhalations and to positively identify them with the visual clue of a white lower right mandible. A clatter reminiscent of electric typewriters accompanied each surfacing of the pair, thank goodness for the continuous shoot mode on our cameras. We captured the elusive white lip in pixels. As we pulled away, a few rays feeding near the surface created small rippled disturbances as their wingtips poked above the water.
Bahia Agua Verde, our afternoon anchorage, presented opportunities to experience a bit of the Baja California peninsula. First to investigate were the snorkelers, the undersea realm was a welcomed respite from the high noon temperatures. Next came an investigation of terra firma. To thoroughly enjoy a beach there are a few critical pieces of equipment which need to be present. One would be a comfortable chair in which to survey the new surroundings. Next would be a cool drink to slake a parched throat, and perhaps a few tasty morsels to whet the appetite. All needs were divinely accommodated as our hotel and deck departments shuttled the necessary accoutrements to shore.
As the afternoon progressed to evening, the sounds of lively conversations, puttering motors and laughter filled the air. The combination of friends, food and the ambiance of Baja California brought a contented hum to the close of our day.
