San Francisco Island, A Day in Paradise
A broad band of sand and broken seashells rimmed the turquoise waters of Half Moon Bay on San Francisco Island, the center of our day's exploration. This sheltered cove proved ideal for discovery, from the underwater habitats to the highest rocky ridges.
Snorkeling along the rocky shore to the west of the beach revealed urchins, sea stars, and multitudes of fish. Schools of blue and gold snappers as well as yellowtail surgeonfish milled beneath us, while stately king angelfish drifted past.
Kayakers paddled along the rugged pink cliffs, reminders of a volcanic past. These rocks are known as tuff and are visible not only here on many of the islands in the Gulf of California, but also on the peninsula to our west and in the Copper Canyon, the destination later in our journey.
Hikers strode off in all directions on leisure, moderate and long naturalist-led walks. This is also a lovely place to wander alone. It is possible to cross to the opposite side of the island, passing through dune and desert vegetation on the slightly higher ground and salt-tolerant plants on the low-lying flats. Those who reached the ridge crest that rises abruptly to the south were rewarded with spectacular panoramas of the cobalt-blue waters on the far side and the turquoise bay far below the exposed escarpment on which we stood.
The sun set over the Sierra de la Giganta Mountains just before the beach barbecue began. Grilled cabrilla and ribs almost filled our bellies, but there was still room for chocolate brownies and s’mores. The bonfire flickered to guitar and banjo music as darkness and a blanket of stars draped across the sky. Jupiter shone in all her brilliance, and as the Zodiacs carried us back to the ship, the water was illuminated with the eerie green of bioluminescence, the grand finale to a wonderful day.
A broad band of sand and broken seashells rimmed the turquoise waters of Half Moon Bay on San Francisco Island, the center of our day's exploration. This sheltered cove proved ideal for discovery, from the underwater habitats to the highest rocky ridges.
Snorkeling along the rocky shore to the west of the beach revealed urchins, sea stars, and multitudes of fish. Schools of blue and gold snappers as well as yellowtail surgeonfish milled beneath us, while stately king angelfish drifted past.
Kayakers paddled along the rugged pink cliffs, reminders of a volcanic past. These rocks are known as tuff and are visible not only here on many of the islands in the Gulf of California, but also on the peninsula to our west and in the Copper Canyon, the destination later in our journey.
Hikers strode off in all directions on leisure, moderate and long naturalist-led walks. This is also a lovely place to wander alone. It is possible to cross to the opposite side of the island, passing through dune and desert vegetation on the slightly higher ground and salt-tolerant plants on the low-lying flats. Those who reached the ridge crest that rises abruptly to the south were rewarded with spectacular panoramas of the cobalt-blue waters on the far side and the turquoise bay far below the exposed escarpment on which we stood.
The sun set over the Sierra de la Giganta Mountains just before the beach barbecue began. Grilled cabrilla and ribs almost filled our bellies, but there was still room for chocolate brownies and s’mores. The bonfire flickered to guitar and banjo music as darkness and a blanket of stars draped across the sky. Jupiter shone in all her brilliance, and as the Zodiacs carried us back to the ship, the water was illuminated with the eerie green of bioluminescence, the grand finale to a wonderful day.
