Cabo San Lucas and Gorda Banks
Sunrise found us rounding the False Cape as we headed into Cabo San Lucas where we were to spend the morning. Several humpback whales were sighted in the area as we rounded the Friars Rocks and entered the small harbor. After docking at the fuel dock in town some of us headed out to the Pelican Rocks for our first opportunity to snorkel among the many varieties of colorful reef fish that live in the area. The incredible colors of the fish and their interesting behaviors provided an outstanding introduction to the abundance of life in these warm waters.
After a brief visit to some of the shops in town we were ready to hoist the anchor and continue our journey into the Sea Of Cortez. It is hard to imagine the changes that have occurred in the Cape area since Mexico declared this area a major tourist development zone in 1973. What was once a sleepy little fishing village is now a major tourist destination with all of the accompanying facilities required by the thousands of visitors who arrive every year. It is doubtful that John Steinbeck, who visited the area in 1940 and wrote so eloquently about his journey in The Log From The Sea of Cortez would be able to recognize this place today.
During lunch we cruised past the Friars Rocks and Lands End before heading out to the Gorda Banks in search of more humpback whales. We were not disappointed as we located over a dozen whales and were treated to a wonderful display of their intriguing behaviors. Tale lobbing, flipper slapping, and repeated breaches provided a fascinating look into the world of these wonderful creatures. Reluctantly we left the whales behind as we continued our journey into the Sea of Cortez.
Sunrise found us rounding the False Cape as we headed into Cabo San Lucas where we were to spend the morning. Several humpback whales were sighted in the area as we rounded the Friars Rocks and entered the small harbor. After docking at the fuel dock in town some of us headed out to the Pelican Rocks for our first opportunity to snorkel among the many varieties of colorful reef fish that live in the area. The incredible colors of the fish and their interesting behaviors provided an outstanding introduction to the abundance of life in these warm waters.
After a brief visit to some of the shops in town we were ready to hoist the anchor and continue our journey into the Sea Of Cortez. It is hard to imagine the changes that have occurred in the Cape area since Mexico declared this area a major tourist development zone in 1973. What was once a sleepy little fishing village is now a major tourist destination with all of the accompanying facilities required by the thousands of visitors who arrive every year. It is doubtful that John Steinbeck, who visited the area in 1940 and wrote so eloquently about his journey in The Log From The Sea of Cortez would be able to recognize this place today.
During lunch we cruised past the Friars Rocks and Lands End before heading out to the Gorda Banks in search of more humpback whales. We were not disappointed as we located over a dozen whales and were treated to a wonderful display of their intriguing behaviors. Tale lobbing, flipper slapping, and repeated breaches provided a fascinating look into the world of these wonderful creatures. Reluctantly we left the whales behind as we continued our journey into the Sea of Cortez.
