Bahia Amortajada (Isla San Jose) and Isla San Francisco
We awoke to a spectacular view of the Sea of Cortez and as the early morning light shone on the Sierra de la Giganta, the complex geological history of this magical place was accented. Brown pelicans and blue-footed boobies were crash-diving synchronously into the large schools of fish that were driven against the shoreline during the incoming tide. We anchored in Bahia Amortajada (shrouded Bay) at the south end of Isla San Jose and spent our morning cruising through the large mangrove lagoons that are a nursery ground for many species of fish and invertebrates. As we peered over the side of our Zodiacs we could see small rays and juvenile fishes darting in all directions. As we cruised past the red mangroves standing erect on their prop roots, we saw snowy egrets, white ibises, brown pelicans, great blue herons, and reddish egrets all standing erect in the canopy of the mangroves. Belted kingfishers darted overhead and the elusive mangrove warbler even made a brief appearance! Our desert walks on this island were like walking through lush gardens. Due to the recent December rains the desert was especially green and so alive!
Our afternoon activities took place in Half Moon Bay (photo) on Isla San Francisco, a beautiful pristine bay where we were able to explore the great diversity of life above and below the water. Our ‘refreshing’ snorkel excursions revealed the many colorful rocky reef fishes. As we peacefully paddled in our kayaks, large schools of fish started leaping out of the water and over the kayaks, apparently attempting to escape from a larger predator from below.
Our timing to this island was perfect for some late afternoon tidepool explorations. The encrusted rocks were alive with life; every crevice and pool had something to offer. We discovered many species of sea stars, brittle stars, sea cucumbers, and sea urchins, and even a decorator crab completely covered in sponges it had carefully placed on its carapace for camouflage. The grand finale to this perfect day was a scrumptious beach barbeque with a panoramic view of this incredible place called Baja.
We awoke to a spectacular view of the Sea of Cortez and as the early morning light shone on the Sierra de la Giganta, the complex geological history of this magical place was accented. Brown pelicans and blue-footed boobies were crash-diving synchronously into the large schools of fish that were driven against the shoreline during the incoming tide. We anchored in Bahia Amortajada (shrouded Bay) at the south end of Isla San Jose and spent our morning cruising through the large mangrove lagoons that are a nursery ground for many species of fish and invertebrates. As we peered over the side of our Zodiacs we could see small rays and juvenile fishes darting in all directions. As we cruised past the red mangroves standing erect on their prop roots, we saw snowy egrets, white ibises, brown pelicans, great blue herons, and reddish egrets all standing erect in the canopy of the mangroves. Belted kingfishers darted overhead and the elusive mangrove warbler even made a brief appearance! Our desert walks on this island were like walking through lush gardens. Due to the recent December rains the desert was especially green and so alive!
Our afternoon activities took place in Half Moon Bay (photo) on Isla San Francisco, a beautiful pristine bay where we were able to explore the great diversity of life above and below the water. Our ‘refreshing’ snorkel excursions revealed the many colorful rocky reef fishes. As we peacefully paddled in our kayaks, large schools of fish started leaping out of the water and over the kayaks, apparently attempting to escape from a larger predator from below.
Our timing to this island was perfect for some late afternoon tidepool explorations. The encrusted rocks were alive with life; every crevice and pool had something to offer. We discovered many species of sea stars, brittle stars, sea cucumbers, and sea urchins, and even a decorator crab completely covered in sponges it had carefully placed on its carapace for camouflage. The grand finale to this perfect day was a scrumptious beach barbeque with a panoramic view of this incredible place called Baja.
