Isla San Marcos, Gulf of California, Mexico
”Just show up” was our theme this morning. The sea had changed its tempo from days past, and her beat picked up just enough to make the landing on the northeast side of Isla San Marcos a little uncomfortable. So in true Lindblad style and with a spirit of exploration, we set off to look at our options and quickly had our morning decided for us. We spotted three whales just off our starboard side as we were anchoring the M/V Sea Lion. Since breakfast was being served, most of our guests were below eating, but soon the decks exploded with activity as our anxious guests shot out from all companionways to get a better look.
After many debates and discussions as to whether it was Bryde’s or Fin, we confirmed that at least one of the whales was a Fin after the contrasting white side of the jaw was clearly visible to all, but that maybe another was a Bryde’s. Whatever they were, they kept our company for some time. We finally pulled away to give our naturalist, George Sirk, a chance to show us how to draw the birds that we had been seeing in a unique presentation.
But no sooner had he started that we encountered a large school of dolphins that appeared to be feeding as they showed little interest in our presence.
By noon, we found calm and protected waters around a northwest point of Isla San Marcos and tucked ourselves in for the afternoon’s activities. Our guests made their choices, and Zodiacs departed from the fantail in various directions. Stingrays, puffers and scorpion fish were easy to spot in the clear cool water. Then a rare find-a Humboldt squid! One of our snorkeling guests practically ran into the arms of this cephalopod - all 10 of them, that is. Dosidicus gigas is highly adapted for raptorial feeding and a carnivorous diet. Possessing a flesh-tearing, parrot-like beak and tentacles bearing toothed suckers, it preys on crustaceans, fish and other squid. After this large cephalopod “inked” our guest, it sped away and later we found it dying close to the rocky shore. It is a mystery as to why these intelligent invertebrates often beach themselves in large numbers, even after being pulled out into deeper water. It appeared that this one was exhibiting the same behavior.
While on our way back to the ship, off in the distance, could be seen the blows of more whales. And just as the dusk light started to fade quickly, an energetic and frolicking group of dolphins appeared heading north, their streamlined bodies knifing through the water as they sped away to keep a dinner date, perhaps. “Just showing up” has its rewards.
”Just show up” was our theme this morning. The sea had changed its tempo from days past, and her beat picked up just enough to make the landing on the northeast side of Isla San Marcos a little uncomfortable. So in true Lindblad style and with a spirit of exploration, we set off to look at our options and quickly had our morning decided for us. We spotted three whales just off our starboard side as we were anchoring the M/V Sea Lion. Since breakfast was being served, most of our guests were below eating, but soon the decks exploded with activity as our anxious guests shot out from all companionways to get a better look.
After many debates and discussions as to whether it was Bryde’s or Fin, we confirmed that at least one of the whales was a Fin after the contrasting white side of the jaw was clearly visible to all, but that maybe another was a Bryde’s. Whatever they were, they kept our company for some time. We finally pulled away to give our naturalist, George Sirk, a chance to show us how to draw the birds that we had been seeing in a unique presentation.
But no sooner had he started that we encountered a large school of dolphins that appeared to be feeding as they showed little interest in our presence.
By noon, we found calm and protected waters around a northwest point of Isla San Marcos and tucked ourselves in for the afternoon’s activities. Our guests made their choices, and Zodiacs departed from the fantail in various directions. Stingrays, puffers and scorpion fish were easy to spot in the clear cool water. Then a rare find-a Humboldt squid! One of our snorkeling guests practically ran into the arms of this cephalopod - all 10 of them, that is. Dosidicus gigas is highly adapted for raptorial feeding and a carnivorous diet. Possessing a flesh-tearing, parrot-like beak and tentacles bearing toothed suckers, it preys on crustaceans, fish and other squid. After this large cephalopod “inked” our guest, it sped away and later we found it dying close to the rocky shore. It is a mystery as to why these intelligent invertebrates often beach themselves in large numbers, even after being pulled out into deeper water. It appeared that this one was exhibiting the same behavior.
While on our way back to the ship, off in the distance, could be seen the blows of more whales. And just as the dusk light started to fade quickly, an energetic and frolicking group of dolphins appeared heading north, their streamlined bodies knifing through the water as they sped away to keep a dinner date, perhaps. “Just showing up” has its rewards.
