Gorda Banks & Cabo San Lucas
Overnight we crossed the Tropic of Cancer at 23 ½ degrees north latitude and continued toward the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula. It was still rather cool this morning as we emerged onto the decks.
The underwater topography (bathymetry) in this area creates rich conditions suitable for a variety of marine life. It is possible to see many seabirds, turtles, fish, and mammals. It is also known as a wintering ground and nursery for humpback whales. And that is just what we were lucky enough to come across: a mother humpback with its young calf, which was learning how to breach. We followed the cow-calf pair for a while, thrilled to get some glimpses of these endangered animals. Soon they will make a long migration to northern latitudes in search of food. We were also delighted by Mobula rays that would periodically jump out of the water and flip in the air.
Later in the morning, Mike Nolan gave an informative presentation on the cetaceans of Baja, all depicted with his own stunning photography.
We cleared through customs in Cabo San Lucas and had some time before lunch to explore the bustling town. Along the waterfront, disparate hunters stalked about their business, seemingly oblivious but within a few feet of each other. One (a snowy egret (egretta thula) was in search of isopods and other delectable morsels to fill its stomach, while another human (Homo sapiens) pursued vulnerable tourists on vacation or souvenirs with which to remember their experience here. All appeared to be quite successful in their endeavors.
Afternoon activities included shopping, a bird walk and snorkeling from a local beach. The birders explored an estuary in San Jose del Cabo and added many names to the trip list, including teals and other ducks, several wading birds and shorebirds, osprey, yellow-rumped warblers and a brilliant vermillion flycatcher. The snorkelers braved cool swells but were rewarded with the wonders beneath the waves. Parrotfish and puffers were some of the highlights. The shoppers contributed to the local economy and also came back with a sense of satisfaction.
The Sea Lion departed the dock and cruised out for a close encounter with the famous El Arco and Friars Rocks at Finesterra (Land’s End). Here the ancient granitic spine of the Baja Peninsula is exposed in dramatic rock formations. Magnificent frigatebirds, brown boobies, brown pelicans, and cormorants clung to their roosting spots. We noticed a small grouping of California sea lions and brown pelicans resting on a low rock in front of the arch as Captain Carden deftly maneuvered the ship for our viewing pleasure. Finally, we rounded the point and sailed off into the Pacific Ocean.
Overnight we crossed the Tropic of Cancer at 23 ½ degrees north latitude and continued toward the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula. It was still rather cool this morning as we emerged onto the decks.
The underwater topography (bathymetry) in this area creates rich conditions suitable for a variety of marine life. It is possible to see many seabirds, turtles, fish, and mammals. It is also known as a wintering ground and nursery for humpback whales. And that is just what we were lucky enough to come across: a mother humpback with its young calf, which was learning how to breach. We followed the cow-calf pair for a while, thrilled to get some glimpses of these endangered animals. Soon they will make a long migration to northern latitudes in search of food. We were also delighted by Mobula rays that would periodically jump out of the water and flip in the air.
Later in the morning, Mike Nolan gave an informative presentation on the cetaceans of Baja, all depicted with his own stunning photography.
We cleared through customs in Cabo San Lucas and had some time before lunch to explore the bustling town. Along the waterfront, disparate hunters stalked about their business, seemingly oblivious but within a few feet of each other. One (a snowy egret (egretta thula) was in search of isopods and other delectable morsels to fill its stomach, while another human (Homo sapiens) pursued vulnerable tourists on vacation or souvenirs with which to remember their experience here. All appeared to be quite successful in their endeavors.
Afternoon activities included shopping, a bird walk and snorkeling from a local beach. The birders explored an estuary in San Jose del Cabo and added many names to the trip list, including teals and other ducks, several wading birds and shorebirds, osprey, yellow-rumped warblers and a brilliant vermillion flycatcher. The snorkelers braved cool swells but were rewarded with the wonders beneath the waves. Parrotfish and puffers were some of the highlights. The shoppers contributed to the local economy and also came back with a sense of satisfaction.
The Sea Lion departed the dock and cruised out for a close encounter with the famous El Arco and Friars Rocks at Finesterra (Land’s End). Here the ancient granitic spine of the Baja Peninsula is exposed in dramatic rock formations. Magnificent frigatebirds, brown boobies, brown pelicans, and cormorants clung to their roosting spots. We noticed a small grouping of California sea lions and brown pelicans resting on a low rock in front of the arch as Captain Carden deftly maneuvered the ship for our viewing pleasure. Finally, we rounded the point and sailed off into the Pacific Ocean.
