Whale Watching/Isla Santa Catalina
A blue whale before breakfast on the first morning is a superb way to commence a voyage and bodes well for the rest of the trip. Conditions were beautiful cruising near Isla Monserrate, and we identified this whale by its tall spout, large size, mottled steely blue color, tiny dorsal fin, and fluking behavior. We came across several animals throughout the morning and were able to get great views and photographs. We also noticed small groups of common dolphins pass by the ship as they foraged for fish.
Interspersed between whale sightings (and a few birds), we managed to accomplish some shipboard business – an abandon-ship drill, briefings, and distribution of snorkel gear. Late in the morning, Adrian gave an interesting presentation about island biogeography, explaining the distribution of plants and animals on islands.
After lunch, we prepared to go ashore on Isla Santa Catatlina. Lindblad Expeditions has adopted this island and supports eradication of exotic introduced animals and an inventory of native species as part of the Baja Forever! program. It is an isolated island composed mostly of granite that sustains many endemic species, including a rattleless rattlesnake. In keeping with our morning theme of “the biggest of the big,” we observed giant barrel cacti on the hillsides backlit by the afternoon sun. Many sported yellow fruits that looked like tiny pineapples. The tree-like cardon cacti are also especially large on this island and had already started to bloom. It is a bit of a surprise to see such lushness and life in a desert!
After walks ashore, people returned to the beach for snorkeling and/or kayaking and relaxing. It was a very pleasant afternoon spent in an exceptional place.
Cocktail hour and recap took place in the lounge and after dinner the giftshop was open. A number of intrepid guests took the opportunity to return to shore for a short night walk in search of nocturnal creatures. Many desert animals are active at night in order to take advantage of cooler temperatures and higher humidity to conserve water. A couple of reclusive rattleless rattlesnakes and an exquisite night sky capped our day.
A blue whale before breakfast on the first morning is a superb way to commence a voyage and bodes well for the rest of the trip. Conditions were beautiful cruising near Isla Monserrate, and we identified this whale by its tall spout, large size, mottled steely blue color, tiny dorsal fin, and fluking behavior. We came across several animals throughout the morning and were able to get great views and photographs. We also noticed small groups of common dolphins pass by the ship as they foraged for fish.
Interspersed between whale sightings (and a few birds), we managed to accomplish some shipboard business – an abandon-ship drill, briefings, and distribution of snorkel gear. Late in the morning, Adrian gave an interesting presentation about island biogeography, explaining the distribution of plants and animals on islands.
After lunch, we prepared to go ashore on Isla Santa Catatlina. Lindblad Expeditions has adopted this island and supports eradication of exotic introduced animals and an inventory of native species as part of the Baja Forever! program. It is an isolated island composed mostly of granite that sustains many endemic species, including a rattleless rattlesnake. In keeping with our morning theme of “the biggest of the big,” we observed giant barrel cacti on the hillsides backlit by the afternoon sun. Many sported yellow fruits that looked like tiny pineapples. The tree-like cardon cacti are also especially large on this island and had already started to bloom. It is a bit of a surprise to see such lushness and life in a desert!
After walks ashore, people returned to the beach for snorkeling and/or kayaking and relaxing. It was a very pleasant afternoon spent in an exceptional place.
Cocktail hour and recap took place in the lounge and after dinner the giftshop was open. A number of intrepid guests took the opportunity to return to shore for a short night walk in search of nocturnal creatures. Many desert animals are active at night in order to take advantage of cooler temperatures and higher humidity to conserve water. A couple of reclusive rattleless rattlesnakes and an exquisite night sky capped our day.
