Bahía Magdalena, Baja California Sur
After sailing northbound leaving the tropics behind, we arrived to Bahia Magdalena, one of the largest bays on the west coast of North America. “La Entrada” which is the southern opening of the bay, is a place of exuberant life. As we sailed into it, we spotted several gray whale blows in the distance. Common dolphins rode our bow for a long time, giving us a chance to take pictures from above while the bow-cam, Sea Lion’s submarine eye, gave us a view from under the waves. Pacific white-sided dolphins, pomarine Jaegers and laughing gulls were three of the unusual species we don’t see very often, but this day we were lucky.
Later on this morning, we explored the bizarre dune ecosystem of Sand Dollar Beach. Here stories of coyotes, mice, insects and birds are written on the sand. Interesting tracks caught our attention as we walked to the Pacific side of Isla Magdalena, Bahia Santa María. Sand dollars that have been washed ashore are one of the highlights of this pristine place. The scenic landscapes and the immensity of the setting, not only gave us a sense of freedom, but also inspiration for our photography.
The Sea Lion then sailed northbound to “La Florida”. Our local pilot, Alejandro Camacho and his son Eduardo came on board to drive the ship through the narrow “Canal de Soledad.” Cruising through the mangroves, we identified birds from the bow, and once in a while enjoyed the presence of bottlenose dolphins catching a free ride on our pressure wave.
Shortly before reaching our anchorage, we entered gray whale territory. Mothers and calves surfaced close to the ship and all the way to the horizon.
After sailing northbound leaving the tropics behind, we arrived to Bahia Magdalena, one of the largest bays on the west coast of North America. “La Entrada” which is the southern opening of the bay, is a place of exuberant life. As we sailed into it, we spotted several gray whale blows in the distance. Common dolphins rode our bow for a long time, giving us a chance to take pictures from above while the bow-cam, Sea Lion’s submarine eye, gave us a view from under the waves. Pacific white-sided dolphins, pomarine Jaegers and laughing gulls were three of the unusual species we don’t see very often, but this day we were lucky.
Later on this morning, we explored the bizarre dune ecosystem of Sand Dollar Beach. Here stories of coyotes, mice, insects and birds are written on the sand. Interesting tracks caught our attention as we walked to the Pacific side of Isla Magdalena, Bahia Santa María. Sand dollars that have been washed ashore are one of the highlights of this pristine place. The scenic landscapes and the immensity of the setting, not only gave us a sense of freedom, but also inspiration for our photography.
The Sea Lion then sailed northbound to “La Florida”. Our local pilot, Alejandro Camacho and his son Eduardo came on board to drive the ship through the narrow “Canal de Soledad.” Cruising through the mangroves, we identified birds from the bow, and once in a while enjoyed the presence of bottlenose dolphins catching a free ride on our pressure wave.
Shortly before reaching our anchorage, we entered gray whale territory. Mothers and calves surfaced close to the ship and all the way to the horizon.
