Cabo San Lucas and Gorda Banks
After two Gray Whale packed days in Magdalena Bay, the Sea Lion traveled south through the open Pacific Ocean, where early this morning, we rounded the tip of the Baja Peninsula, entering the Gulf of California. The ship rocked gently with the ocean swell as we watched sunrise over “Finisterra” or “Land’s End.” As the Sea Lion sat quietly, we were passed by a fleet of sport fishing boats taking eager fishermen out for a chance to reel in big game catch. Looking out at the sheer number of boats and then in towards the sprawling vacation mecca that is Cabo San Lucas, we were struck by the impact humans are having on the marine environment of Baja. Since the 1980’s, the increase in sport fishing and rapid urban growth has caused a decrease in marine species, most notably in the “big” catches, which include Hammerhead sharks and grouper. Additionally, urban expansion has led to developments which impinge on the rocky reefs that line the shore of Baja. Fortunately, the Mexican government has taken action, and has designated certain areas as marine reserves. Lindblad is also working to preserve these precious environments backed by the Gulf of California Conservation Fund.
And what a world it is below the surface! Today whether you snorkeled, or just sat on deck, the sights and senses were alight. Amongst the rocks and boulders that line the Baja shore, there are hundreds of fish species. Pictured here are just two of those: In the background is a Goat fish, feeling its way through the sand with two barbules on the bottom of its chin. Front and foremost is a Yellowtail Surgeonfish, so named for the scalpel like spines on the tail stalk (caudal-peduncal).
From the small to the mighty . . .
Although whale soup may not be the most politically correct of terms, that is exactly what we found ourselves sailing through this afternoon. Surrounded on all sides by rambunctious Humpback whales, we ran from front to back, side to side on the decks of Sea Lion. Each time we ran to catch a glimpse of a spectacular breach or reverse tail slap, a whale fluked or arose from where we had just come, and again we ran.
Photo cards and minds full, sunset was almost a blessing, allowing us to decompress and share our experiences before once again the sun rises over the Baja Peninsula, and a fresh side of this natural world is discovered.
After two Gray Whale packed days in Magdalena Bay, the Sea Lion traveled south through the open Pacific Ocean, where early this morning, we rounded the tip of the Baja Peninsula, entering the Gulf of California. The ship rocked gently with the ocean swell as we watched sunrise over “Finisterra” or “Land’s End.” As the Sea Lion sat quietly, we were passed by a fleet of sport fishing boats taking eager fishermen out for a chance to reel in big game catch. Looking out at the sheer number of boats and then in towards the sprawling vacation mecca that is Cabo San Lucas, we were struck by the impact humans are having on the marine environment of Baja. Since the 1980’s, the increase in sport fishing and rapid urban growth has caused a decrease in marine species, most notably in the “big” catches, which include Hammerhead sharks and grouper. Additionally, urban expansion has led to developments which impinge on the rocky reefs that line the shore of Baja. Fortunately, the Mexican government has taken action, and has designated certain areas as marine reserves. Lindblad is also working to preserve these precious environments backed by the Gulf of California Conservation Fund.
And what a world it is below the surface! Today whether you snorkeled, or just sat on deck, the sights and senses were alight. Amongst the rocks and boulders that line the Baja shore, there are hundreds of fish species. Pictured here are just two of those: In the background is a Goat fish, feeling its way through the sand with two barbules on the bottom of its chin. Front and foremost is a Yellowtail Surgeonfish, so named for the scalpel like spines on the tail stalk (caudal-peduncal).
From the small to the mighty . . .
Although whale soup may not be the most politically correct of terms, that is exactly what we found ourselves sailing through this afternoon. Surrounded on all sides by rambunctious Humpback whales, we ran from front to back, side to side on the decks of Sea Lion. Each time we ran to catch a glimpse of a spectacular breach or reverse tail slap, a whale fluked or arose from where we had just come, and again we ran.
Photo cards and minds full, sunset was almost a blessing, allowing us to decompress and share our experiences before once again the sun rises over the Baja Peninsula, and a fresh side of this natural world is discovered.
