Carmen Island
This morning it was possible to feel the excitement in the air; during breakfast there was a lot of fast talking as plans were made and everyone planned ahead their strategies. For today’s main activity was an ambitious one: to kayak most of the north coast of Carmen Island towards Balandra Bay, on its west side. Carmen is one of the largest islands in the Gulf of California and part of the Loreto Bay National Park, along with Santa Catalina, Montserrate, Danzante and Coronado islands. Majestic cliffs and white sandy beaches are part of the varied coastline of its northern side, and many adventurous souls paddled from the Sea Voyager towards Tintorera Point, the closest landmark. They enjoyed remarkably calm waters and were able to admire both the desert environment of the island and its underwater realms. An abundance of fish was perfectly seen from the kayaks and from the Zodiacs, including gaftopsail pompanos, graybar grunts and king angelfishes. Schools of Mobula rays were seen, as well as the occasional sea turtle. Even a lone humpback whale delighted those of us that were exploring the coast in the Zodiacs with a couple of breaches!
After reaching Balandra Bay, we all came back to the Sea Voyager and enjoyed a very refreshing and well-deserved swim from the fan tail. Everyone was happy and satisfied, knowing that the hours that they just spent in the kayaks will be treasured. However, after all that exercise, a nap was mandatory! Later, we went snorkeling and got up close and personal with many of the creatures that we saw earlier from above the surface. Mexican goatfishes, sergeant majors and chubs were seen in abundance before long. As the afternoon’s temperature cooled down a bit, we came ashore and enjoyed the last hours hiking and bird-watching. Overall, a most productive day, full of activities and good memories to treasure!
This morning it was possible to feel the excitement in the air; during breakfast there was a lot of fast talking as plans were made and everyone planned ahead their strategies. For today’s main activity was an ambitious one: to kayak most of the north coast of Carmen Island towards Balandra Bay, on its west side. Carmen is one of the largest islands in the Gulf of California and part of the Loreto Bay National Park, along with Santa Catalina, Montserrate, Danzante and Coronado islands. Majestic cliffs and white sandy beaches are part of the varied coastline of its northern side, and many adventurous souls paddled from the Sea Voyager towards Tintorera Point, the closest landmark. They enjoyed remarkably calm waters and were able to admire both the desert environment of the island and its underwater realms. An abundance of fish was perfectly seen from the kayaks and from the Zodiacs, including gaftopsail pompanos, graybar grunts and king angelfishes. Schools of Mobula rays were seen, as well as the occasional sea turtle. Even a lone humpback whale delighted those of us that were exploring the coast in the Zodiacs with a couple of breaches!
After reaching Balandra Bay, we all came back to the Sea Voyager and enjoyed a very refreshing and well-deserved swim from the fan tail. Everyone was happy and satisfied, knowing that the hours that they just spent in the kayaks will be treasured. However, after all that exercise, a nap was mandatory! Later, we went snorkeling and got up close and personal with many of the creatures that we saw earlier from above the surface. Mexican goatfishes, sergeant majors and chubs were seen in abundance before long. As the afternoon’s temperature cooled down a bit, we came ashore and enjoyed the last hours hiking and bird-watching. Overall, a most productive day, full of activities and good memories to treasure!
