Isla Santa Catalina and Montserrat
Santa Catalina is one of the most special islands of the Gulf of California. This granitic formation was never attached to either the mainland or the Peninsula, therefore, all the species that inhabit this place, colonized it by chance. Isolation and evolution processes gave as a result a high level of endemism or unique species that exist nowhere else in the world but here. The most conspicuous example is the giant barrel cactus. We walked through its beautiful arroyos, which seem to be real botanical gardens. Some of us had the privilege to take a look at one of the most interesting species that are unique to this island, the rattle-less rattlesnake.
We also explored the underwater world of the island. Here we snorkeled near “Roca Elefante,” and saw several eels and other interesting fish like the king angel fish and the color-changing reef cornet fish.
Before lunch, we raised the anchor and sailed bound to Isla Montserrat. Carlos, our undersea specialist, presented an interesting talk about cephalopods of the Gulf of California. After his talk, we explored the shoreline with our kayaks and Zodiacs to take a closer look to the geological formations and some of the creatures that live here. As the sun sank into the sea, we sailed into the horizon after another wonderful day in the Gulf of California.
Santa Catalina is one of the most special islands of the Gulf of California. This granitic formation was never attached to either the mainland or the Peninsula, therefore, all the species that inhabit this place, colonized it by chance. Isolation and evolution processes gave as a result a high level of endemism or unique species that exist nowhere else in the world but here. The most conspicuous example is the giant barrel cactus. We walked through its beautiful arroyos, which seem to be real botanical gardens. Some of us had the privilege to take a look at one of the most interesting species that are unique to this island, the rattle-less rattlesnake.
We also explored the underwater world of the island. Here we snorkeled near “Roca Elefante,” and saw several eels and other interesting fish like the king angel fish and the color-changing reef cornet fish.
Before lunch, we raised the anchor and sailed bound to Isla Montserrat. Carlos, our undersea specialist, presented an interesting talk about cephalopods of the Gulf of California. After his talk, we explored the shoreline with our kayaks and Zodiacs to take a closer look to the geological formations and some of the creatures that live here. As the sun sank into the sea, we sailed into the horizon after another wonderful day in the Gulf of California.
