Happy New Year from the Gulf of California! Our new year started on Isla San Esteban with a variety of hikes offered on this beautiful island in the middle of the gulf. Esteban is noted for a wide and scenic arroyo that is easily navigated. Its large cardon cactus and unique lizards make this remote island a very special landing!

In the afternoon, National Geographic Venture repositioned to another remote and special island, San Pedro Martir. This island is home to massive numbers of blue-footed- and brown boobies, as well as brown pelicans, red-billed tropicbirds, and California sea lions. Zodiac cruises around this protected rock in the middle of the Gulf of California were amazing!