Fair weather and favorable seas enabled National Geographic Sea Bird to cruise north to Loreto Bay National Park in time to see the Sierra de la Giganta (mountains of the giantess) illuminated by the first rays of the sun. We circumnavigated Isla del Carmen on this lovely day, always searching for marine life in this rich area. Small groups of common and bottlenose dolphins entertained us while surfing the pressure wave that our ship creates as it plows through the water.
In between sightings we managed to slip in our informational and safety briefings and distribute snorkel gear. We also had an introduction to digital photography presentation by Mike. There was an opportunity for one-on-one break-out sessions with individual cameras afterwards.
In the afternoon we visited beautiful Santa Catalina Island, where we first had a chance to snorkel in the clear water and investigate the colorful underwater world. This isolated, granitic island is home to many endemic species, including a rattleless rattlesnake and the world’s largest barrel cactus species. The cardon cactus also gets very large here, the massive multiple succulent stems towering into the blue sky, making for fun photos.
Adrián was lucky in finding a rattlesnake and it kept us interested and occupied for quite a while as we snapped portraits from all angles.
Back on board there was a presentation before dinner about blue whales in the northeast Pacific by Diane Gendron, a local expert. Research has brought to light some surprises about the lives of these largest of all creatures, but many questions still remain.
After dinner, National Geographic grantee Patricio Robles Gil, a renowned photographer and conservationist from Mexico City, spoke of the life-changing events that led to his current mixed media body of art he calls The Extinction Rituals. The art pieces depict environmental threats around the world.
Tomorrow we look forward to the continuation of excellent weather and further adventures in expedition exploration.
