Two guests aboard our Wild Baja Escape share their experience of reveling in pure nature and recharging among pristine desert isles and the spectacular Sea of Cortez.
Hi! I’m Mika (that’s pronounced M-eee-ka!) and I‘m 9 years old. A few months ago, my parents and I had the chance to visit a beautiful and wild place called Baja. We saw so many amazing things like whales breaching, dolphins playing in the water around our ship, and a sky filled with hundreds of sparkling stars. I wanted to share some of them with you along with the photos my dad took of me on our trip. I hope you enjoy my photo diary!
The Gulf of California is teeming with 900-some species of fish and a third of the earth’s marine mammal species. As you approach untouched desert islands, a world of endemic flora and fauna awaits you as you hike through colorful arroyos on protected land.
In honor of 40 years exploring Baja, we’re throwing it back to this life-changing wildlife encounter which had one naturalist wondering: Can a whale look into your soul?
Today in Cispata Bay, we eagerly launched a thrilling panga excursion into lush mangroves, culminating in the memorable release of a juvenile American crocodile into protected waters. Onshore, a vibrant local dance performance dazzled our group. By the afternoon, we reached Sanguare Nature Reserve for invigorating hikes and serene kayaking. The day ended with lively music and energetic dancing, truly embodying the region’s rich traditions and capping an unforgettable Colombian adventure.
Continuing with our expedition on board National Geographic Islander II , we went for an early stretching session with Wellness Specialist Gicela. It was a beautiful morning on a paradisaic beach with sea lions and stunning scenery. We found a royal tern, a vagrant bird from the Americas rarely seen in Galapagos. We also had the great surprise of finding our sister ship National Geographic Delfina (a luxury catamaran) anchored at the same location. Later, we relocated to Punta Suarez to explore this wonderful site. We had the opportunity to see many unique species, like marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, and the arrival of the waved albatross. These magnificent birds migrate south in December and around April they return to Española Island to find their mates and lay their eggs. It was a great way to end a day full of adventures and wildlife surprises.
Today was simply spectacular! We explored the westernmost area of the Galapagos for the first time during this expedition and it did not disappoint. We started early in the morning with an invigorating hike to Darwin’s Lake, and beyond. Not only was the view stunning, but various land birds were observed along the trail. There were also Zodiac rides offered along this breathtaking coast, looking for wildlife such as penguins and flightless cormorants. In the afternoon, bottlenose dolphins gave us an amazing show, jumping high in the air and flapping their tails. We continued exploring by Zodiac and found a flock of blue-footed boobies and more penguins, sea lions, and marine iguanas. It was another amazing day in paradise.
Floreana Island was amazing as always. It was a very active day, with excellent kayaking, snorkeling, and superb hikes to enjoy the flora and fauna. We learned about the ecosystems on the island and the conservation efforts happening in this beautiful archipelago. We had a blast today and look forward to more adventures exploring these magical islands.
Today’s expedition provided an exceptional opportunity to experience the natural wonders of Española Island. From the playful sea lions and stunning underwater world of Gardner Bay to the dramatic cliffs and rich birdlife of Punta Suárez, the island’s biodiversity never ceased to amaze. The day was filled with moments of awe as we connected with the untamed beauty of one of the Galápagos' most remarkable islands. We look forward to more adventures and discoveries as we continue our journey through this incredible archipelago.