We found shelter from strong winds as well as beautiful desert environments to explore in Arroyo Encantado, located on the west side of Isla San Jose. Many of the desert plants typical in the region are found at the beginning of the arroyo; further inland, the arroyo narrows and has steep rock walls. In a flat area behind the beach, there is an otherworldly forest of cardon cacti.
2/6/2025
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National Geographic Venture
Isla Magdalena, Baja California Sur, Mexico
Today was another memorable day with a variety of surprising and enjoyable educational experiences. We awoke this morning on National Geographic Venture as it cruised north along the outside of Isla Margarita. Many delightful sightings of birds included masked boobies, western gulls, and Brandt's cormorants. The highlight of the morning was seeing the first California grey whales of the trip, which we witnessed at La Estrada, the mouth of Magdalena Bay that marks the northern end of Isla Margarita and the southern end of Isla Magdalena. In the afternoon, we set to shore and split into a variety of interest groups. Some went on a long, fast-paced hike while others went birding in the mangroves or on natural history or photo walks in the sand dunes. Some groups crossed over to the other side of the island and enjoyed the scenery of the wild beach that measures over ten miles long. Big waves and the sound of surf, sanderlings along the shoreline, and a light wind made for a great environment for beachcombing. We’re looking forward to the coming days here, exploring this fascinating part of a wonderful country.
