The National Geographic Sea Bird made good time during the night, and as darkness turned to dawn, the rough-hewn cliffs of the Baja Peninsula and several offshore islands took shape. We found ourselves near Isla Monserrat within Loreto Bay National Park, not far from the town of Loreto. A low bank of fog lay just ahead, providing precious moisture for desert plants. Before long, the fog enveloped us in misty gray. Dolphins approached the bow and stayed with us for a few minutes, and then they slipped away and out-of-sight. A beautiful fog bow, similar to a rainbow but generated by water droplets in fog, arched into the blue sky overhead.
Throughout the morning we attended several briefings and picked out snorkel gear. Once the fog lifted, we scanned the calm sea for signs of marine life as we continued on towards our afternoon landing site. We were not disappointed! A dark line ruffled the surface in the distance beneath a number of wheeling seabirds. Upon closer inspection, we discovered that long-beaked common dolphins were creating the disturbance. Soon hundreds of animals surrounded us. Some caught the bow wave, while others acrobatically launched themselves high in the air. At one point, a tight school of frantic baitfish came right below us with fast-paced dolphins in hot pursuit, as you can see in the photo. What an exciting start for our first day at sea!
Our afternoon activities centered around Honeymoon Cove on Isla Danzante. Hikers climbed a short distance to several high points for expansive views of the sheltered cove and the impressive mountains beyond. Snorkelers waded from shore to swim along the rocky shoreline and spy an assortment of colorful fishes and brightly colored sea stars. There was also an opportunity to explore by single or double kayaks. These sturdy boats are ideal for novices as well as experienced veterans. One can pause to study a sea urchin, paddle past pelicans perched at the water’s edge, or simply relax and take in the majestic scenery.
By late afternoon, we returned to the ship, and the officers and crew pulled anchor. We were just getting comfortable in the lounge and our staterooms when another group of dolphins approached the ship. This time, they happened to be bottlenose dolphins. They stayed with us awhile, and then continued on their way. The National Geographic Sea Bird motored north throughout the night, with a promise of new adventures in the days to come.
