Our second day aboard National Geographic Sea Bird started with a lovely sunrise and a stretch class with wellness specialist Ava. It was a little chillier than expected on the bow, so guests and staff grabbed an extra layer to prepare for the day. Our first adventure was the chance to kayak through the mangroves at El Barril. Little blue herons and great blue herons were spotted hiding among the roots in the red and black mangroves. After kayaking, guests had the chance to explore even more on a Zodiac, and we took advantage of the high tide. To get to our next destination, we cruised through the shallow canal of Boca de Soledad. The afternoon’s activities consisted of walking along the sand dunes of Boca de Soledad. Some of the Global Explorers learned how to make plaster to cast the footprints of a great blue heron. After a fun-filled day, the evening ended with live music from Los Coyotes.
- Daily Expedition Reports
- 22 Jan 2023
El Barril and Boca de Soledad, 1/22/2023, National Geographic Sea Bird
- Aboard the National Geographic Sea Bird
- Baja California
Emily Mall, Naturalist
Emily proudly grew up in the state of Michigan, doing whatever she could to experience and get to know our natural world. She carries a degree in zoology and public policy and worked in an agroecology lab throughout her time in school. Discovering th...
Read MoreShare Report
Baja California: Observing the Whales of Magdalena Bay
VIEW ITINERARYRelated Reports
3/15/2025
Read
National Geographic Sea Bird
Puerto Magdalena
Walks in the desert can hold a plethora of surprises, and today was no exception. From clusters of scarlet Palo Adan flowers, the gems of the morning, to purple and white striped passion flowers. The numerous fruits on the vine attested to a series of flowers earlier this month. A diminutive bird, the verdin, was also interested in the Palo Adan flowers. The verdin’s short beak cannot reach the nectar, so this bird approaches the base of the flower, nips it open, and takes a nectar reward; pollination of the flower is thwarted in this thievery. The exoskeleton of a tarantula was found under the scrub, an indication of a spider that has molted and grown a bit bigger. At the end of the trail, we were all rewarded with a magnificent view of the Pacific Ocean. Good things come to those who venture outdoors.
3/14/2025
Read
National Geographic Sea Bird
Boca de la Soledad
Today we woke up in the northernmost part of Magdalena Bay. In the morning, we went whale watching at Boca de la Soledad, where we came across a mother and calf. Later, we went to Estero Chivo at high tide, where we observed a variety of birds. We were particularly interested in the numerous shorebirds, egrets, and herons. We raised anchor to continue our day. While transiting Hull Canal, we spotted bow-riding bottlenose dolphins. National Geographic Sea Bird set anchor in front of Magdalena Island. The wind was blowing, causing the dunes to come alive. After walking among dunes and desert plants, we arrived at the Pacific coast of Magdalena Island. We enjoyed walking along the beach and observing various shells, snails, and sand dollars. In the distance, we spotted the carcass of a beached gray whale and contemplated both life and death. These animals begin their lives on the coast of Mexico, and their cycle also ends here.