Louis Tran, Norma Estrada Acuña, Kyle Bowman and Octavio Maravilla
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Daily Expedition
Reports
02 Jan 2023
Kelly’s Beach (San José Island), 1/2/2023, National Geographic Venture
Aboard the
National Geographic Venture
Baja California
This second day of the new year marks our last day of adventures in the Gulf of California aboard NationalGeographic Venture. We spent the morning at Kelly’s Beach on Isla San José. In the afternoon, we cruised to search for charismatic megafauna on our way north to Puerto Escondido, Baja California Sur.
During our afternoon of cruising for wildlife, we were treated to sightings of both blue and fin whales.
Octavio was born in Mexico City and moved to La Paz at age 19, to study Marine Biology at the Baja California Sur State University. He began his field research on California sea lions, working at Los Islotes, a small rookery close to La Paz City. Lat...
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Happy New Year from the Gulf of California! Our new year started on Isla San Esteban with a variety of hikes offered on this beautiful island in the middle of the gulf. Esteban is noted for a wide and scenic arroyo that is easily navigated. Its large cardon cactus and unique lizards make this remote island a very special landing! In the afternoon, National Geographic Venture repositioned to another remote and special island, San Pedro Martir. This island is home to massive numbers of blue-footed- and brown boobies, as well as brown pelicans, red-billed tropicbirds, and California sea lions. Zodiac cruises around this protected rock in the middle of the Gulf of California were amazing!
Happy New Year! Imagine a place with warm sun, smooth sand beaches, and the perfect gentle breeze to keep you cool. That place is Playa del San Juanico. We slipped behind jagged rocks to the most glorious beach. Ospreys circled above, building their nests and keeping an eye on us. We explored the hills on hikes, the shoreline via kayaks and Zodiac cruises, and all the nooks and crannies while snorkeling near rock edges. A barbecue dinner was served on the beach by a warm, glowing fire. Then we returned to the ship for some New Year’s trivia followed by ringing in the New Year with all of our newfound friends aboard National Geographic Venture. Happy 2024, everyone!
As we near the year’s end, we are in the midst of an extraordinary journey here in Baja California marked by natural spectacles and memorable adventures. The day began with a breathtaking sunrise, painting the sky in hues of gold and crimson and casting an ethereal glow over the tranquil water. This was a perfect start to early morning snorkeling at Los Islotes, a haven for marine life. Guests immersed themselves in the vibrant undersea world, encountering playful sea lions and a kaleidoscope of colorful fish darting through crystalline waters. In the afternoon, our landing at Punta Colorado on San Jose Island led to an invigorating hike up an arroyo. We trekked through the shaded and rugged terrain, dotted with endemic flora and fauna. Throughout the day, our knowledgeable naturalists enriched the experience, sharing insights into the region's ecology, history, and conservation efforts. As the sun set on this memorable day, we are left with cherished memories of a day filled with adventure and discovery in the captivating realm of Baja California. As the year draws to a close, this expedition serves as a testament to the wonders of nature and the importance of conservation. With each step taken on San Jose Island, we embraced the significance of preserving these extraordinary environments for future generations.
