We’re underway today on the Sea of Cortez, on our first day of this weeklong exploration along the coast of Baja California Sur. We had activity briefings onboard in the morning, and our first landing with hikes and kayaking at Puerto Los Gatos in the afternoon. I had a creative day working on some alternative photographic techniques with my Canon R5 and my iPhone. The calm and warm conditions were perfect for a barbeque dinner on shore this evening. All in all a wonderful first day at sea.
1/15/2023
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National Geographic Venture
Bahia Almejas
An incredible morning was had by all on National Geographic Venture as we went grey whale watching in Bahia Almejas. Shrouded in early morning mist and in search of the great whales, we rounded a sandbar covered in brown pelicans, brants, cormorants, and the occasional great blue heron. We were delighted to get close views of the whales breathing and swimming amongst the pangas. We were even treated to a few spyhops and flukes. Cruising from the protected grey whale lagoon towards our afternoon beach, we handed out snorkel gear in anticipation of our first snorkel opportunity in a couple days. As the sun began its descent and the air started to cool down, we geared up and headed to Sand Dollar Beach in Magdalena Bay for some late afternoon hikes. On the walk from the protected lagoon to the Pacific Ocean side of the island, we explored the unique sand dune ecology. We encountered fiddler crabs, coyote skeletons, various bird species, and more. The fading light accompanied us on our return to the ship with a sunset of pink, orange, and yellow. It was only the first day of our journey, and we can’t wait to see what the rest of the trip brings!
