Another beautiful, calm day welcomed the travelers aboard the National Geographic Sea Bird to San Ignacio Lagoon. Our morning on the water was filled with a variety of experiences. There were quiet moments observing the birdlife overhead, including royal terns and white ibis. Then we were back to splashing and chipper exhalations during our encounters with the friendly gray whales. The day was full and rich, ending on a colorful note with our first blue whale sighting and a green flash at sunset as we headed south toward the tropics.
1/9/2025
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National Geographic Venture
Magdalena Bay and Sand Dollar Beach
After a nocturnal navigation along the Pacific side of the Baja California Peninsula from the Los Cabos area, National Geographic Venture reached Magdalena Bay, our final destination of the expedition. While navigating this morning, our guests and staff observed the profile of Margarita Island, which flanks the southern section of Almejas Bay. Along the way, we found several humpback whales breeching and travelling to their breeding grounds. We also observed long-beaked common dolphins and sea birds taking part in a feeding frenzy. By noon, the ship entered Magdalena Bay, and we felt the quietness of this coastal lagoon. Later, our guests had the opportunity of walking on the dunes of Magdalena Island, reaching the Pacific side, and had the privilege of watching their elusive inhabitants, including sea and shore birds, a suite of wadders, and a couple of coyotes! Our Global Explorers, led by Naturalist Mauro Butron, had the chance to discover the mangroves, sand dunes, and other wonders of this impressive environment.
