We awakened to another breathtakingly beautiful day in Baja California Sur… calm seas, clear skies with a few high scattered clouds, 66 degrees Fahrenheit, and the sun just about to rise. A group of us gathered on the Bridge deck aft for some light qigong to get our energy and body loosened up and moving freely for the day. We sipped sweet air as we shook and tapped, grounded and circulated.
During the night, the National Geographic Sea Bird had sailed south along the coast of the peninsula, and the morning was devoted to searching the waters off Cabo Pulmo and around Gorda Banks for marine mammal activity. The first of our sightings was shortly after 8:00. We were pleased – though not surprised – to come across humpback whales. We spent the next few hours watching a variety of humpbacks from near and far. In addition to lots of breathing rounds and tail flukes as they dove deeper down, we were also treated to lob-tailing and breaching. We don’t know why they breach – there are lots of educated guesses – but it’s amazing to witness!
We continued to make our way south, and docked during lunch at La Playa, a small town and marina just outside of San Jose del Cabo. We boarded buses for a short ride into town, some going to the Rio San Jose estuary for a nature walk and bird viewing. This protected wetland provides a home and stopping point for over 200 species of birds. My favorites are the long-legged elegant shorebirds… great blue heron, snowy egret, yellow legs. The rest of our group went into town for some strolling, perusing shops and galleries, glass-blowing demonstration, or perhaps relaxing with a cold wet libation or refreshing ice cream paletta.
Back onboard, the ship continued south, and arrived at the tip of the peninsula, Land’s End and the famous geologic formation Los Arcos, as the sun was setting. The “golden hour” dazzled us with colors of pale pink, purple, yellow, orange, accompanied by blasting music from nearby Cabo San Lucas’ party boats. Back inside for recap and dinner, and at this writing, we have rounded the corner and are heading north up the Pacific side of the peninsula, heading for grey whale territory for the remainder of our voyage. What a fun and full day!
