Isla Magdalena & Bahia Santa Maria
We awoke our first morning on the National Geographic Sea Bird in Bahia Magdalena. There was a gentle warm breeze blowing and we could see Sand Dollar Beach with its beautiful sculpted dunes not far away. We climbed in Zodiacs and landed on the beach and began exploring the incredible landscape before us.
A flock of small shorebirds was there to greet us. Walking carefully to avoid stepping on any of the dune stabilizing plants, we learned their names and how they survive in this arid environment. The sea purslane, the sand verbena, and the wolfberry were a few of the plants growing on the dunes. Among the things spotted were dung beetles and crabs. We also found rabbit, coyote, and white-footed mice tracks. It seemed as if every direction provided a wonderful photograph. Some chose to ride down the dunes on body surfing boards and then test their skill on the waves of the Pacific. Examining the sand dollars dotting the beach, we thought the name “Sand Dollar Beach” was well chosen!
In the afternoon we set out in the area of Magdalena Bay called El Bajo with our Zodiacs in the hopes of spotting grey whales. The sea was choppy and the fresh air invigorating as our excitement mounted. We saw a grey whale “spy hopping” or sticking his head out of the water and a calf also came by. Several other whales surrounded us and even though the conditions were challenging our patience paid off. And a beautiful full moon rose above the horizon, a magnificent ending for a very special day.
