On the first day of our expedition, National Geographic Sea Bird navigated the Magdalena Coastal Lagoon complex, heading toward the narrowest section of Magdalena Island. Once anchored at Sand Dollar Beach, guests and staff went ashore via expedition landing craft. The goal was to explore the magnificent sand dunes and make our way to the Pacific side of the island.
Along our way, we found an environment so magnificent, quiet, and devoid of humans that we could call it a paradise. Guests and naturalists discovered wildlife wonders: diverse birds, plants, and mollusks, as well as the tracks of multiple creatures including jackrabbits, white-footed mice, and coyote.
Later, we sailed north along the Canal de la Magdalena. In midafternoon, bottle-nosed dolphins and gray whales showed up. We kept spotting whales until the ship passed by Boca de la Soledad. The weather was very cooperative—sunny with a light breeze. When the ship was anchored, we heard a presentation about the life of gray whales, and then we all enjoyed a well-deserved dinner and sleep.
