Today was our first day exploring Bahia Magdalena. We woke up to an incredible rainbow over the mountains and mangroves of Isla Magdalena, and we even got rained on a couple times, a rarity here in Baja California Sur! In the morning, we explored the protected waterways of the mangroves of El Barril by kayak and standup paddleboard and then by Zodiac. After a lovely lunch on board National Geographic Sea Bird, we dropped anchor again for a hike across the sand dunes to Sand Dollar Beach. We dipped our toes in the Pacific Ocean and explored the island’s endemic plant life. What a wonderful start to our voyage together!
- Daily Expedition Reports
- 15 Feb 2023
El Barril and Sand Dollar Beach, 2/15/2023, National Geographic Sea Bird
- Aboard the National Geographic Sea Bird
- Baja California
Gemina Garland-Lewis, Naturalist/Certified Photo Instructor
Gemina Garland-Lewis is a professional documentary photographer based in Baja California Sur, Mexico, with experience in over 30 countries across seven continents. Her photography explores the myriad connections between humans, animals, and their sha...
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Baja California: Observing the Whales of Magdalena Bay
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3/15/2025
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Puerto Magdalena
Walks in the desert can hold a plethora of surprises, and today was no exception. From clusters of scarlet Palo Adan flowers, the gems of the morning, to purple and white striped passion flowers. The numerous fruits on the vine attested to a series of flowers earlier this month. A diminutive bird, the verdin, was also interested in the Palo Adan flowers. The verdin’s short beak cannot reach the nectar, so this bird approaches the base of the flower, nips it open, and takes a nectar reward; pollination of the flower is thwarted in this thievery. The exoskeleton of a tarantula was found under the scrub, an indication of a spider that has molted and grown a bit bigger. At the end of the trail, we were all rewarded with a magnificent view of the Pacific Ocean. Good things come to those who venture outdoors.
3/14/2025
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Boca de la Soledad
Today we woke up in the northernmost part of Magdalena Bay. In the morning, we went whale watching at Boca de la Soledad, where we came across a mother and calf. Later, we went to Estero Chivo at high tide, where we observed a variety of birds. We were particularly interested in the numerous shorebirds, egrets, and herons. We raised anchor to continue our day. While transiting Hull Canal, we spotted bow-riding bottlenose dolphins. National Geographic Sea Bird set anchor in front of Magdalena Island. The wind was blowing, causing the dunes to come alive. After walking among dunes and desert plants, we arrived at the Pacific coast of Magdalena Island. We enjoyed walking along the beach and observing various shells, snails, and sand dollars. In the distance, we spotted the carcass of a beached gray whale and contemplated both life and death. These animals begin their lives on the coast of Mexico, and their cycle also ends here.