Taylor Butz, Expedition Leader

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Daily Expedition Reports
12 Jan 2022

Isla Santa Margarita, 1/12/2022, National Geographic Venture

Aboard the National Geographic Venture
Baja California

Today was our first full day on the Pacific side of the Baja California Peninsula. We awoke to a number of humpback whales diving off La Entrada, the opening to Bahia Magdalena, located between Isla Santa Margarita and Isla Magdalena. Turning south once inside the bay, we prepared for a full day of activities on the water and on shore. Kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, photo walks, beachcombs and long hikes through the desert all made for a wonderful day of adventure on Isla Santa Margarita. To top it all off, we ended the day with a delicious beach barbecue, complete with a campfire and s’mores!

An incredible sight on today’s walks included an endemic cochemia cactus, with bright red flowers to boot. This cactus is found only on Isla Santa Margarita and Isla Magdalena. Recent rains made for abundant flowers and leaves in the desert and offered great opportunities to practice photography.

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 six continents. Her photography explores the myriad connections between humans, animals, and their share...

Taylor Butz, Expedition Leader

Born and raised on Vashon Island in Washington State, Taylor grew up exploring the forests behind his house and attending the island’s Pirate Camp during the summers. He considers himself lucky to have grown up in a place that allowed him to experien...

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