This morning we arrived to El Barril in very good conditions. Guests enjoyed some kayaking and Zodiac tours, including a great experience exploring in the mangroves. After our morning explorations our local pilot arrived to National Geographic Sea Lion to take us through the Canal de la Soledad on our way to Puerto Adolfo Lopez Mateo. During the trip through the Soledad Channel, our staff showed guests the wildlife that could be seen along the way. In Lopez Mateo we joined the local pangueros to look for gray whales in the area called La Boca. Once back on board, the guests enjoyed a Mexican party, with good music and food.
- Daily Expedition Reports
- 01 Mar 2024
Magdalena Bay, Baja California, Mexico, 3/1/2024, National Geographic Sea Lion
- Aboard the National Geographic Sea Lion
- Baja California
Walter Pisco Limones, Naturalist
Walter Pisco's life has been intimately connected to the grandeur of nature since his days in the Galapagos Islands, a corner of the world that ignited his deep love and passion for the natural environment. At the age of 18, Walter decided to embark ...
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Baja California: Observing the Whales of Magdalena Bay
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3/15/2025
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National Geographic Sea Bird
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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National Geographic Sea Bird
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.