National Geographic Venture anchored early this morning at Puerto Refugio, on the northernmost part of Angel de la Guarda. It is one of the most interesting islands that compose the Midriff of the Gulf of California.
Our guests and naturalists explored the coastal plains that lead to the eroded and steep hills made of red and orange volcanic rocks from the Comondu Formation. We discovered the fascinating vegetation of one of the driest parts of the Baja Californian Desert, including gigantic multibranched cardon cactus, lomboy, copalquin, brittle bush, hojasen, desert lavender, teddy bear cholla, and many others. We then boarded Zodiacs for guided tours in the ocean. We encountered curious Baja Californian sea lions, flying pelicans, Heermann’s gulls, Pacific loons, eared grebes, Brandt’s cormorants, and more. Admiring the beautiful landscape completed a long, fruitful day of exploration.
