Isla San Jose
Anchored off Punta Colorada, we spent the morning exploring Isla San Jose. Once on land, we hiked among agave and various cacti species to the interior of the island. Along the way, we encountered a giant tarantula, the size of my outstretched hand, walking vertically along the water-etched arroyo wall. It remained surprisingly cooperative while we observed and photographed it.
We also came across two plants with interesting leaves, blazing star and Bourreria. The former has leaves with hairs that adhere like velcro and the latter with a surface reminiscent of sandpaper. A highlight of the visit was finding a fossilized whale vertebra, situated as if the whale was standing on end at the time it was entombed. As we headed south towards our afternoon destination, we saw a Mobula ray leap out of the water.
In the afternoon, we anchored inside the idyllic Half Moon Bay located on the southern coast of Isla San Francisco. The sandy beach and the red rock formations provided a picturesque backdrop as we snorkeled among sea urchins, sergeant majors and crown of thorns starfish.
Our day wound down with a hike to the scenic ridge of the island. We made our way back to the ship just as the sun’s descent behind the desert mountains marked the end of another fantastic day in Baja California.
Anchored off Punta Colorada, we spent the morning exploring Isla San Jose. Once on land, we hiked among agave and various cacti species to the interior of the island. Along the way, we encountered a giant tarantula, the size of my outstretched hand, walking vertically along the water-etched arroyo wall. It remained surprisingly cooperative while we observed and photographed it.
We also came across two plants with interesting leaves, blazing star and Bourreria. The former has leaves with hairs that adhere like velcro and the latter with a surface reminiscent of sandpaper. A highlight of the visit was finding a fossilized whale vertebra, situated as if the whale was standing on end at the time it was entombed. As we headed south towards our afternoon destination, we saw a Mobula ray leap out of the water.
In the afternoon, we anchored inside the idyllic Half Moon Bay located on the southern coast of Isla San Francisco. The sandy beach and the red rock formations provided a picturesque backdrop as we snorkeled among sea urchins, sergeant majors and crown of thorns starfish.
Our day wound down with a hike to the scenic ridge of the island. We made our way back to the ship just as the sun’s descent behind the desert mountains marked the end of another fantastic day in Baja California.
