Isla del Carmen & Isla Danzante, Baja California

Sunrise, Sunset

Gold has the unique ability to cast a spell. The forty-niners called it gold fever. Here in Mexico the Aztec’s revered the power of gold. There are golden years, and golden anniversaries. Twice today on board the National Geographic Sea Bird we were blessed with the privilege of gold fever of a unique sort. Golden light and lines at sunrise and at sunset framed the day.
When morning broke in the Vermillion Sea, as the Spaniards called this rich and majestic body of water, long-beaked common dolphins rode the bow and blue whales surfed the waves and lifted their flukes. The ship herself was bathed in warm hues of yellows and reds.

As we rounded the eastern point of Isla del Carmen a fin whale reminded us of the abundance that surrounds us in these nutrient rich waters. Carlos Navarro, our undersea specialist, lived and oversaw the preservation and protection of this unique desert oasis. Speaking with old colleagues, Carlos was able to secure an invitation for all on aboard to visit and photograph the abandoned Salinas salt mining operation. Salt itself had a golden era in this part of the Gulf of California.

In the afternoon we sailed to Isla Danzante, which is famous for a cove where travelers can find refuge from high seas and wind. There were opportunities in Honeymoon cove to create your own golden moments, kayaking, hiking, snorkeling, swimming, or touring the desert edge by Zodiac. As the golden hour approached, the layered landscape showed new dimension, an osprey dove down breaking the calm surface to feed, while mobula rays took flight from the calm sea. The sky seemed as if it was on fire as the sun dipped below the peninsula to the west. The day closed as the day opened with golden light. The richness of the day could be measured in gold.