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Mexico Sea of Cortez Cruise Review: Safari Quest

Sailing: February 4-11, 2007

Day Two- We set sail from Puerto Escondido as the sun was rising over the mountains of Danzante Island, headed for the southeast side of Isla Carmen. Here we explored sea caves and the shoreline cliffs by the inflatable skiff.

Upon relocating to Colorado Point on Isla Carmen, en route to a snorkel and beach landing area, we spotted our first giant marine mammal, the Blue Whale!

The Blue Whale is truly an amazing creature. This whale was close to the fully mature size of 90’-100’ and had the most perfect triangle shaped tail you could imagine. This particular Blue Whale could be identified by a very distinct gash just before the dorsal fin. He had a 4-6" wide by at least a foot deep gash that was visible from any angle.

With spending over an hour viewing the Blue Whale, we passed on the idea of a snorkel at Isla Carmen to begin our journey south. Just before lunch was to be served, we crossed paths with another Blue Whale just northwest of Las Galeras Island (just above Monserrate Island). After only seeing this whale once (along with a few jumping Cabana's) we gathered our hungry guests in the dining room for a delectable lunch of Tortilla soup with Mexican style corn bread, followed by a maple custard with sugared pecans and vanilla ice cream. A dessert lovers treat!

After lunch, the guests were feeling the “Mexican style” and requested time for an hour-long siesta. This worked out perfectly as it provided an opportunity for exploring Monserrate Island, since we were in the area.

After looking over the guides and maritime charts we opted to check out the southwest anchorages and located a perfect spot that had been protected from a residual swell out of the north. Once anchored, the remainder of our day was spent with kayaking and other water activities. Several guests enjoyed the warm sun on the upper deck, some extending their hour siestas while others explored the underwater world via snorkeling. At this southwest anchorage we located a few reefs where the water was protected, offering a wonderful chance for tropical fish viewing.

Day 3 - This morning we pulled hook as the sun was rising and leisurely relocated to Bahia Agua Verde. Upon arriving, our friend Alejo brought his 9 burros down the mountain side to meet our guests and take them on a journey through the hills.

Once the first group departed, three guests choose to snorkel while others enjoyed some beach time. The snorkel at Roca Solitaria was perfect. We had light winds, sunshine and visibility of at least 25'. Guests noted numerous Seargent Majors and Lobsters swimming amongst the rocky edge pinicals.

Once the guests had their fill of snorkeling they returned back for a warm up in the hot tub while they waited for the burro group to return.

The second group departed for their burro ride. The returning guests heard about the great snorkeling so all were willing participants for a run out to the rock.

Upon the return of the final burro riders, we pulled hook and headed out of Bahia Agua Verde in search of our next adventure.

Arriving just north of Isla San Jose, we came upon a group of at least 100 common dolphins who were very accommodating and allowed us to join their race and ride our bow. After a few passes we opt to take advantage of our good fortune by dropping the skiffs. Kevin and Tate loaded the guests onboard and raced towards the dolphin group. Shortly afterwards the Quest had met up with them. We all had the opportunity to weave in and out of the large pod to get an up-close look! One skiff would have their hydrophone down listening to the dolphins talking while the other sped up to get them to ride the bow wake. After two hours of viewing the skiffs returned with all smiles aboard.

More than once I got the response of "now that was worth the price of admission"!

We are currently anchored in one of my favorite bays, Ensenada Grande where tomorrow morning we will offer early morning activities before we have our big brunch buffet.

-Captain Shawnda Gallup
Safari Quest