I've lost count of how many times I've visited this small island off the Pacific coast of Mexico, situated 70 kms NW of San Blas. The island, measuring 1.5 kms in length and 500m in width, serves as a natural reserve for birds.
A group of friends and I hired a tour company that took us on small boats for a three-hour journey on the water. Equipped with tents, food, and knowledgeable guides, we were kept busy during our two-night stay. Besides the diverse bird species, the period from November to March is known as whale season, particularly for humpback whales.
We departed from San Blas on a rainy Friday at 7 AM, arriving at the island just before 10 AM. Despite the gloomy weather and cool temperatures ranging from 15 to 20 degrees Celsius at sea level in Mexico, the ride to the island was smooth and fast due to little wind.
Initially, everyone felt a bit down as the rain persisted with no signs of sunlight. By noon, however, the weather cleared, prompting us to explore the other side of the island. Witnessing numerous birds effortlessly gliding through the air with minimal wing movements was mesmerizing, even though we had to return quickly as the rain resumed. In the evening, despite skepticism, we were treated to a beautiful sunset.
The following day, we embarked on a whale-watching adventure. While I had experienced it many times before, this time was exceptional, with whales breaching and showcasing their natural behaviors. Instead of focusing on photography, I decided to simply enjoy the moment and create lasting memories in my mind.
In the afternoon, we marveled at tropical birds nesting on cliffs, gracefully flying back and forth to feed their young. This provided ample opportunities to test my skills in capturing birds in flight.
Waking up to a clear sky the next morning, I rose early to capture the beauty of the Milky Way.
