Isla Partida in the Sea of Cortez

Isla Partida is connected to Espiritu Santo by an ancient volcanic crater. The island is in the Sea of Cortez, very near La Paz, Mexico. Isla Partida is dry and covered with cacti such as the large cardon cacti, which give their name to El Cardonal Bay, where the small cruise ship the Safari Quest anchored for the night. El Cardonal Bay is a popular anchorage on Isla Partida for sailboats and other pleasure crafts. The land area near El Cardonal Bay is interesting because of the many mangrove trees, which need to be near salt water, growing in close proximity to the many cacti and desert rocks.

A hearty group of passengers hiked the mile across Isla Partida, marveling at the mangroves on one side and desert cactus on the other. The desert sun was hot, and the sky was perfectly clear. After crossing the island, we climbed a small summit on the eastern end of Isla Partida and had an excellent view of the brilliant blue sea below.