Isla Catalina

Photographer at sunrise, Isla Catalina, Sea of Cortez, Baja, Mexico (best larger)

Note re footwear: he is wearing Keen sandals, which have a hiking boot sole and a heavy toe cap. I was also wearing the same thing, as were our companions. They are very popular with hikers, photographers, boaters, etc. in tropical marine environments. I've worn mine all over the world in some pretty hostile (warm) environments.

Isla Santa Catalina is an oceanic island, that was never attached to the Baja Peninsula and has been separated from the mainland for several million years, unlike most of the other islands in the Sea of Cortez. It is the home to a number of endemic species of reptiles (over 70% found nowhere else in the world) including a rattlesnake that has lost its rattles, because it has no predators. It also the home to an endemic species of a large barrel cactus, which can reach up to 3 ft in diameter and up to 12 ft in height. The giant cardons here are some of the biggest around, and they are in some of the best condition anywhere.

Other photos of the beautiful and unique environment of Isla Catalina can be seen here (more will be posted in the coming days): http://goo.gl/aQgo3d

07/07/14 http://www.allenfotowild.com

Catalina IslandSea of CortezBajaMexicophotographersunrisecardonbarrel cactusboat