Ibiza's Hidden Gems: A Coastal Return from San Miguel to Portinatx (July 2014)

 Sometimes, the magic of a journey lies not just in the destination, but in the path taken. Back in July 2014, while soaking up the sun in the beautiful Portinatx, Ibiza, I embarked on a memorable boat trip that offered a unique perspective of the island's northern coastline. Having already shared the captivating sights encountered on the outbound leg from Portinatx to San Miguel Bay, it's time to unveil the equally stunning views captured on the return journey – an hour-long coastal cruise that truly showcased Ibiza's rugged beauty.

On July 12th, 2014, with my trusty Polaroid is2132 bridge camera in hand, I settled in for what I knew would be a feast for the eyes. The Mediterranean sun glinted off the turquoise waters as our boat gracefully skirted the northern edge of the island, revealing a tapestry of hidden coves, dramatic cliffs, and untouched natural wonders.

The return trip from San Miguel to Portinatx wasn't merely a reverse of the outbound journey; it offered a fresh perspective, with the changing light and the slight shift in our vantage point bringing new details to life. We cruised past secluded beaches, some accessible only by boat, inviting me to imagine their pristine sands and crystal-clear waters. The coastline itself was a masterpiece of nature's artistry – ancient rock formations sculpted by centuries of wind and waves, creating intriguing shapes and textures.

I vividly recall the vibrant hues of the water, transitioning from deep sapphire in the depths to an almost luminous emerald closer to the shore. The cliffs, clad in a mosaic of greens and browns from the hardy Mediterranean vegetation, plunged dramatically into the sea, creating a sense of both grandeur and tranquillity. It was a stark reminder of Ibiza's diverse landscape, proving that there's so much more to this island than just its famous nightlife.

This hour-long return journey was a photographer's dream. Each turn of the boat presented a new postcard-perfect scene. There was a particular joy in capturing the raw, untamed beauty of this less-explored coastline, far from the bustling resorts. The gentle rocking of the boat, the salty air on my skin, and the panoramic views all combined to create an unforgettable experience.

While the exact names of every cove or rock formation may now elude me, the feeling of awe and serenity from that coastal cruise remains. It's these unexpected moments of natural beauty that often become the most cherished memories of a trip. So, if you ever find yourself in Portinatx, I highly recommend taking to the water and discovering the stunning, rugged charm of Ibiza's northern shores. You might just find your own hidden gems along the way.

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Entrance to San Miguel Bay

San Miguel

Portinatx Pirate Tower

Punta Moscarter Lighthouse

Portinatx

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Whitby's Coastal Charm: Four Moments in Time

Imagine standing on West Cliff, the sea breeze on your face, gazing out over Whitby Beach. These four images, taken on August 25th, 2018, attempt to capture that feeling. From this vantage point near Whitby Pavilion, the view extends along the coast towards Sandsend, with the sturdy silhouette of Whitby Harbour Pier anchoring the scene. The Nikon D3300 SLR beautifully rendered the details of this North Yorkshire gem, preserving the essence of a perfect seaside day.

Clicking any of the images below should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

Please take a moment to share this post, follow me on social media, and explore my work on Photo4Me and Clickasnap using the links below. Your support means a lot!

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Diving Deep: Is Blackpool SEA LIFE Worth the Plunge? Videos Part 1

Blackpool's glittering promenade is famous for its arcades, the iconic tower, and of course, the bustling Pleasure Beach. But tucked away amidst the seaside charm is a hidden gem for marine life enthusiasts: SEA LIFE Blackpool. Recently, I took my family on a visit, armed with a camera and a healthy dose of curiosity, and I'm here to share my experience.

Let's address the elephant (or perhaps, the shark!) in the room: the entrance fee. At £58.50 for a family of three, some might balk. I admit, it's a significant chunk of change. However, after spending a few hours immersed in the underwater world, I can confidently say it was money well spent.

What made it so worthwhile? For starters, we opted for the behind-the-scenes tour, a fascinating glimpse into the less-seen aspects of marine conservation. This wasn't just a casual stroll past tanks; we were granted access to the medical and feeding areas, witnessing first hand the dedication and care that goes into looking after these incredible creatures.

I captured nine short video clips during our visit, ranging from 14 to 56 seconds, which are now available both here and on my YouTube channel. These snippets offer a taste of the diverse marine life on display. We encountered graceful stingrays gliding through the water, majestic sharks patrolling their territories, vibrant schools of fish creating a kaleidoscope of colour, and even a shy turtle, attempting a rather comical hide-and-seek game near the tank's surface.

Here's a glimpse of what you can expect:

• Diverse Inhabitants: The variety of species is truly impressive. You'll find yourself captivated by the unique characteristics of each creature, from the sleek sharks to the patterned stingrays.
• Educational Experience: The behind-the-scenes tour provides invaluable insights into marine conservation efforts, highlighting the challenges faced by these animals and the work being done to protect them.
• Interactive Moments: Watching the feeding sessions and observing the animals' behaviour up close creates a truly immersive and memorable experience.
• The Shy Turtle: One clip in particular captures a turtle trying to conceal itself. It's a delightful reminder of the individual personalities of these animals.

Is it worth the price?

Ultimately, the value of the experience depends on your perspective. If you're looking for a quick, cheap thrill, perhaps not. However, if you're passionate about marine life, eager to learn, and seeking a memorable family outing, SEA LIFE Blackpool delivers. The behind-the-scenes tour elevates the experience, providing a deeper understanding of the conservation efforts and the dedication of the staff.

My Verdict:

SEA LIFE Blackpool offers a captivating and educational journey into the underwater world. The £58.50 investment, especially with the behind-the-scenes tour, proved to be a worthwhile expenditure. The short video clips I captured only scratch the surface of the wonders awaiting visitors. So, if you're planning a trip to Blackpool, consider diving deep and exploring the fascinating world of SEA LIFE. You won't be disappointed!

These were recorded on the 17th July using a Nikon d3300 SLR camera. The background music was added from the YouTube catalogue and is Calm by Silent Partner. Just improves the feel of the clips as there is a lot of background noise from people otherwise.

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Early Morning Sunrise in Zeebrugge.

These photos capture a moment etched in my memory: the November dawn breaking over the port of Zeebrugge, Belgium. Our ship was just arriving, a prelude to a magical trip to Bruges. That sunrise, a burst of color against the industrial harbour, felt like a promise of the beauty to come. It's funny how the start of a day can amplify the wonder of a place, and Bruges certainly lived up to that promise

 

The pictures were taken using a Polaroid IS2132 bridge camera on November 2, 2015. Clicking any image should open a link in another window to my Colin Green photography store on Zazzle.

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Portinatx, Ibiza's Hidden Gem

Ibiza is known for its vibrant nightlife, but the island also has a quieter side, with many hidden coves and beaches perfect for relaxation. Portinatx is one such gem, a small resort on the island's north coast that offers a laid-back atmosphere and stunning scenery. 

What to do in Portinatx 

• Relax on the beach. Portinatx has two main beaches, S'Arenal and Xarraca, both of which are small and sheltered. The sand is soft, and the water is crystal clear, making them perfect for swimming and sunbathing. 

• Go for a hike. There are several hiking trails in the area, including one that leads to the top of a cliff with panoramic views of the coast and another that follows the coast to the lighthouse at Far del Moscarter. 

• Explore the underwater world. There are several dive sites around Portinatx, which is home to a variety of marine life. 

Where to stay in Portinatx 

There are a few hotels and apartments in Portinatx, but most of the accommodation is in the form of villas and holiday homes. This makes Portinatx a great option for families and groups of friends who want their own space. 

How to get to Portinatx 

The nearest airport to Portinatx is Ibiza Airport, which is about 30 minutes away by car. There are also regular buses from Ibiza Town to Portinatx and a regular boat service from the beach to a number of interesting locations on the island.

 

These pictures were taken in July 2014 using a Polaroid iS2132 digital camera. The pictures shown are of the town of Portinatx; the pictures I took of the pirate tower and lighthouse will feature in separate posts.

Clicking any picture will open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

 

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