Ensanada Grande & Los Islotes
Los Islotes is a small, guano-covered crag that juts from the Sea of Cortez just north of Isla Partida. The cliffs are sheer with piles of boulders at the base. There is even an arch on the east side of the islet. This rocky outcrop is completely exposed to virtually any direction of swell and wind except for the prevailing northern winds. There is a small group of pinnipeds that utilize the leeward side of this island, and today we anchored the National Geographic Sea Bird hoping to get a personal encounter with those California sea lions.
In the late afternoon sunlight the sea lions were glistening and seemed to be especially rambunctious. From the Zodiac we could see flippers cutting the surface in random fashion. Upon splashdown we could see exactly what was going on.
Three particularly lively, young sea lions seemed to be having the time of their lives. One small animal would continually hang in mid-water upside down, fins completely splayed out. Large eyes peering all around, he was looking for something to chase. On several occasions he would lock in on a fish and chase it into a crevice, never to be successful. Once frustrated with the fish game, another sea lion presented part of a snail's shell. A game of underwater catch had begun. Each animal would take turns bringing the shell to the surface, toss it around then drop it. Many of us floated nearby and observed this comical display. It was very easy to forget that we were watching young predators train.
Just as we were being lulled into a world where sea lions play games and make friendships, we were quickly snapped back to the reality of nature when two huge bull sea lions darted through our group with blurring speed. These two big boys needed to resolve a conflict.
It was curious how we all had the exact same reaction. Without a word and without a hint of concern everyone kicked back to the Zodiac. It seemed as though we all came to the same conclusion: Let’s leave good enough alone, time to get back to the boat.
Los Islotes is a small, guano-covered crag that juts from the Sea of Cortez just north of Isla Partida. The cliffs are sheer with piles of boulders at the base. There is even an arch on the east side of the islet. This rocky outcrop is completely exposed to virtually any direction of swell and wind except for the prevailing northern winds. There is a small group of pinnipeds that utilize the leeward side of this island, and today we anchored the National Geographic Sea Bird hoping to get a personal encounter with those California sea lions.
In the late afternoon sunlight the sea lions were glistening and seemed to be especially rambunctious. From the Zodiac we could see flippers cutting the surface in random fashion. Upon splashdown we could see exactly what was going on.
Three particularly lively, young sea lions seemed to be having the time of their lives. One small animal would continually hang in mid-water upside down, fins completely splayed out. Large eyes peering all around, he was looking for something to chase. On several occasions he would lock in on a fish and chase it into a crevice, never to be successful. Once frustrated with the fish game, another sea lion presented part of a snail's shell. A game of underwater catch had begun. Each animal would take turns bringing the shell to the surface, toss it around then drop it. Many of us floated nearby and observed this comical display. It was very easy to forget that we were watching young predators train.
Just as we were being lulled into a world where sea lions play games and make friendships, we were quickly snapped back to the reality of nature when two huge bull sea lions darted through our group with blurring speed. These two big boys needed to resolve a conflict.
It was curious how we all had the exact same reaction. Without a word and without a hint of concern everyone kicked back to the Zodiac. It seemed as though we all came to the same conclusion: Let’s leave good enough alone, time to get back to the boat.
