Los Islotes & Isla San Jose
This morning the National Geographic Sea Lion arrives at the small rocky islets called Los Islotes. As we approach the anchorage we are greeted by a chorus of sea lions, California sea lions that is. A well-known haul out and breeding site, Los Islotes is located within Espiritu Santo Archipelago National Park, one of the many important protected areas in the Sea of Cortez.
Once the anchor was set we take to the water, first by Zodiac then in our wetsuits. From the Zodiacs we have close looks and great photo opportunities of not only the sea lions but also the many sea birds that call this island home. Perched on the rocks and gliding through the air are brown pelicans, magnificent frigate birds, brown boobies, and the always popular blue-footed boobies.
We then make the switch from Zodiacs to snorkeling. Underwater it is a different world. The sea lions are playful today, their antics making us feeling almost helpless by comparison. Inspired and entertained, we linger far longer than expected as these inquisitive marine mammals literally swim circles around us.
The ship is escorted by bottle-nose dolphins as we head north during the afternoon to Isla San Jose. It’s thrilling to watch them bow-ride and also make acrobatic leaps in our wake. Arriving at the island we immediately go ashore to a beautiful sandy beach. Hiking inland along a winding arroyo we discover lush Sonoran Desert vegetation with towering cardon cacti and palo blanco trees. Meanwhile, kayakers paddle the tranquil bay to an area where Brown Pelicans are diving for fish in a great frenzy of activity.
And to top off the day, a lavish dinner is served ashore. As the sun sets behind the Sierra de la Giganta pelicans dive in the sunset, the half-moon climbs overhead, and the singing starts around the campfire. Another magical day in Baja – life is good.
This morning the National Geographic Sea Lion arrives at the small rocky islets called Los Islotes. As we approach the anchorage we are greeted by a chorus of sea lions, California sea lions that is. A well-known haul out and breeding site, Los Islotes is located within Espiritu Santo Archipelago National Park, one of the many important protected areas in the Sea of Cortez.
Once the anchor was set we take to the water, first by Zodiac then in our wetsuits. From the Zodiacs we have close looks and great photo opportunities of not only the sea lions but also the many sea birds that call this island home. Perched on the rocks and gliding through the air are brown pelicans, magnificent frigate birds, brown boobies, and the always popular blue-footed boobies.
We then make the switch from Zodiacs to snorkeling. Underwater it is a different world. The sea lions are playful today, their antics making us feeling almost helpless by comparison. Inspired and entertained, we linger far longer than expected as these inquisitive marine mammals literally swim circles around us.
The ship is escorted by bottle-nose dolphins as we head north during the afternoon to Isla San Jose. It’s thrilling to watch them bow-ride and also make acrobatic leaps in our wake. Arriving at the island we immediately go ashore to a beautiful sandy beach. Hiking inland along a winding arroyo we discover lush Sonoran Desert vegetation with towering cardon cacti and palo blanco trees. Meanwhile, kayakers paddle the tranquil bay to an area where Brown Pelicans are diving for fish in a great frenzy of activity.
And to top off the day, a lavish dinner is served ashore. As the sun sets behind the Sierra de la Giganta pelicans dive in the sunset, the half-moon climbs overhead, and the singing starts around the campfire. Another magical day in Baja – life is good.
