Los Islotes and Isla Espiritu Santo
The day began with a sunrise that bathed the small volcanic remnants known as Los Islotes (the small islands) in a beautiful reddish glow. Boobies, gulls, ravens, turkey vultures and frigate birds sailed above or rested on the rock ledges of the island. California sea lions barked at one another, and at the vessel, seemingly anxious to have us join them in play. The island changed color as the sun rose higher in the sky.
Following breakfast the first group of guests boarded Zodiacs for a tour of the leeward side of the island. While waves were breaking on the windward side, the protected lee of the island offered calm seas and beautiful views of the rock faces. This allowed people an up-close view of the seabirds and the sea lions.
Once the second group of Zodiacs set out to tour the island, the snorkelers were taken out to the rocky shore to swim with the playful juvenile sea lions. Initially these kids were primarily interested in biting the anchor line and chain, and trying to reposition the anchor itself. Once the swimmers were in the water, they focused on teaching the Newly aquatic species how to play sea lion games.
The undersea specialist dove below the snorkelers collecting video close-up of the marine life they were seeing from the surface. The water was pleasant and the fish and marine invertebrates diverse and cooperative. The young sea lions were graceful in front of the video camera, but did have a tendency to bump into it when they were ignored!
During lunch the M.V. Sea Bird cruised from Los Islotes to Isla Espiritu Santo. Once anchored near Miracle Beach, Puerto Ballena, passengers wishing to go ashore to walk or kayak were taken to the beach by Zodiac. Others rested in the warm sun on deck.
As evening approached, naturalists Larry, Steve and Lee gave recaps of the day's highlights. All participated in the Captain's farewell cocktail party and scrumptious dinner. The undersea specialist showed video footage from the day's 85-minute dive and answered questions as the vessel docked once again in La Paz.
The day began with a sunrise that bathed the small volcanic remnants known as Los Islotes (the small islands) in a beautiful reddish glow. Boobies, gulls, ravens, turkey vultures and frigate birds sailed above or rested on the rock ledges of the island. California sea lions barked at one another, and at the vessel, seemingly anxious to have us join them in play. The island changed color as the sun rose higher in the sky.
Following breakfast the first group of guests boarded Zodiacs for a tour of the leeward side of the island. While waves were breaking on the windward side, the protected lee of the island offered calm seas and beautiful views of the rock faces. This allowed people an up-close view of the seabirds and the sea lions.
Once the second group of Zodiacs set out to tour the island, the snorkelers were taken out to the rocky shore to swim with the playful juvenile sea lions. Initially these kids were primarily interested in biting the anchor line and chain, and trying to reposition the anchor itself. Once the swimmers were in the water, they focused on teaching the Newly aquatic species how to play sea lion games.
The undersea specialist dove below the snorkelers collecting video close-up of the marine life they were seeing from the surface. The water was pleasant and the fish and marine invertebrates diverse and cooperative. The young sea lions were graceful in front of the video camera, but did have a tendency to bump into it when they were ignored!
During lunch the M.V. Sea Bird cruised from Los Islotes to Isla Espiritu Santo. Once anchored near Miracle Beach, Puerto Ballena, passengers wishing to go ashore to walk or kayak were taken to the beach by Zodiac. Others rested in the warm sun on deck.
As evening approached, naturalists Larry, Steve and Lee gave recaps of the day's highlights. All participated in the Captain's farewell cocktail party and scrumptious dinner. The undersea specialist showed video footage from the day's 85-minute dive and answered questions as the vessel docked once again in La Paz.
