Los Islotes and Punta Dispensa, Baja California, Mexico
The California Sea Lions at Los Islotes, a rock outcropping just north of Isla Partida and Isla Espiritu Santo, barked and groaned their welcome as the Sea Bird approached at first light. We dropped anchor and prepared to explore the island oasis that provides them with safety from land predators as well as their sea-going pursuers—orca and sharks. Los Islotes serve as a breeding and pupping sight for these engaging animals as well as a place to rest and relax. These individuals appear to be well-versed in the art of relaxation, but there were many others in the water delighting snorkelers, scuba divers and guests touring in our Zodiacs with their incredible grace, agility and sometimes comical antics.
After saying goodbye to the sea lions, we headed south to a long, sandy beach on Espiritu Santo called Punta Dispensa. Here we had the chance to hike with our natural history staff in the amazingly diverse and sublimely beautiful desert environment or to walk on the beach in reflective solitude. Some first-timers and some old hands took to the water in kayaks and plied the quiet shoreline before returning for a beach dinner. A bonfire, smores and the telling of indigenous Mexican creation stories followed dinner. Another magical day in Baja comes to a close . . .
The California Sea Lions at Los Islotes, a rock outcropping just north of Isla Partida and Isla Espiritu Santo, barked and groaned their welcome as the Sea Bird approached at first light. We dropped anchor and prepared to explore the island oasis that provides them with safety from land predators as well as their sea-going pursuers—orca and sharks. Los Islotes serve as a breeding and pupping sight for these engaging animals as well as a place to rest and relax. These individuals appear to be well-versed in the art of relaxation, but there were many others in the water delighting snorkelers, scuba divers and guests touring in our Zodiacs with their incredible grace, agility and sometimes comical antics.
After saying goodbye to the sea lions, we headed south to a long, sandy beach on Espiritu Santo called Punta Dispensa. Here we had the chance to hike with our natural history staff in the amazingly diverse and sublimely beautiful desert environment or to walk on the beach in reflective solitude. Some first-timers and some old hands took to the water in kayaks and plied the quiet shoreline before returning for a beach dinner. A bonfire, smores and the telling of indigenous Mexican creation stories followed dinner. Another magical day in Baja comes to a close . . .
