Los Islotes and Espiritu Santo
This morning on Los Islotes, all small ledges near water level was occupied by sleeping California sea lions. It was amazing so many slept, considering the noise from a few; a loud assortment of barking and belching sounds. Above the sea lions, brown boobies and blue footed boobies preened on tiny cliff ledges. And at water’s edge, red Sally Lightfoot crabs scurried past the noses of sea lions. Los Islotes is a busy and crowded place. When we put on masks and snorkels, we saw the other half of this world: fishes, urchins, and streamlined sea lions flying underwater with grace and precision.
When we returned from Zodiac cruises and snorkeling, William began his presentation on desert plant adaptations. But blue whales were sighted on the east side of Isla Partida, so his talk was put on hold. Lunch was announced, but food would have to wait, too. How often can one see blue whales?
As we cruised down the west side of Isla Espiritu Santo, we had another very unexpected sighting: orcas! William’s plant talk would have to be patient as it was delayed once again. An adult male and 2 subadults criss-crossed our bow, and we peered right down on them. Another male with a towering dorsal fin was in the area. The whales swam close by the ship on several occasions, and we had spectacular views. Eventually we left them, and finally William was able to finish his presentation on desert plants.
In mid afternoon, we went ashore at Bahia Dispensa at the extreme, southwestern tip of Isla Espiritu Santo. Some of us snorkeled, but most of us strolled along the seemingly endless beach, where we found treasures cast up by the waves: fish spines, skulls and jaws. There were pearl oyster shells and bits of white coral on the white sand. The most delicate treasure we found? That was the fragile, paper thin shell of the paper nautilus.
This morning on Los Islotes, all small ledges near water level was occupied by sleeping California sea lions. It was amazing so many slept, considering the noise from a few; a loud assortment of barking and belching sounds. Above the sea lions, brown boobies and blue footed boobies preened on tiny cliff ledges. And at water’s edge, red Sally Lightfoot crabs scurried past the noses of sea lions. Los Islotes is a busy and crowded place. When we put on masks and snorkels, we saw the other half of this world: fishes, urchins, and streamlined sea lions flying underwater with grace and precision.
When we returned from Zodiac cruises and snorkeling, William began his presentation on desert plant adaptations. But blue whales were sighted on the east side of Isla Partida, so his talk was put on hold. Lunch was announced, but food would have to wait, too. How often can one see blue whales?
As we cruised down the west side of Isla Espiritu Santo, we had another very unexpected sighting: orcas! William’s plant talk would have to be patient as it was delayed once again. An adult male and 2 subadults criss-crossed our bow, and we peered right down on them. Another male with a towering dorsal fin was in the area. The whales swam close by the ship on several occasions, and we had spectacular views. Eventually we left them, and finally William was able to finish his presentation on desert plants.
In mid afternoon, we went ashore at Bahia Dispensa at the extreme, southwestern tip of Isla Espiritu Santo. Some of us snorkeled, but most of us strolled along the seemingly endless beach, where we found treasures cast up by the waves: fish spines, skulls and jaws. There were pearl oyster shells and bits of white coral on the white sand. The most delicate treasure we found? That was the fragile, paper thin shell of the paper nautilus.
