From sunrise to sunset in Baja California
Before sunrise, the early-risers loaded into Zodiacs to be out for the first morning light at Los Islotes, a group of offshore islets just north of Isla Partida Sur and Ensenada Grande. These rocky shores and spires of volcanic tuff are home to a variety of seabirds including pelicans, yellow-footed gulls, brown boobies, and blue-footed boobies. But the real stars of this morning’s outings were the California sea lions. Perched upon any vaguely horizontal open space, or little rocky niche, their playful antics in the near shore waters were a delight to watch. Today’s photos were sometimes framed by explosions of crashing surf on the far side of the islets, an unusual and beautiful scene.
A bit of swell made no difference to our intrepid group of snorkelers who eagerly set forth for an intimate visit with the sea lions. It was amazing to watch these somewhat awkward terrestrial animals turn into sleek aquatic speed demons, zipping around like supercharged rockets. There was a definite sense of connection felt with these animals when they slowed down and occasionally approached the swimmers, pausing for a moment, with as much curiosity towards us as we have towards them.
After lunch, with the northerly winds behind us, we had a smooth sail to the southern end of Isla Espiritu Santo and Punta Dispensa. Here, we set off in every direction for a variety of explorations. Photographers and natural history walkers set off inland with Kevin and Pete. The long white sand beach was the attraction for Susan’s faster exercise walk, as well as for many solo explorers.
After an easy afternoon ashore, we headed for our rendezvous near La Paz with our arriving guests. We hadn’t had the anchor up for more than five minutes before the Captain spotted the blows of blue whales ahead. The newcomers would need to wait just a bit longer while we had our first glimpses of the world’s largest animal. The views were limited to their backlit blows in the setting sun, but they were a tantalizing taste of our exciting adventures to come.
Before sunrise, the early-risers loaded into Zodiacs to be out for the first morning light at Los Islotes, a group of offshore islets just north of Isla Partida Sur and Ensenada Grande. These rocky shores and spires of volcanic tuff are home to a variety of seabirds including pelicans, yellow-footed gulls, brown boobies, and blue-footed boobies. But the real stars of this morning’s outings were the California sea lions. Perched upon any vaguely horizontal open space, or little rocky niche, their playful antics in the near shore waters were a delight to watch. Today’s photos were sometimes framed by explosions of crashing surf on the far side of the islets, an unusual and beautiful scene.
A bit of swell made no difference to our intrepid group of snorkelers who eagerly set forth for an intimate visit with the sea lions. It was amazing to watch these somewhat awkward terrestrial animals turn into sleek aquatic speed demons, zipping around like supercharged rockets. There was a definite sense of connection felt with these animals when they slowed down and occasionally approached the swimmers, pausing for a moment, with as much curiosity towards us as we have towards them.
After lunch, with the northerly winds behind us, we had a smooth sail to the southern end of Isla Espiritu Santo and Punta Dispensa. Here, we set off in every direction for a variety of explorations. Photographers and natural history walkers set off inland with Kevin and Pete. The long white sand beach was the attraction for Susan’s faster exercise walk, as well as for many solo explorers.
After an easy afternoon ashore, we headed for our rendezvous near La Paz with our arriving guests. We hadn’t had the anchor up for more than five minutes before the Captain spotted the blows of blue whales ahead. The newcomers would need to wait just a bit longer while we had our first glimpses of the world’s largest animal. The views were limited to their backlit blows in the setting sun, but they were a tantalizing taste of our exciting adventures to come.
