As we head towards the southern part of the Baja California peninsula aboard the M/V Sea Lion, we stop to take a closer look at the local fauna of Los Islotes near Espiritu Santo Island. A beautiful morning greets us, letting us enjoy the wonders of the Sea of Cortez.
"Los Islotes" emerge from the sea forming an impressive set of cliffs which have a volcanic origin (ignimbrites) called "welded tuff". These rocks create a habitat for nesting sea birds, including a colony of blue footed boobies, and a great blue heron. At this site the barking of the sea lions echoes against the rock walls and creates a unique atmosphere of wilderness.
The California sea lion or Zalophus californianus may be one of the best known pinnipeds. They are commonly trained for shows, misnamed as "seals".
As we were in the water snorkeling, these playful animals couldn't resist coming close to us - peering into our facemasks, then zooming off into the depths.
