Los Islotes
As we approached Los Islotes this morning a sense of excitement was in the air. The conditions were beautiful with calm seas as we gently glided over the tranquil waters to observe California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) perched on their rocky island substrate. Posing in S shapes lighted from reflected shimmering beams their brown coats took on a golden hue, which resulted in a barrage of shutter clicks from the guest’s cameras. Audio tracks of belching, burping, and gurgling were also sounded which acted as a catalyst in bringing back youthful smiles and giggles from all witnesses. But this was not a close enough look for most of our guests who chose to enter their realm the neritic or near shore region of the water column. Torpedoing towards you in a spinning arc and exhaling bubbles at the same time were some of the sea lions synchronized ballet moves.
We continued our exploration further north at another island known as Isla San Francisco where the solitude of kayaking was enjoyed. What a great way to catch the brown pelicans resting their large neck and bills buried backwards in their plumage, as well as sneaking up on brilliant red Sally light foot crabs. For a finale we rolled up our pant legs and went tide pooling to enjoy the many invertebrate species which fill a niche in this extremely harsh variable environment known as the littoral zone. The animals in this zone have to deal with osmotic, temperature, and desiccation problems on a daily basis. Anxiously awaiting tomorrows adventure…
As we approached Los Islotes this morning a sense of excitement was in the air. The conditions were beautiful with calm seas as we gently glided over the tranquil waters to observe California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) perched on their rocky island substrate. Posing in S shapes lighted from reflected shimmering beams their brown coats took on a golden hue, which resulted in a barrage of shutter clicks from the guest’s cameras. Audio tracks of belching, burping, and gurgling were also sounded which acted as a catalyst in bringing back youthful smiles and giggles from all witnesses. But this was not a close enough look for most of our guests who chose to enter their realm the neritic or near shore region of the water column. Torpedoing towards you in a spinning arc and exhaling bubbles at the same time were some of the sea lions synchronized ballet moves.
We continued our exploration further north at another island known as Isla San Francisco where the solitude of kayaking was enjoyed. What a great way to catch the brown pelicans resting their large neck and bills buried backwards in their plumage, as well as sneaking up on brilliant red Sally light foot crabs. For a finale we rolled up our pant legs and went tide pooling to enjoy the many invertebrate species which fill a niche in this extremely harsh variable environment known as the littoral zone. The animals in this zone have to deal with osmotic, temperature, and desiccation problems on a daily basis. Anxiously awaiting tomorrows adventure…
