Los Islotes
The sounds of belching, groaning, and other guttural sounds were in the air as we approached Los Islotes, home of a colony of California Sea Lions. The California Sea Lion (Zalophus californicus) is one out of 14 species that are considered eared seals (Otariidae). This of course is due to the external ear flap that is visible. Propulsion in the pelagic realm is achieved through powerful strokes of the large fore flippers. This Pinniped can rotate its hind flippers forward, which enables them to scurry up rock faces and between crevices. In the water these hind flippers are used as a rudder and called upon for stabilization during their acrobatic maneuvers. As our guests entered the water positively buoyant the sound of breathing became more rapid as a circus of activity was occurring around our snorkel Zodiac. Cheers could be heard and grown individuals were belching and calling out as if they too were members of the Otariidae. The years of age just wore away and with each smile, I could see the curiosity of a child within once again had been rekindled. How could it not with an animal swimming at you at about 40 km / hour (which is actually the fastest recorded swimming speed of a California Sea Lion), then veering off only to leave you in a stream of bubbles. Since all of our guests were “winged – footed” with scuba fins, a sense of connectedness was made with our Pinniped friends.
Under the waves was home to many different species of invertebrates with colorful common names such as the chocolate cookie star. As I carefully scanned the reef a slight movement caught my eye and there in front of me was this scorpion fish which blended in perfectly with the surrounding rocks. As we watched each other eye-to-eye, and understanding of boundaries was made. Approaching slowly and capturing this close up was only accomplished through patience for if a sudden movement was made its 15-18 poisonous dorsal spines were erected until the perception of danger had subsided. These dorsal rays are only part of the fin arsenal that this fish possesses. The anal and pelvic fin spines also contain venom glands in their grooves.
To warm up a bit after a morning of snorkeling and Zodiac cruising to observe sights such as a blue-footed boobies coming in for sure footed landings on their guano crested home at Los Islotes, some of us hiked on Isla de Espiritu Santo, swam, took Zodiac tours and observed pelicans folding their wings back and dive bombing unsuspecting fish from heights of 20 feet or greater. Finally, we had to eat so we headed back to the Sea Lion for a wonderful barbeque meal served with a smile. How can it get any better then this…?
The sounds of belching, groaning, and other guttural sounds were in the air as we approached Los Islotes, home of a colony of California Sea Lions. The California Sea Lion (Zalophus californicus) is one out of 14 species that are considered eared seals (Otariidae). This of course is due to the external ear flap that is visible. Propulsion in the pelagic realm is achieved through powerful strokes of the large fore flippers. This Pinniped can rotate its hind flippers forward, which enables them to scurry up rock faces and between crevices. In the water these hind flippers are used as a rudder and called upon for stabilization during their acrobatic maneuvers. As our guests entered the water positively buoyant the sound of breathing became more rapid as a circus of activity was occurring around our snorkel Zodiac. Cheers could be heard and grown individuals were belching and calling out as if they too were members of the Otariidae. The years of age just wore away and with each smile, I could see the curiosity of a child within once again had been rekindled. How could it not with an animal swimming at you at about 40 km / hour (which is actually the fastest recorded swimming speed of a California Sea Lion), then veering off only to leave you in a stream of bubbles. Since all of our guests were “winged – footed” with scuba fins, a sense of connectedness was made with our Pinniped friends.
Under the waves was home to many different species of invertebrates with colorful common names such as the chocolate cookie star. As I carefully scanned the reef a slight movement caught my eye and there in front of me was this scorpion fish which blended in perfectly with the surrounding rocks. As we watched each other eye-to-eye, and understanding of boundaries was made. Approaching slowly and capturing this close up was only accomplished through patience for if a sudden movement was made its 15-18 poisonous dorsal spines were erected until the perception of danger had subsided. These dorsal rays are only part of the fin arsenal that this fish possesses. The anal and pelvic fin spines also contain venom glands in their grooves.
To warm up a bit after a morning of snorkeling and Zodiac cruising to observe sights such as a blue-footed boobies coming in for sure footed landings on their guano crested home at Los Islotes, some of us hiked on Isla de Espiritu Santo, swam, took Zodiac tours and observed pelicans folding their wings back and dive bombing unsuspecting fish from heights of 20 feet or greater. Finally, we had to eat so we headed back to the Sea Lion for a wonderful barbeque meal served with a smile. How can it get any better then this…?
