Los Islotes
A hazy morning accompanied by soft breezes greeted the SEA LION as she made her way towards her morning anchorage, the islet of Los Islotes. It is a California sea lion haul-out and also a rookery for a wonderful diversity of birds, not forgetting the interesting geologic activity that has formed this tiny islet! Slowly many of us made our way to the bow, for a spectacular display of Blue whales, widely spaced, throughout our visual area. The mottled grayish-blue backs of these large marine mammals rose in the still air, took a deep breath slipped below the surface of the water rising again to lunge through clouds of krill mouths agape taking in gallons of water and food! As we looked out around the gorgeous softly lit islands and the waters of the Gulf of California, we could see blows in every direction! The twenty to thirty foot blows of these Blue whales hung in the air, adding to the mystery and peacefulness of this new day.
Breakfast was soon called and slowly we made our way to the dining room for the sustenance that would carry us through our busy morning. At the end of breakfast Neil, our expedition leader, gave a briefing on the options for this full day. We would begin our day snorkeling with California sea lions. Following our morning swim we would be able to return to the SEA LION change our clothing, return to the Zodiacs for tours around Los Islotes and an opportunity for closer looks at the many other residents who call this volcanic outcropping their home.
The snorkeling boat was anchored, and very shortly followed the shuttles of intrepid snorkelers, ready for a morning dip in clear and refreshing waters. Once in the water we were all greeted with eager sea lions looking for new companions in play! We had bubbles blown in our faces, and wonderful close passes made by sea lions curious about new snorklers in the water. The display of tropical fish was spectacular! The visibility was the best we had seen and once we were use to the water, it was a great pleasure to float near the steep rocky side of the island, watching the underwater inhabitants of Los Islotes. As soon as we had our fill of this underwater activity, we were whisked back to the waiting SEA LION for a quick change. Then, we returned to the aft section of the ship and prepared to go for an extended ride around Los Islotes looking at Blue-footed boobies, brown boobies, frigate birds, ravens and several other species, all enjoying this peaceful warm morning. Decorating the rocks were a plethora of Sally light-foot crabs, dancing in and around the waters edge. Some were feeding while others watched and guarded their territory with numerous boxing matches! All too soon we were called back to the SEA LION for an exchange of guests who awaited the same intimate views of the varied population of Los Islotes. Switch-outs were accomplished quickly and soon a second group of Zodiac tours was underway. Just before lunch, all explorers were back on board ready for a hearty lunch. We adjourned to the dining room for good food, company and yet another meal sharing stories from our morning activities.
After lunch, Neil invited us into the forward lounge for a special viewing of some of his video footage from around the world of Lindblad Expeditions. A wonderful relaxed view of the many faces of Lindblad awaited us. Neil filled in the details of ships, undersea equipment, naturalists, and the many different experiences one could see through the eyes of a Lindblad trip in another destination in the world. Lifting the curtains at the end of the presentation, we found ourselves on approach to Bonanza beach on the island of Espirtu Santos. Our last afternoon would be given to all options from hikes with naturalists, or alone along a ten mile deserted white sand beach, kayaking, swimming, snorkeling, or just a nice long siesta on a beach with a great view and no interruptions what so ever! It was our last afternoon in Baja and a time for reflection. At times it seemed our trip was just a blink passing quickly as we traveled around the land that makes up the Baja peninsula. We had time to ponder this unique desert by the sea environment. Time to collect our thoughts, pack them away as our own adventures and take home the many stories...traveling, to remote corners of the world...taking the treasure of our individual experiences home as a special jewel, reflecting each of our perceptions of this small but beautiful place in Mexico...
A hazy morning accompanied by soft breezes greeted the SEA LION as she made her way towards her morning anchorage, the islet of Los Islotes. It is a California sea lion haul-out and also a rookery for a wonderful diversity of birds, not forgetting the interesting geologic activity that has formed this tiny islet! Slowly many of us made our way to the bow, for a spectacular display of Blue whales, widely spaced, throughout our visual area. The mottled grayish-blue backs of these large marine mammals rose in the still air, took a deep breath slipped below the surface of the water rising again to lunge through clouds of krill mouths agape taking in gallons of water and food! As we looked out around the gorgeous softly lit islands and the waters of the Gulf of California, we could see blows in every direction! The twenty to thirty foot blows of these Blue whales hung in the air, adding to the mystery and peacefulness of this new day.
Breakfast was soon called and slowly we made our way to the dining room for the sustenance that would carry us through our busy morning. At the end of breakfast Neil, our expedition leader, gave a briefing on the options for this full day. We would begin our day snorkeling with California sea lions. Following our morning swim we would be able to return to the SEA LION change our clothing, return to the Zodiacs for tours around Los Islotes and an opportunity for closer looks at the many other residents who call this volcanic outcropping their home.
The snorkeling boat was anchored, and very shortly followed the shuttles of intrepid snorkelers, ready for a morning dip in clear and refreshing waters. Once in the water we were all greeted with eager sea lions looking for new companions in play! We had bubbles blown in our faces, and wonderful close passes made by sea lions curious about new snorklers in the water. The display of tropical fish was spectacular! The visibility was the best we had seen and once we were use to the water, it was a great pleasure to float near the steep rocky side of the island, watching the underwater inhabitants of Los Islotes. As soon as we had our fill of this underwater activity, we were whisked back to the waiting SEA LION for a quick change. Then, we returned to the aft section of the ship and prepared to go for an extended ride around Los Islotes looking at Blue-footed boobies, brown boobies, frigate birds, ravens and several other species, all enjoying this peaceful warm morning. Decorating the rocks were a plethora of Sally light-foot crabs, dancing in and around the waters edge. Some were feeding while others watched and guarded their territory with numerous boxing matches! All too soon we were called back to the SEA LION for an exchange of guests who awaited the same intimate views of the varied population of Los Islotes. Switch-outs were accomplished quickly and soon a second group of Zodiac tours was underway. Just before lunch, all explorers were back on board ready for a hearty lunch. We adjourned to the dining room for good food, company and yet another meal sharing stories from our morning activities.
After lunch, Neil invited us into the forward lounge for a special viewing of some of his video footage from around the world of Lindblad Expeditions. A wonderful relaxed view of the many faces of Lindblad awaited us. Neil filled in the details of ships, undersea equipment, naturalists, and the many different experiences one could see through the eyes of a Lindblad trip in another destination in the world. Lifting the curtains at the end of the presentation, we found ourselves on approach to Bonanza beach on the island of Espirtu Santos. Our last afternoon would be given to all options from hikes with naturalists, or alone along a ten mile deserted white sand beach, kayaking, swimming, snorkeling, or just a nice long siesta on a beach with a great view and no interruptions what so ever! It was our last afternoon in Baja and a time for reflection. At times it seemed our trip was just a blink passing quickly as we traveled around the land that makes up the Baja peninsula. We had time to ponder this unique desert by the sea environment. Time to collect our thoughts, pack them away as our own adventures and take home the many stories...traveling, to remote corners of the world...taking the treasure of our individual experiences home as a special jewel, reflecting each of our perceptions of this small but beautiful place in Mexico...
