Los Islotes and Isla Espiritu Santo
Rugged volcanic rocks rose from the sea at Los Islotes, the center of our morning activities. Following breakfast, snorkelers slid into the clear water. Curious sea lions quickly joined us, as if they had suddenly been presented with new toys. They leapt free of the water and raced in circles around us with incredible grace. The anchor chain of the Zodiac was a favorite toy of the juveniles, and they chomped and pulled on this new plaything while we watched. After snorkeling, we boarded Zodiacs and cruised the shoreline to watch the sea lions from another perspective, and also to see the multitude of seabirds that inhabit this site. Frigatebirds, pelicans and boobies perched on guano-encrusted perches and wheeled overhead. Yellow-footed gulls, unique to the Gulf of California, stood cooperatively at the water’s edge, and the smell and barking of sea lions filled the air.
By afternoon the ship lay anchored in the turquoise water at Punta Dispensa, on the southern end of Isla Espiritu Santo. Many paddled off in kayaks, and others wandered inland to explore the desert. One group was lucky to spot the endemic black jackrabbit and an antelope ground squirrel. There were huge cardons and tiny pencil-sized cacti along with a multitude of other plants. The beach itself was lovely and perfect for beachcombing.
During cocktail hour, the Undersea Specialist showed a video of fish, invertebrates and sea lions from his dives on this trip. The Video Chronicler showed footage as well, encapsulating the wonderful experiences that all of us had shared on this special voyage in Baja California.
Rugged volcanic rocks rose from the sea at Los Islotes, the center of our morning activities. Following breakfast, snorkelers slid into the clear water. Curious sea lions quickly joined us, as if they had suddenly been presented with new toys. They leapt free of the water and raced in circles around us with incredible grace. The anchor chain of the Zodiac was a favorite toy of the juveniles, and they chomped and pulled on this new plaything while we watched. After snorkeling, we boarded Zodiacs and cruised the shoreline to watch the sea lions from another perspective, and also to see the multitude of seabirds that inhabit this site. Frigatebirds, pelicans and boobies perched on guano-encrusted perches and wheeled overhead. Yellow-footed gulls, unique to the Gulf of California, stood cooperatively at the water’s edge, and the smell and barking of sea lions filled the air.
By afternoon the ship lay anchored in the turquoise water at Punta Dispensa, on the southern end of Isla Espiritu Santo. Many paddled off in kayaks, and others wandered inland to explore the desert. One group was lucky to spot the endemic black jackrabbit and an antelope ground squirrel. There were huge cardons and tiny pencil-sized cacti along with a multitude of other plants. The beach itself was lovely and perfect for beachcombing.
During cocktail hour, the Undersea Specialist showed a video of fish, invertebrates and sea lions from his dives on this trip. The Video Chronicler showed footage as well, encapsulating the wonderful experiences that all of us had shared on this special voyage in Baja California.
