Ensenada Grande & Los Islotes
If only every day could be like today.
Our day begins before breakfast with distant views of blue whales blowing along the sculpted coastline of Espiritu Santo Island. What follows is a timeless exploration of Ensenada Grande, one of the most scenic coves in all of Baja California.
With the trill of canyon wrens echoing off the cliffs, we scramble up the desert wash soaking in the sweet smell of the Sonoran Desert. A few intrepid hikers make it all the way to the top of the island where the Sea of Cortez fills the infinite horizon. Meanwhile along the rocky shore, kayakers quietly dip their paddles and glide past pelicans and yellow-footed gulls perched on the cliffs above.
By mid-afternoon the Sea Lion approaches the remote outcroppings known as Los Islotes. The barking sounds of California sea lions signal our arrival. As we launch Zodiacs for our snorkeling activities, blue-footed and brown boobies dart through the air, above spires, artistically frosted with guano. Once in the water, we are dazzled by the sea lion pups swimming circles around us.
And then the Mobula rays start jumping. First in the distance, then around the ship. And as we launch Zodiacs for a sunset cruise, these small cousins of the larger manta rays continue their acrobatics. Our Zodiac sits motionless as a swarm approaches, splashing now on either side of us. Then, like a missile, one ray leaps right along side us, breaking the horizon. If photography puts you in the moment, then this is it. Click, click, click—our cameras fire in unison.
As the sun sinks below the horizon, we can hear the ice cubes rattling back on board. If only every day could be like today.
If only every day could be like today.
Our day begins before breakfast with distant views of blue whales blowing along the sculpted coastline of Espiritu Santo Island. What follows is a timeless exploration of Ensenada Grande, one of the most scenic coves in all of Baja California.
With the trill of canyon wrens echoing off the cliffs, we scramble up the desert wash soaking in the sweet smell of the Sonoran Desert. A few intrepid hikers make it all the way to the top of the island where the Sea of Cortez fills the infinite horizon. Meanwhile along the rocky shore, kayakers quietly dip their paddles and glide past pelicans and yellow-footed gulls perched on the cliffs above.
By mid-afternoon the Sea Lion approaches the remote outcroppings known as Los Islotes. The barking sounds of California sea lions signal our arrival. As we launch Zodiacs for our snorkeling activities, blue-footed and brown boobies dart through the air, above spires, artistically frosted with guano. Once in the water, we are dazzled by the sea lion pups swimming circles around us.
And then the Mobula rays start jumping. First in the distance, then around the ship. And as we launch Zodiacs for a sunset cruise, these small cousins of the larger manta rays continue their acrobatics. Our Zodiac sits motionless as a swarm approaches, splashing now on either side of us. Then, like a missile, one ray leaps right along side us, breaking the horizon. If photography puts you in the moment, then this is it. Click, click, click—our cameras fire in unison.
As the sun sinks below the horizon, we can hear the ice cubes rattling back on board. If only every day could be like today.
