The morning began early with the sun’s rise over the Pacific. Guests and staff crowded the bow in search of what the new light would bring in the way of potential wildlife sightings. After breakfast, we suited up for snorkeling and began to the legendary Los Islotes – a known haul out for playful and curious California sea lions.

Just below the surface king angelfish and striped grunts swam about, chasing after their breakfast and soon enough the guests of the hour arrived. To be in the same water with a sea lion allows for an experience far different than interacting above surface. Largely inactive on land, they take on new form as acrobats underwater. They pirouette and jut without warning, blowing bubbles, nibbling flipper fins, and spurring plenty of excitement among our guests. The sea lions proved worthy water companions once again