Having been blessed with calm seas for many days, we were surprised to wake to windy conditions blowing in from the southwest. The building waves dashed our intended plans to visit Los Islotes, so we altered course for the stunning and well-protected bay of Ensenada Grande on the nearby island of Partida Sur. Geologically this island is part of the larger island of Espiritu Santo that borders it to the south, yet a narrow channel of seawater passes between them creating two geographically separate islands. Together they comprise the protected area of Archipíelago de Espiritu Santo National Park, known for its reddish rocks wrapping scenic sandy bays bathed in colorful turquoise waters.
In the morning we enjoyed hikes ashore, marveling at the desert vegetation, curious lizards, and endemic antelope ground squirrels. Shorter walks ambled peacefully through the gentler lower slopes of the canyon. Long hikers clambered up the long rocky arroyo, passing beneath spindly palo blanco trees and occasional paler fig trees with slender roots threading cracks in the canyon’s red rock walls. Out on the bay, others chose to view the island’s scenic rocks from the comfort of an inflatable boat. Volcanic tuff draped like frosting dripping over the waved-washed hollows along the shore.
After lunch, there were opportunities for snorkeling, kayaking, and balancing on stand-up paddleboards. The waters of the bay reflected green light on the white bellies of gulls flying low over the water. It was a tranquil and very mellow finish to a wonderful expedition. We gathered for final dinner onboard with many memorable events shared during our past week together in the very magical Sea of Cortez.
