Bahia Bonanza, Isla Espiritu Santo
An elongated crescent of white sand embraced our anchorage in the rich turquoise water of Bonanza Bay, our day’s destination. The lee of Isla Espiritu Santo, or in English, the Island of the Holy Ghost, offered a bit of shelter from a brisk wind that ruffled the more distant waves. A few brown pelicans stared solemnly at us from their rocky perches when the Zodiacs motored towards the landing. Before long, desert hikers and beach combers took off in all directions to explore. Shells and skeletons lay scattered along the wave-swept coast just waiting to be discovered. The desert itself was quite green, well leafed-out from previous rainfall. This island, along with Isla Partida immediately to the north, is home to an endemic “black” jackrabbit, a very dark brown form of more typical jackrabbits. These elusive creatures are hard to spot unless flushed from a hiding place. In spite of this, several groups of walkers spotted one or even two of these unusual mammals.
After our morning outing we returned to the ship for a pasta buffet lunch before preparing to go back to the island for more water-related afternoon activities. Experienced snorkelers swam along the rocky side of the bay in search of marine life, while those wanting a review or some lessons practiced in shallower water. Some folks opted for a yoga session at the beach with the Wellness Specialist for part of the afternoon. Kayaking provided another opportunity to investigate the area. Finally all were back aboard, and we soon gathered for cocktails and dinner before the ship pulled anchor and turned north for another day of adventure in the Sea of Cortez.
An elongated crescent of white sand embraced our anchorage in the rich turquoise water of Bonanza Bay, our day’s destination. The lee of Isla Espiritu Santo, or in English, the Island of the Holy Ghost, offered a bit of shelter from a brisk wind that ruffled the more distant waves. A few brown pelicans stared solemnly at us from their rocky perches when the Zodiacs motored towards the landing. Before long, desert hikers and beach combers took off in all directions to explore. Shells and skeletons lay scattered along the wave-swept coast just waiting to be discovered. The desert itself was quite green, well leafed-out from previous rainfall. This island, along with Isla Partida immediately to the north, is home to an endemic “black” jackrabbit, a very dark brown form of more typical jackrabbits. These elusive creatures are hard to spot unless flushed from a hiding place. In spite of this, several groups of walkers spotted one or even two of these unusual mammals.
After our morning outing we returned to the ship for a pasta buffet lunch before preparing to go back to the island for more water-related afternoon activities. Experienced snorkelers swam along the rocky side of the bay in search of marine life, while those wanting a review or some lessons practiced in shallower water. Some folks opted for a yoga session at the beach with the Wellness Specialist for part of the afternoon. Kayaking provided another opportunity to investigate the area. Finally all were back aboard, and we soon gathered for cocktails and dinner before the ship pulled anchor and turned north for another day of adventure in the Sea of Cortez.
