Los Islotes and Bonanza Bay
They say that a great day doesn't necessarily start well, but in Baja that's hard to believe; especially because here we have a shortage of both bad days and pessimists. How could you expect a bad day when you see dolphins shortly after sunrise? As we sailed towards Los Islotes, a number of long-beaked common dolphins entertained early risers while disturbing the glassy appearance of the clam waters. After breakfast (man, I love lox and bagels!) we divided into groups to cruise around the rocky islets to watch the numerous California sea lions sunbathing on the rocks, blue-footed and brown boobies, frigate birds and even the occasional loon and peregrine falcon. Some other, braver explorers plunged into the sea lions’ underwater realm and went snorkeling among them. A cheerful and furry reception committee greeted us in the water as many young sea lions expectantly waited for us to satisfy their curiosity and eagerness to play. Their antics were truly remarkable and put all of us to shame over our clumsy swimming abilities. As the ship's Undersea Specialist, I went scuba diving at the same place in order to get some underwater footage; the great number and variety of reef fishes here is astonishing and time passed by very quickly while I tried to capture on video the abundant parrot fishes, blue and gold snappers and nudibranchs. Concentrated in my own business, I suddenly felt someone watching over my shoulder as a young pup curiously tried to see what was so special about a sea star! (see photo)
After lunch, while cruising towards the southeastern end of Espíritu Santo Island, a dwarf sperm whale was seen. Sightings of this species are not very common and always a source of excitement. Later, the Sea Lion anchored at wonderful Bonanza Bay. Hikes were organized trying to see the endemic black jackrabbit, kayakers went exploring the shoreline and some more aquatic souls went snorkeling for a second time today. Despite the numerous exciting activities, we all returned to the beach for an exquisite barbeque prepared by our chef Carl Reier and his team. With so many fresh memories, great food and a sky full of stars, our day ended as great as it had begun. I told you…it is hard to have a bad day here in Baja!
They say that a great day doesn't necessarily start well, but in Baja that's hard to believe; especially because here we have a shortage of both bad days and pessimists. How could you expect a bad day when you see dolphins shortly after sunrise? As we sailed towards Los Islotes, a number of long-beaked common dolphins entertained early risers while disturbing the glassy appearance of the clam waters. After breakfast (man, I love lox and bagels!) we divided into groups to cruise around the rocky islets to watch the numerous California sea lions sunbathing on the rocks, blue-footed and brown boobies, frigate birds and even the occasional loon and peregrine falcon. Some other, braver explorers plunged into the sea lions’ underwater realm and went snorkeling among them. A cheerful and furry reception committee greeted us in the water as many young sea lions expectantly waited for us to satisfy their curiosity and eagerness to play. Their antics were truly remarkable and put all of us to shame over our clumsy swimming abilities. As the ship's Undersea Specialist, I went scuba diving at the same place in order to get some underwater footage; the great number and variety of reef fishes here is astonishing and time passed by very quickly while I tried to capture on video the abundant parrot fishes, blue and gold snappers and nudibranchs. Concentrated in my own business, I suddenly felt someone watching over my shoulder as a young pup curiously tried to see what was so special about a sea star! (see photo)
After lunch, while cruising towards the southeastern end of Espíritu Santo Island, a dwarf sperm whale was seen. Sightings of this species are not very common and always a source of excitement. Later, the Sea Lion anchored at wonderful Bonanza Bay. Hikes were organized trying to see the endemic black jackrabbit, kayakers went exploring the shoreline and some more aquatic souls went snorkeling for a second time today. Despite the numerous exciting activities, we all returned to the beach for an exquisite barbeque prepared by our chef Carl Reier and his team. With so many fresh memories, great food and a sky full of stars, our day ended as great as it had begun. I told you…it is hard to have a bad day here in Baja!
