Espiritu Santo and Los Islotes
This morning, as we awoke, guests and staff came out on the deck to be welcomed by what many agreed was certainly one of the most beautiful sunrises here in the Gulf of California. Following breakfast, several of us headed out aboard the Zodiacs to enjoy an early morning snorkel with the local California sea lions of Espiritu Santo. Keeping a safe distance from the territorial males, we were still able to enjoy the unbelievable experience of swimming side by side with several curious sea lions. Following the morning swim, it was time to head out to explore the wonderful wildlife above the waterline on a circumnavigation of the island by Zodiac. While turkey vultures and blue and brown footed boobies soared overhead, we discovered the more passive napping habits of the islands sea lions and enormous, solitary Elephant Seal.
Back on board the Sea Voyager, we continued south until arriving in the early afternoon to Bonanza Beach on Espiritu Santo Island. This wonderful nature sanctuary is home to several endemic species such as the Black Jackrabbit and the Espiritu Santo WhipSnake. Beautiful white beaches and majestic Cardon lined the hillsides. Paolo San Juan plants helped to create a nature garden as our afternoon backdrop. While some set out in search of finding local wildlife with naturalist William Lopez-Forment, others wasted away the warm afternoon diving, snorkeling, sea-kayaking, or simply leisurely strolling this secluded beach.
Tonight we arrive to our final destination – La Paz. After celebrating our successful voyage with our host, the Captain of the Sea Voyager, many of us set out to discover the beauty of La Paz at night.
This morning, as we awoke, guests and staff came out on the deck to be welcomed by what many agreed was certainly one of the most beautiful sunrises here in the Gulf of California. Following breakfast, several of us headed out aboard the Zodiacs to enjoy an early morning snorkel with the local California sea lions of Espiritu Santo. Keeping a safe distance from the territorial males, we were still able to enjoy the unbelievable experience of swimming side by side with several curious sea lions. Following the morning swim, it was time to head out to explore the wonderful wildlife above the waterline on a circumnavigation of the island by Zodiac. While turkey vultures and blue and brown footed boobies soared overhead, we discovered the more passive napping habits of the islands sea lions and enormous, solitary Elephant Seal.
Back on board the Sea Voyager, we continued south until arriving in the early afternoon to Bonanza Beach on Espiritu Santo Island. This wonderful nature sanctuary is home to several endemic species such as the Black Jackrabbit and the Espiritu Santo WhipSnake. Beautiful white beaches and majestic Cardon lined the hillsides. Paolo San Juan plants helped to create a nature garden as our afternoon backdrop. While some set out in search of finding local wildlife with naturalist William Lopez-Forment, others wasted away the warm afternoon diving, snorkeling, sea-kayaking, or simply leisurely strolling this secluded beach.
Tonight we arrive to our final destination – La Paz. After celebrating our successful voyage with our host, the Captain of the Sea Voyager, many of us set out to discover the beauty of La Paz at night.
