Los Islotes, The Sea of Cortez
Day one of our expedition was rich, full and varied. Shortly before breakfast, Sea Voyager dropped her anchor into the waters of Bahia Bonanza, a broad bay near the southern tip of Isla Espiritu Santo. Heading ashore, naturalist-led hikes explored the flora and fauna of this desert island, which surprised us with its diversity and abundance. Several people spotted the elusive, endemic, black jackrabbit. Many cactus species, as well as other uniquely adapted desert plants, including agave, candle plant and jojoba covered the landscape. Later, we swam, snorkeled and kayaked. Sergeant majors, Guinea fowl puffers and baloonfish filled the waters.
After a fine lunch and a short siesta, we came to Los Islotes, an important and highly scenic California sea lion colony. Divers and snorkelers had a great time finding colorful semitropical fish and interacting with the sea lions. Later, we used our Zodiacs to circumnavigate the islet. Countless views of sea lions, from just born pups to huge breeding bulls, and their amazing array of behaviors and vocalizations, kept us enthralled. The nursing pup in the photo is less than a week old. A lone male Northern elephant seal sat motionless on the rocks, going through his annual molt of fur and skin. Blue-footed and brown boobies, magnificent frigatebirds and turkey vultures were among the birds inhabiting the volcanic rock outcropping. Sally lightfoot crabs scampered erratically along the timeline.
Making our way north, calm seas and striking scenery kept us happily occupied as we digested our day’s adventure.
Day one of our expedition was rich, full and varied. Shortly before breakfast, Sea Voyager dropped her anchor into the waters of Bahia Bonanza, a broad bay near the southern tip of Isla Espiritu Santo. Heading ashore, naturalist-led hikes explored the flora and fauna of this desert island, which surprised us with its diversity and abundance. Several people spotted the elusive, endemic, black jackrabbit. Many cactus species, as well as other uniquely adapted desert plants, including agave, candle plant and jojoba covered the landscape. Later, we swam, snorkeled and kayaked. Sergeant majors, Guinea fowl puffers and baloonfish filled the waters.
After a fine lunch and a short siesta, we came to Los Islotes, an important and highly scenic California sea lion colony. Divers and snorkelers had a great time finding colorful semitropical fish and interacting with the sea lions. Later, we used our Zodiacs to circumnavigate the islet. Countless views of sea lions, from just born pups to huge breeding bulls, and their amazing array of behaviors and vocalizations, kept us enthralled. The nursing pup in the photo is less than a week old. A lone male Northern elephant seal sat motionless on the rocks, going through his annual molt of fur and skin. Blue-footed and brown boobies, magnificent frigatebirds and turkey vultures were among the birds inhabiting the volcanic rock outcropping. Sally lightfoot crabs scampered erratically along the timeline.
Making our way north, calm seas and striking scenery kept us happily occupied as we digested our day’s adventure.
