This morning before sunrise we anchored off Punta Dispensa, on the southeast corner of Isla Espiritu Santo. We had several choices of activities from this beach: many people tried the small watercraft—kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. The beach was perfect for strolling, and we stopped often to look at the countless shells of pearl oysters, orange-rimmed spiny oysters, and sun-bleached pieces of coral that the waves had left behind. The sea had deposited carcasses of porcupine fish and triggerfish; their tough skins and spines persist long after the fishes have died. A small group of hikers went inland, through a large salt flat to a hilltop, and along the way they looked closely at desert vegetation.
In the afternoon we snorkeled at Los Islotes, small islets a short distance to the north. We dipped into turquoise green water with mask and fins, and had our first looks beneath the waves. Colorful king angelfish, yellowtail surgeonfish, and damselfish swam beneath us. California sea lions slid from their perches on the red rocks and cruised among us; their agile and effortless swimming was a joy to watch. Some of the juvenile sea lions were very curious and playful, and we had some close encounters with a few of them. Many of the sea lions rested and slept in the sun, on rocks near the water. Blue-footed boobies flew overhead, and occasionally we saw their outrageously colored, bright blue feet as they came in to land.
We were back at the ship for a delicious lunch of tacos, and soon afterwards, we ventured out again to explore the beautiful, shallow bay called Ensenada Grande. Turquoise water is surrounded by beautiful formations of rock and we explored this unusual shore from our expedition landing craft. The buff-colored ash layers have hardened into tuff, which has weathered into smooth shapes: some areas resembled melted chocolate ice cream. In the beautiful surroundings of this calm anchorage we enjoyed cocktails before sunset and dinner on deck under the stars.
