After tucking the National Geographic Sea Bird into the protection of the tiny islet of Los Islotes, we began our morning operations right away to take advantage of the conditions. Barking in the golden morning light, we could see and hear California sea lions very nearby. Our enthusiasm at a peak, we donned our gear for a face-to-face encounter with the Gulf’s most entertaining resident. Much like the children on board, the gangs of young sea lions patrol Los Islotes’ protected shore looking for something to do, often rough housing and playing tag. Kids watching kids. Hoots and hollers reverberated through snorkels as sea lions made looping flybys and tugged on colorful flippers. Smiles and bewilderment accompanied all on the short ride back to the vessel, recounting our favorite sea lion experience replete with gesticulation and interpretive dance. These sea lions provided us with an unforgettable experience that will hopefully change how our guests see the underwater world and all that live within it.
Heading to our afternoon anchorage at Bahia Bonanza, we crossed paths with a pair of true behemoths, a pair of humpback whales. A week of anticipation met reality with the puffy spouts as the choppy water sloshed over their broad backs. Screams and cheers reverberated off the foredeck as one of the whales unexpectedly threw its body out of the water and landed with a foamy pillow of water. “I knew we were going to see whales. I called it,” spouted one of our preteen travelers. Seeing these whales was a highlight and a first for many and will be remembered for years to come. The sites, smells, and tastes of this trip will shape these young people for the rest of their lives. The trip couldn’t have ended on a better note.
