As the National Geographic Sea Bird tucked behind Los Islotes’ jagged spires of red volcanic tuff, a wave of barks, moans, and whistles hailed our arrival. California sea lions called out to us and to each other—perhaps looking forward to some watery interactions with snorkelers and inflatable boats. Spring seems to have arrived as well, with calm seas and warming water. Under the sea filled with colorful fishes, Brant’s cormorants dove through a school of herring and sea lions circled the snorkelers that dove down into the turquoise water.
Small boat tours around the islet brought playful young sea lions under, beside, and all around the black inflatables. High up in red rock alcoves blue-footed boobies perched, and we craned our necks to look for their blue-webbed toes. Brown pelicans swooped and dove for small fish while turkey vultures rested, warming in the morning sun. High above, magnificent frigatebirds rose in lazy circles with the thermals.
Isla San Francisco and Half Moon Bay was our last afternoon stop to relax, kayak, hike across the island, walk the beach, and/or snorkel. The cloud watching was unusual, as squalls moved over the nearby peninsula draping shadows and moving light across the volcanic mountain range—the spectacular Sierra de la Giganta. It has been a wonderful week of sharing stories and making memories that we will all cherish for a long time to come.
