Los Islotes & Ensenada Grande
This morning we woke to the trumpeting calls of sea lions off the island of Los Islotes. The rocks are covered with these boisterous and entertaining animals. We climbed into the Zodiacs for a closer look as brown and blue-footed boobies added to excitement.
This breeding colony of sea lions currently numbers close to 300 animals and soon we were in the water swimming alongside these playful creatures. Unlike seals, who employ their back flippers to swim, sea lions use their front flippers to gracefully ‘fly’ through the water. They are very curious and seem to enjoy inviting us to twist and twirl right along with them.
By afternoon we had arrived at Ensenada Grande for our first attempt at kayaking, and for hikes up the arroyo. The wind made for some challenging paddling, but the arroyo was calm and full of whistling canyon wrens. Ground squirrels and lizards darted among the low lying vegetation. A few hearty souls made it all the way to the stunning cliff views on the opposite side of the island. Two yellow footed gulls were found back at the beach fighting for a puffer fish. It was an unusual prize, as it is toxic to eat, even for a full sized human.
Back aboard the National Geographic Sea Bird we were treated to sunset cocktails on the Lido Deck with many eyes turned towards the setting sun in hopes of seeing the ever elusive ‘green flash.”
