We woke up to a beautiful sunrise this morning as we continued south toward Espiritu Santo Archipelago National Park where we would be spending our final full day of this voyage. Our original plan was to snorkel with California sea lions at Los Islotes after breakfast, but instead, the wind and waves sent us seeking calmer waters in the beautiful bay of Ensenada Grande on Isla Partida. We would attempt snorkeling again after lunch.
Our morning activities included a variety of hikes where several groups spotted the endemic jackrabbit, a xantus humming bird, a ladder-backed woodpecker, and even a baby rattlesnake! A handful of us hiked up the boulder-studded arroyo to get a fantastic view of the other side of the island. After our walks, we enjoyed the clear turquoise waters of Ensenada bay via kayaks and standup paddleboards. Then it was back to the ship for lunch and a reassessment of the snorkeling conditions at Los Islotes.
Thankfully, the wind had died down and it was a go! We donned our wetsuits, flippers, snorkels, and masks and jumped into the water to watch the sea lions perform their acrobatic feats underwater. I never get tired of watching them play.
To top off our week-long voyage in the Sea of Cortez, the hotel department prepared a fabulous beach BBQ for us back in Ensenada Grande. It was a perfect way to end a fantastic trip and also an incredible season down here in Baja. The National Geographic Sea Lion will now make the trek up north to begin our Alaska season!
