Los Islotes and Bahia Bonanza, Isla Espiritu Santo

The National Geographic Sea Bird spent a quiet night at anchor, and after Paula’s 0700 update we weighed anchor and cruised a short distance to the rocky islets known as Los Islotes. The sky was washed in pink pastels.

The rocks of Los Islotes are composed of welded tuff (consolidated ash), remnants of a very explosive period of volcanism that occurred before the formation of the Gulf of California (Sea of Cortez). A wonderful sea arch shows us the power of water and a recently fallen finger of rock reminds us that erosion is slow but constant.

Small in area and protected from fishing, Los Islotes is a lively and cacophonous place, with California sea lions, blue-footed and brown boobies, endemic yellow-footed gulls, two species of cormorants, brown pelicans, and magnificent frigatebirds all using this place in one way or another. A great blue heron stood on its nest that was built in a cholla cactus. Sally Lightfoot crabs cavorted on the rocks above the waterline. Everything is intimately connected to what is happening on the rocks above and in the water below.

We toured first by Zodiac to observe and listen to (and, yes), smell the animals. It was a lot to take in, with a wild and isolated feeling. Then some of us delved below the surface with wetsuits, masks, and snorkels. Besides the playful sea lions, there were also lots of colorful fish and invertebrates to see here.

With the Baja California Peninsula to the west, we cruised southward along the western side of Islas Partida and Espiritu Santo to Bonanza Bay at the southeast tip of the latter. The La Paz fault runs through the shallow arroyo at the east end of the beach, with rounded granite boulders on one side and angular, red volcanic rocks on the other side. We had a chance to walk the long beach or explore inland.

Back for cocktails and appetizers, the guest slideshow and Alberto’s underwater footage from the morning played on the screens in the lounge before dinner.

We had a great day, with beautiful places to conclude our voyage.