Exploring Ensenada Grande
Today we spent the day exploring one of the Gulf’s most magnificent and diverse islands, Espiritu Santo. Anchored on the west side of the island in Ensenada Grande, we had access to several beautiful beaches for a full day of activities. After breakfast we made our way to shore for a variety of hikes. Long hikers scrambled over the large red boulders in the arroyo in order to reach the dramatic cliffs on the east side of the island. We were fortunate to encounter several whitetail antelope ground squirrels as they led us back down the arroyo. These playful and often shy creatures are endemic to Espiritu Santo. Those on the shorter hikes were also treated to the butterflies, hummingbirds, flowering vines, and the incredible variety of well adapted cacti that we find here in this arid environment. Short and moderate hikers were able to get a closer look at the cove and its marine birds from kayaks for the remainder of this clear and pleasantly cool morning.
The afternoon was enjoyed at a relaxing pace. Some took a leisurely hike ashore, while others peeled into their wet suits and made their way out to the snorkel boat. The sharp drop-off at the point gave way to shallow water closer to shore filled with coral, schools of sergeant majors, large trigger fish, and many of the brilliantly colored king angelfish. Back on the Sea Lion the aft bridge deck was a site of much activity as a heated domino game, pleasure readers and afternoon stretchers all enjoyed the space together.
To complete this special day the galley and crew provided a barbecue dinner on the beach so that we could enjoy the setting sun from the shore. Naturalist William Lopez-Forment entertained with myths of Mexican history by a beach fire under a full sky of stars.
Today we spent the day exploring one of the Gulf’s most magnificent and diverse islands, Espiritu Santo. Anchored on the west side of the island in Ensenada Grande, we had access to several beautiful beaches for a full day of activities. After breakfast we made our way to shore for a variety of hikes. Long hikers scrambled over the large red boulders in the arroyo in order to reach the dramatic cliffs on the east side of the island. We were fortunate to encounter several whitetail antelope ground squirrels as they led us back down the arroyo. These playful and often shy creatures are endemic to Espiritu Santo. Those on the shorter hikes were also treated to the butterflies, hummingbirds, flowering vines, and the incredible variety of well adapted cacti that we find here in this arid environment. Short and moderate hikers were able to get a closer look at the cove and its marine birds from kayaks for the remainder of this clear and pleasantly cool morning.
The afternoon was enjoyed at a relaxing pace. Some took a leisurely hike ashore, while others peeled into their wet suits and made their way out to the snorkel boat. The sharp drop-off at the point gave way to shallow water closer to shore filled with coral, schools of sergeant majors, large trigger fish, and many of the brilliantly colored king angelfish. Back on the Sea Lion the aft bridge deck was a site of much activity as a heated domino game, pleasure readers and afternoon stretchers all enjoyed the space together.
To complete this special day the galley and crew provided a barbecue dinner on the beach so that we could enjoy the setting sun from the shore. Naturalist William Lopez-Forment entertained with myths of Mexican history by a beach fire under a full sky of stars.
