Los Islotes & Espiritu Santo Island
Very early we sailed from our night anchorage at Isla San Francisco to Los Islotes, at the northern tip of Espiritu Santo Island. The ocean was a little rough, but soon we were anchored in the protection of these two islets (Islotes), in full view of tremendous waves crashing against one side of these igneous in origin islets. Soon after breakfast we were in the water, swimming with a multitude of colored fish and frisky California sea lions. These lovely pinnipeds showed off their swimming skills and facilities by swimming up to us at full speed and veering off at exactly the right moment to avoid an accident. We were enthralled!
After returning to the ship, we took Zodiac trips along the inner front of the islets, to watch all these animals at their rest positions, grumbling, barking and making a good racket!
After lunch we moved on further south to a small bight, called Ensenada Grande, and here did kayaking in the more quiet waters, and different hikes, into the now green ravine of the island. Here some of us observed the endemic small antelope ground squirrels, together with the interesting plants that were so effusive. Many cacti, mangroves and small flowering plants were to be seen, as well as some birds.
Before the day came to an end, we had a beach barbecue, and stories at the bonfire, as well as delicious S’mores!
