January 2nd 2010 marks the completion of our third 7 day expedition throughout the Sea of Cortez. This day also marks the 43rd consecutive day of 12 hr shifts, and 3 days a way from my much needed day off. I figured I would have been writing a bit everyday or at least a post a week, but often find myself so tired after work that all I can do is climb into bed and collapse! I have now experienced all the different shifts from the rotation and found that my current shift is the best; 1am-1pm. This shift allows me to complete the night chores without all the chaos that comes with the day walkers. I found to really love having a task list and completing them on my own rather having to listen to my superiors all day. The mornings are always fun to work because the guests wake up and are always heading out on some sort of boat operation, so we stay pretty busy, causing time to fly by. Once 1pm hits...I sign off passing over the rest of the tasks and can either partake in a nice afternoon activity, tan up on the top deck, or just go down to my cabin and relax!
Our destinations to date have included the following islands strung out Cortez: Isla Espiritu Santo / Partida, Isla San Francisco, Isla San Jose, Isla Danzante, Isla Carmen, Isla Santa Catalina and Isla Marcos. All of these islands are beautiful in their own unique way, and vary as far as available activities. Isla San Francisco has one of the most beautful beaches for just relaxing in the sun called Half Moon Bay. The tiny Isla Danzante offers stunning 360 degree views from its highest peaks as well as gorgeous kayaking water protected from the raging wind in the main channel. Isla San Jose has some great day hikes and is the spot to go if you want to walk among the Cardon Cactus. Isla Marcos has a year round population due to mining, but the waters were so rough it was hard to land Zodiacs on shore, so I have yet to explore these lands. We did however see our first whale , a Brydes of the outing just to the west of the island. Isla Santa Catalina is an incredible island with great snorkeling waters at the base of roca elefante which is a huge rock formation resembling an elephant head. Santa Catalina is also a great place to get some arroyo hiking in while searching for the rattle-less rattle snake, and Catalina barrell cactus both endemic to the island!
Isla Espiritu Santo is the closest island to La Paz, and has the most to offer for tourists. It is surrounded by shallow coves whose blue waters allow breathtaking views. There are hiking opportunities, snorkeling areas, phenomenal kayaking waters along wild rock formations, and great beaches for swimming or just plane relaxing. To the north is Los Isotes which are two large rocks making up a Sea Lion colony. This is one of the guests favorite destinations due to guaranteed close encounters with the playful and curious creatures. They swim right with the snorkelers and often come right up and nibble on the wet suits!
Besides the lone Brydes whale mentioned above, we have seen a few humpbacks in the distance, many dolphins, a group of 12 Brydes whales and the most impressive a 40-50 ft Fin whale with her Calf just 75-100 meters off the port side of the ship! (No Photos to share at the moment, but real Whale season comes soon)
Life is sweet, I am tired and more will come once I get this long awaited day off! Happy New Year everyone!
Good Luck, Worked on the Sea Lion 20yrs back, when they were starting up, Vessel was prevously called the "Great Rivers Explorer". with a company call Exploration Cruise Lines. Your vessel Sea Bird was called the Majestic Explorer and was mostly in Tahiti. I worked 2 yrs with Exploration Cruise Lines in Panama, Alaska, Columbia & Snake River, Baja California. Worked a 6 month contract on Sea Lion. Not to sound bitter but the companies (Sven's) objective is to EXPLOIT you. Pay you next to nothing and work you to the bone. Foreign crews on other ships don't work the hours you do. Maybe the work enviroment has improved since I was there???? - - - Don't kill yourself doing that job, - just cruise by - - - Good Luck
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