Description of the day’s events: 

Today was one of those days that make a Dive Master love their job. The ocean was full of “popcorn manta” and the sea lions were in a good mood. The water at Los Islotes was clear and blue. We passed through the Arch in full glory: schools of jacks, playful sea lions, and crystal clear views to the other side; I could almost hear the nudibranchs singing. On the other side, we went up current to the shallows to watch a raft of sea lions basking in the sun, the big male keeping watch over them from below. We continued with the current to the eastern end where the coral and gorgonian are very much alive. We were passed by a school of nearly 50 King Angels traveling the opposite way. We found at 65’ a severe thermocline with dirty brown water below it. Passing through the shimmering barrier, we found it to be rather cold down there. As we were not looking for penguin, we returned to the warm water. A large school of Finescale Triggerfish was being cleaned by Butterflies and there were several large grouper ‘hanging’ off the rocks. Our next dive was planned for El Bajito, but unless we were looking to surf the reef, we opted out. Back at Los Islotes, we drifted the entire southern side using the current to our advantage. In one of my favorite caves, four baby sea lions with great big puppy-dog eyes were wrestling and put on a great show for everyone. Drifting into the deeper section we watched, a group of Blue Spotted Jawfish who were in full mating dance mode with their bright white jackets and brown trousers. Continuing on to the next site, we drove past one island and saw many turtles feeding and several Mobula cruising the sand field. At Swanee Reef, the water was gorgeous. There was a mild current, so we went to the far side of the reef and found the school of Bigeye Scad. They seemed calmer than before. An enormous Diamond Stingray appeared in front of us and soon disappeared just in time for us to notice the turtle who was trying to sneak past us unnoticed. Passing over the reef into the current, we drifted toward the Pangon where we were anchored. Having 10 minutes to spare, we swam out onto the sand flat. As the visibility was so good, we were able to sit and watch as the Pike Blennies danced in full sail, the Bulls

Eye Puffers skipped over the sand, a Cortez Electric Ray ‘walk’ past on it’s overgrown pectoral fins, and a Peacock Razor Fish was nearby. It was a nice moment to sit still and watch the parade of life.