The San Benitos are a small group of islands about 220 miles south of Ensenada. There is a large sea lion colony on the islands and I thought I'd share one of our sea lion experiences.
San Benito Islands have a large sea lion colony. They used to only be on one of the smaller islands but have started migrating to the main island. The only way to get on the lee beaches from the boat is to "battle" the sea lions to be able to land the dinghy on shore. Of all the little coves with a beach, there is only one place to land that gives you the capability to climb the rocks to work your way up to the island, and this cove was full of sea lions.
No big deal really, except for my fear of sea lions. Yep, I am super scared of them. Well, despite my fear of sea lions, we decided to go ashore. We both wanted to explore the island!
We rowed to the beach towards the sea lions. First order of business, had to make sure we executed the correct timing to get into the cove in order to not flip the dinghy. Next order of business, and all that mattered to me at that point, dealing with the sea lions!! These sea lions were watching us before we even made into the cove. Then when we did, a bunch of them were not too happy and started barking at us. As we float into shore we start clapping and yelling "Off!"... not that they know what off means... but they don't like clapping sounds. After a minute, which seemed like eternity, they started moving down the beach a bit and into the water swimming away from us. I alternate between watching them swim off and clapping at them in the beach. I turn around as I see a few swim off, and here is a group in the water headed our way! I'm yelling at them, splashing the water with my oar, completely quit assisting Greg in directing the boat towards shore, and tried to get his attention. I was completely freaking out by this point and my voice quickly shot up as I said 'Greg!" He starts clapping at them and splashing them as well, so now no one is directing the boat! After maneuvering, clapping, splashing water, and yelling we somehow managed to keep the dinghy from flipping, make it to shore, and get the sea lions off the beach. Or so I thought! We drag the dinghy up and there are sea lions asleep on the other side!! As soon as we get the dinghy set, I am running past the sleeping sea lions and am scrambling up the rocks to get away!!! I left Greg behind to fend for himself. As I climb my heart is beating super-fast, but I successfully make it to the top! Phew. My heart rate is even slightly increasing as I recall the events of batting the sea lions!
So, that's my sea lion story at the San Benitos!!!!