Nature Cruise to the Islas Los Coronados
Pirates & Rum Runners, Whales & Dolphins,
Elephant Seals, Sea Birds, and More!
By Lisa D. Smith

Nancy and I recently went out to sea on San Diego Harbor Excursions newest cruise – their Nature Cruise to the Coronado Islands. This exciting journey began around 10 am when we boarded ‘The Morning Star,’ and met our guides, Captain Ben Griffith and his Co-Captain Steve. Nancy and I made ourselves comfortable in the seating at the top of the boat – we wanted the full ‘out to sea’ experience – fresh air, sunshine, and the full view….on boy did we get it!

As we headed out of the harbor area, Captain Ben explained the fascinating history of the San Diego harbor - how it was built, its military heritage and more, whilst pointing out historic sites and attractions such as the Cabrillo National Monument and Point Loma Lighthouse, the USS Midway Museum, and more. It was amazing to travel past the Cabrillo National Monument where in 1542, Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo stepped into history as the first European to set foot on what is now the West Coast of the United States. Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo also founded the Los Coronados Islands, our destination.

We were past the harbor area and heading out to sea, the breeze was lifting our hair and the ‘big blue’ beckoned, as Captain Ben began telling the lively tales of the Los Coronados Islands, which are located in Mexican waters (don’t worry – no need to bring your passport). There are four different islands to visit – Dead Man’s Island, the primary reproductive area for over 3000 breeding pairs of brown pelicans; Bird Rock Island, the smallest island that is home to over 80 species of sea birds including the Brown and Blue-Footed Booby; Bomber Rock Island, the third largest island that is home to harbor seals and one of the only two elephant rookeries within 300 miles; and South Coronado Island, the largest island featuring Elephant Seal Cove and Pirates Cove which was home in for the brutal Mexican Pirate, José Arvaez. South Coronado Island also has a history of Rum Running during the 1920 prohibition times, and once had a hotel and casino that was frequented by Hollywood movie stars such as Mae West and Charlie Chaplin.

We weren’t too far out when a pod of dolphins discovered the boat and began to dive and swim all around us. It was a sight to behold as they raced around diving under the boat and then surfacing on a crest of a wave. It was absolutely magical. Captain Ben traveled with the dolphins as long as possible - he really was an excellent guide, explaining the wildlife and the birds, and ‘pulling over’ for lots of photo opportunities--and there were many of those with the amount of wildlife we experienced.

It was a beautiful sight as the islands came into full view – they were so green and lush after the winter rains. We visited Dead Man’s Island first which has been used in movies including the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’. We witnessed thousands of brown pelicans and other bird species, including oyster catchers and cormorants. Sitting amongst the rocks where the water was crashing and flowing off into little waterfalls, we spied a family of sea lions basking in the sun and diving into the ocean. Our next stop was Bird Rock Island where we saw the uniquely marked Brown and Blue-footed Boobies, which are known to live on the Galápagos Islands. Bomber Rock Island was next, where we visited the two pristine beaches. Besides watching a number of Harbor Seals, we were lucky enough to see the huge Elephant Seals (the males can reach 5000 lbs.), of which there are only 2000 left on the Pacific Coast--and only two places to see them – here, and Anos Nuevos near Santa Cruz, CA. Our last stop at the islands was the infamous South Coronado Island, and as we toured around it, one could not help but envision the pirates, gamblers and rum runners that made up this island’s colorful past.

It was time to head back to San Diego and again, we were joined by dolphins – a definite highlight of the trip. Nancy and I were just finishing up our hotdogs - served below in the kitchen and dining room, when we all got to see the majestic grey whales heading back to the Bering Sea, their feeding grounds. What a way to end such an incredible trip – a true nature fix! I will never forget this trip.

The Big Blend Magazine hosted a special radio show featuring Captain Ben Griffith, on Monday, April 14^th, 2008. To listen to this show and his interview please Double Click on the Play Button below.