Within the large Bahia Chamela are several islands, two of the larger ones, Isla Cocina and Isla Pajarera are notable for the excellent snorkelling around their rocky headlands as well as their tiny private beaches. With the added bonus of a pool temperature of 37 degrees we decided to make a lunch stop anchored off Isla Cocina. A short paddle ashore by kayak and a carefully timed surf landing was followed by an even shorter exploration of the island, its tiny golden sand beach backed by steep cactus covered rocky outcrops.
While Stuart set off to undertake further underwater exploration with his snorkel and flippers I took a rest, watching the wave patterns bringing groups of larger and smaller waves into the tiny cove. Looking out to Fantasia, rocking gently at anchor, I noticed that she was attracting a large number of Boobies, some flying around and some establishing comfortable perches on our guard rails, bow sprit and spreaders. As I took a dip, Stuart went to launch the kayak, one moment on top and the next underwater! Perseverance paid off and soon he was beyond the breakers whereby I decided a swim back to the boat would be good exercise. A tow proved to be more in order and for a while, a rather pleasant experience. This changed as we approached Fantasia, when her new tenants decided to fend us off by diving on us both. Stuart defended himself with a paddle but the strange fish / human clinging on behind the kayak seemed fair game to the diving birds!
Once safely back on board we mounted an eviction effort and even the most tightly clinging pink or green footed boobie finally decided it was too much bother to stay. One determined bird tried to return and made a landing on the side of the kayak, by now back in its stowage on our port bow. We feel we had the last laugh as we watched it struggle to gain a grip on its slippery plastic surface and slide down into the water in a very ungainly fashion.