Exploring Mexico's Coronado Islands (Near San Diego, CA)

A brief look at the Coronado Islands as seen from the "Bright and Morning Star" tour boat, whose Web site is...
http://www.brightandmorningstar.com/

Contrary to popular belief, (as well as due to advertising ploys), the city of Coronado, in San Diego County, as beautiful a city that it is, is NOT an island but on a peninsula. It is connected by land to Imperial Beach.

The Coronado Islands are four small, almost uninhabited, islands about sixteen miles south of Point Loma, and about twelve miles off the coast of Rosarito Beach, Baja, Mexico.

This video shows each island, as well as a few of the inhabitants, such as fishermen, and divers diving for sea urchins. A small military outpost combined with fishermans quarters is shown, which is located on the south island. Also in this video is a rare look at a bird known as "Oyster Catcher." There's a number of well fed lounging sea lyons, and seals; not the most exciting thing.

Environmentally protected by the Mexican government, it is illegat to set foot on these islands. However, under certain conditions, touring, scuba diving, and fishing are allowed around them.

Interestingly, several popular movies were partially filmed there, such as a scene from Jurrasic Park.

Additional interesting trivia...
L Ron Hubbard, the elusive extravagant founder of scientology, was a Navy commander of the USS PC-815. WIthout permission from his superiors, he fired ordinance at the islands in May of 1943 for target practice. He is said to have believed at the time that the islands belonged to the US, but they belong to Mexico. Mexico's government complained, and as a result, he was relieved of his command.

Near the end in this vid is Pirate's Cove. It was at one time a hiding place for pirate ships lying in wait to attack ships which were sailing the coast of California. It was also a transport place for the shipment of Rum to California ports during the Prohibition. Remains of a former casino where Growcho Marx once gambled is shown.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coronado_Islands

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• nature
• outdoors

[DeeDubStyle619]

5:44 lol

[TallSky]

@DeeDubStyle619 Yes, I remember that moment - that was at 42x zoom - not sure what zoom those binoculars were looking back at us. That is a Mexican army outpost. We were legally on the sea, (but anyone who steps onto the islands is breaking their laws) - no fear.

[internetpanda1]

awesome video always wanted to see whats on those islands

[TallSky]

@internetpanda1 Me too, having seen them from shore all the time. Finally got the chance to take this tour. I want to go again next summer 2011, with newer HD cam.

[AntaresInScorpius]

lol, poor ron. We were at war with japan and germany, so he attacks mexico.

[TallSky]

LoL

[TheSpaceman52]

MEXICO IS BEAUTIFUL

[ALEZTHEGREAT]

im going fishing there this thursday

[internetpanda1]

@TallSky nice looking forward for the next vid

[MariaGarcia281]

Always wanted to go ON these mysterious islands. Didn't know they were Mexican territory. I read somewhere that wild mules reside there as well as a host of other wildlife species... great vid!