Our morning began with a stop at Los Islotes, part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, for a sunrise snorkel with playful juvenile California sea lions. As they twisted and turned through the water with ease, it was such a joy for many to experience their curiosity so closely. We also enjoyed closer looks at the island from the bow of National Geographic Venture. The chorus of barking sea lions hauled out on the rocks was a raucous experience; we also observed a variety of birds, including Cocos and blue-footed boobies, and some California brown pelicans seeking refuge from the wind.
After a fantastic brunch, we cruised the Canal de San Jose of the Gulf of California in search of wildlife, and it did not disappoint. Our first sighting was a humpback mother with her calf, cruising in the same direction as us. Then not long afterwards, the distinctly angled blows of sperm whales were sighted, while four mobula rays passed along our starboard side. And then the largest animals on our planet surfaced! Can you believe it? Blue whales!!!
