The first true day of our expedition began with a gloriously calm morning on the east side of Isla Carmen. We joined the staff in morning light to witness a feeding frenzy of dolphins, pelicans, gulls, billfish, and boobies. After breakfast, we met the expedition team and were given snorkeling equipment for the trip. Unfortunately, the briefings and staff intros were slightly upstaged by an incredible sighting of several very relaxed and accommodating blue whales! We got amazing looks at the Earth’s largest (ever) animal. The afternoon saw us test out the snorkel gear at the beautiful natural Amphitheatre of Punta Colorado on Isla San Jose. Later, we took to land to explore some of the arroyo dry washes, becoming acquainted with the environs of Baja California Sur.