The spirit of adventure was electric on our first day of sailing aboard National Geographic Venture. After a beautiful Baja sunrise accented by those limbering up in a peaceful stretch class led by our Naturalist Amy Malkoski, we set out in search of cetaceans. The vessel cut through the glassy waters while an eager group diligently scanned the horizon from the bow. It wasn’t long before our whale expert, Jill Niederberger, sighted our first spouts in the distance. To our amazement we were graced with something few get the chance to see, a group of 15 sperm whales. These incredible creatures stay close to the surface while breathing for a period of time and allowed us the chance to get an up close and private show. Cameras clicked all around as Jill excitedly shared all about these majestic animals. Two calves played with their mothers and gasps of astonishment could be heard as a brilliant tail fluke could be seen as they dove in search of food. With hearts full and a blessing on the voyage complete, we continued onward.

Sailing conditions only got better as we glided to the remote Isla Espíritu Santo. Zodiacs whisked us to the shore, and we got the chance to explore among this diverse and pristine desert landscape. Cacti and wildflowers dot the terrain as we hiked up and golden hour cast its remarkable glow upon everything in sight.

Upon returning to the ship we were met with a beautiful buffet served on the upper deck as the sun dipped behind the horizon and brilliant colors cascaded across the sky. As sangria filled our glasses and the stories of the day’s events could be heard beneath the starlit canopy above, it was clear that we had quickly become family. With an unbeatable, one-for-the-books kind of day, we drift off to sleep with dreams of the many adventures yet to unfold.