We started our day with calm seas, a gentle breeze and a green flash at sunrise. Could things get much better? Most definitely. How about bottlenose dolphins riding our bow?

After breakfast we set out to explore Isla San Jose. Our landing was Punta Colorada, with "sculpted cliffs and an abundance of ghost crabs," as described by our guest Jesse Feinberg. We walked a dry, sandy arroyo brimming with an assortment of small but brightly colored flowers. The cliffs rose above us with their exposed edges giving us a peek at layers of seashells laid down millions of years ago.

How much more could we do in a morning? How about an outing with our sea kayaks? This too was an option and the natural amphitheater created by the combination of wind, water and time provided a dramatic backdrop for our intrepid kayakers.

As for the rest of the day, well, how about snorkeling and a beach barbecue under the stars? "I like the Sea of Cortez," a summary for today by Jesse Feinberg, a feeling shared by many of our guests.