Rising with the sun, the guests aboard National Geographic Sea Lion greeted the picturesque landmark arch and sea stacks that have memorialized Cabo San Lucas. Taking in the morning light, we were joined by jumping devil rays and a pod of bottlenose dolphins. Moving on toward our destination, we docked in San Jose del Cabo for a morning of exploration. Some guests took to the estuary for some prime bird watching opportunities, while others searched the streets of the city center to discover the cultural and artisanal delights that waited them in the many shops. Perhaps the most dynamic experience was a visit to watch live glass blowing—a delicate tradition carried out with an attentive eye by the locals to fashion all manner of representational curios.  

Leaving town, we pointed our vessel toward La Fortuna in hopes to see some humpback whale activity, and we were certainly not disappointed. Even as we approached from a distance, we could see a myriad of activity from the dynamic marine mammals. Getting closer, we came to discover that there was a cadre of male in pursuit of a lone female. Though quite late in the season for such a display, the males jockeyed for position in hopes to win the female’s approval and have the chance to mate with her. For nearly two hours straight, we followed the humpbacks as they continually tried to out maneuver each other. To witness such an event was special beyond what words have the ability to describe, adding to a trip already bursting with memories.