This morning we woke up in the southern portion of Magdalena Bay, Bahia Almejas. National Geographic Seabird, anchored along the coast of Isla Margarita, provided stunning views of the island’s mountain range and desert landscape. Breakfast concluded, and we were on our way to visit the sites of Baja California.

Our pangas loaded, we headed to La Rehusa Channel, the southernmost entrance of Bahia Almejas. Along the way, we stopped along Isla Margarita’s coast to admire the bustling frigatebird colony amongst the mangroves. Guests delighted at the sight of so many magnificent birds nesting together. Sand flats exposed other seabirds, including cormorants, brown and white pelicans, great blue herons, and gulls as they huddled near the water’s edge.

With the open ocean in view, we began to see spouts from the gray whales of this southern bay. In comparison to our first days of whale-watching, these individuals seemed keen on spyhopping. The reason for this behavior is unknown, but the whales continued to poke their heads out, one by one. What a memorable day spent connecting with these intelligent animals in such a lively part of the world.