Roca Redonda, North of Isabela Island:

It was a spectacular morning. The ocean surface was gently rolling glass. On approach to "The Rock," we saw dorsal fins breaking the water ahead of us. Seabirds of many different kinds were flying in the area: shearwaters, storm petrels, swallow-tailed gulls, magnificent frigatebirds, Nazca boobies. By 6:30 a.m. there were quite a few of us on the outside decks already, and the call of "dolphins" brought all to the bow. Through the clear blue water we could see their bodies as torpedoes heading our way, adults with juveniles occasionally joining the individuals riding the bow waves. Our reflection, as we hung over the bow and gazed with wonder and awe at their sleekness and power, must be what they saw. The ocean mirror allowed us only the briefest of glimpses into their world.