At the Midriff Islands, upwelling creates ideal conditions for abundant marine life, and we found evidence of this on the beach at Isla San Esteban: numerous shells, remains of pencil urchins, sea stars, and even bones from sea lions and sea birds. We explored arroyos and walked among cacti and many other unusual plants specially adapted to these desert conditions. We spent the late afternoon doing Zodiac cruises at San Pedro Martir, as seabirds returned from feeding trips, and energetic sea lions and dolphins swam and leapt alongside our small boats – exhilarating!