As the sun rose over the Sea of Cortes, National Geographic Venture was on a slow approach to Los Islotes, our destination for morning activities. After breakfast we boarded Zodiacs, setting out for a snorkel with California sea lions. It’s a rollicking time getting to swim with these playful and intelligent creatures, who love to test you with close approaches and their acrobatics! After snorkeling, we re-boarded the Zodiacs to cruise around the small islet, enjoying the animated behavior of sea lions in the water below.  We were also treated to an incredible whale shark encounter as well as leaping dolphins! After lunch, National Geographic Venture cruised north in search of wildlife, and we were rewarded with our fifth species of whale on this trip, the magnificent sperm whale! Finally, after a long day of wildlife viewing, the crew treated us to a “beach barbeque,” including a wonderful campfire. What a day!