Sunrises and sunsets in Baja California have quite the reputation for their beauty, and today was no exception. The first hints of light illuminated lingering wisps of clouds before painting the steep walls of the peninsular mountain range. Light winds and warm temperatures met the crepuscular light as it broke the horizon. Seabirds glided around the ship as we pulled into our first anchorage for the day, Isla Carmen.

For our morning excursion, we donned wetsuits and dove below. The underwater environment was teeming with fish on rocky reefs, including sergeant major and king angelfish. Juvenile giant damselfish, bright blue with dazzling flashes, looked like jewels hiding among the coral. In cracks and crevices, urchins and sea stars crawled about. So much life spoke to the diversity contained in the waters of the Vermilion Sea.