Baja California Through the eyes of Ryan Phillips

The expanse of dunes were strangely hypnotic to me. The rolling of the sand, the sparse flora. It seemed so dead at first. But all around us I saw the tracks of coyotes and rabbits, saw the shells and bones of sea creatures. Life has a strange way of sticking around, even here, in this desert. Bahia Magdalena Day One

I am kneeling on the edge of the zodiac, searching the plankton-rich waters. A burst of air from the other side brings me rushing over. It is there I see them. The whales. These creatures, no less than 20 feet long, could have easily left us at the bottom of the bay. But they don't. They play with us, let us touch them, and overall just have a fun time. Man and whale. It was a beautiful harmony. La Boca de Soledad Day Two

Today will be our second time whale watching. It was not as exciting as yesterday, (the whales seemed to go to everyone but us) but it was an amazing experience nonetheless. We got to see the whales push the zodiacs around, almost like the toys. It is amazing how these massive creatures don't tip us over. But they do not, and we return to the Sea Bird, exhausted and ready for lunch. Day Three Boca de Soledad and Hull Canal

Today we went to San Jose Del Cabo, and got to see many amazing things. First we watched people blow glass, as well as learned that we had a glassblower on the ship. We then walked around the city, looking at sculptures and artwork made by Mexican artists. It was all quite impressive. We also got to spot some dolphins, which was and added treat, as well as see some amazing birds. Day Four San Jose del Cabo

Today we get to go snorkeling! I love this, mainly because it gives me a window into a new world. All the different kinds of fish, each their own spectrum of colors, mesmerize me. But besides snorkeling, I got to go kayaking, as well as scare my grandmother when I climbed the petrified sand dunes up to this rock shelf several dozen feet from the beach. It’s great being a teenager. Day Five Isla San Jose

I thought snorkeling couldn't get better than today. After a fun zodiac ride, we got to swim with sea lions! They were extremely playful, and towards the end, me and my dad had one follow us around everyone went. But was a bit sad was the cord wrapped around its neck. Both me and my dad tried to get it off, but the sea lion kept moving. And honestly, I didn't want to get bitten. They have some sharp teeth that mouth of theirs! Later, the kids get to drive the zodiacs. I have only driven one twice in my life so I'm pretty excited. Los Islotes and Espiritu Santo Day Six

Today is the last day. After incredibly early wake-up call and breakfast, we get on buses to go to a animal rehab center in La Paz. There, we saw a variety of animals including reptiles, coyotes, and chipmunks. I especially loved the young coyote, however I was quite sad about how small his living space was. Oh! I can't forget about the pig! That was a shock! Day Seven La Paz