After an early hike to the summit of Bartolomé Island, we returned to our yacht, eager to prepare for snorkeling. From the top, Pinnacle Rock appeared different compared to our view from the water, but the inviting, crystal-clear seas beckoned us to dive in and swim alongside incredible creatures like penguins, sharks, and sea lions. It was a sunny morning; the sea was calm and transparent—a perfect day for adventure with our fearless snorkelers.

As we swam toward the second beach, we gradually spotted more and more sharks gliding in the same direction. But nothing could prepare us for the surprise that awaited us when we reached the beach: a massive blue whale, about 18 meters long, was stranded—trapped among the rocks. We watched in awe as this majestic creature flapped its fins, trying desperately to free itself, but all efforts seemed futile.

Recognizing the urgency of the situation, we called for help, and soon, four Zodiacs arrived, each manned by two crew members. In just a few minutes, they managed to tie the whale's tail with a rope. With all 40 HP outboard motors roaring in unison, we began the painstaking process of towing the whale off the rocks. For over 15 minutes, the engines roared on, until, at last, the whale was freed and towed into deeper waters, right between the channel that separates Bartolomé and Santiago Islands. About 200 meters from shore, the whale began to swim faster, propelling itself away, and then slowly sank beneath the surface.

As we observed, we noted the wounds on the whale's skin and the blood surrounding them—an unsettling sight that attracted many sharks close to the beach.

Tension filled the air aboard the Zodiacs as we felt the engines struggle against the immense force exerted by the whale. The Zodiacs began to collide, and in the chaos, two crew members fell into the sea while attempting to cut the rope. The whale's strength was so overwhelming that it nearly capsized our boats. Just at that moment, one of the sailors managed to grab the rope and cut it in seconds.

In an instant, the tense minutes melted away, replaced by a profound sense of relief and admiration. We watched a spectacular, surreal scene as the whale sank underwater, splashing its immense tail fin before finally disappearing into the depths of the ocean.

After rescuing our two friends from the water, we headed back on board, reminiscing about our unforgettable encounter with the blue whale. We recalled the size of its eyes—much larger than a shoe—and the slickness of its gray skin, as well as how gentle it was throughout the rescue. While I might forget some details, one thing is for certain: this day will remain etched in our memories as truly memorable for all of us.