Our lab spent a day aboard the R/V Fulmar off the coast of San Luis Obispo as part of a research cruise supported by the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary. Alongside several other Cal Poly research groups, we collected data in local coastal waters. Using our Aqusens imaging flow cytometer, we characterized phytoplankton communities and gained valuable hands-on experience conducting research at sea. Despite some rough seas, it was a fun day of science and learning on California's central coast as well as great way to end Cal Poly's Frost Summer Undergraduate Research Experience.