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The incredible California Gray Whale emerges from the water.

Among the Great Whales of Baja California

Example 8 Day Cruise aboard National Geographic Sea Bird
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Among the Great Whales offers the rare privilege of entering the California gray whale birthing lagoons in search of up-close encounters. Explore Baja California, Mexico on this 8-day small ship cruise: an expedition of unrivaled experience.
Sea Lions wrestling on shoreTake a walk on the beachFollowing dolphins across the ocean in a zodiac.Scenic LandscapeThe incredible California Gray Whale emerges from the water.
Highlights
  • Get up close with California gray whales, sperm, blue and fin whales
  • Hike the islands of the Sea of Cortez
  • Snorkel among playful sea lions and explore several idyllic sea gardens
  • Search for a variety of plant and bird species
Places Visited
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive in La Paz / Embark in San Carlos

Arrive in La Paz and drive across the Baja Peninsula to San Carlos to board the ship. Embark the Sea Bird and settle in for your upcoming Mexico cruise.

Day 2-4: Bahia Magdalena

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Bahia Magdalena is one of the main breeding and calving areas for the California gray whale. Each winter, the whales make the longest migration of any mammal — south from their Arctic feeding grounds to breed and raise their calves in these sheltered waters. During your days in this otherworldly place, you have the opportunity to not only observe these enormous yet gentle animals from the ship, but also at water level from your Zodiacs. Because of your crew's experience and knowledge of Baja's waters, expect success in achieving "friendly encounters" with gray mother and calf pairs. While it is never good to presume to predict Nature's behavior, it is highly likely that the privilege of an up-close and personal sighting will be yours.


In kayaks and Zodiacs explore the canals of the mangrove swamps. Bird watching here can be excellent — magnificent frigate birds, pelicans, cormorants, terns, and great blue herons are among the species you might see.

Day 5: Los Cabos and Gorda Banks

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Today cruise past the spectacular Friars Rocks at Land's End. For those who wish, a visit to the historic town center of San Jose del Cabo can be arranged.

The afternoon is spent at the Gorda Banks sea mount, a gathering place for whales and dolphins. Humpback whales are often sighted here at this time of the year. See tail lobbing, flipper slapping and breaching. Marine biologists and Naturalists are always available to inform and enlighten you with their knowledge and their experience. Not only do they know where best to look for wildlife, their passion and respect for the area is infectious — whether you ask a question or two or spend entire afternoons or evenings in their company.

Day 6: Islas Los Islotes and Espiritu Santo

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
With deeply indented shorelines and dramatically eroded cliff faces, Los Islotes and Isla Espiritu Santo are two of the most beautiful islands in the Sea of Cortez you encounter on your Mexican expedition. Swim and snorkel here. Don mask, flippers and snorkel (which are provided with as much guidance as you need) and experience the thrill of swimming with the curious sea lions. Observe the impressive geological past of these islands from a kayak: see tons of compacted volcanic ash covered with solidified lava floods just yards from the shore. Brown pelicans, gulls, wandering tattlers, great blue herons and boobies are all part of the landscape. It is also home to the endemic black jack rabbit — with any luck, you may spot one.

There are also possibilities for long walks or lazy beachcombing. Finish the day with a beach barbecue complete with campfire and a star-filled sky.

Day 7: Exploring the Sea of Cortez

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Today is a day with the luxury of no specific plan. Search for whales among the islands of the southern Sea of Cortez, an area that has proven to be one of the best for finding blue whales, and often common and bottlenose dolphins. Explore the many uninhabited islands such as Isla San José or Isla Santa Catalina to walk among huge cacti and observe the diverse bird life. Swim or snorkel with king angelfish, butterfly fish, damselfish and the beautiful parrotfish.

Day 8: Disembark in La Paz / Return Home

  • 1 Breakfast
Disembark in La Paz after breakfast and drive to the airport for your flights home.

Ship/Hotel

National Geographic Sea Bird

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Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
Sea Bird & Sea Lion's Category 1 and Category 1 Single Cabin.
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Cat 1
Main Deck Cabins #300-305. Conveniently positioned between the dining room and lounge, these cabins feature two lower single beds, a writing desk and a large window.
Sea Bird & Sea Lion's Category 1 and Category 1 Single Cabin.
Select a Date
Cat 1 Single
Main Deck Cabins #300-305. Conveniently positioned between the dining room and lounge, these cabins feature two lower single beds, a writing desk and a large window.
Sea Bird & Sea Lion's Category 2 and Category 2 Single Cabins.
Select a Date
Cat 2
Bridge Deck cabins #100-104 and Upper Deck cabins #200-212, 215. These well-located cabins include two lower single beds, outside access and a window.
Sea Bird & Sea Lion's Category 2 and Category 2 Single Cabin.
Select a Date
Cat 2 Single
Bridge Deck cabins #100-104 and Upper Deck cabins #200-212, 215. These well-located cabins include two lower single beds, outside access and a window.
Sea Bird & Sea Lion's Category 3 Cabins.
Select a Date
Cat 3
Bridge Deck cabins #105, 106 - These cabins include two lower single beds. Upper Deck cabins #214, 216, 217, 219 - These cabins include two lower single beds that can convert to a double bed and a pullout single bed for a third person. All cabins include a small table, two chairs, and two windows. Cabin doors open to the outside.

Notes

Single supplement varies by itinerary. A solo traveler matching program may be available but is subject to availability.
Kids under age 18 save $500 per person

Rubber boots are not included on your cruise; please supply your own. Rubber, waterproof boots that are mid-calf or higher, with a strong, ridged non-skid sole (essential for wet landings) are highly recommended.  Click  here for information about rubber boots rental.
Included
  • 5 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 5 Dinners

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The trip was terrific with great planning on your part. Most of the adventures were not mainstream and somewhat off the beaten path which made it especially enjoyable!! We felt taken care of and you all were readily available to respond to questions and issues. I would highly recommend your company and friends have already expressed interest based on our pictures and excitement.
Gale Cantor

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