Among the Great Whales

Day 1 Arrive La Paz / Transfer San Carlos / Embark Ship

Arrive in La Paz and drive across the Baja Peninsula to San Carlos to board the ship. Embark your small ship and settle in for your upcoming Mexico cruise. (D)

Days 2-4 Bahia Magdalena

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'll 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 you will have the privilege of an up-close and personal sighting.

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. (B,L,D)

Day 5 Los Cabos and Gorda Banks

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. (B,L,D)

Day 6 Islas Los Islotes and Espiritu Santo

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 will encounter on your Mexican expedition. Swim and snorkel here. Don mask, flippers and snorkel (which will be 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 possibilities for long walks or lazy beachcombing. Finish the day with a beach barbecue complete with campfire and a star-filled sky. (B,L,D)

Day 7 Exploring the Sea of Cortez

Today is a day with the luxury of no specific plan as you continue your Sea of Cortez small ship cruise. You may spend the morning whale watching in the waters around Isla Danzante, an area that has proven to be one of the best for finding blue whales, bottlenose dolphins and common dolphins. The Sea of Cortez is incredibly rich in nutrients, making it home to a huge variety of fish, many of them tropical. Below the surface, lie (or swim) king angelfish, surgeonfish, butterfly fish, damselfish and the beautifully colored parrotfish. When diving or snorkeling in the clear waters of your anchorage, observe the fish swimming and flitting along the reef as they come and go in huge waves of brilliant color.

During the day there will be time to explore one of the many lovely, uninhabited islands such as Isla San Jose or Isla Santa Catalina, famous for the 12-foot wavy barrel cactus and other desert plants that grow along the canyon. Whether walking, kayaking or watching from the Bridge, you'll observe the great diversity of bird life - ladder-backed woodpeckers, Costa's hummingbirds, Gila woodpeckers and verdin. At night, the constellations in the clear sky are entertainment enough. (B,L,D)

Day 8 La Paz / Disembark / Return Home

Disembark after breakfast in La Paz and drive to the airport for flights home. (B)