Baja California: Among the Great Whales
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| Dates | Deck + Cabin Type | ||||
| Cat 1 | Cat 1 Single | Cat 2 | Cat 2 Single | Cat 3 | |
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|---|---|---|
| Savings | Dates | |
| All departure dates | ||
| These special offers are applicable only to new bookings. Discounts are subject to availability, so contact us for more details. | ||
Kids under age 18 save $500 per person
Deposit & Payment Day 1 La Paz / Embark
Arrive in La Paz and drive across the Baja Peninsula to San Carlos to board the ship. (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 the crews experience and knowledge of Baja's waters, you should have consistent success in achieving "friendly encounters" with gray mother and calf pairs. While one should never 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, Islas Los Islotes and Espiritu Santo are two of the most beautiful islands in the Sea of Cortez. Swim and snorkel here. Don mask, flippers and snorkel 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. 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. Rich in nutrients, the Sea of Cortez is home to a huge variety of fish: king angelfish, surgeonfish, butterfly fish, damselfish and the beautifully colored parrotfish. 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. 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. (B,L,D)
Day 8 La Paz / Disembark
Disembark after breakfast in La Paz and drive to the airport for flights home. (B)
Itinerary Notes
Costs Include:All accommodations aboard ships or in hotels per itinerary or similar, all meals and nonalcoholic beverages aboard ship, meals on land as indicated, air transportation where indicated as included, shore excursions, sightseeing and entrance fees, special access permits, transfers to and from group flights, use of snorkeling equipment and wet suits, use of kayaks (where available), gratuities (except to ship’s crew), taxes and service charges, services of a ship physician on most voyages, and services of our expedition staff.
Not Included:
Air transportation (except where shown as included), extensions, passport, visa, immigration fees, scuba diving (where available), meals not indicated, baggage/accident/travel protection plan, items of a personal nature, such as alcoholic beverages, e-mail, and laundry. Gratuities to ship's crew at your discretion.
Deposit & Payment
Initial deposit is varies, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card. We accept Visa, Mastercard, AmEx, and Discover. Alternatively, you can send a check to our Missoula, Montana, office or register online at: https://www.adventure-life.com/forms/fourways.php
Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure.
Final payment by Visa, Mastercard, Discover or AmEx.
Booking last minute? No problem! Please contact one of our trip planners, and we can get you on your way if booking less than 100 days prior to departure.
Click here to see a copy of our Terms and Conditions.
Cancellation Policy
| Days Prior to departure | Fee |
|---|---|
| 149-50 days | 30% |
| 49-31 days | 40% |
| 30-0 days | 100% |
Sea Bird & Sea Lion
- Ship Highlights
- Passengers : 62
These vessels can reach places inaccessible to larger ships due to their small size, yet they comfortably accommodates 62 guests in 31 outside cabins. Cruise remote regions of Alaska, Mexico's Baja, Northwest Pacific and more. The feeling, we’re told, is often compared to that of a large private yacht, with everyone integral to the adventure.
Accessibility means freedom. Our captains have decades of sailing experience in the regions we explore. They know when and where to navigate so that you feel the places we visit are all ours. Thanks to our sturdy fleet of Zodiacs and virtually untippable kayaks, you can be off the ship and out exploring within a moment’s notice. Launch your kayak from a picturesque beach, hike with our naturalists into the rain forest or walk easily along a sandy dune.
Our seasoned crew consists of expert Zodiac drivers and considerate service providers. Their energy, enthusiasm and field expertise are sure to enhance your experience.
Our ships feature a Library; Lounge with full-service bar and facilities for films, slide shows and lectures; Observation Deck; and partially covered Sun Deck with chairs and tables. Our "Open Bridge" policy allows you to meet Officers.
Meals are served in single seatings with unassigned tables for an informal atmosphere and easy mingling. Breakfast is a wide selection buffet and lunch is often served family style. Menu emphasizes local flair.
All cabins face outside with windows, private facilities, and climate controls.
| Cabins | |
|---|---|
| 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. | |
| 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. | |
| 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. | |
| 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. | |
 | Cat 3 Bridge Deck cabins #105, 106 and Upper Deck cabins #214, 216, 217, 219. These cabins feature a seating unit with table, outside access and two large windows. Upper Deck cabins include two lower single beds which can convert to a double bed and a pull-out |
