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Baja Sunset

Baja California and the Sea of Cortez: Among the Great Whales

Example 9 Day Cruise aboard National Geographic Sea Lion
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Escape to a world teeming with wildlife, where the cactuses are the tallest on earth, the island beaches show no footprints except your own, and the setting sun seems to glow orange for hours. Led by an Expedition Team including Naturalists and an Undersea Specialist, this voyage in the Sea of Cortez offers opportunities for kayaking, searching for whales and dolphins, hiking, Zodiac cruises, snorkeling with reef fish and sea lions, and a special beach barbecue under the desert skies.
Gray Whale tail splashingJumping down a sand dune in MexicoGray Whale up closeWalking the beach in BajaBaja Sunset
Highlights
  • See California gray whales up close and snorkel with sea lions
  • Spend three days at Bahia Magdalena, a whale breeding ground
  • Hike desert islands, sculpted sand dunes, and see Sea of Cortez wildlife
  • Experience Baja California undersea
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: San Jose del Cabo | La Paz

To provide you with more flexibility, more comfortable transfer arrangements and a better overall experience, a complimentary full day and night is included at the lovely CostaBaja Resort & Spa, located on the shore of the Sea of Cortez, just south of Espiritu Island, CostaBaja. Upon arrival in San Jose del Cabo, transfer to La Paz and check in to the CostaBaja Resort & Spa. 

Note that flights are not included.

Day 2: La Paz | San Carlos | Embark

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
This morning is on your own to relax and take advantage of the resort and spa amenities. Check-out in the late morning and depart for lunch at a local restaurant in La Paz. After lunch, transfer to San Carlos and embark the National Geographic Sea Lion. 
 

Day 3-5: Bahia Magdalena

  • Ship
  • 3 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners
Navigate through an immense system of protected coves and channels, surrounded by a fringe of mangrove channels at one edge of a vast, windswept plain. Each winter, during their long migration, gray whales travel south from their Arctic feeding grounds to breed and raise their calves in these sheltered waters. Observe migrating whales from the ship and up close from your expedition landing craft. Watch for magnificent frigatebirds, pelicans, cormorants, terns, great blue herons, ibis, and willets. 

Day 6: Los Cabos and Gorda Banks

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
This morning cruise past Friars Rocks at Land’s End. For those who wish, visit the historic town center of San José del Cabo. The afternoon is spent at the Gorda Banks seamount or La Fortuna, gathering places for whales, especially humpbacks, dolphins, and other sea life. 

Day 7: Los Islotes and Isla Espiritu Santo

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
At Los Islotes, don flippers, a mask and snorkel (provided) and swim with curious sea lions. We have a leisurely afternoon to swim, kayak or hike at Isla Espíritu Santo. Brown pelicans, gulls, and boobies are all part of the landscape. Finish the day with a relaxing beach barbecue complete with a bonfire and a star-filled sky. 

Day 8: Exploring the Sea of Cortez

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
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 9: Disembark | San Jose del Cabo

  • 1 Breakfast
Disembark in La Paz after breakfast and transfer to Los Cabos airport for flights home.

Ship/Hotel

National Geographic Sea Lion

Dining Room

La Paz - Hotels

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
Sea Bird & Sea Lion's Category 1 and Category 1 Single Cabin.
Select a Date
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 Cabin.
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 Cabins.
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 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

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
  • 8 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 8 Dinners
  • 8 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Non-Alcoholic Beverages
  • All airport transfers mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Use of snorkeling equipment, wet suits, and kayaks (where available)
  • Services of the expert expedition team and guest speakers
  • Shore excursions, sightseeing, entrance fees, and special access permits
  • Taxes, service charges, and tips (except for ship’s crew, at guests’ discretion)
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Additional Hotel Nights 
  • Private Transfers
  • Expedition Extensions 
  • Laundry 
  • Air transportation (except when indicated in the itinerary, as included)
  • Passport, visa, and immigration fees
  • Special and unique excursions such as scuba diving, flightseeing, etc. (where offered)
  • Alcoholic beverages (alcohol is included on select ships)
  • Items of personal nature
  • Phone and Internet Service
  • Gratuity for ship’s crew, at guests’ discretion (crew tips are included on select ships
  • We strongly recommend our guests to take Travel Protection Plan. A Plan with comprehensive coverage to protect you from cancellation fees, costs incurred due to trip delays/interruption, damaged or lost baggage, medical assistance, and evacuation during your travels

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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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