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Baja Sunset

Whales & Wilderness: Spring in the Sea of Cortez

Example 8 Day Cruise aboard National Geographic Sea Bird
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Springtime in the Sea of Cortez is among the best times and places to see a great variety of whales: humpback, sperm, fin, Bryde’s, and blue whales. Plus, you can expect large aggregations of dolphins. On this 8-day voyage on the Sea Bird, sail the Sea of Cortez and explore its many islands, still free from tourist infrastructure and designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. A Mexican expedition of pure discovery, your Captain's flexible itinerary means you are free to follow the seasonal movements of wildlife to optimize sightings.
Travelers interacting with the incredibly friendly California Gray Whale.Dolphins race through the water in Baja.Photographer capturing the waves of the Sea of Cortez.Following dolphins across the ocean in a zodiac.Baja Sunset
Highlights
  • Search for large pods of dolphins and various species of whales
  • Explore water-level caves by kayak and snorkel among fish and sea lions
  • Visit the old mining town of Santa Rosalia - see old homes & a steel church
  • Experience a voyage of pure discovery in a UNESCO World Heritage site
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: Los Cabos, Mexico | Embark in La Paz

Fly into Los Cabos and transfer to La Paz to set sail on the Sea of Cortez.

Day 2-7: Exploring the Sea of Cortez

The routing is designed with flexibility in mind, to maximize opportunities for wildlife sightings. It will most likely include the islands and activities listed below, although the order may vary: 

Islas San Esteban and San Pedro Martir Walk up a desert wash, to search for desert birds and the endemic pinto chuckwalla — a harmless desert lizard. Later visit Isla San Pedro Martir, a 1,000-foot-high guano-covered island that is home to thousands of seabirds. Blue-footed boobies, red-billed tropicbirds, pelicans and frigatebirds are all found here. 

Isla Santa Catalina Search for marine life and hike among the giant barrel cactus on one of most dramatic islands in the Sea of Cortez. 

Isla San Marcos Explore via kayak, walks, swimming and opportunities to snorkel. 

Isla San Jose One of the larger islands in the Sea of Cortez, San Jose offers several landing possibilities depending on conditions and the whim of the moment. Photograph the ochre cliffs of the island's eastern shore, hike an "enchanted" arroyo, or visit the abandoned salt works to the west.  

Los Islotes/Espiritu Santo Swim and snorkel in the turquoise waters, perhaps with some curious sea lions. Expedition landing craft rides, rare bird sightings, the possibility of spotting an endemic black jackrabbit, or simply some relaxing beachcombing are all possibilities today.

Day 8: Disembark La Paz, Mexico | Los Cabos

  • 1 Breakfast
This morning after breakfast disembark in La Paz and transfer to the airport in Los Cabos for your homeward flights.

Ship/Hotel

National Geographic Sea Bird

Lindblad Expeditions ship National Geographic Sea Bird operating in Misty Fjords National Monument Alaska-Ketchikan
Lounge on the ship National Geographic Sea Bird/SeaLion

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

This itinerary is no longer available. For other trip ideas, please visit Mexico Tours & Small Ship Cruises.
Category 1
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.
Category 1 S Bathroom
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.
Category 2
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.
Category 2 S
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.
Category 3
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
  • 7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners
  • 7 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Assistance by the onboard National Geographic Photography Expert
  • Access to the OM System Photo Gear Locker with the latest gear to try out on loan (aboard Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic fleet) 
  • Beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits are available aboard the ship. Additionally, a selection of super premium wines and liquors is offered for purchase.
  • Complimentary Starlink-enabled Wi-Fi internet is available to all guests aboard Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic fleet, enabling email, messaging, and social media.
  • Park and site entrance fees, special access permits, and port taxes
  • Excursions and airport transfers to and from flights arriving and departing within recommended window, as indicated in the itinerary
  • Exploration tools such as snorkeling equipment, wetsuits, kayaks, stand-up paddleboard, cross-country skis, and snowshoes (where applicable)
  • Guidance and company of leading expedition staff
  • All meals as indicated in the itinerary, both aboard and onshore.
  • Presentations by expedition staff and expert guest speakers
  • Onboard physician consultations (where available)
  • 24-hour access to exercise equipment (where applicable)
  • All accommodations aboard ship or in hotels per itinerary
  • Complimentary reusable water bottle
  • 24-hour access to lounges, observation decks, library, and other shared spaces
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Laundry, spa treatments, scuba diving, and phone services (except when indicated as included)
  • 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
  • Airfare (except flights when indicated as included); charter airfare (where applicable, except when indicated as included); pre- and post-expedition extensions (except flights when indicated as included); additional hotel nights (except when indicated as included)
  • Travel protection plans and passport, visa, and immigration fees 
  • Enhanced and premium Wi-Fi plans
  • Additional costs associated with medical services outside onboard physician consultation (where available)
  • Private transfers (except when indicated as included)

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Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen
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