Nature is unpredictable and so, inevitably, is the exact course of this voyage. A small ship cruising experience means the pace is unhurried and the options are many, so the itinerary that follows should be considered a general guideline, a thoughtfully considered framework based on the crews experience in the area for two decades. The goal is to provide you with the most extraordinary Baja expedition experience possible.
Where on Earth can you go blue whale watching, hiking up a desert wash, snorkeling with sea lions, kayaking in pristine waters, walking for miles on an uninhabited beach, and bird watching as throngs of seabirds cloud the sky?
In Baja California, one of North Americas most beautiful, exciting, yet relatively untraveled regions. AdventureSmith wants to show you the magic and wonder which, just a couple of hours south of California, await you.
Cruise Details
Duration
8 Days
Location
Sea of Cortez
Season
November - February
Cruise Type
Overnight
Nearest City
Loreto
Physical Condition Required
Fair
Destination(s)
Baja California, Mexico
Guest Capacity
70
About the Crew
The seasoned crew consists of expert Zodiac drivers and considerate service providers. Their energy, enthusiasm and field expertise are sure to enhance your experience.
Accommodations
M/V Sea Bird / Sea Lion
Twin expedition ships, M.V. Sea Lion and M.V. Sea Bird, can reach places inaccessible to larger ships due to their small size, yet each comfortably accommodates 62 guests in 31 outside cabins. The feeling is often compared to that of a large private yacht, with everyone integral to the adventure.
Accessibility means freedom. Captains have decades of sailing experience in the regions explored. They know when and where to navigate so that you feel the places visited are all yours. Thanks to a sturdy fleet of Zodiacs and a brace of 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 naturalists into the rainforest or walk easily along a sandy dune.
During your time with AdventureSmith, the expedition staff likes nothing better than to surprise and delight you by directing the ship toward breaching whales, bow-riding dolphins or into an alluring cove. This is what expedition travel is all about: not just seeing wildness, but being out there, in it.
Cabins: All face outside with windows or portlights (Lower Deck only). Each has private facilities, climate controls and ample space to hang and store clothing.
Dining
Meals are served in the dining room in one unhurried seating with fine views through panoramic windows. Breakfast is a wide selection buffet and lunch is often served family style. American chefs prepare wholesome and varied menus.
Activities
Bird Watching, Cultural Interactions, Hiking, Kayaking/Canoeing, Natural History, Photography, Small Ship Cruising, Snorkeling/Diving, Wildlife Viewing
What's on Board
Public Areas: Lounge with bar and facilities for films, slide shows and lectures; Library; Sun Deck with chairs; Outside Deck area for viewing. The "open Bridge" policy allows you to meet officers and crew. A small gym for travelers to work out.
Special Features: Zodiac landing craft, sea kayaks, snorkeling gear, wet suits, video microscope, hydrophone and Splash-Cam. An Undersea Specialist will be on board in Baja. A Video Chronicler will be on board all voyages. Spa services are available on board.
Rates
$2,930.00 - $6,240.00per personCurrency Converter (Rates shown are in US Dollars. Rates and terms are subject to change.)
Additional Rate Info
Not Included: Airfare to Mexico, excess baggage charges, taxes and port fees, gratuities to Naturalist Staff and crew, items of a personal nature such as alcoholic beverages, and insurance of any kind.
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Cruise Itinerary
Day 1: U.S./La Paz, Mexico/Embark Ship You begin your expedition by flying into Loreto. You will be met at the airport and driven to the ship where you can embark. Once you have settled into your room, you will be welcomed at a cocktail hour followed by dinner. The ship sets sail in the late afternoon, at which time you just may find yourself leaning against the deck, drink in hand, marveling at a spectacular Baja sunset.
Accommodations: M/V Sea Bird or Sea Lion
Included Meals: Dinner
Days 2-7: Exploring the Sea of Cortez During these days, voyage among the dozens of islands of the Sea of Cortez between Isla Angel de la Guarda in the north and Isla Espiritu Santo in the south. After over 20 years exploring in the Sea of Cortez, new places are still being discovered, and exciting natural events are being experienced. To give you an example of the kind of experiences you can anticipate, here are a few highlights from just one recent voyage: 100 bottlenose dolphins leaping over sperm whales near the ship; a pod of fin whales feeding around a convergence zone; thousands of Heermanns gulls and royal terns arriving on the shores of Isla Rasa to begin incubating their eggs; and one evening, the vision of hundreds of Humboldt squid illuminated in the ship's bow lights.
The best areas for whale watching remain consistent; the waters south of Isla Carmen, Canal de Ballenas up north, and near the mouth of Bahia Concepcion. The Captain and the expedition team collaborate, pooling their knowledge and experience to position the ship as consistently as possible; at the right place, at the right time. And whether you're on deck or the bridge, out in a Zodiac or kayaking you will be in a prime position to observe the myriad wonders that make each day in the Sea of Cortez another bit of magic.
Swimming, snorkeling, beachcombing and basking are all options here, as well.
Accommodations: M/V Sea Bird or Sea Lion
Included Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 8: La Paz/Disembark Ship/Return U.S After breakfast on board the ship, you will disembark and have time to explore Loreto before lunch and flights back to the U.S.
Accommodations: N/A
Included Meals: Breakfast
This Package Includes
Accommodations Aboard Vessel
Meals
All Shore Excursions and Sightseeing
Leadership by Experienced Expedition Staff
Presentations by Noted Naturalists and Other Experts
Zodiac Cruising and Transfers To/From the Ship for Shore Excursions
Kayaks, Wet Suits and Snorkeling Equipment
Comprehensive Pre-Departure Information Kit
Notes
Holiday departures are available.
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