ADVENTURE CRUISES

Baja: Among the Great Whales Cruise

Seeing the whales in their natural habitat is one of the great delights of this voyage. During days in the breeding lagoons of Bahia Magdalena, venture among them in Zodiac landing craft. This gives us a water-level perspective for whale watching that is a rare privilege in the natural world. And it positions you perfectly for the increasingly common friendly encounters with these mammals that AdventureSmith has shared with guests.

The 62-guest Sea Lion/Sea Bird offers the best in active exploration of the Sea of Cortez. This voyage also offers naturalist-guided walks on uninhabited desert islands, swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking excursions. The itinerary remains flexible to make the most of wildlife sightings.

Whales, dolphins, sea lions, birds such as blue-footed boobies and frigatebirds, huge cardon cacti, mangroves and sand dunes are among the wonders you’ll experience.

Cruise Details

Single Travelers: AdventureSmith will make arrangements for roommate shares for solo travelers at the double occupancy rate in Category 2 only. They match you with a cabin mate(s) of the same gender. Even if they are unable to find a cabin mate for you, no single supplement will be charged.

Not Included: Round-trip airfare from your hometown to Los Angeles. Passport and visa expenses; baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (strongly recommended); excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar and alcoholic beverage charges and telecommunication charges; SCUBA diving; and gratuities.

Group Discount: For your party of eight or more, you will each receive 5% off your expedition. A 10% deposit is due at time of reservation, and an additional 25% is required 120 days in advance.

Child Discount: AdventureSmith believes sharing an expedition with your kids or grandkids is a life-enhancing experience. So, take $500 off the Double Occupancy price for each person under 21.

Day 1: Los Angeles/La Paz/San Carlos/Embark Ship
Arrive in La Paz on the charter flight from Los Angeles and drive across the Baja Peninsula to San Carlos and board the ship.

Accommodations: Sea Bird
Included Meals: Dinner

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 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 Zodiacs. Because of AdventureSmith's experience and knowledge of Baja's waters, they have enjoyed consistent success in achieving "friendly encounters" with gray mother and calf pairs. While they would never presume to predict Nature's behavior, it is highly likely that you will have the privilege of an up-close and personal sighting.

Whale watching takes place in an exceptional context: Bahia Magdalena is on the Pacific side of Baja, a vast wilderness of sculpted sand dunes, mangrove channels and protected waters. On its western side lies Isla Magdalena or Magdalena Island, a narrow, 60-mile long island comprised of enormous dunes. Although they have seen dunes and beaches before, the particular way these sweeping desert sands meet the shoreline is unforgettable.

Dense mangrove swamps are another, enticing environment. Take kayaks and Zodiacs through the winding canals to discover the riches within. Bird watching in the mangroves can be excellent — magnificent frigate birds, pelicans, cormorants, terns and great blue herons, ibis, whimbrels and willets are among the species you might see. On mud flats, you'll often see migrating species at rest. Practiced and observant naturalists will make sure you won't miss any of these world travelers, that can cover up to 8,000 miles of coastline during their migrations. It's not unusual to see 40 species of birds in just one day along these fertile shorelines where they refuel for their destinations ahead.

Accommodations: Sea Bird
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 5: Cabo San Lucas and Gorda Banks
Today, cruise past the spectacular Friars Rocks at Land's End into Cabo San Lucas to explore this popular resort town. Since Mexico declared this area a tourist development zone in 1973, the sleepy fishing village has become a major tourist destination with all the facilities needed to service thousands of visitors every year. It is doubtful that John Steinbeck, who visited the area in 1940, writing so eloquently in The Log from the Sea of Cortez, would even recognize the town today. Spend the morning sampling the many shops featuring Mexican handicrafts and taking in the atmosphere of this popular resort.

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. Their variety of behaviors is of great interest as you watch them tail lobbing, flipper slapping and breaching. While the sight of a whale is always filled with wonder, you won't have to wonder too long since marine biologists 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.

Accommodations: Sea Bird
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 6: Isla 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, lying near the entrance to Bahia de La Paz. Although considered two islands, they are more like one — separated by a narrow channel. Enjoy them to the fullest with a leisurely afternoon of swimming and snorkeling. Once you put on your mask and flippers and start breathing through your snorkel (AdventureSmith will not only provide the equipment, but as much guidance as you need to succeed), you’ll be able to experience a thrill not soon forgotten: swimming with the curious and friendly sea lions. The best way to observe the impressive geological past of these islands is from a kayak. Easily seen just a few yards from the shore are tons of compacted volcanic ash covered with solidified lava floods. Brown pelicans, gulls, wandering tattlers, great blue herons and boobies are all part of the landscape. The islands offer excellent possibilities for long walks or lazy beachcombing. And the day may end with a beach barbecue.

Accommodations: Sea Bird
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

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. 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 our 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.

Accommodations: Sea Bird
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 8: La Paz/Disembak/Los Angeles
Disembark after breakfast in La Paz and drive to the airport for the charter flight to Los Angeles.

Accommodations: N/A
Included Meals: Breakfast

Notes:
Read this itinerary as a guide only; the exact route and program varies according to weather conditions - and the wildlife encountered. Flexibility is the key to the success of this expedition.

General Information: This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations 'Terms & Conditions'. Please read this information carefully and call if you have any questions. A packing list, extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information is sent upon confirmation. AdventureSmith strongly recommends the purchase of Trip Insurance through AdventureSmith Explorations. If purchased within 14 days of sign-up, the pre-existing condition exclusion is waived.