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Antarctica Cruise and Adventure Travel
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Trip Details
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Baja Whales & Wildlife -
Whale Watching in Bahia Magdalena, Mexican Fiesta at La
Paz, Spectacular Desert Islands, Bonanza Beach, Loreto
8 days | Departures:
12/19/09, 12/26/09, 1/2/10, 1/9/10, 1/16/10, 1/23/10, 1/30/10,
2/6/10, 2/13/10, 2/20/10, 2/27/10, 3/6/10 | From
$2,199 |
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Tell me more
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Trip Highlights: Whale Watching in
Bahia Magdalena, Mexican Fiesta at La Paz, Spectacular Desert Islands,
Bonanza Beach, Loreto.
Rates: $2,199 - $4,299
Fuel surcharge may apply.
Ship Name:
Spirit of Endeavour
- Small Ship
Passengers: 102
Introduction
From about mid-January to mid-March,
hundreds of California gray whales assemble in the shallow lagoons of
Bahía Magdalena on Baja's Pacific shore. On this cruise adventure you
seek up-close encounters with these gentle giants wherever they may be
found. Enjoy idyllic island days in the Sea of Cortés including Zodiac
tours, kayaking, snorkelling and hiking. You also visit the charming
town of Loreto, home to the mother mission of all the Californias. The
final evening of your trip, celebrate with a traditional Mexican fiesta
on the waterfront deck of the Governor's Mansion in La Paz.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Cabo San Lucas
Transfer from Los Cabos Airport to your Hospitality Room at Cabo's
inner harbor. Board your ship and sail into the Sea of Cortés.
Day 2: Isla Espiritu Santo
This 23,383-acre island near La Paz is centred in one of the most
biologically diverse marine areas in the world and is a major
environmental success story. Several plants and animals are found
nowhere else in the world, including the blacktailed jack rabbit and
antelope squirrel. Drop anchor at Espiritú Santo's Bahía Bonanza for a
day ashore. Take a guided walk among the tangle of exotic cacti, or
swim, snorkel, and kayak the crystal clear sea here that supports 900
species of fish. No need to bring snorkel gear or wetsuits as gear will
be provided to you.
Day 3: Whale Watching
This whole day is spent pursuing up-close viewing of marine life. The
Sea of Cortés is home to huge schools of common and bottle-nosed
dolphins, as well as humpback, minke, fin, and blue whales. From
mid-January to mid-March, hundreds of gray whales congregate in the
shallow lagoons of Baja¹s Pacific shore. When we're told the whales are
present, we'll cross the peninsula by motorcoach to Puerto Adolfo Lopez
Mateos. There, board an outboard-equipped panga to observe the grays,
who have migrated some 6,000 miles from Alaska¹s Bering Sea to mate,
give birth, and rear their young. When whales are not present there due
to varied migration patterns, you will look for whales in the Sea of
Cortés.
Day 4: Island Exploration
Guided by the weather and tides, visit one of the beautiful and special
islands of the Sea of Cortés. Exploration will possibly include nature
hikes, kayaking, and snorkelling.
Day 5: Loreto
Founded in 1697, Loreto's Nuesta Señora de Loreto Mission was the
original mother church from which all the other California missions were
founded, eventually leading as far north as Sonoma, California. A museum
adjacent to the mission displays artifacts and paintings from Baja¹s
colonial era. Stroll the streets and plazas of this picturesque seaside
village, capped by a reception with musical entertainment at the
mission.
Day 6: Los Islotes & Isla Partida
Los Islotes is a steep seamount punctured by sea caves. Blue-footed
boobies reside on the cliffs, and a large colony of California sea lions
haul out on the rocks below. Weather permitting, swim and snorkel as the
female sea lions and their curious young pups float about you in the
sea. Continue to Isla Partida nearby, to hike the island¹s rugged
canyons, kayak up-close to rock-walled headlands, or just relax on the
beach. In the sheltered cove of Ensenada Grande, the silky, sandy bottom
shelves out very gradually for hundreds of feet, as gentle waves lap
onto the mangrove-backed beach.
Day 7: La Paz
Today, your ship ties up at the central waterfront of Baja California
Sur¹s capital and largest city, which was founded in the 1530s. Explore
the shops, gelaterías, and the miles-long waterfront malecón or
promenade. A host of options will be available and you will have the
opportunity to enjoy an exclusive fiesta, complete with Mexican music,
dancers, and piñatas. Later, depart La Paz to sail overnight to Cabo San
Lucas.
Day 8: Disembark in Cabo San Lucas
Disembark in Cabo San Lucas Cruise past the spectacular rock formation,
Los Arcos, at the very tip of the Baja Peninsula. After breakfast,
disembark and transfer to the Los Cabos Airport.
Notes:
Steinbeck Cruise: 1/9/2010
Sail in the company of a Steinbeck
scholar as you steep yourself in the extraordinary journeys of famed
author John Steinbeck and marine biologist Ed Ricketts, whose voyage of
exploration and understanding sparked the creation of The Log from the
Sea of Cortez. Rediscover the charm and mystery that has enchanted
readers and captured the imaginations of explorers as you sail a scenic
coastline, virtually unchanged since Ricketts' and Steinbeck's 1940
expedition.
Included:
Transportation and shore
excursions as indicated in itineraries and meals aboard ship; Transfer
of passenger and two pieces of baggage at all points during the cruise;
Taxes, port charges, fees, and onboard services ($278 per person);
Service charges to all personnel onboard the vessel.
Not
Included:
Airfare from your home city and return; Passport and
visa expenses; Traveler's insurance; Airport departure taxes; fuel
surcharge.
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