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Trip Details

Baja Whales & Wildlife - Whale Watching in Bahia Magdalena, Mexican Fiesta at La Paz, Spectacular Desert Islands, Bonanza Beach, Loreto
8 days | Departures: 12/22/07, 12/29/07, 1/5/08, 1/19/08, 1/26/08, 2/2/08, 2/9/08, 2/23/08, 3/1/08, 12/20/08, 12/27/08 | From $2,399

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Trip Highlights: Whale Watching in Bahia Magdalena, Mexican Fiesta at La Paz, Spectacular Desert Islands, Bonanza Beach, Loreto.

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:

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 ($194 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.