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Tell me more
about Whale Watching Trips!
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Whale watching
trips |
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Alaska |
Hidden
Fjords & Glaciers of Alaska's Inside Passage May -
Sept 2006
8 days from $4299 |
Juneau to Sitka Glacier Bay National Park,
cuisine, kayaking, zodiac tours,
May - Sept
8 days
from $4295 |
Wilderness Inside Passage
Guaranteed Whale Watching
May - Sept
9 days from $4249 |
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Baja California |
Baja Whales, Wildlife, Copper Canyon varied programme,
wildlife and history. Dec 2007
12 days, from $4199 |
Sea
of Cortez: Loreto
Kayaking, Laser sail boats, water skiing,
snorkelling Mar - Dec
8 days
from $3995 |
Voyage
through the Sea of Cortez
Whales, snorkelling, Dec 2007
8 days
from $3390 |
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Trip
Highlights: Famous Chihuahua-al-Pacifico Railroad, Culture of
Tarahumara Indians, Rugged Backcountry, Spectacular Desert Islands,
Whale Watching in Bahia Magdalena
Rates: $4,199 - $5,949
Ship Name:
Spirit of Yorktown
- Small Ship
Passengers: 102
Introduction
Known as "Mexico's Grand Canyon," the
Copper Canyon is four times larger and nearly 1,000 feet deeper than its
Arizona counterpart. And, the Canyon is rich with Tarahumara Indian
culture as it is with amazing vistas. An adventure by rail through the
heart of the canyon to the heights of the Sierra Tarahumara is a
spectacular continuation of your Sea of Cortes cruise. Following seven
days at sea, enjoy a five-day visit to this magnificent work of nature,
including the towns of Chihuahua, Creel, and El Fuerte.
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. D
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 snorkeling.
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: La Paz to El Fuerte
Transfer to the airport for your included flight to Los Mochis. Stop at
the Maya Indian village of Tehueco for a traditional dance performance.
Travel to the Posada del Hidalgo in El Fuerte. Founded in 1564, El
Fuerte was a frontier outpost where expeditions to California and New
Mexico began. Visit the City Hall, the oldest church, and the Main Plaza
on a leisurely walking tour.
Day 9: Copper Canyon (Sierra Tarahumara) by Rail
Transfer to the Chihuahua-al-Pacifico Railroad to begin the ascent into
the Sierra Madres, traveling east through coastal plains. The Sierra
Tarahumara is a maze of 200 gorges combining to form six interconnecting
canyons. You will rise over 8,000 feet, crossing deep ravines and
passing through more than 68 tunnels. Upon arrival at Divisadero,
transfer to your hotel, situated near the rim of the Urique Canyon.
Day 10: Copper Canyon
After breakfast travel by motorcoach to Cusarare to visit the Jesuit
Mission and the new museum featuring recently restored 16th, 17th and
18th century paintings collected by the Jesuit missionaries. While
there, stop next door at the Tarahumara boarding school for a chance to
interact with the children. After lunch in Creel, you will have the
opportunity to wander around the small rustic town and enjoy the unique
rock formations that surround the area. Overnight at your rim hotel.
Day 11: Motorcoach to Chihuahua
Descend from the mountains by motorcoach to Chihuahua, the capital city
of the State of Chihuahua. Along the way, stop for lunch. Visit the
Museum of the Revolution, formerly the home of Chihuahua's most famous
citizen, Pancho Villa. Don't miss the cathedral -- the organ was brought
from Germany with sculptures originating from Italy. Tonight, celebrate
your explorations with a farewell dinner.
Day 12: Depart from Chihuahua Airport
Transfer to the Chihuahua Airport for your trip home.
Notes:
Included:
Transportation and shore excursions as indicated in itinerary; meals
aboard ship or where indicated; transfer of passenger and two pieces of
baggage at all points during the cruise; taxes, port charges, and fees
($194 per person); Service charges to all personnel onboard the vessel.
Not Included:
Airfare from your home city and return; Passport and visa fees; Air
departure taxes.
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