Trip Highlights: Whales, Flexible
Itinerary, Bahia Magdalena, Laguna San Ignacio, Memorable Sunsets
Rates: $6,610 - $8,810
Single rate from $9,910
Fuel surcharge may apply.
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Ship Name: M/V Sea Lion / Sea Bird
Expedition Ship
This special photographer's journey offers
the unique opportunity to explore -- and photograph -- both the gray whale
lagoons along Baja's Pacific Coast and the richness of the vast Sea of Cortez!
Introduction
This is one of our most exciting voyages
in Baja California and the Sea of Cortez. There will be time for whale watching
and to linger with gray whales in their winter nursery lagoons up close
at water level from Zodiacs. And there are languid days to explore the treasures
of the rich Sea of Cortez, a place with a large variety of whales, seabirds,
desert vegetation and some of the world's most memorable sunsets. Our flexible
itinerary allows us to take full advantage of the unpredictability of nature
and the wildlife we may encounter.
Itinerary
Day 1: Los Angeles/La Paz, Mexico
Fly to La Paz on our special charter flight, drive across the Baja Peninsula
to San Carlos and embark the ship.
Day 2: 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
— moving south from their Arctic feeding grounds to breed and raise their
calves in these sheltered waters. During our days in this otherworldly place,
we'll have the opportunity to not only observe these enormous yet gentle
animals from the ship, but also at water level from our Zodiacs. Because
of our experience and knowledge of Baja's waters, we have enjoyed consistent
success in achieving "friendly encounters" with gray mother and calf pairs.
While we 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.
Our 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 we 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. We'll take our
kayaks and Zodiacs through the winding canals to discover the riches within.
Bird watching in the mangroves can be excellent — magnificent frigatebirds,
pelicans, cormorants, terns and great blue herons, ibis, whimbrels and willets
are among the species we might see. On mud flats, we'll often see migrating
species at rest. Our practiced and observant naturalists will make sure
we 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 forty species
of birds in just one day along these fertile shorelines where they refuel
for their destinations ahead.
Days 3-4: Laguna San Ignacio
Laguna San Ignacio is a large bay and another favored haunt of the gray
whales in Baja. The ship will linger in this remote and important locale,
while we observe the mother and calf pairs — from the ship, and from water
level in our Zodiacs. For some reason, the whales here seem to be friendlier
than they are elsewhere. It's not unusual for mothers and calves to approach
our boats, the calves often playing hide and seek — even wanting to be petted
and scratched.
Day 5: Sailing South
As you travel south along the Pacific coast of the
peninsula, there is a chance of seeing a wide variety of marine life,
including the largest animal on earth, the blue whale.
Days 6-14: Islands of the Sea of Cortez
After a stop at Los Cabos, spend these next days
exploring the islands and bays of the Sea of Cortez. The Sea of Cortez
at this time of year has rich marine life and its unpredictable
appearance makes it futile to stick to a set plan. Your schedule will be
adjusted around whale sightings, so that you have the time you need to
closely observe the leviathans of the oceans. Islands you might visit
include Espirtu Santo, Los Islotes, San Jose, Santa Catalina, Carmen,
San Marcos, San Pedro Martir, San Esteban and Rasa. Along the way you
could encounter sperm, fin and blue whales, among others. You'll enjoy
spectacular sunrises and sunsets. There will be opportunities for
swimming, snorkelling, kayaking, Zodiac cruises and Naturalist-guided
hikes ashore during your days of exploration.
Day 15: La Paz / Disembark / Return U.S.
For Sea Bird: After a visit of La Paz, the capital
of the state of Baja California Sur, you'll have lunch. Transfer to the
airport for your flight to Los Angeles.
*Sea Lion guests wil be
disembarking on Day 16 from Loreto.
Notes:
This trip operates aboard both
the Sea Lion and Sea Bird on 3/27/2010.
Special Photo Expedition:
This special photo expedition is
one of the most exciting and comprehensive voyages to Baja and offers
the unique opportunity to explore — and photograph — the gray whale
lagoons along Baja’s Pacific Coast and the richness of the vast Sea of
Cortez. Linger with the grays up close at water level from your Zodiacs,
then with the luxury of a flexible itinerary you’ll island hop across
the Sea of Cortez. Baja’s wild shores and desert islands are a
photographer’s paradise — a place where awesome wildlife and scenic
landscapes meet. Your Photo Leaders take an almost personal pride in
introducing guests to its uninhabited islands, cactus forests, whales
and dolphins, astonishing seabird colonies, expansive sand dunes and
some of the world’s most memorable sunsets. Benefit from coaching in the
field; back onboard, enjoy an array of presentations on the natural
history of Baja and on the creative and technical aspects of capturing
its beauty with your camera.
Included:
All accommodations aboard ships
or in hotels per itinerary or similar, all meals and nonalcoholic
beverages aboard ship, meals on land as indicated, air transportation
where indicated as included, shore excursions, sightseeing and entrance
fees, special access permits, transfers to and from group flights, use
of snorkelling equipment and wet suits, use of kayaks (where available),
tips (except to ship's crew), taxes and service charges, services of a
shop physician on most voyages, and services of your expedition staff.
Not
Included:
Air
transportation (except where shown as included), extensions, passport,
visa, immigration fees, scuba diving (where available), meals not
indicated, baggage/accident/travel protection plan, items of a person
nature such as alcoholic beverages, e-mail, laundry. Gratuities to
ship's crew at your discretion
