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Baja California
Aboard the Sea Lion
From $4,850 per person, based on double occupancy. Solo occupancy rates from $7,270.
Trip Details
Free airfare to Mexico, plus 10% off published rates!
See the tour brochure (pdf)
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On the WWF Travel Blog: Efforts to protect small cetaceans; a first-hand account of swimming with sea lions
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Trip Overview
This is one of the top spots in North America to see whales of all types. Kayak, swim and snorkel in Gulf of California waters and hike along remote islets. Cruise in Zodiac landing craft through the breeding lagoons of Mexico's Bahia Magdalena in search of massive whales.
Trip Itinerary
Saturday, January 23, 2010: Los Angeles / La Paz, Mexico / Embark
Depart Los Angeles on a privately chartered flight to La Paz. Upon arrival, drive along the Malecon and embark. (D)
Sunday, January 24: Exploring the Sea of Cortez
Today is a day with the luxury of no specific plan. 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, and often common and bottlenose dolphins. Explore the many uninhabited islands such as Isla San Jose or Isla Santa Catalina to walk among huge cacti and observe the diverse bird life – verdins, ladder-backed woodpeckers and Costa’s hummingbirds. Swim or snorkel in the clear bay of our anchorage. Below the surface, view king angelfish, butterfly fish, damselfish and beautifully colored parrotfish. (B,L,D)
Monday, January 25: Islas Los Islotes / Espiritu Santo
At tiny Los Islotes, you can experience one of life’s great pleasures – snorkeling with curious sea lions. Don flippers, a mask and snorkel (which we’ll gladly provide with as much guidance as you need) and swim among these graceful creatures. With deeply indented shorelines and dramatically eroded cliff faces, Isla Espiritu Santo is one of the most beautiful islands in the Sea of Cortez. We have a leisurely afternoon to swim, kayak or hike at Espiritu Santo. Brown pelicans, gulls, wandering tattlers, great blue herons and boobies are all part of the landscape. This is also home to the endemic black jack rabbit, and with any luck, we may spot one. End the day with a beach barbecue complete with campfire and a star-filled sky. (B,L,D)
Tuesday, January 26: Gorda Banks / Los Cabos
The morning is spent at the Gorda Banks seamount, a gathering place for whales and dolphins. Humpback whales are often sighted here at this time of year, and you may see tail lobbing, flipper slapping and breaching. In the afternoon, cruise past spectacular Friars Rocks at Land’s End. For those who wish, we will arrange a visit to the historic town center of San Jose del Cabo. (B,L,D)
Wednesday, January 27 through Friday, January 29: Bahia Magdalena
Bahia Magdalena is one of the main breeding and calving areas for California gray whales. 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 our days in this otherworldly place, we’ll have the opportunity to 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. Navigate through dense mangrove channels to kayak and watch for magnificent frigate birds, pelicans, cormorants, terns, great blue herons, ibis, willets and more. (B,L,D daily)
Saturday, January 30: San Carlos / Disembark / La Paz / Los Angeles
Disembark after breakfast in San Carlos and drive across the peninsula to La Paz for our chartered flight to Los Angeles. (B)
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