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Each winter gray whales migrate
south from their arctic feeding grounds to breed and rear their young in
Baja California’s sheltered lagoons, making it one of North America’s
premier whale watching sites. The sheer number of gray whales makes Baja one
of the largest migrations of any mammal, covering 10,000 miles.
Seeing the whales in their natural habitat is one of the great delights of
this voyage. During our days in the breeding lagoons of Bahia Magdalena, we
venture among them in Zodiac landing craft. This gives us a water-level
perspective for whale watching that is a rare privilege in the natural
world. And it positions us perfectly for the increasingly common friendly
encounters with these mammals that we’ve shared with our guests.
Our voyage also offers naturalist-guided walks on uninhabited desert
islands, swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking adventures in the Sea of Cortez.
The itinerary remains flexible to make the most of wildlife sightings.
Whales, dolphins, sea lions, birds such as blue-footed boobies and
frigatebirds, huge cardon cacti, mangroves and sand dunes are among the
wonders you’ll experience. |
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Day 1 - Los Angeles/La Paz/San
Carlos/Embark Ship
Arrive in La Paz on the charter flight from Los Angeles and drive across
the Baja Peninsula to San Carlos and board our ship.
Days 2-4 - 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 — 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
frigate birds, 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.
Day 5 - Cabo San Lucas and Gorda Banks
Today, we cruise past the spectacular Friars Rocks at Land's End into
Cabo San Lucas to explore this popular resort town. Since Mexico
declared this area a tourist development zone in 1973, the sleepy
fishing village has become a major tourist destination with all the
facilities needed to service thousands of visitors every year. It is
doubtful that John Steinbeck, who visited the area in 1940, writing so
eloquently in The Log from the Sea of Cortez, would even
recognize the town today. We spend the morning sampling the many shops
featuring Mexican handicrafts and taking in the atmosphere of this
popular resort.
The afternoon is spent at the Gorda Banks sea mount, a gathering place
for whales and dolphins. Humpback whales are often sighted here at this
time of the year. Their variety of behaviors is of great interest as we
watch them tail lobbing, flipper slapping and breaching. While the sight
of a whale is always filled with wonder, you won't have to wonder too
long since our marine biologists are always available to inform and
enlighten you with their knowledge and their experience. Not only do
they know where best to look for wildlife, their passion and respect for
the area is infectious — whether you ask a question or two or spend
entire afternoons or evenings in their company.
Day 6 - Islas Los Islotes and Espiritu Santo
With deeply indented shorelines and dramatically eroded cliff faces,
Islas Los Islotes and Espiritu Santo are two of the most beautiful
islands in the Sea of Cortez, lying near the entrance to Bahia de La
Paz. Although considered two islands, they are more like one — separated
by a narrow channel. We’ll enjoy them to the fullest with a leisurely
afternoon of swimming and snorkeling. Once you put on your mask and
flippers and start breathing through your snorkel (we’ll not only
provide the equipment, but as much guidance as you need to succeed),
you’ll be able to experience a thrill not soon forgotten: swimming with
the curious and friendly sea lions. The best way to observe the
impressive geological past of these islands is from a kayak. Easily seen
just a few yards from the shore are tons of compacted volcanic ash
covered with solidified lava floods. Brown pelicans, gulls, wandering
tattlers, great blue herons and boobies are all part of the landscape.
The islands offer excellent possibilities for long walks or lazy
beachcombing. And we may end the day with a beach barbecue.
Day 7 - Exploring the Sea of Cortez
Today is a day with the luxury of no specific plan. We may 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, bottlenose
dolphins and common dolphins. The Sea of Cortez is incredibly rich in
nutrients, making it home to a huge variety of fish, many of them
tropical. Below the surface, lie (or swim) king angelfish, surgeonfish,
butterfly fish, damselfish and the beautifully colored parrotfish. When
diving or snorkeling in the clear waters of our anchorage, observe the
fish swimming and flitting along the reef as they come and go in huge
waves of brilliant color. During the day there will be time to explore
one of the many lovely, uninhabited islands such as Isla San Jose or
Isla Santa Catalina, famous for the 12-foot wavy barrel cactus and other
desert plants that grow along the canyon. Whether walking, kayaking or
watching from the Bridge, you’ll observe the great diversity of bird
life — ladder-backed woodpeckers, Costa’s hummingbirds, Gila woodpeckers
and verdin. At night, the constellations in the clear sky are
entertainment enough.
Day 8 - La Paz/Disembark/Los Angeles
Disembark after breakfast in La Paz and drive to the airport for the
charter flight to Los Angeles.
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| Departure
Dates & Rates |
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Please click on the date that interests
you for applicable pricing.
Rates may vary according to departure date. |
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Departure Dates (see below for family & photo expeditions)
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2006: |
January 14*, 21*, 21, 28, 28*
February 4, 11, 11*, 18*, 18, 25, 25*
March 4*, 4, 11, 11*, 18*, 18 |
Photo Workshop Expeditions |
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2006: |
March
18 |
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Indicates that this is a Reverse
Itinerary |
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Sea Lion |
Per Person Double Occupancy |
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Sole Occupancy |
| Category 01 |
$3,490 |
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$4,360 |
Main Deck #300, 301,
302, 303
Conveniently positioned between the dining room and lounge, these
cabins feature twin lower beds, and a large view window.
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| Category 02 |
$3,980 |
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$4,980 |
Upper Deck #200-212,
215; Bridge Deck #100-104, 108
These well-located cabins include twin lower beds and a large view
window.
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| Category 03 |
$4,650 |
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Upper Deck #214,
216-219, 221; Bridge Deck #105, 106, 107, 110
These large cabins feature a seating arrangement with table and two
view windows. Certain cabins include twin lower beds. Ask for
details.
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Cost Includes: Accommodations,
all meals, round-trip Aeromexico charter flight between Los Angeles and
La Paz.
Not Included: Round-trip airfare from your hometown to Los
Angeles.
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| Sea Lion Deck Plans |
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| Baja
California: Among The Great Whales Expedition Map |
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