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Come explore Baja with us this spring —
during the lush months of April, May, June and early July. This is an ideal
time to sail among these islands. Conditions are excellent — consistently
calm and warm waters make for ideal swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving.
Aboard our intimate ship, fully equipped with Zodiacs, kayaks and a
convenient swimming platform on the stern, we’ll emphasize time in the
water! But time on land will be wonderful too: air temperatures are warm but
not oppressively hot and spring rains bring forth colorful cactus blossoms.
With over 20 years' experience in this region, we’ll show you the best that
Baja has to offer. See whales up close from the deck of our ship — best bets
are fin, sperm and Bryde’s, but other possibilities include blue and orca.
Hike miles of uninhabited beaches and desert. Observe myriad seabirds. Kayak
in pristine waters, scuba dive among reef fish and enjoy the serenity of a
sunset beach barbecue.
The Sea of Cortez harbors over fifty remote islands, many with plants and
animals that have evolved into distinct endemic species. Some in the
scientific world refer to this region as “Mexico’s Galápagos.” This unique
journey includes the seldom-visited Midriff Islands and is designed with no
set itinerary, adding a stimulating sense of adventure to each day. Come
join our spring season in Baja! |
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Day 1 - U.S./Hermosillo/Guaymas/Embark Ship
Depart U.S. and fly to Hermosillo, Mexico. Drive directly to our ship in
Guaymas and set sail on the Sea of Cortez.
Days 2-7 - Exploring the Sea of Cortez
This expedition is designed to take advantage of the best wildlife and
exploring opportunities in the area. We will keep ourselves open to the
possibilities. Our routing will include the islands listed below,
although the order may vary:
Islas San Esteban and San Pedro Martir
In the morning land on Isla San Esteban for a walk up a desert wash, to
search for desert birds and the endemic pinto chuckwalla — a fat,
harmless desert lizard. In the afternoon visit Isla San Pedro Martir, a
1,000-foot-high guano-covered island that is home to thousands of
seabirds. At this time of year blue-footed boobies, red-billed
tropicbirds, pelicans and frigatebirds are all found here. A Zodiac
cruise gives us close views of the birds and throngs of sea lions along
the shoreline, and kayaks allow for personal explorations.
Canal de Ballenas and Isla Angel de la Guarda
In Canal de Ballenas it may be possible to see many species of whales
and dolphins. Fin, sperm, and orca whales, bottlenose and common dolphin
are among the species found in these waters. Later we land on Isla Angel
de la Guarda for hikes among elephant trees and cardon cactus, and
another opportunity for kayaking along a remote island shoreline.
Isla Rasa
In the spring one of the great wildlife spectacles of the Sea of Cortez
is in full swing at Isla Rasa — the nesting of thousands of Heermann’s
gulls and elegant and royal terns. This population of seabirds has been
closely studied for many years, and we will go ashore to meet the
researchers and unobtrusively observe the nesting, feeding and
territorial behavior of these three species.
Isla San Marcos
At Isla San Marcos there is a beautiful cove for swimming, snorkeling,
scuba diving and kayaking, and a broad arroyo leading into the interior,
with intriguing desert plants and good opportunities for bird watching.
In the afternoon we are again in rich whale waters, near the mouth of
Bahia Concepcion where we stand a good chance of sighting several
species of whales, particularly fin or sperm.
Isla Santa Catalina
This morning we’ll search for whales in the waters south of Isla Carmen,
an area that has proven to be one of the best for finding blue whales,
and often bottlenose and common dolphins. In the afternoon we visit Isla
Santa Catalina, famous for its giant barrel cactus and rattleless
rattlesnake. The protected bay of our anchorage is also an excellent
site for snorkeling. With a full afternoon here there is time for
swimming, scuba diving, snorkeling, hiking and kayaking.
Islas Los Islotes and Espiritu Santo
At Isla Los Islotes, snorkelers have one of life’s great opportunities —
swimming with graceful, curious sea lions. With a deeply indented
shoreline and dramatically eroded cliff faces, Isla Espiritu Santo is
perhaps the most beautiful island in the Sea of Cortez. We have a
leisurely afternoon for swimming, scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking,
and in the evening a beach barbecue under the desert sky.
Day 8 - La Paz/Disembark Ship/Los Cabos/Return U.S.
This morning after breakfast we disembark in La Paz and drive to Los
Cabos Airport for flights back to the U.S. On our way we stop in the
lovely little town of Todos Santos, which has become a haven for artists
in recent years.
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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: |
April 8, 9, 15*
May 6*, 13, 20*, 27
June 3*, 10, 17*, 24
July 1*, 8 |
Photo Expeditions |
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| 2006: |
April 8 |
Family Expeditions |
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| 2006: |
July 1*, 8 |
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| * |
Indicates that this is a Reverse Itinerary |
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Sea Bird |
Per Person
Double Occupancy |
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Sole
Occupancy |
| Category 01 |
$2,590 |
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$3,240 |
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 |
$3,090 |
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$3,860 |
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 |
$3,790 |
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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.
Not Included: Round-trip airfare U.S./ Mexico.
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| Sea Bird Deck Plans |
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| Baja: Where The Desert
Meets The Sea Expedition Map |
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