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A whale watching adventure in Baja
Peninsula, Mexico to see the Pacific Gray Whale as well
as the Sea of Cortez for humpbacks, orcas, blue whales
and more.
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.
Dates
(2006) :
Feb 25 - Mar 4
Mar 4 - 11
Mar 11 - 18
Mar 18 - 25
Itinerary:
Day 1: La Paz / San Carlos
/ Embark ShipFly from US to La Paz, Mexico.
After clearing customs, we drive for
about three hours across the Baja Peninsula to San Carlos,
embarking the ship in the late afternoon.
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 &
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 Partida &
Espiritu Santo
With deeply indented shorelines and
dramatically eroded cliff faces, Islas Partida 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
parrot fish. 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
Ship / Los Cabos/ U.S.After breakfast on board the ship,
we’ll disembark in La Paz at 8:30. We’ll
have some time for exploring around La Paz before heading
to the airport for our flights back to varied points
in the U.S.
Note:
This itinerary should serve as a guideline
only, and that the actual stops are determined by weather,
wildlife activity, and a host of factors in order to
provide the best possible experience. This flexibility
is what makes traveling on our nimble expedition ships
so much more rewarding than on a large vessel with a
locked voyage plan.
Included:
All accommodations aboard ship and
in hotels per itinerary, all meals and nonalcoholic
beverages aboard ship, all shore activities, special
access permits, transfers to and from group flights,
use of snorkeling equipment and wet suits, use of kayaks,
tips (except to ship’s crew), taxes and service
charges, services of a ship physician, and services
of our expedition staff.
Not Included:
Air transportation unless otherwise
noted, scuba diving, passport/visa expenses, baggage/
accident/cancellation insurance, items of a personal
nature, such as alcoholic beverages, email, laundry.
Gratuities to ship’s crew at your discretion.
Price
Guide:
Rates may vary according to departure
date.
All Cabins have private facilities.
Category 1: £1955, based on
double occupancy.
£2440, based on sole occupancy
Category 2: £2790, based on
double occupancy.
$4,980, based on sole occupancy
Category 3: $4,650, based on double
occupancy
Call 01903 816500 for further details or email
info@exquisiteworld.com
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