8 Day Baja Sea Safari… (trip)

8 Day Baja Sea Safari Among the Great Whales

  • La Paz Airport, Mexico
  • Boats, Barges & Small Ship Cruises
Mexico, Central America

from $5,240* per person8 DaysYear-round
Boutique accommodations Exertion level: 3
Operator: Bushtracks Expeditions 24 people max
Each winter gray whales migrate south from their arctic feeding grounds to breed and rear their young in Baja California's and Mexico's sheltered lagoons, making it one of North America's premier whale watching sites.

During this eight day Baja Sea Safari in the sunny breeding lagoons of Bahia Magdalena, venture among the whales in Zodiac landing craft. Get a water-level perspective for whale watching that is a rare privilege in the natural world while you are perfectly positioned for the increasingly common encounters with these extraordinary mammals.

Our Baja Mexico cruise expedition also offers naturalist-guided walks on uninhabited desert islands, swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking in the Sea of Cortez. The itinerary also remains flexible to make the most of whale watching and wildlife sightings.

Whales, dolphins, sea lions, birds such as blue-footed boobies and frigatebirds, huge cardon cacti, mangroves and sand dunes are just a few of the many wonders you'll experience.

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Locations visited/nearby

Mexico, Central America

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Special information

  • This is a custom departure, meaning this trip is offered on dates that you arrange privately with the provider. Additionally, you need to form your own private group for this trip. The itinerary and price here is just a sample. Contact the provider for detailed pricing, minimum group size, and scheduling information. For most providers, the larger the group you are traveling with, the lower the per-person cost will be.
  • May accommodate certain types of disabilities. Contact the operator for more information.

Itinerary

Day 1
La Paz/San Carlos/Embark Ship

Arrive in La Paz and drive across the Baja Peninsula to San Carlos to board the ship.
Lodging: National Geographic Sea Bird

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.

In kayaks and Zodiacs we'll explore the canals of the mangrove swamps. Bird watching here can be excellent magnificent frigate birds, pelicans, cormorants, terns and great blue herons, are among the species we might see.
Lodging: National Geographic Sea Bird

Day 5
Los Cabos and Gorda Banks

Today, we cruise past the 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.

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. See tail lobbing, flipper slapping and breaching. Marine biologists and Naturalists 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.
Lodging: National Geographic Sea Bird

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. Swim and snorkel here. Don mask, flippers and snorkel (which we'll provide with as much guidance as you need) and experience the thrill of swimming with the curious sea lions. Observe the impressive geological past of these islands from a kayak: see tons of compacted volcanic ash covered with solidified lava floods just yards from the shore. Brown pelicans, gulls, wandering tattlers, great blue herons and boobies are all part of the landscape. It is also home to the endemic black jack rabbit, and with any luck, we may spot one. There are possibilities for long walks or lazy beachcombing. Finish the day with a beach barbecue complete with campfire and a star-filled sky.
Lodging: National Geographic Sea Bird

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. Rich in nutrients, the Sea of Cortez is home to a huge variety of fish: king angelfish, surgeonfish, butterfly fish, damselfish and the beautifully colored parrotfish. 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. 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.
Lodging: National Geographic Sea Bird

Day 8
Depart

Disembark in La Paz, fly to Los Angeles

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