Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in La Paz, San Carlos and embark ship

Arrive in La Paz, Mexico. A group transfer is provided to drive across the Baja Peninsula to San Carlos and board our ship.

Note: Group flights from Los Angeles to La Paz may be arranged through our office.

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 — traveling 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: Los Cabos and Gorda Banks

Today, we cruise past the spectacular Friars Rocks at Land’s End. For those who wish, a visit to historic town center of San Jose del Cabo can be arranged. 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 as 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

Conclude your trip in La Paz. Disembark for the group transfer to the Airport.

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