Baja California's Whales & Sealife - 7 Night Cruise

 

Soak in the Adventure of Cousteau's "World's Aquarium"

Stocked with supplies and a bountiful sense of adventure, our Baja cruise follows Steinbeck’s path into the protected waters of Cousteau’s “world’s aquarium.” Active exploration and a menagerie of wildlife await you! You have plenty of opportunities to view your favorite whales throughout your trip from grey whales to whales sharks, visiting them in their natural habitat or watching from the bow. Later in the season? No problem, there are opportunities for orca and mobula watching, with some of our favorite "flying tortillas" in the Sea of Cortez.

INCLUDED HIGHLIGHTS:

  • Sea of Cortes UNESCO World Heritage Site—a marine life–rich natural aquarium
  • Snorkel with sea lion pups and colorful reef fish
  • Mule ride into the arroyos with local rancheros
  • Depending on seasonality, see gray whales, whale sharks, and/or superpods of dolphins, with opportunity for whale watching in every itinerary - wildlife watching with whales, orcas, and mobula rays
  • Birding—hummingbirds, cormorants, Great Blue Herons, Blue- and Red-footed boobies, pelicans, and Magnificent Frigatebirds
  • Hike among desert shrub, cacti, along ridges, and take on a rock scramble
  • Explore rugged shores by skiff
  • Kayak, paddleboard, snorkel, and play at a beach party
  • B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner





Your day-by-day details


Day 1 San Jose del Cabo / La Paz - Embarkation


Bienvenidos! You will be met at the Los Cabos International Airport in San José del Cabo and transferred to our hospitality area. Joined by your expedition team, an overland orientation transfer to La Paz acquaints you with the dramatic Baja landscape and the week that lies ahead. The captain and crew welcome you aboard just in time for a cocktail and dinner with your new mates. (D)

 

Day 2 Isla San Francisco


Adventure in a playground of steep red bluffs and sweeping desert beach. Don some flippers for a snorkel among colorful sea life, put on your walking shoes for an exploratory romp along the ridge, grab a paddle and kayak, hop on a paddle board, or relax on the beach with the sand between your toes. The rugged beauty of the island makes it an ideal spot for escapades. (BLD)

Day 3 Bahia Agua Verde


At Bahía Agua Verde, clear waters are bordered by sparse craggy mountains hemmed in green. Explore the coast by small skiff looking for birds, seals, dolphins, and whales of all kinds; visit with a local ranchero and his family; and take to the canyons and mountains on a mule ride and experience the “real Baja.” Scenic vistas, outstanding exploration, excellent birding, and unmatched camaraderie - the day is done. (BLD)

Day 4 Isla Coronado


Enjoy the beautiful beaches of Isla Coronado this morning - snorkel, kayak, or take a skiff tour. Watch for frigate birds and blue footed boobies in the air and dolphins and sea lions on the water - the waters here are so crystal clear you won't want to come back to the boat! It's worth it though - depending on the season, after lunch we port in Puerto Escondido, a hidden gem on the Pacific Coast of Baja, Mexico. The town of Puerto Escondido is also a great place to explore, with a charming local market, calm surrounding waters and beautiful desert landscapes. Depending on timing we may also have the option to visit Loreto Town on certain days, the first colonial city on the Baja pennisula. on certain months with a historic with peaceful charm and dazzling landscapes. (BLD)

Day 5 Marine Life Search


Mother Nature is your guide today. Take your adventurous side and your binoculars in search of the largest baleen whales in the world. The Sea of Cortés is home to fin, blue, and sperm whales, and the dolphin pods number in the hundreds.

If the gray whales have arrived on Baja’s west coast (mid-January – early-March)—migrating more than 12,000 miles to calve in Bahía Magdalena—you’ll drive across the peninsula for a panga ride to observe these mammals and their babies in the lagoon.

Mid-March through April are your best chance to see whale sharks near La Paz and in other parts of the Sea of Cortes.

Later in the season, we have resident whales and dolphins in our sights. Whichever the day brings, there’s also a chance to head into the Sierra La Giganta Mountains for a tour of the crown jewel of Baja’s historic missions, San Javier; time for a brief exploration in magical Loreto; or more water play and hikes. Bring it on! (BLD)

 

Day 6 Los Islotes / Isla Partida


At Los Islotes—a steep craggy seamount leaping straight from the sea—slip into a wet suit for a snorkel with curious, agile young sea lion pups. At Isla Partida, get set for water play (kayaking, snorkeling, and stand up paddle boarding are all on the menu) and island hikes along desert beaches or into rocky arroyos. Or, kick back with a beach party—complete with a cool drink and sun-soaked lounge. (BLD)

Day 7 Isla San Jose, Evaristo, or Nopolo


Tuck into a secluded cove surrounded by long fingers of red rock and a golden beach. Spend your last full day enjoying the feel of warm sand under your feet on a beach walk, investigate nooks and crannies in the rocks by kayak, or explore a little further afield on a guided hike. Celebrate your week at tonight’s special Farewell Dinner with an entertaining slideshow by your expedition team. (BLD)

Day 8 San Jose del Cabo - La Paz - Disembark


After breakfast, it’s “adios” La Paz, as you transfer back to San José del Cabo for your flight or UnCruise hotel stay. (B)

 

Passport required. Itineraries are guidelines; variations in itinerary and the order of days may occur to maximize your experience.