Discover, Plan & Go!

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.

The 68-guest Sea Lion/ Sea Bird offer’s the best in active exploration of the Sea of Cortez. Our voyage also offers naturalist-guided walks on uninhabited desert islands, swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking excursions. The itinerary remains flexible to make the most of wildlife sightings.

Whales, dolphins, sea lions, birds such as blue-footed boobies and frigate birds, huge cardon cacti, mangroves and sand dunes are among the wonders you'll experience.

Day 1 - Los Angeles/La Paz/San Carlos/Embark Ship

Arrive in La Paz on the charter flight from Los Angeles and drive across the Baja Peninsula to San Carlos and board our ship.

Accommodations: Sea Bird

Included Meals: dinner

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.

Accommodations: Sea Bird

Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5 - Cabo San Lucas and 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.

Accommodations: Sea Bird

Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 6 - Isla 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 will 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 will not only provide the equipment, but as much guidance as you need to succeed), you will 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.

Accommodations: Sea Bird

Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

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 lay/ 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.

Accommodations: Sea Bird

Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 8 - La Paz/Disembak/Los Angeles

Disembark after breakfast in La Paz and drive to the airport for the charter flight to Los Angeles.

Accommodations: n/a

Included Meals: breakfast

FREE FLIGHTS: Travel on any of our Among the Great Whales 2007 departures and take advantage of our complimentary round-trip charter flight from Los Angeles to La Paz on Aeromexico Airlines.

Notes on Itinerary: Read this itinerary as a guide only; our exact route and program varies according to weather conditions - and the wildlife we encounter. Flexibility is the key to the success of this expedition.

Single Travelers: We will make arrangements for roommate shares for solo travelers at the double occupancy rate in Category 2 only. We match you with a cabin mate(s) of the same gender. Even if we are unable to find a cabin mate for you, no single supplement will be charged.

Land Cost Includes: Ship-board accommodations, all meals, round-trip Aeromexico charter flight between Los Angeles and La Paz, shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage; Leadership by experienced expedition staff; Presentations by noted naturalists and other experts; Zodiac cruising and transfers to and from the ship for shore excursions; Kayaks, wet suits and snorkeling equipment; Comprehensive pre-departure information kit.

Not Included: Round-trip airfare from your hometown to Los Angeles. Passport and visa expenses; baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (strongly recommended); excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar and alcoholic beverage charges and telecommunication charges; SCUBA diving; and gratuities.

Payment and Cancellation Policy: Please see AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. We highly recommend our travelers protect their investment with

Group Discount: For your party of 8 or more, you will each receive 5% off your expedition. A 10% deposit is due at time of reservation, and an additional 25% is required 120 days in advance.

Child Discount: We believe sharing an expedition with your kids or grandkids is a life-enhancing experience. So, take $500 off the Double Occupancy price for each person under 21.

Accommodations Aboard: Our twin expedition vessels; M.V. Sea Lion and M.V. Sea Bird comfortably accommodates 70 guests in 37 outside cabins. All cabins face outside with windows and/or a portlight (Lower Deck only). Each has private facilities, climate controls and ample space to hang and store clothing. Public Areas include a Lounge with bar and facilities for films, slide shows and lectures; Library; Sun Deck with chairs; Outside Deck area for viewing. Our open Bridge policy allows you to meet officers and crew. Meals are served in the Dining Room in one unhurried seating with fine views through panoramic windows. Breakfast is a wide selection buffet and lunch is often served family style. American chefs prepare wholesome and varied menus. Special Features: Zodiac landing craft, sea kayaks, snorkeling gear, wet suits, video microscope, hydrophone and Splash-Cam. An Undersea Specialist will be on board in Baja. A Video Chronicler will be on board all voyages.

Qualifications: This trip will be enjoyed by anyone who is in good health and leads an active life. Daily excursions from the boat will be made in Zodiacs. Trip members will take excursions to specific areas for wildlife observation. Hiking time for most landings will be a couple of hours roundtrip with lots of time to stop to study, photograph and enjoy the flora and fauna. Some landings are dry but many are "wet", requiring cautious footing on slippery rocks. The boat staff will be on hand to assist.

General Information: This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations 'Terms & Conditions'. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A packing list, extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information is sent upon confirmation. We strongly recommend the purchase of Trip Insurance through AdventureSmith Explorations. If purchased within 14 days of sign-up, the pre-existing condition exclusion is waived.

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Call today