Escape to a world teeming with wildlife; where the cactuses are the tallest on earth, the island beaches show no footprints except your own, and the setting sun seems to glow orange for hours. Led by our Expedition Team including Naturalists and an Undersea Specialist, this 4-night voyage in the Sea of Cortez offers opportunities for kayaking, searching for whales and dolphins, hiking, Zodiac cruises, snorkeling with reef fish and sea lions and a special beach barbecue under the desert skies.
Day 1 - Arrive La Paz
Fly from Los Angeles to La Paz and embark the National Geographic Sea Bird in the heart of old La Paz.
Accommodations: Sea Bird
Included Meals: dinner
Day 2 - Islas Los Islotes and Espirtu Santo
At Isla Los Islotes, experience the delight of snorkeling with curious sea lions – one of life’s great pleasures. With a deeply indented shoreline and dramatically eroded cliff faces, Isla Espiritu Santo is perhaps the most beautiful island in the Sea of Cortez. Spend a leisurely afternoon here, perfect for snorkeling, kayaking or relaxing on deck. In the evening head ashore for a beach barbecue under the desert sky.
Accommodations: Sea Bird
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 3 — Isla Santa Catalina
ISLA SANTA CATALINA This morning search the waters south of Isla Carmen, an area that has proven to be one of the best for finding whales, and often bottlenose and common dolphins. In the afternoon we’ll visit Isla Santa Catalina, famous for its giant barrel cactus and cardon forest. The protected bay of our anchorage is also an excellent site for snorkeling. With a full afternoon here there is time for swimming, snorkeling, hiking and kayaking.
Accommodations: Sea Bird
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 4 — Exploring the Sea of Cortez
We let nature be our guide during our last full day in the Sea of Cortez and travel on a flexible itinerary. There are numerous islands to explore in the Bahia Loreto Marine Reserve, and it is also a rich area for whales and dolphins. We may spend part of the morning searching for marine life, and then anchor at an island such as Carmen, where there is a mountainous shoreline to explore by kayak, arroyos that beckon us to explore inland, and bays of turquoise waters for snorkeling.
Accommodations: Sea Bird
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 5 — La Paz/Disembark/Los Angeles
This morning disembark at La Paz and transfer to the airport for the flight to Los Angeles.
Accommodations: n/a
Included Meals: breakfast
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, 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: Airfare. 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.
Travel Insurance: We highly recommend our travelers protect their investment with Travel Insurance. Please note that you must purchase your Travel Insurance policy within 14 days of booking your trip for it to cover pre-existing medical conditions.
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 ships, M.V. Sea Lion and M.V. Sea Bird comfortably accommodates 70 guests in 37 outside cabins. All cabins face outside with windows or portlights (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.
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