trip specifics

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Holiday Sailings Available

Nature is unpredictable and so, inevitably, is the exact course of this voyage. Our small ship cruising experience means the pace is unhurried and the options are many, so the itinerary that follows should be considered a general guideline, a thoughtfully considered framework based on the crews experience in the area for two decades. The goal is to provide you with the most extraordinary Baja expedition experience possible.

Where on Earth can you go blue whale watching, hiking up a desert wash, snorkeling with sea lions, kayaking in pristine waters, walking for miles on an uninhabited beach, and bird watching as throngs of seabirds cloud the sky?

In Baja California, one of North Americas most beautiful, exciting, yet relatively untraveled regions. We want to show you the magic and wonder which, just a couple of hours south of California, await you.

Day 1 - U.S./La Paz, Mexico/Embark Ship

You begin your expedition by flying into Los Cabos or La Paz. You will be met at the airport and driven to the ship where you can embark. Once you have settled into your room, you will be welcomed at a cocktail hour followed by dinner. The ship sets sail in the late afternoon, at which time you just may find yourself leaning against the deck, drink in hand, marveling at a spectacular Baja sunset.

Accommodations: M/V Sea Bird or Sea Lion
Included Meals: dinner

Days 2-7 - Exploring the Sea of Cortez

During these days, we will voyage among the dozens of islands of the Sea of Cortez between Isla Angel de la Guarda in the north and Isla Espiritu Santo in the south. After over 20 years exploring in the Sea of Cortez, we are still discovering new places and experiencing exciting natural events. To give you an example of the kind of experiences you can anticipate, here are a few highlights from just one recent voyage: one hundred bottlenose dolphins leaping over sperm whales near our ship; a pod of fin whales feeding around a convergence zone; thousands of Heermanns gulls and royal terns arriving on the shores of Isla Rasa to begin incubating their eggs; and one evening, the vision of hundreds of Humboldt squid illuminated in the ships bow lights.

The best areas for whale watching remain consistent; the waters south of Isla Carmen, Canal de Ballenas up north, and near the mouth of Bahia Concepcion. Our Captain and the expedition team collaborate, pooling their knowledge and experience to position the ship as consistently as possible; at the right place, at the right time. And whether you�re on deck or the bridge, out in a Zodiac or kayaking you will be in a prime position to observe the myriad wonders that make each day in the Sea of Cortez another bit of magic.

Swimming, snorkeling, beachcombing and basking are all options here, as well.

Accommodations: M/V Sea Bird or Sea Lion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 8 - La Paz/Disembark Ship/Return U.S

After breakfast on board the ship, you will disembark and have time to explore La Paz before lunch and flights back to the U.S.

Accommodations: n/a
Included Meals: breakfast

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 to Mexico, excess baggage charges, taxes and port fees, gratuities to Naturalist Staff and crew, items of a personal nature such as alcoholic beverages, and insurance of any kind.

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

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 and 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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