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The Sea of Cortez is remarkable and unique. Its waters can reveal dozens of shades of blue in one vista. And within those waters are harbored more than 900 islands. Many of the islands are uncharted. Most of them are uninhabited. But only by humans. Your voyage is highlighted by visits to these unspoiled islands, teeming with plants and animals found nowhere else in the world. We'll take you to breathtaking private beaches, to turquoise coves that invite you to dive in, and inland to where the giant cardon cactus grows. The 102 guest Spirit of Endeavour is stylish and comfortable. The pace slow and easy, the service outstanding. When your voyage ends, you will take part of this place away with you, embedded deep in your spirit. And you will leave a part of yourself behind.

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Day 1 - Arrive in Cabo San Lucas

Transfer from Los Cabos Airport to our Hospitality Room at Cabos inner harbor. Board your ship and sail into the Sea of Cortez.

Accommodations: Spirit of Endeavour
Included Meals: dinner

Day 2 - Isla Espiritu Santo

This 23,383-acre island near La Paz is centered in one of the most biologically diverse marine areas in the world, and is a major environmental success story. Several plants and animals are found nowhere else in the world, including the blacktailed jack rabbit and antelope squirrel. Drop anchor at Espiritu Santo Bahia Bonanza for a day ashore. Take a guided walk among the tangle of exotic cacti, or swim, snorkel, and kayak the crystal clear sea here that supports 900 species of fish.

Accommodations: Spirit of Endeavour
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 3 - Whale Watching

This whole day is spent pursuing up-close viewing of marine life. The Sea of Cortez is home to huge schools of common and bottle-nosed dolphins, as well as humpback, minke, fin, and blue whales. From mid-January to mid-March, hundreds of gray whales congregate in the shallow lagoons of Bajas Pacific shore. When our local contacts tell us the whales are present, we will cross the peninsula by motorcoach to Puerto Adolfo Lopez Mateos. There board an outboard-equipped panga to observe the grays, who have migrated some 6,000 miles from Alaska's Bering Sea to mate, give birth, and rear their young. When whales are not present there due to migration patterns, we will look for whales in the Sea of Cortes.

Accommodations: Spirit of Endeavour
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4 - Island Exploration

Guided by the weather and tides, visit one of the beautiful and special islands of the Sea of Cortez. Exploration will include nature hikes, kayaking, and snorkeling.

Accommodations: Spirit of Endeavour
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5 - Loreto

Founded in 1697, Loretos Nuesta Senora de Loreto Mission was the original mother church from which all the other California missions were founded, eventually leading as far north as Sonoma, California. A museum adjacent to the mission displays artifacts and paintings from Bajas colonial era. Stroll the streets and plazas of this picturesque seaside village, capped by a reception with musical entertainment at the mission.

Accommodations: Spirit of Endeavour
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 6 - Los Islotes and Isla Partida

Los Islotes is a steep seamount punctured by sea caves. Blue-footed boobies reside on the cliffs, and a large colony of California sea lions haul out on the rocks below. Weather permitting, swim and snorkel as the female sea lions and their curious young pups float about you in the sea. Continue to Isla Partida nearby, to hike the islands rugged canyons, kayak up-close to rock-walled headlands, or just relax on the beach. In the sheltered cove of Ensenada Grande, the silky, sandy bottom shelves out very gradually for hundreds of feet, as gentle waves lap onto the mangrove-backed beach.

Accommodations: Spirit of Endeavour
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 7 - La Paz

Today, your ship ties up at the central waterfront of Baja California Sur's capital and largest city, which was founded in the 1530s. Explore the shops, gelaterias, and the miles-long waterfront malecon or promenade. Options here include mountain biking and diving. Enjoy an exclusive fiesta, complete with Mexican music, dancers, and pinatas. Later, depart La Paz to sail overnight to Cabo San Lucas.

Accommodations: Spirit of Endeavour
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 8 - Disembark Cabo San Lucas

Cruise past the spectacular rock formation, Los Arcos, at the very tip of the Baja Peninsula. After breakfast, disembark and transfer to the Los Cabos Airport.

Accommodations: n/a
Included Meals: breakfast

Extend Your Stay

Hotel Finisterra - Cabo San Lucas

Finisterra means "land's end" an apt name for its enviable position on the rocky peninsula ending in Los Arcos. The hotel's ridgetop location overlooks both Cabo San Lucas' inner harbor and sparkling Pacific beaches. The hotel is within walking distance of Cabo's shops and restaurants. This hotel package is available as an add on to your cruise. Transfers are included between the airport, hotel and ship. Package price also includes tax.

Hotel Posada Real - San Jose del Cabo

The Hotel Posada Real in San Jose del Cabo enjoys a spectacular location right on the Sea of Cortez. Exotic Cactus gardens surround the buildings of contemporary Mexican Style Architecture. Every room features a private balcony. This hotel package is available as an add on to your cruise. Transfers are included between the airport, hotel and ship. Package price also includes tax.

Copper Canyon Extension

Day 7 - La Paz to Los Mochis

Today, your ship ties up at the central waterfront of Baja California Sur's capital and largest city, which was founded in the 1530s. Explore the shops, gelaterías, and the miles-long waterfront malecón or promenade. A host of options will be available and you will have the opportunity to enjoy an exclusive fiesta, complete with lunch, Mexican music, and dancers at Hotel Perla.

After the fiesta, transfer to your included ferry ride in Pichilingua to Topolobampo (call us for additional details). Guests will be provided a day room with private bathroom for the six hour ferry ride. Take a short transfer and overnight in Los Mochis.

Day 8 - La Paz to Los Mochis

Today you will have some free time in Los Mochis before meeting your guide in the hotel lobby and departing for El Fuerte. On your way to El Fuerte stop at the Maya Indian village of Tehueco for a traditional dance performance. Travel to the Posada del Hidalgo in El Fuerte. Founded in 1564, El Fuerte for many years was a frontier outpost where expeditions to California and New Mexico began. You will visit the colonial-era City Hall, the town's oldest church, and the Main Plaza on a leisurely walking tour.

Day 9 - Copper Canyon, Sierra Tarahumara by railroad

Transfer to the Chihuahua-al-Pacifico Railroad to begin the ascent into the Sierra Madres, traveling east through coastal plains. The Sierra Tarahumara is a maze of 200 gorges combining to form six interconnecting canyons. You will rise over 8,000 feet, crossing deep ravines and passing through more than 68 tunnels. Upon arrival at Divisadero, transfer to your hotel, situated near the rim of the Urique Canyon.

Day 10 - Copper Canyon

After breakfast travel by motorcoach to Cusarare to visit the Jesuit Mission and the new museum featuring recently restored 16th, 17th, and 18th century paintings collected by the Jesuit missionaries. While there, stop next door at the Tarahumara boarding school for a chance to interact with the children. After lunch in Creel, you will have the opportunity to wander around the small rustic town and enjoy the unique rock formations that surround the area. Overnight at your rim hotel.

Day 11 - Motorcoach to Chihuahua

Descend from the mountains by motorcoach on your way to Chihuahua, the capital city of the State of Chihuahua. Along the way, stop for lunch. Continue on to Chihuahua and visit the Museum of the Revolution, formerly the home of Chihuahua's most famous citizen, Pancho Villa. Don't miss the cathedral the organ was brought from Germany with sculptures originating from Italy. Tonight, celebrate your explorations with a farewell dinner.

Day 12 - Depart

Transfer to the airport for your departure.


Notes on Itinerary: We may occasionally alter itineraries slightly for safety, or to take advantage of weather, wildlife, and unplanned discoveries. Our ability to be flexible makes our style of cruising unique.

Single Travelers: Single share program is available in AA and AAA cabins. Travelers willing to share accommodations are guaranteed the double rate, even if a share is not found. Single rates available upon request and vary by cabin and trip date.

Cost Includes: Your accommodations aboard the specific vessel, meals, naturalist guided activities, national park entrance fees and transfer from vessel to airport on day of disembarkation.

Not Included: Airfare to Baja, 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: A deposit of US$700 per person is required to confirm a reservation, with final payment due 90 days prior to departure. Cancellations received prior to departure are subject to cancellation penalties per person. Please see AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions.

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protect their investment with comprehensive Trip Cancellation and Insurance


Arrival and Departure: The Baja Whales and Wildlife small ship cruise begins and ends in San Jose del Cabo (SJD). Plan your flights to arrive at the airport no later than 1:00pm on Day 1 and depart no earlier than 12:00noon on Day 8. Travelers on the Copper Canyon trip extension plan to depart Chihuahua, Mexico (CUU) no earlier than 10:00am on Day 12 (early flights are possible but travelers will miss the included breakfast). Transfers are provided to travelers arriving and departing on regularly scheduled arrival and departure days.

Qualifications: This trip is available to any traveler with a love of nature and sense of adventure.

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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