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north america: baja california

Baja California: Where the Desert Meets the Sea

Cruise Baja California in the spring, a prime season for this stunning landscape. The Baja California: Where the Desert Meets the Sea cruise brings a Lindblad/National Geographic crew with more than 25 years of experience in the region. You'll experience the best that Baja has to offer and take advantage of the consistently calm waters — ideal for swimming and snorkeling. In April, air temperatures are warm but not too hot and the occasional spring rains bring forth colorful cactus blossoms.

Whale- and dolphin-watch from the deck of the intimate, 62-guest expedition ship National Geographic Sea Bird and at water level from nimble Zodiacs. Best bets are fin, sperm and Bryde’s, but other possibilities include the great blue whale. Hike miles of uninhabited beaches and desert. Observe myriad seabirds. Kayak in pristine waters, snorkel among reef fish and enjoy the serenity of a sunset beach barbecue. This unique Baja small ship cruise is designed with no set itinerary, adding a stimulating sense of adventure to each day.

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

Depart U.S. and fly to La Paz, Baja California, Mexico. Drive directly to our ship and set sail on the Sea of Cortez.

Accommodations: Sea Bird/Sea Lion
Included Meals: dinner

Days 2-7 - Exploring the Sea of Cortez

This cruise's routing is designed with flexibility in mind, to maximize opportunities for wildlife sightings. It will include the islands listed below, although the order may vary:

Islas San Esteban and San Pedro Martir: Walk up a desert wash, to search for desert birds and the endemic pinto chuckwalla — a fat, harmless desert lizard. Later visit Isla San Pedro Martir, a 1,000-foot-high guano-covered island that is home to thousands of seabirds. Blue-footed boobies, red-billed tropicbirds, pelicans and frigatebirds are all found here.

Isla Rasa: See thousands of nesting Heermann's gulls and terns on this incredibly distinct island.

Isla Santa Catalina: Search for marine life and hike among the giant barrel cactus on one of most dramatic islands in the Sea of Cortez.

Isla San Marcos: Explore via kayak, walks and snorkel.

Isla San Jose: Take Zodiac cruises and kayaks into mangrove channels in search of shorebirds and waders. Nearby are ancient shell mounds, or middens, that reveal traces of former occupation by the Guaicura Indians.

Los Islotes/Espiritu Santo: Swim and snorkel in the turquoise waters, perhaps with some curious sea lions. Zodiac rides, rare bird sightings, the possibility of spotting an endemic black rabbit, or simply some relaxing beachcombing are all possibilities today.

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

Day 8 - Disembark La Paz & Return to U.S.

This morning after breakfast disembark in Loreto and transfer to the airport for the flight back to Los Angeles.

Accommodations: Sea Bird/Sea Lion
Included Meals: breakfast



Included: All accommodations aboard ships or in hotels per itinerary or similar, all meals and nonalcoholic beverages aboard ship, meals on land as indicated, air transportation where indicated as included, shore excursions, sightseeing and entrance fees, special access permits, transfers to and from group flights, use of snorkeling equipment and wet suits, use of kayaks (where available), gratuities (except to ship’s crew), taxes and service charges, services of a ship physician on most voyages, and services of our expedition staff.

Exclusions: Air transportation (except where shown as included), extensions, passport, visa, immigration fees, scuba diving (where available), meals not indicated, travel protection plan, items of a personal nature, such as alcoholic beverages, internet access, and laundry. Gratuities to ship's crew are at your discretion.

Room Configurations: If you are a solo guest willing to share accommodations, we will be happy to make arrangements to match you with another solo guest, so you may travel at the double occupancy rate. If you are willing to share, and we are unable to make shared arrangements for you, we will guarantee you the per person double occupancy rate, and you will not incur the solo rate. This program is subject to availability, and limited to certain ships and categories.

Families & Children: Sharing an expedition with your kids or grandkids is a life-enhancing experience. This trip offers $500 off the double occupancy rate for each person under 18. For a party of eight people or more, you will each receive 5% off the cost of your expedition. A deposit of 10% of the trip cost is required at time of reservation. An additional 25% is required 120 days prior to the departure date, and final payment is due 90 days prior to departure. Special group cancellation fees apply.

Payment & Cancellation: In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of $450 is required at the time of booking. A Reservation Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. The balance of the trip price is due 60 days before the departure date. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Cancellations are subject to the following per-person fees, based on number of days prior to departure:
90 or more days - $150 refund in the form of a Lindblad Travel Certificate
89 to 60 days - advance payment cost
59 to 30 days - 50% of total trip cost
29-0 days - no refund

Terms & Conditions: 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 and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information is sent upon confirmation.

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. Click the link below for a selection of policies from our partners at Travelex.

For additional information and reservations, please contact us:

800-728-2875 | 530-583-1775 | fax 530-583-1711 | travel@AdventureSmithExplorations.com