Day 1 ~ Arrive in La Paz, Mexico
If arriving at the airport in La Paz, use your taxi voucher for the transfer to the Marina Don Jose to board the boat after 3:00PM. Spend the night on the Don Jose, docked at the Marina. After checking in at the Marina, spend some time exploring the colorful city of La Paz, with its charming promenade and many fine restaurants and shops. Dinner is on your own. (No meals)
Day 2 - 6 ~ La Paz to the tip of Baja
Our itinerary during these days is flexible in order to take advantage of unexpected natural history opportunities, but may follow this or a similar schedule.
On days two through six, we will cruise out into the Sea of Cortez, also known as the Gulf of California. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005, it ranks as the second most diverse marine body in the world. One-third of all the world’s whale and dolphin species either live or migrate here. One of our stops will be a visit to Los Islotes, near Espiritu Santo Island, where you will have the opportunity to snorkel with sea lions and bird watch. Frigate birds and brown boobies reside on the cliffs above the rookery. After our adventure with the sea lions, we'll motor south, anchoring near Los Frailes, where you may want to explore one of the hiking trails. Next, we'll continue cruising south, looking for whales between Los Frailes and Punta Gorda, where mainly humpback whales are spotted. Later, we'll cruise to Cabo San Lucas, where we'll spend the night.
Along the way, we'll look for whales, birds and other marine life in the Pacific Ocean, off of the tip of Cabo. During this cruise, humpback, gray, and finback whales and also dolphins can be spotted as we pass by. (B/L/D daily)
Day 7~ Return to La Paz
Savor the last moments of this incredible getaway this morning, and then it's time to say goodbye. Return to La Paz by mid-afternoon . After checking into the Hotel Marina, the remainder of the day is at leisure, with time to relax or explore La Paz. Dinner is on your own this evening. For dessert, we suggest you visit La Fuente, an ice cream shop across from the Malecon, where you can enjoy your icy treat while watching the sunset. (B/L)
Day 8 ~ La Paz to your home city
Depart to your home city. (No meals)
This is a general itinerary and subject to change without prior notice.
OPTIONAL EXTENSION: "AMONG THE GRAY WHALES OF MAGDALENA BAY"
Now, you can add a full-day extension to see the gray whales even closer. In the warm and protected waters of Magdalena Bay, gray whale calves remain in close contact with their mothers while they grow large enough to migrate north. The surreal landscape here provides a dramatic background as these noble creatures allow us to watch them roll, breach and tend to their young.
Day 8 ~ La Paz to Magdalena Bay and return
Depart by land early on the morning of Day 8. A four-hour van ride transports you to Magdalena Bay, with lunch en route or at camp. Once you arrive at the Bay, a short boat ride delivers you to the whale viewing area. Here you will observe the whales —who are often found close enough to touch— from skiffs. You may also find time to walk on sand dunes along miles of unspoiled beaches before returning to La Paz to spend the night. (L)
Day 9 ~ Return from La Paz to your home city
Depart to your home city. (No meals)
This is a general itinerary and subject to change without prior notice.