Plan your adventure to Baja California: Wildlife Cruises, Whales in the Sea of Cortez

Sea of Cortez Wildlife Voyage

Cruising aboard the Don Jose through the southern Sea of Cortez, explore the islands and coast between La Paz and Loreto on this 8-day trip.

Adventurous travelers seeking a rich variety of wildlife can find what they are looking for in the Sea of Cortez. In this bio-diversity “hot spot,” one-third of the world's species of whales and dolphins are seasonal residents and numerous species of tropical fish reside here year round. This is one of the few places in the world where you can frequently see blue whales. Second only to blue whales in size are the giant, sleek finback whales; the gulf is so productive in plankton that a population of finbacks – usually a migratory species -- has made it their year-round home.

On this voyage of discovery, you'll share some of the same experiences Steinbeck had when he recorded his travels in "The Log from the Sea of Cortez." You'll snorkel in waters where a wondrous array of tropical fish thrives. Watch blue footed boobies raising their young. See tens of thousands of royal and elegant terns in their nests. There are few other places in the world where you will encounter such abundant marine life.

Your adventure is aboard our 80' Don Jose. Its high second and third decks provide ideal vantage points as we ply the seas in search of marine life. The Don Jose comfortably accommodates passengers in seven above-deck cabins, each with a storage closet, adjacent shower and head, plus a private changing area and sink in some. Air-conditioning is available at night in each cabin. Snorkel gear is available at no charge and six open cockpit kayaks can be used to explore nearby coves and beaches when we anchor. With frequent anchoring for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and hiking, you will have time to experience the many faces of this UNESCO World Heritage Site—a treasure of the natural world.

Map Url:

Trip Map

Itinerary:

Day 1 ~ Arrive from your home city to Loreto or La Paz (depending on routing)

Arrive to Loreto or La Paz and spend the night dockside on board the Don Jose. (No meals)

Day 2 - 6 ~ Sea of Cortez (Gulf of California)

For all three routes, our daily itinerary on days 2-6 will be very flexible in order to take advantage of unexpected natural history opportunities and possible wildlife sightings. Our main objective will be to seek and observe the blue whales, finback whales and dolphins, as well as other marine mammals and birds. The whales are usually seen from the boat; however, from time to time, we may also use smaller skiffs so that we can approach closer. We'll make frequent daily stops at various islands for snorkeling, hiking, and beach combing to identify shells, plus bird watching. Some of the islands we may visit include Isla Catalina, Isla San Francisco, Isla Santa Cruz, Agua Verde, Isla San Jose, and Isla Espiritu Santo and Los Islotes. (B/L/D daily)

Day 7~ Arrive to La Paz or Loreto (depending on routing)

The boat arrives to the dock in either La Paz or Puerto Escondido, near Loreto. After lunch you will be transferred to a local hotel for the night. (B/L)

Day 8 ~ La Paz or Loreto to your home city

Depart to your home city. (No meals)

This is a general itinerary and is subject to change without previous notice.

Trip Fee:

Deluxe: $2,195 / Standard $1,995 Prices are per person in double occupancy.

Includes:

Deluxe or standard shipboard accommodations on days 1-6; B/L/D on days 2-6; B/L on day 7, Hotel on night 7. Beer, soda and wine while shipboard; snorkeling gear; transfer from La Paz airport to the boat on day 1 (for our La Paz to Loreto and La Paz to La Paz itineraries) or transfers from the Hotel to La Paz airport on day 8 (for our Loreto to La Paz Itinerary); Services of knowledgeable guides and caring crew members; detailed pre-departure information to help you plan your trip.

The Conservation Passport Fee of $25 is not included in our trip fee. The Passport was designed by the National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (CONANP) to raise funds for the continued protection of the shorelines, inlets, beaches and covers that make this area so extraordinary to visit. The passport allows you to visit Mexico's Protected Areas as many times as you wish for an entire year.

Trip Dates:

Dates	Availability
February 26 - March 4, 2012	Available
March 4 - March 11, 2012	Available
March 11 - March 18, 2012	Sold Out
March 18 - March 25, 2012	Sold Out
March 25 - April 1, 2012	Available
April 1 - April 8, 2012	Available
April 8 - April 15, 2012	Available
April 15 - April 22, 2012	Available

Sea of Cortez Wildlife Voyage Guide Reports:

March 20 - 27, 2011 Guide: John C. Conlon
March 13 - 20, 2011 Guide: John C. Conlon
February 27 - March 6, 2011 Guide: John C. Conlon

April 18 - 25, 2010 Guide: John C. Conlon and Pedro Lopez
April 4 - 11, 2010 Guide: John C. Conlon
March 28 - April 4, 2010 Guide: John C. Conlon
March 14 - 21, 2010 Guide: John C. Conlon
March 7 - 14, 2010 Guide: John C. Conlon

April 19 - 26, 2009 Guide: John C. Conlon
March 29 - April 5, 2009 Guide: John C. Conlon
March 22 - 29, 2009 Guide: John C. Conlon
March 15 - 22, 2009 Guide: John C. Conlon
March 8 - 15, 2009 Guide: John C. Conlon
March 1 - 8, 2009 Guide: John C. Conlon

April 27 - May 4, 2008 Guide: John C. Conlon
April 13 - 20, 2008 Guide: John C. Conlon
April 6 - 13, 2008 Guide: John C. Conlon
March 30 - April 6, 2008 Guide: John C. Conlon
March 23 - 30, 2008 Guide: John C. Conlon
March 23 - 30, 2008 Guide: John C. Conlon
March 16 - 23, 2008 Guide: John C. Conlon
March 9 - 16, 2008 Guide: John C. Conlon
March 2 - 9, 2008 Guide: John C. Conlon

The best advice comes from real people. That’s why we’ve made it easy for you to learn from travelers who’ve gone before you. In this section, you can read reviews from past Baja Expeditions participants, and see what they have to say about their experiences at our Sea of Cortez Wildlife Voyage.

“Everyone was pleased with the outdoor beauty of Mexico, the 6-day experience out at sea on an 80-foot boat, and the encounters with the whales, sea lions, pelicans, dolphins, boobies, terns, gulls, frigates, and jumping mobula rays.

“We sincerely thank Trina for her helpfulness in planning for our trip to La Paz and for her patience and understanding regarding our brief pet emergency that could have jeopardized our arriving on time to begin the voyage. Thank you all, Trina, John, Jose, Hernan, Josefat, Felix and the others at Baja Expeditions for an unforgettable experience.

“We were so lucky to have Josefat (Josie) on board, the gourmet chef who provided thoughtful and nutritious meals each day. As a discerning Vegan for many years I was amazed and delighted to find the creative and delicious recipes the best I have ever had in Mexico or anywhere else I have traveled in the world. Josie's cooking certainly doubled the pleasure of the voyage.”
—Laurie Ross and Forrest Whitaker, Pacifica, California, USA, 2011

“Absolutely enjoyed this trip – it seemed that once a day at least there was a magical moment – excellent.”
—Karen Bembry, Dallas, Texas, USA, 2010

“We had four people aged 11 through 18. The crew was GREAT with them, too!”
—Don Schomacker, Kansas City, Missouri, USA, 2009