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Mexico - Whales & Wildlife
with Cruise West
7 nights round trip - Cruising the Sea of Cortes, along Baja Califorina
The Sea of Cortes is remarkable and unique. Its waters can reveal dozens of shades of blue in one vista. Pods of dolphins, hundreds strong, leap in foamy waves. Gray whales occasionally rise to gaze eye-to-eye, playful sea lions blow bubbles in the face of snorkelers, inviting them to join their underwater ballet. The turquoise waters here are impossibly brilliant and crystal clear, full of multi-coloured tropical fish, and harbour more than 900 islands, many of which are uncharted and uninhabited by humans. Nearby shores are rimmed with white-sand beaches and cacti and in-land enjoy pretty colonial villages full of history and charm.
| Day | Port | Activity |
| 1 | ARRIVE IN CABO SAN LUCAS | Transfer from Los Cabos Airport to Cruise West's Hospitality Room at Cabo's inner harbour. Board your ship and sail into the Sea of Cortes. |
| 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 anchour at Espiritu Santo's 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. No need to bring snorkel gear or wetsuits as gear will be provided to you. |
| 3 | WHALE WATCHING | This whole day is spent pursuing up-close viewing of marine life. The Sea of Cortes is home to huge schools of common and bottle-nosed dolphins, as well as humpback, minke, fin, and blue whales. From early February to mid-March, hundreds of gray whales congregate in the shallow lagoons of Baja's Pacific shore. When our local contacts tell us the whales are present*, we'll 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 in Bahia Magdalena, we will search for marine life in the Sea of Cortes. * In December the whale sightings can be unpredictable, however our knowledgeable crew knows where the action is. As opportunities present themselves we may alter our route to offer you the best possible experience. |
| 4 | ISLAND EXPLORATION | Guided by the weather and tides, visit one of the beautiful and special islands of the Sea of Cortes. Exploration will possibly include nature hikes, kayaking, and snorkeling. |
| 5 | LORETO | Founded in 1697, Loreto's 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 Baja's colonial era. Stroll the streets and plazas of this picturesque seaside village, capped by a reception with musical entertainment at the mission. |
| 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 island's 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. |
| 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. A host of options will be available and you will have the opportunity to enjoy an exclusive fiesta, complete with Mexican music, dancers, and piņatas. Later, depart La Paz to sail overnight to Cabo San Lucas. |
| 8 | DISEMBARK IN CABO SAN LUCAS | Disembark in 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 or town. |
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Your Fare Includes:
- 7-nights cruising aboard Spirit of Yorktown
- Most meals and entertainment on board ship
- Most beverages
- Local taxes and port fees
| Price Guideline for "A" cabin |
| Please contact us for 2008 and departures and rates |
| Notes: |
| South American Experience provides add-ons to your cruise all over Latin America. We also provide discounted return air fares from the UK. |
| Prices above are for cruise only. Flights and hotel stays pre and post cruise are extra. |
Last Updated: Tuesday March 25 2008