Whales & Wildlife

Discover the Wildlife-rich Waters of Mexico's Sea of Cortés

The Sea of Cortés 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.

This 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 cardón cactus grows. 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.

Itinerary:

Day 1 - ARRIVE IN CABO SAN LUCAS
Transfer from Los Cabos Airport to Cruise West¹s Hospitality Room at Cabo¹s inner harbor. Board your ship and sail into the Sea of Cortés.

Day 2 - ISLA ESPIRITÚ 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 Espiritú Santo¹s Bahía 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. D

Day 3 - WHALE WATCHING
This whole day is spent pursuing up-close viewing of marine life. The Sea of Cortés 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 Baja¹s Pacific shore. When our local contacts tell us the whales are present, we¹ll 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 Alaska¹s Bering Sea to mate, give birth, and rear their young. When whales are not present there due to varied migration patterns, we will look for whales in the Sea of Cortés. BLD

Day 4 - ISLAND EXPLORATION
Guided by the weather and tides, visit one of the beautiful and special islands of the Sea of Cortés. Exploration will possibly include nature hikes, kayaking, and snorkeling. BLD

Day 5 - LORETO
Founded in 1697, Loreto¹s Nuesta Señora de Loreto Mission was the original ³mother² 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 Baja¹s colonial era. Stroll the streets and plazas of this picturesque seaside village, capped by a reception with musical entertainment at the mission. BLD

Day 6 - LOS ISLOTES & 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 island¹s 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. BLD

Day 7 - LA PAZ
Today, your ship ties up at the central waterfront of Baja California Sur¹s 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 Mexican music, dancers, and piñatas. Later, depart La Paz to sail overnight to Cabo San Lucas. BLD

Day 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.

What's Included:

• Exploration leaders and interpreters on each cruise
• Excursion in every port
• Wildlife detours and insider experiences
• Onboard gratuities

What's Not Included:

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All rates are per person, double occupancy. Port charges, Government taxes and fees are additional. Limited availability and based on minimum fares for select departure dates. Other dates may be higher. These rates are for new, individual bookings only. Not responsible for last minute changes of price or itinerary by cruise line, or any errors or omissions in the content of this site. Some restrictions and cancellation penalties may apply.