Baja California: Among the Great Whales

Each winter gray whales migrate south from their arctic feeding grounds to breed and rear their young in Baja California’s sheltered lagoons, making it one of North America’s premier whale watching sites. The sheer number of gray whales makes Baja one of the largest migrations of any mammal, covering 10,000 miles.

Seeing the whales in their natural habitat is one of the great delights of this voyage. During our days in the breeding lagoons of Bahia Magdalena, we venture among them in Zodiac landing craft. This gives us a water-level perspective for whale watching that is a rare privilege in the natural world. And it positions us perfectly for the increasingly common friendly encounters with these mammals that we’ve shared with our guests.

Our voyage also offers naturalist-guided walks on uninhabited desert islands, swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking adventures in the Sea of Cortez. The itinerary remains flexible to make the most of wildlife sightings.

Whales, dolphins, sea lions, birds such as blue-footed boobies and frigatebirds, huge cardon cacti, mangroves and sand dunes are among the wonders you’ll experience.

Itinerary:

Day 1 - Los Angeles/La Paz/San Carlos/Embark Ship
Arrive in La Paz on our privately chartered flight from Los Angeles and drive across the Baja Peninsula to San Carlos and board our ship. (D)

Days 2-4 - Bahia Magdalena
Bahia Magdalena is one of the main breeding and calving areas for the California gray whale. Each winter, the whales make the longest migration of any mammal — south from their Arctic feeding grounds to breed and raise their calves in these sheltered waters. During our days in this otherworldly place, we'll have the opportunity to not only observe these enormous yet gentle animals from the ship, but also at water level from our Zodiacs. Because of our experience and knowledge of Baja's waters, we have enjoyed consistent success in achieving "friendly encounters" with gray mother and calf pairs. While we would never presume to predict Nature's behavior, it is highly likely that you will have the privilege of an up-close and personal sighting.

Our whale watching takes place in an exceptional context: Bahia Magdalena is on the Pacific side of Baja, a vast wilderness of sculpted sand dunes, mangrove channels and protected waters. On its western side lies Isla Magdalena or Magdalena Island, a narrow, 60-mile long island comprised of enormous dunes. Although we have seen dunes and beaches before, the particular way these sweeping desert sands meet the shoreline is unforgettable.

Dense mangrove swamps are another, enticing environment. We'll take our kayaks and Zodiacs through the winding canals to discover the riches within. Bird watching in the mangroves can be excellent — magnificent frigate birds, pelicans, cormorants, terns and great blue herons, ibis, whimbrels and willets are among the species we might see. On mud flats, we'll often see migrating species at rest. Our practiced and observant naturalists will make sure we won't miss any of these world travelers, that can cover up to 8,000 miles of coastline during their migrations. It's not unusual to see forty species of birds in just one day along these fertile shorelines where they refuel for their destinations ahead. (B,L,D)

Day 5 - Los Cabos and Gorda Banks
Today, we cruise past the spectacular Friars Rocks at Land's End. For those who wish, we will arrange a visit to the historic town center of San Jose del Cabo.

The afternoon is spent at the Gorda Banks sea mount, a gathering place for whales and dolphins. Humpback whales are often sighted here at this time of the year. Their variety of behaviors is of great interest as we watch them tail lobbing, flipper slapping and breaching. While the sight of a whale is always filled with wonder, you won't have to wonder too long since our marine biologists are always available to inform and enlighten you with their knowledge and their experience. Not only do they know where best to look for wildlife, their passion and respect for the area is infectious — whether you ask a question or two or spend entire afternoons or evenings in their company. (B,L,D)

Day 6 - Islas Los Islotes and Espiritu Santo
With deeply indented shorelines and dramatically eroded cliff faces, Islas Los Islotes and Espiritu Santo are two of the most beautiful islands in the Sea of Cortez, lying near the entrance to Bahia de La Paz. Although considered two islands, they are more like one — separated by a narrow channel. We’ll enjoy them to the fullest with a leisurely afternoon of swimming and snorkeling. Once you put on your mask and flippers and start breathing through your snorkel (we’ll not only provide the equipment, but as much guidance as you need to succeed), you’ll be able to experience a thrill not soon forgotten: swimming with the curious and friendly sea lions. The best way to observe the impressive geological past of these islands is from a kayak. Easily seen just a few yards from the shore are tons of compacted volcanic ash covered with solidified lava floods. Brown pelicans, gulls, wandering tattlers, great blue herons and boobies are all part of the landscape. It is also home to the endemic black jack rabbit — with any luck, we may spot one. The islands offer excellent possibilities for long walks or lazy beachcombing. Finish the day with a relaxing beach barbecue complete with campfire and a star-filled sky. (B,L,D)

Day 7 - Exploring the Sea of Cortez
Today is a day with the luxury of no specific plan. We may spend the morning whale watching in the waters around Isla Danzante, an area that has proven to be one of the best for finding blue whales, bottlenose dolphins and common dolphins. The Sea of Cortez is incredibly rich in nutrients, making it home to a huge variety of fish, many of them tropical. Below the surface, lie (or swim) king angelfish, surgeonfish, butterfly fish, damselfish and the beautifully colored parrotfish. When diving or snorkeling in the clear waters of our anchorage, observe the fish swimming and flitting along the reef as they come and go in huge waves of brilliant color. During the day there will be time to explore one of the many lovely, uninhabited islands such as Isla San Jose or Isla Santa Catalina, famous for the 12-foot wavy barrel cactus and other desert plants that grow along the canyon. Whether walking, kayaking or watching from the Bridge, you’ll observe the great diversity of bird life — ladder-backed woodpeckers, Costa’s hummingbirds, Gila woodpeckers and verdin. At night, the constellations in the clear sky are entertainment enough. (B,L,D)

Day 8 - La Paz/Disembark/Los Angeles
Disembark after breakfast in La Paz and drive to the airport for our charter flight to Los Angeles. (B)

What's Included:

Accommodations, all meals, round-trip Aeromexico charter flight between Los Angeles and La Paz.

What's Not Included:

Round-trip airfare from your hometown to Los Angeles.

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