Baja: Where the Desert Meets the Sea

Come explore Baja with us this spring or early summer — during the lush months of April, May, June and early July. Conditions are excellent — consistently calm and warm waters make for ideal swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving (on Sea Voyager only); air temperatures are warm but not oppressively hot and spring rains bring forth colorful cactus blossoms.

With over 20 years' experience in this region, we’ll show you the best that Baja has to offer. Whale watch from the deck of our ship — best bets are fin, sperm and Bryde’s, but other possibilities include blue and orca. Hike miles of uninhabited beaches and desert. Observe myriad seabirds. Kayak in pristine waters, snorkel among reef fish and enjoy the serenity of a sunset beach barbecue. This unique journey is designed with no set itinerary, adding a stimulating sense of adventure to each day.

Itinerary:

DAY 1 — US / Loreto / Embark Ship
Depart U.S. and fly to Loreto, Baja California, Mexico. Drive directly to our ship in nearby Puerto Escondido and set sail on the Sea of Cortez (D)

DAY 2-4 — Exploring the Sea of Cortez
This expedition is designed to take advantage of the best wildlife and exploring opportunities in the area. We will keep ourselves open to the possibilities. Our routing will include the islands listed below, although the order may vary (B,L,D):

Islas San Esteban and San Pedro Martir
Land on Isla San Esteban for a walk up a desert wash, to search for desert birds and the endemic pinto chuckwalla — a fat, harmless desert lizard. Later visit Isla San Pedro Martir, a 1,000-foot-high guano-covered island that is home to thousands of seabirds. At this time of year blue-footed boobies, red-billed tropicbirds, pelicans and frigatebirds are all found here. A Zodiac cruise gives us close views of the birds and throngs of sea lions along the shoreline, and kayaks allow for personal explorations.

DAY 5-7 — Exploring the Sea of Cortez
Canal de Ballenas and Isla Angel de la Guarda

In Canal de Ballenas it may be possible to see many species of whales and dolphins. Fin, sperm, and orca whales, bottlenose and common dolphins. Land on Isla Angel de la Guarda for hikes among elephant trees and cardon cactus.

Isla Rasa

In the spring, one of the great wildlife spectacles is in full swing at Isla Rasa - the nesting of thousands Heermann's gulls and elegant and royal terns.

Islas San Esteban and San Pedro Martir

A walk along San Esteban's desert wash reveals birds and possibly the endemic pinto chuckwalla, a harmless desert lizard.

Isla Santa Catalina

Search for marine life and hike in search of giant barrel cactus.

Isla Carmen

Explore by kayak, on desert walks, and snorkel in the clear waters. Tonight join a beach barbeque.

DAY 8 — Loreto / Disembark Ship / Return U.S.
This morning after breakfast we disembark and drive to Loreto's historic district for a visit to Baja California's oldest mission church. After lunch at a local restaurant we'll drive to the Loreto airport for our flights back to the U.S. (B,L)

What's Included:

All accommodations aboard ships or in hotels per itinerary or similar, all meals and nonalcoholic beverages aboard ship, meals on land as indicated, air transportation where indicated as included, shore excursions, sightseeing and entrance fees, special access permits, transfers to and from group flights, use of snorkeling equipment and wet suits, use of kayaks (where available), tips (except to Egyptologists and ship’s crew), taxes and service charges, services of a ship physician on most voyages, and services of our expedition staff.

What's Not Included:

Air transportation (except where shown as included), extensions, passport, visa, immigration fees, scuba diving (where available), meals not indicated, baggage/accident/travel protection plan, items of a personal nature, such as alcoholic beverages, e-mail, laundry. Gratuities to Egyptologists and ship’s crew at your discretion.

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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.