Cruise WestSea of Cortes "Whales and Wildlife"Over 140 million years ago the Baja peninsula began to move slowly away from the mainland, forming the Sea of Cortés - the planet's newest sea. In this region more than 900 species of fish, one-third of the world's species of whales and dolphins, hundreds of varieties of birds and thousands of species of marine animals flourish. Many of them found only here. And many of them as curious to learn about you as you are to learn about them. Stand on the deck as hundreds of dolphins welcome us into their midst. Swim with playful sea lions in their home waters. Kayak over gently flapping butterfly rays and schools of sergeant majors. And go ashore on islands that are home to both plants and animals found nowhere else in the world. The turquoise waters here are so impossibly brilliant and crystal clear that floating on the surface can be disorienting, like walking into space with nothing but air below you. Nearby shores are rimmed with white-sand beaches and cacti. And idyllic towns still echo with mission bells of a bygone era. To explore this extraordinary place is to know firsthand how small the human presence on earth truly is. Recommended for:
Cruise Highlights
The ShipCruise West's 102-guest Spirit of Endeavour is one of Cruise West's fastest overnight vessels, allowing for maximum flexibility while en route. The décor is sleek and stylish, with light wood accents and artistically etched glass. Ample outside space on three decks and expansive picture windows in the Explorer Lounge invite you to watch the scenery pass by, while the Lounge's cozy banquettes and conversation circles are perfect for getting to know your fellow travelers. Staterooms feature a wide picture window or porthole, private facilities, and a TV monitor/VCR.Detailed ItineraryDay 1 ARRIVE IN CABO SAN LUCASTransfer from Los Cabos Airport to Cruise West’s Hospitality Room at Cabo’s 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 Santo’s 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. 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 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 there due to migration patterns, we will look for whales in the Sea of Cortés. 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 include nature hikes, kayaking, and snorkeling. Day 5 LORETO Founded in 1697, Loreto’s Nuesta Señora 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. 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 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. Day 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, gelaterías, and the miles-long waterfront malecón or promenade. Options here include mountain biking and diving. Enjoy an exclusive fiesta, complete with Mexican music, dancers, and piñatas. Later, depart La Paz to sail overnight to Cabo San Lucas. Day 8 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. Cost of This Trip7 Night tripThe least expensive cabin costs: $357 per person per night in low season and $549 pp pn in high season The most expensive stateroom costs: $400 pp pn in low season and $593 pp pn in high season |