Linblad Expeditions

Voyage Through the Sea of Cortez

Nature is unpredictable and so, inevitably, is the exact course of this voyage. Our small ship cruising experience means the pace is unhurried and the options are many, so the itinerary that follows should be considered a general guideline, a thoughtfully considered framework based on Lindblad Expeditions’ experience in the area for two decades. The goal is to provide you with the most extraordinary experience possible.

Where on Earth can you go blue whale watching, hiking up a desert wash, snorkeling with sea lions, kayaking in pristine waters, walking for miles on an uninhabited beach, and bird watching as throngs of seabirds cloud the sky?

In Baja California — one of North America’s most beautiful, exciting, yet relatively untraveled regions. We want to show you the magic and wonder which, just a couple of hours south of California, await you.

Ship

Detailed Itinerary

Days 2-7 - Exploring the Sea of Cortez
During these days, we’ll voyage among the dozens of islands of the Sea of Cortez between Isla Angel de la Guarda in the north and Isla Espiritu Santo in the south. After over 20 years exploring in the Sea of Cortez, we are still discovering new places and experiencing exciting natural events. To give you an example of the kind of experiences you can anticipate, here are a few highlights from just one recent voyage: one hundred bottlenose dolphins leaping over sperm whales near our ship; a pod of fin whales feeding around a convergence zone; thousands of Heermann’s gulls and royal terns arriving on the shores of Isla Rasa to begin incubating their eggs; and one evening, the vision of hundreds of Humboldt squid illuminated in the ship’s bow lights.

The best areas for whale watching remain consistent — the waters south of Isla Carmen, Canal de Ballenas up north, and near the mouth of Bahia Concepcion. Our Captain and the expedition team collaborate, pooling their knowledge and experience to position the ship as consistently as possible — at the right place, at the right time. And whether you’re on deck or the bridge, out in a Zodiac or kayaking — you will be in a prime position to observe the myriad wonders that make each day in the Sea of Cortez another bit of magic.

Swimming, snorkeling, beachcombing and basking are all options here, as well.

Day 8 - Loreto/Disembark Ship/Return U.S.
After breakfast on board the ship, you’ll disembark and have time to explore Loreto before lunch and flights back to the U.S.

Cost of This Itinerary

The least expensive cabin costs:
$370 per person per night in low season and
$427 pp pn in high season

The most expensive stateroom costs:
$541 per person per night in low season and
$579 pp pn in high season