Baja Cruise: San Ignacio & The Sea of Cortez
Trip Details
- Duration: 11 days days
- Visited Areas: North America , California
Embark on a journey of whales and wildness among pristine islands and azure seas. This 10-Night expedition brings together the natural beauty of Baja California and the Sea of Cortez, with visits to remote islands, the peninsulaÂ’s most historic places, and the extraordinary experience of two days and an overnight at San Ignacio Lagoon, where gray whales come to mate and nurse their young. Led by an expert Expedition Team including naturalists, historians and an Undersea Specialist, youÂ’ll come away from this expedition with a wealth of knowledge, stories and memories to last a lifetime. All departures will have a certified photo instructor onboard.
Itinerary
Day 1: U.S. / La Paz / Embark
Arrive in La Paz and transfer to the ship in the late afternoon.
Day 2: Isla EspÃritu Santo / Los Islotes
With deeply indented shorelines and dramatically eroded cliff faces, Los Islotes and Isla EspÃritu Santo are two of the most beautiful islands in the Sea of Cortez. Here you will be able to swim and snorkel in the turquoise waters, perhaps with some curious sea lions. Zodiac rides, rare bird sightings, the possibility of spotting an endemic black rabbit, or simply some relaxing beachcombing are all possibilities today.
Day 3: Isla Santa Catalina
This morning, search for marine life in the waters around Isla Danzante, a rich area for dolphins. In the afternoon, visit Isla Santa Catalina to swim and snorkel in the clear waters of your anchorage, explore the rocky shoreline, and hike among giant cardon cacti.
Day 4: BahÃa San Basilio / Isla San Idelfonso
Kayak, swim and snorkel the serene waters of BahÃa San Basilio. Take time to explore the bayÂ’s tiny islands. Then visit the nesting seabirds on the small and rugged Isla Idelfonso.
Days 5-6: Santa Rosalia / Laguna San Ignacio
Drive across the peninsula from Santa Rosalia to Laguna San Ignacio, a large bay and favored haunt of migrating gray whales. Close encounters with these docile and curious whales is one of lifeÂ’s great pleasures. In order to maximize time at the lagoon, youÂ’ll overnight in rustic seaside cabins that provide a comfortable and natural feel of the region. The next morning, youÂ’ll wake up in your remote campsite and head out for another whale watching adventure. Then head back across the peninsula to spend time in the town of Santa Rosalia. Visit the San Ignacio Mission, built in 1726, sample treats from a French bakery, and stroll this unique town with historians whoÂ’ll share its past, present, and possible future.
Day 7: Isla San Marcos
Spend the day at Isla San Marcos, the northernmost island on your voyage. Hike the rugged arroyo, kayak, swim and snorkel. You will have the time and flexibility to enjoy all four activities in a single morning.
Day 8: Paintings & Petroglyphs
Zodiac to shore and drive in search of paintings and petroglyphs. An arroyo hike leads to the only known ancient art site where all cave painting colors used throughout the region are found. Explore with photographer and local rock art expert Enrique Hambleton.
Day 9: Loreto / San Javier Mission
Disembark at Puerto Escondido, a natural port about 45 minutes south of the town of Loreto. Drive through the breathtaking Sierra de la Giganta mountains to the town of San Javier, where youÂ’ll visit the second oldest mission in Baja and enjoy a local lunch. Learn from your local guides who will make the history of the region come alive. Later, visit the Loreto Mission and museum and take time on your own to explore.
Day 10: Isla San Jose
Isla San Jose has a highly varied mixture of habitats. Take Zodiac cruises and kayaks into mangrove channels in search of shorebirds and waders. Nearby are ancient shell mounds, or middens, that reveal traces of former occupation by the Guaicura Indians.
Day 11: La Paz / Disembark / US
After breakfast, disembark in La Paz and transfer to the airport for your flights back home.