All departures feature complimentary round-trip airfare from Los Angeles to Loreto, Mexico.
Day 1:
Depart the United States and fly to Loreto, Baja California, Mexico. Drive directly to our ship in nearby Puerto Escondido and set sail on the Sea of Cortez, which we will being to explore.
Days 2 through 4:
This expedition takes advantage of the best wildlife and exploring opportunities in the area. We will keep ourselves open to the possibilities. We'll 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 we'll 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.
Days 5 through 7:
We'll venture to 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. We'll also stop at Isla Angel de la Guarda for hikes among elephant trees and cardon cactus. 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. A walk along San Esteban's desert wash reveals birds and possibly the endemic pinto chuckwalla, a harmless desert lizard. At Isla Santa Catalina we'll search for marine life and hike in search of giant barrel cactus. A stop at Isla Carmen offers us a chance to explore by kayak, on desert walks, and snorkel in the clear waters. Tonight join a beach barbeque.
Day 8:
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 United States.
Alcoholic beverages and spa services are not included as part of this prize package.
