For those who want to do it all! Both sea kayaking and snorkeling in a Sea of Cortez marine park off the coast of Loreto, we take you to another side of Baja bliss, whale watching. Witness Pacific Gray Whales as they arrive from icy Arctic waters to breed and give birth in the warmer waters of the Baja Pacific, then experience the pure joy and reverence. The safari-style base camp is nestled in the dunes on a remote barrier island and sensitively provides daily excursions for up-close-and-personal whale watching encounters with these magnificently curious and gentle creatures. You really can't imagine this Baja serenity until you experience it for yourself.
The kayaking portion of this trip is spent exploring the beautiful island of Espiritu Santo in the Sea of Cortez. The other half of the trip offers close encounters with the Pacific gray whales in Magdalena Bay on the Pacific coast of Baja. Kayaking from our base camp on Espiritu Santo Island allows us the opportunity to explore beautiful white sand beaches, canyons adorned with hanging fig trees, boulder up arroyos, and snorkel among friendly sea lions and tropical fish.
Hunted to the brink of extinction at the beginning of the century, the Pacific Gray Whale has staged a remarkable comeback. Protected by international agreement in 1937, the numbers of this 40-foot long, 40-ton baleen whale have steadily increased, and they are now close to a population of 20,000. Recently, the gray whale has begun to show another remarkable behavior: a unique friendliness toward humans, in spite of the slaughter that not long ago decimated their numbers.
Perhaps the very thing that made them such easy prey to the 19th century whalers has now made them a popular, even loved creature. Their lengthy coastal migration takes them 4000 miles from Alaska to Baja California, where they breed in the protected, nursing lagoons which once made them easy targets for the harpoon gun. Southernmost of these lagoons is Magdalena Bay, the location of our 9 or 10 day Baja Whale Watching adventure. Sandy barrier islands protect its waters from rough waves, creating a fascinating environment of twisting mangrove-lined estuaries, rolling sand dunes and blooming desert plants. Within the narrow, shallow inlet, whale watching is easy and rewarding. This trip is perfect for those clients interested in whale natural history and behavior. With the added activities of kayaking, hiking and snorkeling, clients can be as active or inactive as they choose.
From our tented base camp, we take small motorized skiffs to seek a "close encounter" with the leviathan. While we may also see dolphins, brown pelicans and frigate birds, it is the whales who captivate our attention, the calves breaching exuberantly free of the water, the cow and bull whales blowing and sky-hopping, and if we are lucky the "friendlies" coming right up to our boats to solicit a caress from human hands. To reach out and touch one of these magnificent creatures is among life's greatest thrills.
Tour Details:
Minimum Age: 8;
2008 Departure Dates: Jan. 25 - Feb. 3, Feb. 2-11, Feb. 9-18, Feb. 16-25, Feb. 29 - March 9;
Meeting Place: La Paz, Mexico.
Tour Itinerary:
One of the advantages of a whale watching trip is the flexibility of the daily itinerary. It can vary widely from one trip to the next based on group desires and Mother Nature.
Day 1 - Fly to La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico. Evening on your own to explore La Paz and dine at one of its many fine restaurants;
Day 2 - Breakfast at hotel. Pick up rental gear and transfer by boat to our base camp on Espiritu Santo Island (approximately 2 hours). Lunch upon arrival at camp. During lunch we will give a camp orientation followed by sea kayak instruction and paddling. The sea kayak orientation includes a mandatory wet exit or "dunk test". So, get ready to have some fun as we all take the plunge! It's a piece of cake! Includes: (B), (L), (D);
Day 3 – 5 - Kayaking, snorkeling, hiking, fishing and relaxing along the shores of the enchanted island of Espiritu Santo. Guided kayak excursions from 1 1/2 - 4 hours are offered daily along the coast and to outlying islands. Camp is located in a large protected bay, allowing folks additional kayaking time to explore the large sheltered bay. Other guided activities from camp include skiff excursions to nearby snorkeling "hot spots" including a sea lion rookery, where we join these graceful creatures, swimming alongside them while enjoying their playful and curious nature first hand. Hiking into canyons draped with fig trees or fishing for sea bass and red snapper are other side attractions. Includes: (B), (L), (D);
Day 5 - After lunch, return boat ride to La Paz for a nice hot shower and dinner. Overnight in hotel. Includes: (B), (L), (D);
Day 6 - Breakfast at hotel. Transfer to Magdalena Bay by van (approximately 4 hours) and 1/2 hour skiff ride to our whale camp. Lunch and camp orientation. Possible afternoon whale watch. Includes: (B), (L), (D);
Day 6 – 8 - Motorized skiffs take us into the bay for close encounters of the magnificent gray whales. From 2-4 hours per day may be spent observing whales from the skiffs. Active whale watching by kayak is prohibited in Magdalena Bay. Other activities include bird watching by skiff or kayak and beach combing along miles of pristine Pacific coastline. Each evening our knowledgeable naturalists present slide shows on gray whale natural history, behavior and birds of the area. Includes: (B), (L), (D);
Day 8 or 9 - After morning whale watch, transfer back to your hotel in La Paz. Afternoon free to shower, shop and wander through downtown La Paz before meeting for the farewell dinner that evening. Includes: (B), (L), (D);
Day 9 or 10 - Transfer from hotel to airport (approximately 20 minutes) for flights home.
Note! Although we do our best to adhere to the above itinerary it is subject to change for reasons beyond our control.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Combination Whale Watch/Sea Kayaking: $1,300.00;
$175 single supplement for hotel/$25 tent;
Cancellations outside 60 days - $250.00 per person service charge;
Cancellations within 60 are non-refundable.
Also see tour packages in:
North America
Mexico
Wildlife Viewing
Canoeing/Kayaking/Rafting
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