National Geographic Sea Bird

BAJA CALIFORNIA: AMONG THE GREAT WHALES
Description: The National Geographic Sea Bird can reach places inaccessible to larger ships due to its small size. Seeing grey whales in their natural habitat is one of the highlights of this seven night voyage. In the Sea of Cortez whales, dolphins, sea lions, blue-footed boobies, huge cardon cacti, mangroves and sand dunes are among the wonders that are encountered.

Itinerary:
Day 1:	Arrive in La Paz and drive across the Baja Peninsula to San Carlos to board the ship. (D)

Day 2 - 4:	Explore Bahia Magdalena, one of the main breeding and calving areas for the California grey whale. There will be opportunities to view the whales not only from the ship, but also at water level from the zodiacs. (FB)

Day 5:	In the morning cruise past the spectacular Friar's Rock at Land's End. Optional visit to the historic town centre of San Jose del Cabo. The afternoon is spent at the Gorda Banks sea mount, a gathering place for whales and dolphins including humpback whales. (FB)

Day 6:	Islas Los Isoltes and Espiritu Santo are two of the most beautiful islands in the Sea of Cortez. Snorkel with sea lions, kayak and hike. The day ends with a beach barbecue. (FB)

Day 7:	Explore among the islands of the southern Sea of Cortez, proven to be one of the best areas for finding blue whales. Visit uninhabited islands and swim or snorkel. (FB)

Day 8:	Disembark after breakfast in La Paz and drive to the airport for onward international flights. (B)

2012 DATES AND RATES (GBP per person)

DEPARTS	CABIN
	CAT. 1	CAT. 2	CAT. 3	CAT. 1 SOLO	CAT. 2 SOLO
JAN 21, 28; FEB 04, 11, 18, 25; MAR 03, 10, 17;	£3495	£3980	£4305	£5325	£5875

Note: Some departures travel in reverse from La Paz to San Carlos, making all the same stops.

Class: Expedition ship • Capacity: 62 passengers • Overall Length: 152 feet • Cabins: 31 outside cabins with windows, private facilities and climate controls • Facilities: Library; lounge with full-service bar; observation deck; partially covered sun deck; dining room; spa; doctor • Expedition Equipment: Zodiac landing craft; bow camera; hydrophone; kayaks; snorkelling equipment; Splash-Cam; underwater video camera; video microscope; wetsuits; undersea specialist; video chronicler.

Click for deck plan

Additional costs (per person)

Flights: London to La Paz: From £755 • Personal Items: Alcoholic beverages; emails; laundry; voyage DVD etc; discretionary tips to ships crew

Reading Suggestions:

In association with nhbs Environment Bookstore

	Collins Field Guide to the Birds of Mexico and Central America		Mexico Field Guides: Sea and Shore Birds

	Mexico Field Guides: Marine Mammals		Mexico `Field Guides: Reef Fish